Agriculture

PRECISE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2023

Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023 or the PRECISE Act of 2023 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.

Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Protecting America's Rock Climbing Act This bill requires the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior to issue guidance on managing recreational climbing in designated wilderness areas. Specifically, such departments must issue guidance not later than 18 months after this bill's enactment. No significant management action may be taken without notice to the public and an opportunity to comment on the proposed action, with an exception for limited emergency action (time sensitive action necessary to protect natural resources or public health and safety).

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act This bill modifies the boundary of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition, which is approximately 3,925 acres of federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Lake County, California. The Department of the Interior shall administer the addition as part of the monument. Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall jointly develop a comprehensive management plan for the monument in accordance with, and in a manner that fulfills the purposes specified in, Presidential Proclamation 9298 of July 10, 2015, relating to the establishment of the monument. The BLM or the Forest Service shall enter into agreements, contracts, and other similarly cooperative and collaborative partnerships if requested by an affected federally recognized Indian tribe regarding management of the monument pursuant to the relevant federal authority.

Free to Grow Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Free to Grow Act of 2023 This bill repeals a federal provision barring individuals with certain felony drug-related convictions within the past 10 years from obtaining a license to grow hemp. Hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa (the same plant as marijuana) which is grown to produce nonpsychoactive food, beverage, and consumer products. In 2018, Congress legalized hemp production.

SNAP Second Chance Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

SNAP Second Chance Act of 2023 This bill limits the use of certain factors related to business integrity and reputation when determining the eligibility of retailers under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). (The Food and Nutrition Service [FNS] must consider business integrity and reputation of the applicant under current law, and FNS regulations specify the factors that may be considered.) The bill limits the use of criminal violations to assess an applicant's business integrity and reputation so that (1) FNS may not deny a retail food store or wholesale food concern authorization to redeem SNAP benefits solely based on a criminal conviction, (2) FNS may only consider a criminal offense that has occurred within the past five years for the purpose of approving an application for authorization to redeem SNAP benefits, and (3) an applicant that is convicted of a criminal offense must not be denied authorization to redeem SNAP benefits on the basis of business integrity and reputation if the applicant establishes sufficient mitigation or rehabilitation. Sufficient mitigation or rehabilitation includes for financial fraud or deception, evidence that five years has elapsed since the felony conviction and compliance with all terms and conditions of probation or parole; for any other felony conviction, evidence that three years has elapsed since the conviction without a subsequent conviction of a crime and compliance with all terms and conditions of probation or parole; and other evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation and present fitness (e.g., the circumstances or social conditions surrounding the offense).

Floriculture and Nursery Plant Health Initiative Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Floriculture and Nursery Plant Health Initiative Act of 202 3 This bill establishes a research and extension grant program for a floriculture and nursery plant 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 and pathogens that impact floriculture and nursery crops; establishing area-wide integrated pest management programs in areas affected by, or areas at risk of being affected by, invasive plant pests or pathogens; surveying and collecting data on the production of, health of, and markets for floriculture and nursery crops; investigating the biology, genomics, and production systems of floriculture and nursery crops; and conducting research on various factors that may contribute to (or be associated with) resilient floriculture and nursery crop systems, and combatting other serious threats to floriculture and nursery crops.

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act This bill modifies the boundary of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition, which is approximately 3,925 acres of federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Lake County, California. The Department of the Interior shall administer the addition as part of the monument. Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall jointly develop a comprehensive management plan for the monument in accordance with, and in a manner that fulfills the purposes specified in, Presidential Proclamation 9298 of July 10, 2015, relating to the establishment of the monument. The BLM or the Forest Service shall enter into agreements, contracts, and other similarly cooperative and collaborative partnerships if requested by an affected federally recognized Indian tribe regarding management of the monument pursuant to the relevant federal authority.

Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

This resolution sets forth the levels of payment for 118th Congress expenses (including staff salaries) for the following House Committees: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) the Budget; (4) Education & the Workforce; (5) Energy and Commerce; (6) Ethics; (7) Financial Services; (8) Foreign Affairs; (9) Homeland Security; (10) House Administration; (11) Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; (12) the Judiciary; (13) Natural Resources; (14) Oversight and Accountability; (15) Rules; (16) Science, Space, and Technology; (17) Small Business; (18) Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party; (19) Transportation and Infrastructure; (20) Veterans' Affairs; and (21) Ways and Means. The resolution also addresses other aspects of committee funding, including (1) prescribing limitations to such expenses for the 1st and 2nd sessions of the 118th Congress, and (2) establishing a reserve fund for unanticipated committee expenses for the 118th Congress.

Helping Schools Feed Kids Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Helping Schools Feed Kids Act of 2023 This bill extends temporary additional reimbursements for certain school-based nutrition programs and requires the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to implement or recommend changes to the administration of the programs. Specifically, for the school year beginning in July 2023, the bill extends for one year temporary additional reimbursements for the cost of certain meals: 40 cents per lunch served in the National School Lunch Program, 15 cents per breakfast served in the School Breakfast Program, and 10 cents per meal and supplement served in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Further, FNS must research or implement recommendations contained in the FNS-commissioned Child Nutrition Reporting Burden Analysis Study . In addition, FNS must post all FNS guidance and policy materials provided to states and school food authorities on the FNS website in a user-friendly system; create a plan to simplify the school breakfast and lunch program eligibility process, which includes research and recommendations on using a standardized meal application form and verifying program eligibility using census tract data on poverty levels; and recommend legislative changes to allow school food authorities serving under 100 students and residential child care institutions to receive food (or cash in lieu of food) from the Department of Agriculture's Food in Schools program without having to participate in the National School Lunch Program.

DASH Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

Decent, Affordable, Safe Housing for all Act or the DASH Act This bill provides grants, loans, tax credits, and other assistance to promote the building, maintenance, and affordability of housing. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to (1) provide housing vouchers to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, (2) provide grants for the modular construction of affordable housing, (3) propose a new formula for distribution of Housing Trust Fund amounts, and (4) encourage zoning and community planning methods that promote multi-family housing. The bill also makes permanent certain homeless assistance programs. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must provide additional grants and loans to construct or preserve affordable housing for farm laborers and may provide rural housing vouchers for low-income households residing in certain properties financed with a loan made or insured by USDA. The bill also provides statutory authority for a program to preserve and revitalize USDA-backed housing projects, including by restructuring existing housing loans. The bill expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), including by increasing the credit for projects serving extremely low-income households. Further, the bill creates a refundable tax credit for participating owners of rental buildings who lower rents for their low-income tenants. The bill also creates a tax credit similar to the LIHTC for the development of housing for middle-income households and provides a tax credit of up to $15,000 for first-time homebuyers.

This Land Is Our Land Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2023

This Land Is Our Land Act This bill prohibits certain entities related to China or the Chinese government from acquiring, leasing, or owning any interest in U.S. agricultural land. Specifically, this prohibition applies to certain foreign individuals and entities with connections to China, including (1) a business incorporated in China; (2) a person, company, university, or organization that can legally enter into contracts, own properties, or pay taxes on behalf of the Chinese government; and (3) an individual or organization affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party. An entity must divest itself from any ownership or leased interest in U.S. agricultural land within two years of the bill's enactment. Further, within one year of enactment, an entity must sign a letter of intent to divest its interests in the land. Under the bill, U.S. agricultural land includes land in a U.S. state or territory that is used for (1) food processing; or (2) farming, ranching, or timber production, including currently idle land that was used within the previous five years for one of these purposes. The bill establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations and provides for property forfeiture and sale by public auction. The Department of Agriculture must establish an office to monitor compliance and impose civil fines. Finally, the bill nullifies any noncompete agreement between a covered foreign entity with an ownership or leased interest in U.S. agricultural land and an employee of the entity.

EQIP Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2023

EQIP Improvement Act of 2023 This bill amends the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to reduce and remove certain payment requirements. (EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns.) Specifically, the bill reduces the maximum payments available to a person or legal entity under EQIP to $150,000 per five-year period (from the current level of $450,000), thereby allowing for an increase in the overall number of participants in the program; reduces federal cost sharing to 40% (from 75%) for the costs associated with planning, installation, or maintenance for specified conservation practices (e.g., access roads, dams, and waste storage facilities); and removes a requirement that 50% of EQIP funding payments go to livestock production programs.

Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review, and recommend changes to, its rules for fixed, mobile, and earth exploration satellites to promote precision agriculture (an information- and technology-based management system used to identify, analyze, and manage variability in agricultural production for optimum profitability, sustainability, and environmental protection). In conducting its review, the FCC must consult with a task force that advises the FCC on ways to assess and advance broadband internet on unserved agricultural land and promote precision agriculture.

Saving America’s Energy Future Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2023

Saving America's Energy Future Act This bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior from declaring a moratorium on issuing new oil and gas leases and drill permits on certain federal lands. In addition, the bill prohibits the departments from declaring a moratorium on renewals of such permits.

Xochitl Torres Small, of New Mexico, to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, vice Jewel Hairston Bronaugh.

United States · United States Senate · 2 March 2023

Farm Fresh Food for Families Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

Farm Fresh Food for Families Act of 2023 This bill expands the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP) to include community supported agriculture (CSA) programs and makes further changes to the program. The program awards grants for states to provide vouchers and coupons that participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may use to purchase fresh produce at approved venues (e.g., farmers' markets). The bill adds CSA programs to WIC FMNP, which currently may include farmers' markets and roadside stands. (Under a CSA program, farmers grow food for a group of shareholders or subscribers who pledge to buy a portion of the crops grown for that season; a state agency may purchase shares or subscribe to the CSA program on behalf of individual WIC FMNP participants.) The bill also reauthorizes WIC FMNP through FY2029 and increases the federal share of benefits a recipient may receive under the program. Specifically, the bill raises the annual minimum benefit to $20 (currently set at $10) and removes the annual cap on benefits. Further, the bill removes a requirement for states to provide matching funds that are equal to at least 30% of the administrative costs of the program.

A bill to amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to clarify propane storage as an eligible use for funds provided under the storage facility loan program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2023

This bill specifies that funds provided under the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program may be used to construct or upgrade storage facilities for propane that is primarily used for agricultural production. This Department of Agriculture loan program provides low-interest financing for agricultural producers to build or upgrade commodity storage facilities. Some agricultural producers use propane to power agricultural operations (e.g., grain dryers, irrigation engines, and barn heating).

Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act This bill establishes requirements related to long-distance bike trails. The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall identify not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails that make use of existing trails and roads, and not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an opportunity to develop or complete a trail that would qualify as a long-distance bike trail. Interior and USDA shall develop a process to allow members of the public to comment regarding the identification of trails and areas; and consider the identification, development, and completion of long-distance bike trails in a geographically equitable manner. The Department concerned shall ensure that each identified long-distance bike trail or area does not conflict with the uses of any trail or road that is part of that long-distance bike trail; multiple-use areas where biking, hiking, horseback riding, or use by pack and saddle stock are existing uses; the purposes for which any trail was or is established under the National Trails System Act; and any area managed under the Wilderness Act. The Department concerned shall also ensure that each identified long-distance trail or area complies with land use and management plans of the federal recreational lands that are part of that long-distance bike trail.

Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take various actions to address transparency in contract terms and pricing in the cattle industry. Among these requirements, USDA must maintain a publicly available library or catalog of contracts entered into between meat packers and livestock producers for the purchase of cattle, including any schedules of premiums or discounts associated with the contracts and other specific details. USDA must make this information available to producers and other interested parties in a monthly report. The bill further requires USDA to establish five to seven regions encompassing the entire continental United States that reasonably reflect similar fed cattle purchase practices for processing plants and establish mandatory minimums for each region (i.e., the minimum percentage of cattle purchases that are required to be made through approved pricing mechanisms from producers that are not packers). Under the bill, approved pricing mechanisms are generally purchases of fed cattle made through a negotiated purchase, through a negotiated grid purchase, at a stockyard, or through trading systems or platforms where multiple buyers and sellers can regularly make and accept bids and offers. The bill also establishes a maximum penalty for mandatory minimum violations by covered packers. Under the bill, a covered packer is a packer that has slaughtered an average of 5% or more of the number of fed cattle slaughtered nationally during the immediately preceding five calendar years.

To amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to clarify propane storage as an eligible use for funds provided under the storage facility loan program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

This bill specifies that funds provided under the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program may be used to construct or upgrade storage facilities for propane that is primarily used for agricultural production. This Department of Agriculture loan program provides low-interest financing for agricultural producers to build or upgrade commodity storage facilities. Some agricultural producers use propane to power agricultural operations (e.g., grain dryers, irrigation engines, and barn heating).

Continental Divide Trail Completion Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Continental Divide Trail Completion Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail by November 10, 2028. USDA and Interior must establish a joint Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management trail completion team to work in coordination with the administrator of the trail to facilitate its completion and optimization. USDA must submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive development plan for the trail.

Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act of 2023 This bill permanently increases the federal reimbursement rates for the school lunch and breakfast programs. Specifically, beginning July 1, 2023, the bill provides an additional 45 cents per lunch served in the National School Lunch Program and an additional 28 cents per breakfast served in the School Breakfast Program. These amounts must be adjusted annually for inflation beginning July 1, 2024.

Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Technical Corrections Act of 2023 This bill provides for the transfer of certain federal land located in the Chippewa National Forest in Cass County, Minnesota, to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must transfer to the tribe land in the Chippewa National Forest that records maintained by the Bureau of Indian Affairs show was sold without the consent of a majority of the rightful landowners. Upon agreement between USDA and the tribe, USDA shall substitute alternative National Forest System land located in Cass County on an acre-for-acre basis for those parcels of federal land to be transferred that are found to be unsuitable for the future uses of the tribe. USDA may transfer land to the tribe on a rolling basis as that land is identified and surveys are completed. Any such agreement and any transfer of land made pursuant to such agreement shall be considered a final agency action.

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Continental Divide Trail Completion Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail by November 10, 2028. USDA and Interior must establish a joint Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management trail completion team to work in coordination with the administrator of the trail to facilitate its completion and optimization. USDA must submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive development plan for the trail.

Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2023

Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act This bill establishes requirements related to long-distance bike trails. The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall identify not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails that make use of existing trails and roads, and not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an opportunity to develop or complete such trails. Interior and USDA shall coordinate with stakeholders on the feasibility of, and identifying any resources necessary for, completing the development of the trails so identified; before identifying a trail or road as a long-distance bike trail, ensure that identifying a trail or road as a long-distance bike trail would not conflict with an existing use of the trail or road; and seek geographically equitable identification, development, and completion of long-distance bike trails.

UNCERTAINTY, INFLATION, REGULATIONS: CHALLENGES FOR AMERICAN AGRICULTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 February 2023

Protect the West Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Protect the West Act of 2023 This bill establishes and provides funding for the Restoration and Resilience Grant Program and the Restoration and Resilience Partnership Program. Specifically, the bill establishes in the Treasury an Outdoor and Watershed Restoration Fund to provide funding for such programs. The bill establishes a Restoration Fund Advisory Council to provide recommendations to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) respecting the disbursement of amounts from the fund for the grant program, priority setting for landscapes, and evaluation and monitoring for restoration and resilience project success. The grant program shall provide grants or pay-for-performance contracts to eligible entities (e.g., a state agency, a unit of local government, or a tribal government) for increasing the capacity for planning, coordinating, and monitoring restoration and resilience projects on nonfederal land and providing support for collaboration and monitoring on federal land; and supporting, on nonfederal land, restoration and resilience projects, efforts to improve wildfire resistive construction and reduce risks within the home ignition zone, and projects to expand equitable outdoor access. Under the Restoration and Resilience Partnership Program, USDA shall carry out restoration and resilience projects that reduce wildfire potential, improve community resilience in the wildland-urban interface, or restore wildlife habitat.

Food Deserts Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Food Deserts Act This bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Agriculture to reduce food deserts. Under the program, grants are provided to states for revolving funds that support the establishment and operation of grocery stores in underserved communities. Underserved communities are communities that have (1) limited access to affordable, healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, in grocery retail stores or farmer-to-consumer direct markets; and (2) a high rate of hunger, a high rate of food insecurity, or a high poverty rate. The bill requires states to use such funds for loans that support grocery stores in underserved communities, including for opening a store (excluding new construction), or supporting an existing store. In order to qualify for loans, grocery stores must meet criteria enumerated in the bill. For example, grocery stores must (1) emphasize unprocessed, healthful foods; (2) provide staple foods and a variety of raw fruits and vegetables; and (3) charge affordable prices at or below market values. Further, states must prioritize loan applications from entities that meet criteria related to hiring workers from the underserved community, providing classes or educational information about a healthful diet, sourcing food from local urban farms and gardens, and demonstrating existing supply chain relationships in the grocery industry. 

Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

This resolution elects designated Members of the House of Representatives to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 202 3 This bill establishes restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs, which are programs overseen by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. The bill prohibits boards established to carry out a checkoff program or a USDA order issued under a checkoff program from entering into a contract or agreement to carry out program activities with a party that engages in activities to influence any government policy or action that relates to agriculture. A board or its employees or agents acting in their official capacity may not engage in any act that may involve a conflict of interest; anticompetitive activity; unfair or deceptive act or practice; or act that may be disparaging to, or in any way negatively portray, another agricultural commodity or product. Upon approval of USDA, a board may enter directly into contracts and agreements to carry out generic promotion, research, or other activities authorized by law if the agreement or contract requires records accounting for the funds received to be submitted to the board. The board must meet specified requirements regarding the publication of budgets and disbursements of funds. The USDA Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office must conduct specified audits regarding checkoff programs.

Protect the West Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Protect the West Act of 2023 This bill establishes and provides funding for the Restoration and Resilience Grant Program and the Restoration and Resilience Partnership Program. Specifically, the bill establishes in the Treasury an Outdoor and Watershed Restoration Fund to provide funding for such programs. The bill establishes a Restoration Fund Advisory Council to provide recommendations to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) respecting the disbursement of amounts from the fund for the grant program, priority setting for landscapes, and evaluation and monitoring for restoration and resilience project success. The grant program shall provide grants or pay-for-performance contracts to eligible entities (e.g., a state agency, a unit of local government, or a tribal government) for increasing the capacity for planning, coordinating, and monitoring restoration and resilience projects on nonfederal land and providing support for collaboration and monitoring on federal land; and supporting, on nonfederal land, restoration and resilience projects, efforts to improve wildfire resistive construction and reduce risks within the home ignition zone, and projects to expand equitable outdoor access. Under the Restoration and Resilience Partnership Program, USDA shall carry out restoration and resilience projects that reduce wildfire potential, improve community resilience in the wildland-urban interface, or restore wildlife habitat.

Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 202 3 This bill establishes restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs, which are programs overseen by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. The bill prohibits boards established to carry out a checkoff program or a USDA order issued under a checkoff program from entering into a contract or agreement to carry out program activities with a party that engages in activities to influence any government policy or action that relates to agriculture. A board or its employees or agents acting in their official capacity may not engage in any act that may involve a conflict of interest; anticompetitive activity; unfair or deceptive act or practice; or act that may be disparaging to, or in any way negatively portray, another agricultural commodity or product. Upon approval of USDA, a board may enter directly into contracts and agreements to carry out generic promotion, research, or other activities authorized by law if the agreement or contract requires records accounting for the funds received to be submitted to the board. The board must meet specified requirements regarding the publication of budgets and disbursements of funds. The USDA Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office must conduct specified audits regarding checkoff programs.

Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2023

Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2023 This bill modifies access to Department of Agriculture disaster assistance programs and requires increased interagency cooperation in drought-related activities. The bill specifies that state and federal grazing permit holders are eligible for the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program. Further, emergency measures eligible for payments include new permanent measures, such as permanent water wells and pipelines. The bill also waives the 30-day comment period required for applications under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for emergency measures carried out during a drought emergency. Modifications to the Livestock Forage Disaster Program allow for one monthly payment when a county has four consecutive weeks of a D2 rating (severe drought) and two payments for eight consecutive weeks of D2. Currently, one payment is available for eight consecutive weeks of D2. The bill expands coverage for honey bee producers under the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) for losses caused by adverse weather or drought, such as transportation costs and reduced honey crops. Further, the bill requires the ELAP payment rate for honey bee producers to incorporate additional factors, such as per-hive and per-colony rates of loss. The USDA must establish an interagency working group to improve the consistency and accuracy of U.S. Drought Monitor data. Finally, the Farm Service Agency and the Forest Service must enter into a memorandum of understanding to better align their drought response activities.

Food and Agriculture Industry Cybersecurity Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2023

Food and Agriculture Industry Cybersecurity Support Act This bill requires the establishment of a clearinghouse for food and agriculture cybersecurity resources and the development of related best practices recommendations. Specifically, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) must establish a publicly available clearinghouse that contains current food and agriculture industry focused cybersecurity resources. Further, the NTIA must develop voluntary cybersecurity recommendations relating to the development, maintenance, and operation of the food and agriculture industry. The recommendations must be based on a consolidation of public and private sector best practices and be included in the NTIA clearinghouse. The recommendations must also include, to the greatest extent practicable, materials that address (1) risk-based, cybersecurity-informed engineering; (2) planning for retention or recovery of positive control of systems in the event of a cybersecurity incident; (3) protection against unauthorized access to critical functions of the industry; and (4) plans for how industry businesses should respond to ransomware attacks. The Government Accountability Office must coordinate a study on actions the federal government has taken or may take to improve cybersecurity in the food and agriculture industry.

Recognizing the historical significance of Lawrence Silas.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2023

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Lawrence Silas is a historically significant African American who has made important contributions for the development of livestock business in Florida and defeated great challenges in his journey to becoming a notorious cattleman in a society with strong racial disparities.

Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2023

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

School Lunch Affordability Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2023

School Lunch Affordability Act of 202 3 This bill provides that only school food authorities with a negative balance in the nonprofit school food service account on June 30 of the year preceding the previous school year are required to establish a price for paid lunches using the formula specified under current law (known as Paid Lunch Equity requirements).

Healthy Dog Importation Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2023

Healthy Dog Importation Act This bill imposes requirements on the importation of live dogs. Specifically, the bill prohibits the importation of a live dog into the United States unless the Department of Agriculture (USDA) determines the dog (1) is in good health; (2) has received all necessary vaccinations, internal and external parasite treatment, and demonstrated negative test results as evidenced by a certificate from a licensed veterinarian; and (3) is officially identified by a permanent method approved by USDA. Additionally, dogs entering the United States for transfer must be at least six months of age and accompanied by a USDA permit. Transfer is defined as a change of ownership or control of an imported dog to another person, including by sale, adoption, exchange, or donation. USDA must provide an exception to any requirements under the bill for dogs that are transferred for (1) research purposes; (2) veterinary treatment under certain conditions, including appropriate quarantining; or (3) lawful importation into the state of Hawaii if the dog is not transported out of Hawaii for transfer at less than six months of age. USDA also has enforcement authority under the bill.

Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2023

Justice for Black Farmers Act of 202 3 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide a variety of assistance to address historical discrimination and disparities in the agricultural sector. For example, the bill establishes an equity commission in USDA to examine discrimination by the agency against Black farmers and ranchers and recommend actions to end the systematic disparities in the treatment of Black farmers and ranchers. USDA must also establish a Farm Conservation Corps to provide young adults who are from socially disadvantaged groups with the skills necessary to pursue careers in farming and ranching. The bill provides funding for historically Black colleges and universities to commence and expand courses of study that are focused on careers in agriculture or related disciplines. The bill also increases the authorization of appropriations for a program to resolve issues relating to ownership and succession on farmland. Additionally, it expands credit assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Further, the bill (1) establishes that a minimum of 50% of a covered packer's (not including a packer that owns only one livestock processing plant) daily volume of livestock slaughter must be purchased through spot market sales from nonaffiliated producers; (2) increases funding for the Local Agriculture Market Program; and (3) gives priority to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers for conservation technical assistance, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Rural Energy for America Program.

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2023

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023 This bill revises requirements for milk provided by the National School Lunch Program of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Currently, schools participating in the program must provide milk that is consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans; USDA regulations require milk to be fat-free or low-fat and allow milk to be flavored or unflavored. The bill modifies these restrictions and instead permits schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. In addition, schools currently participating in the program must provide meals that meet certain nutrition requirements; USDA regulations require that the average saturated fat content of the meals offered must be less than 10% of the total calories. Under the bill, USDA must revise these requirements to increase the allowable average saturated fat content of a meal to account for milk fat included in whole milk.

Expressing support for the designation of February 18 through February 25, 2023, as "National FFA Week", recognizing the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world, and celebrating the 90th anniversary of the iconic FFA jacket.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2023

This resolution supports the designation of National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, and (2) celebrates the 90th anniversary of the iconic FFA jacket.

Providing amounts for the expenses of the Committee on Agriculture in the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2023

This resolution provides amounts for the expenses of the House Committee on Agriculture for the 118th Congress.

Military Family Nutrition Access Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2023

Military Family Nutrition Access Act of 2023 This bill excludes military housing allowances from income when determining eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

A bill to require the establishment of a working group to evaluate the threat to food safety and animal health posed by beef imported from Brazil, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2023

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a working group to (1) evaluate the food safety and animal health threat posed by beef imported from Brazil, and (2) make recommendations regarding whether or not the importation of beef from Brazil should be permitted. The bill also suspends imports of beef from Brazil until the working group submits its recommendations to USDA.

Healthy Dog Importation Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2023

Healthy Dog Importation Act This bill imposes requirements on the importation of live dogs. Specifically, the bill prohibits the importation of a live dog into the United States unless the Department of Agriculture (USDA) determines the dog (1) is in good health; (2) has received all necessary vaccinations, internal and external parasite treatment, and demonstrated negative test results as evidenced by a certificate from a licensed veterinarian; and (3) is officially identified by a permanent method approved by USDA. Additionally, dogs entering the United States for transfer must be at least six months of age and accompanied by a USDA permit. Transfer is defined as a change of ownership or control of an imported dog to another person, including by sale, adoption, exchange, or donation. USDA must provide an exception to any requirements under the bill for dogs that are transferred for (1) research purposes; (2) veterinary treatment under certain conditions, including appropriate quarantining; or (3) lawful importation into the state of Hawaii if the dog is not transported out of Hawaii for transfer at less than six months of age. USDA also has enforcement authority under the bill.

Oregon Recreation Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2023

Oregon Recreation Enhancement Act This bill designates specified Bureau of Land Management land in Oregon as the Rogue Canyon and Molalla Recreation Areas and adds approximately 59,512 acres of federal land to the Wild Rogue Wilderness. The Department of the Interior, for public land, and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), for National Forest System land, must conduct a wildfire risk assessment that covers the recreation areas, the Wild Rogue Wilderness, and any adjacent federal land. Interior and USDA must develop plans to mitigate wildfire risk to communities located near the land. No new permanent or temporary roads shall be constructed within the recreation areas except as necessary for public safety or to implement the wildfire mitigation plan. USDA may take measures within such wilderness additions as are necessary to control fire, insects, and disease. All federal surface and subsurface land within the recreation areas or the wilderness additions is withdrawn from entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral leasing, geothermal leasing, or mineral materials. The bill also withdraws identified federally owned lands and interests within the Hunter Creek, Pistol River Headwaters Withdrawal Proposal, or the Rough and Ready and Baldface Creeks Mineral Withdrawal Proposal in Curry County and Josephine County, Oregon, and any land or interest in land located within such withdrawal proposals that is acquired by the federal government.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of February 1, 2023, as "George Washington Carver Day".

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2023

This resolution supports the designation of February 1, 2023, as George Washington Carver Day to celebrate and commemorate George Washington Carver's enduring legacy and contributions to the United States.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of February 18 through February 25, 2023, as "National FFA Week", recognizing the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world and in celebration of the 95th anniversary of the National FFA Organization.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2023

This resolution supports the designation of February 18-February 25, 2023, as National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, and (2) celebrates the 95th anniversary of the organization.

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to convene a blue ribbon panel to review the forest inventory and analysis program of the Forest Service, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2023

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to convene a blue ribbon panel to review the forest inventory and analysis program (a program that accounts for public and private forests and their resources in the United States). The panel shall conduct a review of the past progress, current priorities, and future needs of such program with respect to national monitoring of forest carbon, climate change, forest health, and sustainable wood products. The review shall include consideration of the modernization of the program broadly and specifically relating to the integration of advanced remote sensing technologies and methods such as small area estimation; and the possibility of more public-private-academic partnerships under the program to help meet the goals of the program and external needs, particularly relating to research priorities, operational implementation of current or ongoing science, and decision support. The panel shall report to USDA, the Department of the Interior, and Congress describing the review by March 31, 2024.

BAITS Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2023

Bringing Aquaculture Indemnities To Speed Act or the BAITS Act This bill expands the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) to eligible producers of farm-raised fish. (LIP provides indemnity payments to eligible livestock producers for loss or reduced sales price due to specified events.) Specifically, the bill adds farm-raised fish to the LIP definition of livestock , expanding LIP indemnity payments to farm-raised fish producers due to (1) an attack by an animal reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law (e.g., avian predators) or (2) disease. Under current law, LIP also provides indemnity payments to eligible livestock producers due to adverse weather. This bill prohibits LIP from making payments to producers of farm-raised fish due to adverse weather.