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101 records in US in 1976
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1976
Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to extend crop insurance coverage under such Act to all counties of the United States and to all agricultural commodities. Removes the present authorized appropriation limitation for such program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study the desirability and feasibility of designating the Shawnee Hills in Illinois as a national recreation area.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1976
National Aquaculture Organic Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. States that such plan shall: (1) identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial basis (priority aquatic species); and (2) contain a program of aquaculture development for such priority aquatic species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce or Secretary of the Interior, whichever is appropriate, to review annually each aquatic species not identified as a priority species and the program established for each priority species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish and maintain an aquaculture information center; (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States; (3) arrange for the mutual exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations; and (4) submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the provisions of this Act. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Aquaculture comprised of the heads of various Federal agencies to insure that there is a continuing exchange of information relating to the aquacultural programs and projects of the various agencies and to review on a continuing basis the relevant programs and projects of all the Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior to carry out any function under this Act through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any grant made available under this Act to one-half of the estimated cost of the project for which the grant was made. Authorizes either Secretary to guarantee obligations issued for the financing of any aquaculture facility within the United States. Stipulates that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such guaranteed obligations shall not exceed $100,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to collect a fee for guaranteed obligations not to exceed one-half of one percent per annum of the outstanding principal balance of the obligation. Sets forth the allowable interest rate, maturity date, and default procedures relating to such loans. Authorizes the appropriate Secretary to issue notes or obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if the monies in the loan fund are insufficient to pay such a loan in the event of default. Authorizes the Secretary to make disaster loans available to individuals who have guaranteed loans under this Act. Establishes within the Treasury a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund for the purpose of guaranteeing loans or making disaster loans available under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an insurance program for persons with guaranteed loans under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to carry out the various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Designates the Department of Agriculture's Bee Research Laboratory in Tucson, Arizona, as the "Carl Hayden Bee Research Center."
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Uniform Consumer Dairy Sanitation Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate standards of quality for foreign dairy products which are to be marketed in the United States. Prohibits the entry of foreign dairy products into the United States unless such product has been inspected and found to be wholesome and pure. Directs the Secretary to provide for the inspection of all lots of foreign dairy products at points of entry. Directs the Department to quarantine products which do not meet the standards of quality promulgated under this Act and to destroy such products if they are not claimed by the exporter within 30 days. States that such quarantine and disposal costs shall be borne by the exporter. Requires that foreign milk processing plants which export dairy products into the United States meet the same general grading and inspection standards required of domestic producers. Directs the Secretary to promulgate standards of quality for the production, preservation, storage, transportation, and handling of milk used in manufacturing a foreign dairy product to be exported to the United States. Requires such standards to reflect the minimum level of quality required by the individual States in regulation of the handling of milk used in manufacturing dairy products. Specifies health and sanitation standards which foreign producers and handlers of milk must meet. Directs the Secretary to establish a licensing and overseas inspection program to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that an onsite inspection of a foreign dairy farm shall be made only if a serious violation of sanitation standards is suspected and only with the permission of the dairy farmer, the milk processing plant, and the foreign government. Denies a license to export dairy products into the United States if such permission to inspect is refused. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as are necessary to carry out the administration and supervision requirements of this Act during the first fiscal year in which any provision of this Act is operative. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe assessments, collect fees, and solicit contributions to cover the cost of inspection services under this Act. States that the remaining costs of administering the requirements of this Act shall be borne by the United States. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make real estate and operating loans available to private domestic corporations and partnerships controlled by farmers and ranchers engaged primarily in farming or ranching who, individually or as their principal stockholders and partners, are United States citizens. Increases the maximum allowable total principal indebtedness for real estate loans which may be outstanding by any one borrower to $200,000 or $300,000 in the case of a guaranteed loan. States that special consideration for such loans may be given the areas having a population of more than 5,500. Revises the maximum interest rate on real estate loans other than guaranteed loans under such Act from five percent to a rate determined by the Secretary taking into account the current market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States. States that a loan applicant's ability to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere shall not be a factor with respect to guaranteed real estate loans. Increases the amount of indebtedness which may be outstanding for operating loans under such Act for an individual from $50,000 to $100,000 or in the case of a guaranteed loan, $200,000. States that the interest rates on such loans which are guaranteed shall be the rate agreed upon by the borrower and lender. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and grants, and approve transfers and assumptions under such Act in connection with property securing a loan made, insured, or held by the Secretary notwithstanding the fact an area ceases to be eligible for assistance under such Act. Provides for congressional authorization of program levels under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a credit against the income tax an amount equal to the qualified land conservation expenditures paid or incurred by the taxpayer. Defines "qualified land conservation expenditures" as any amount paid or incurred by the taxpayer to establish a wind erosion control and wildlife habitat area on land which was previously used for the production of agricultural products or for the sustenance of livestock. Limits the amount of such credit to the tax due minus the amount of other specified credits.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Agriculture study the impact of the development of the foreign palm oil industry on the domestic vegetable oil industry. Directs the Secretary, if such study justifies, to recommend that the administration negotiate bilateral agreements with the principal palm oil producing countries to provide reasonable restraints against excessive imports of palm oil into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Recognizes the right to a nutritionally adequate diet as a cornerstone of United States policy in areas such as trade, assistance, monetary reform and military spending. Seeks to improve food assistance programs in the United States. Calls for an increase in this nation's assistance for self-help development among the world's poorest people.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and the Emergency Livestock Credit Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to postpone the principal and interest payments on emergency loans made or insured under such Acts for up to three years. Authorizes the Secretary to extend the repayment period of operating loans under the Consolidated Rural Development Act up to a 20-year period in the event of any disaster occurring between January 1, 1975, and July 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1976
Emergency Livestock Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to designate a State or subdivision thereof as an emergency area if the combined hay, forage, or pasture losses are 40 percent below normal production for such area. Authorizes the Secretary to pay three-fourths of the cost of transporting a 90 day supply of hay and forages to livestock producers in such areas. Allows the Secretary to extend such time period if such action is neccessary and appropriate. States that such assistance shall be made available to producers whose assets exceed liabilities by no more than $100,000 or where not providing such assistance would result in financial hardship. Terminates the Secretary's authority to provide such assistance on October 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Freestone Peach Research and Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue orders applicable to handlers of freestone peaches and authorizes the issuance of orders for the collection of assessments on freestone peaches. States that such funds may be used for research and education programs for freestone peaches. Directs the Secretary to issue plans, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, to effectuate the declared policy of this Act. Requires that such a plan provide for the establishment of a National Freestone Peach Research and Education Board comprised of producers and consumer representatives whose powers shall include: (1) the administration of plans; (2) investigating violations of such plans; (3) the development, review, consideration, and approval of research and education projects; and (4) making recommendations to the Secretary for fixing the assessment rate required to meet all obligations incurred in the administration of plans. Authorizes the Board to return up to 50 percent of the assessments collected to the States on a pro-rata basis for freestone peach projects. Allows peach producers to receive a refund of any assessment collected from him if such producer is not in favor of the programs provided under this Act. Makes it the responsibility of each handler, designated by the Board to collect assessments, to make payments to the Board. Sets forth administrative and judicial review procedures for persons objecting to plans issued under this Act. Establishes civil penalties for handlers who violate any provision of an order issued by the Secretary under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate violations of plans issued pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a referendum among producers to determine whether the issuance of any plan is approved by such producers. Requires the Secretary to terminate or suspend the operation of any plan which obstructs or does not effectuate the declared policy of this Act, or if producers, by referendum, favor such termination or suspension. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into contracts through September, 1977, for the sale of timber from national forests and other Federal forest lands in Alaska.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to prohibit the distribution of agricultural commodities to foreign nations for food relief programs unless the Secretary of Agriculture determines that adequate storage facilities are available in the recipient country to prevent spoilage or waste and the distribution of the commodity will not result in a significant decrease in the price of the commodity in the recipient country.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Agriculture should assess the whey supply situation and advise the House Committee on Agriculture of his findings. Directs the Department of Agriculture to begin a research program to utilize whey more efficiently.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1976
National Food Policy Act - Establishes within the Executive Office a three-member Council of National Food Policy Advisors to: (1) assist the President on matters pertaining to food and agriculture; and (2) to gather and assess information concerning developments affecting food and agriculture and to determine whether such developments or trends will interfere with the declared policy under this Act of maintaining a viable domestic farm economy. Requires the Council to annually submit an Annual Food and Agriculture Assessment Report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to appoint an Assistant for Food and Agricultural Affairs who shall be the President's chief policy advisor and assistant with respect to food, agricultural, and nutrition matters. Directs the President to appoint a Public Advisory Committee on National Food Policy to advise the Assistant to the President for Food and Agricultural Affairs regarding Federal programs and policies relating to food, nutrition and agriculture and to advise the Assistant on the impact of policy alternatives and decisions on the various sectors of the domestic agricultural economy and the economy generally. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1976
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to prohibit any individual enrolled in an institution of higher education from receiving food stamps if such individual receives at least one-half his income from any other individual who is a member of a household which is ineligible for food stamps. Provides for an exception to such prohibition in cases of severe hardship.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1976
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide that the established price for the 1976 crops of corn and wheat shall be 100 percent of their respective parity prices. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make available to producers loans and purchases of the 1976 crops of corn, wheat, and soybeans at 90 percent of their parity prices. Prohibits the Commodity Credit Corporation from selling any of the corn, wheat, or soybeans owned or controlled by it at less than 110 percent of their respective parity prices. Establishes a price support for milk at 100 percent of its parity price until March 31, 1978. Provides for the quarterly adjustment of support prices by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to reimburse livestock producers or to otherwise pay for the transportation costs they incur for the shipment of hay into counties severly affected by drought, flood, or other natural disaster for their livestock herds. Authorizes the Secretary to designate emergency areas if he determines that as a result of such disaster the hay crop for that county is not more than 50 percent of the estimated crop.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to reimburse livestock producers or to otherwise pay for the transportation costs they incur for the shipment of hay into counties severely affected by drought, flood, or other natural disaster for their livestock herds. Authorizes the Secretary to designate emergency areas if he determines that as a result of such disaster the hay crop for that county is not more than 50 percent of the estimated crop.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Young Farmers' Homestead Act - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. Authorizies the Corporation to purchase farm land in value of up to $250,000 per unit. Provides that the Corporation shall make such farms available for lease and subsequently for sale. Directs that the farms may be leased to an eligible applicant for a period of not less than two years nor more than ten years with specified restrictions upon the use of such land. Provides that the lessee may at any time within six months prior to the expiration of his lease make application to the board for purchase of such unit upon the expiration of such lease. States that the board shall approve such application if it determines that the lessee can successfully manage and operate such farm unit. Specifies a formula to be used in determining the selling price of each farm. Provides that a buyer may obtain financing through any available source, but if private financing is not available, the Farmers Home Administration shall furnish the financing at a specified rate. Requires the Corporation to file annually with the Secretary of Agriculture a complete report as to the business of the Corporation. Provides that the financial transactions of the Corporation shall be audited at least once each year by the General Accounting Office. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an advisory council to advise the board regarding the administration of this Act. Provides that the Council's advice shall include recommendations on what the eligibility requirements should be for leasing farm units and what experience should be required for leasing a farm. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Specifies criminal provisions applicable to the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 657, 658, 1006, and 1014)
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Authorizes a maximum loan amount for guaranteed real estate loans, under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, of $225,000 or the value of the farm or security, whichever is less. Revises the interest rate for specified loans under such Act. Increases the maximum loan limitation and revises the interest rate for operating loans under such Act. Provides for congressional authorization of program levels under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate five-year goals in specified areas of rural development and to include a detailed accounting of the progress made and anticipated in meeting such goals in an annual report to Congress. Requires in such report an analysis of the legislative, financial, institutional and other capabilities and constraints which are relevant to meeting such goals. Requires the appointment of a new Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development within 60 days if a vacancy should occur in such position.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
National Agricultural Research Policy Act - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to emphasize agricultural research and education as a distinct mission of the Department of Agriculture and to provide a mechanism for identifying the Nation's highest priority problems for agricultural research. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to keep abreast of agricultural research developments and to disseminate such information. Provides for an additional Assistant Secretary of Agriculture to perform such duties as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes, within the Department of Agriculture, a permanent board to be known as the National Agricultural Research Policy Advisory Board. States that the Board's responsibilities shall include: (1) establishing means to evaluate the impact of agricultural research and extension programs; (2) reviewing programs, policies and goals of the agricultural research and extension agencies; (3) providing a forum for agricultural research sponsoring agencies to exchange information; and (4) developing and recommending national policies, priorities and strategies for agricultural research and education. Requires the Board to submit an annual report to the President and specified Congressional committees. States that the second such report shall include a long-range plan for agricultural research and extension, to be updated every five years. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a continuing inventory of ongoing human nutrition projects being conducted or funded by the Department and to submit a report annually to the Congress regarding such inventory. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to colleges and universities and to State agricultural experiment stations to carry out mission-oriented agricultural research. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants on a competitive basis for the purpose of carrying out agricultural research. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to extend crop insurance coverage under such Act to all areas of the United States and to all agricultural commodities. Repeals the present ceiling on the amount authorized to be appropriated annually to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1976
Amends the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of the feasibility and desirability of designating the Desert Trail, extending from the Canadian border of Idaho through Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, and Arizona to the Mexican border, as a national scenic trail.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1976
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to continue the statistical classification of farms which was in effect on January 1, 1975, until June 30, 1976. Terminates the duty of the Secretary of Commerce to take agricultural censuses every five years and directs the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service within the Department of Agriculture to collect comparable information using sampling methods. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, when sampling methods would be inappropriate, to use other statistical methods to collect information relating to the classification of farms. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 142)
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1976
Makes appropriations for Agriculture and Related Agencies Programs for fiscal year 1977. Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates specified sums for: (1) expenses of the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) administration of the Department; (3) the Economic Management Support Center; (4) the Office of the Inspector General; (5) the Office of the General Counsel; (6) the Agricultural Research Service; (7) the Special Foreign Currency Program; (8) the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (9) the Cooperative State Research Service; (10) the Agricultural Extension Service; (11) the National Agricultural Library; (12) the Statistical Reporting Service; (13) the Economic Research Service; (14) agricultural marketing service programs; (15) farm income stabilization programs; (16) the Federal Crop Insurance Insurance Corporation; and (17) the Commodity Credit Corporation. Title II: Rural Development and Assistance - Makes appropriations for rural development and conservation programs. Title III: Domestic Food Programs - Makes appropriations for child nutrition programs; the Food Stamp Program; the Food Donations Program; and the Elderly Feeding Program. Title IV: International Programs - Makes appropriations for the Foreign Agricultural Service and for specified expenses incurred under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act. Title V: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for the Food and Drug Administration; the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and for the Farm Credit Administration. Title VI: General Provisions - Sets forth regulations and restrictions governing the administration of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1976
Farm Labor Registration Act Amendments - Amends the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 to revise the definition of a "farm labor contractor" and to define "transport" and "immediate family" for purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to release the board of regents of the universities and State colleges of Arizona from the requirement that specified lands transferred by the United States for the use of the University of Arizona be used only for research or educational purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1976
Stipulates that no rule or regulation which is issued pursuant to the Food Stamp Act of 1964 and which is to become effective after February 13, 1976, shall become effective until the enactment of legislation after the date of enactment of this Act with respect to the eligibility and purchase requirements of persons receiving benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1976
Young Farmers' Homestead Act - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to purchase farm land in value of up to $200,000 per unit. Provides that the Corporation shall make such farms available for lease and subsequently for sale. Directs that the farms may be leased to an eligible applicant for a period of not less than two years nor more than seven years with specified restrictions upon the use of such land. Provides that the lessee may at any time within six months prior to the expiration of his lease make application to the board for purchase of such unit upon the expiration of such lease. States that the board shall approve such application if it determines that the lessee can successfully manage and operate such farm unit. Specifies a formula for determining the selling price of each farm. Allows a buyer to obtain financing through any available source, but if private financing is not available, the Farmers Home Administration shall furnish the financing at a specified rate. Requires the Corporation to file annually with the Secretary of Agriculture a report as to the business of the Corporation. Provides that the financial transactions of the Corporation shall be audited at least once each year by the General Accounting Office. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint a council to advise the board regarding the administration of this Act. Provides that the council's advice shall include recommendations on eligibility and experience requirements for leasing farm units. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out this Act. Specifies criminal provisions applicable to the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 657, 658, 1006, and 1014)
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Food Stamp Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and administer a food stamp program under which, at the request of the State agency which administers federally aided public assistance programs, eligible households within the State shall be provided with an opportunity to obtain a nutritionally adequate diet through the issuance to them of a coupon allotment. Stipulates that coupons so received by such households shall be used only to purchase food from retail food stores which have been approved for participation in the food stamp program. Prohibits the distribution of federally donated foods in areas where a food stamp program is in operation except where such distribution is required to achieve an orderly transition to a food stamp program on an Indian reservation, or where distribution is made to meet disaster relief needs. Directs the Secretary to set forth uniform national standards by which the eligibility of households for participation in the food stamp program may be determined. States that, in determining the income of a household for the purpose of determining the household's eligibility to participate in the program, all income shall be calculated by focusing upon the income anticipated to be received in the certification period for which eligibility is being determined so as to ascertain as best as possible the income that will be actually available to a household. Specifies deductions which may be made from gross income in determining the income of a household. States that, for eligibility purposes, a household may possess up to $3,000 in liquid and nonliquid assets. Specifies exemptions from such assets, including a household's home and lot, one licensed vehicle, and certain types of income- producing property. Precludes from being declared eligible under the program: (1) for a period of one year, any household which has been found quilty of fraud in connection with the program; (2) any household which refuses to provide required information with respect to a determination of eligibility; (3) any individual between the ages of 18 and 60 who refuses to register for work, to accept an offer of employment, or to continue in employment when such employment fulfills conditions specified in this Act; (4) any individual 18 years of age or older who is enrolled in an institution of higher education and who is properly claimed as a dependent child for Federal income tax purposes by an individual who is not a member of an eligible household; and (5) any individual who is not a resident of the United States and either a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that the face value of the coupon allotment which State agencies shall be authorized to issue to any eligible households shall be equal to the cost to such households of a nutritionally adequate diet reduced by an amount equal to 30 percent of such household's income as determined pursuant to this Act. Stipulates that the value of the coupon allotment provided to any eligible household shall not be considered to be income or resources for any purpose under any Federal or State laws including, laws related to taxation, welfare, and public assistance programs. Provides for the approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns which desire to be authorized to accept and redeem coupons under the Food Stamp Act. Prohibits States and political subdivisions thereof from decreasing welfare grants to any individual or individuals because of such individual's participation in the food stamp program. Requires each State agency desiring to participate in the food stamp program to submit a plan of operation specifying the manner in which such program will be conducted within the State. Requires such plans to provide: (1) for action to inform low-income households of the program, including multilinqual announcements where necessary; (2) that each household requesting assistance under the program shall be permitted to file for assistance on the same day that the first request is made; (3) that the determination of eligibility shall be made within 15 days; and (4) for safeguards restricting the use or disclosure of information obtained from applicant households. Directs the Secretary and participating State agencies to carry out a program of nutritional education for recipient households. States that coupon allotments are to be issued at all postal facilities where postage stamps are sold. Provides for the review of the conduct of State food stamp programs by the Secretary. Disqualifies retail stores and wholesale food concerns for violation of State regulations. Establishes procedures for the administrative and judicial review of such disqualifications. Establishes criminal penalties for fraud for obtaining or selling food coupons or authorization to purchase cards. Authorizes the Secretary to pay 65 percent of the administrative costs of the food stamp program. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct experimental projects designed to increase the efficiency of the food stamp program. Authorizes the appropriation of $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1977 through 1979 for the conduct of such programs. Authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal years 1977 through 1979 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Provides that upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 10133) to upgrade the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture to Deputy Secretary of Agriculture; to provide for two additional Assistant Secretaries of Agriculture; to increase the compensation of certain officials of the Department of Agriculture; to provide for an additional member of the Board of Directors, Commodity Credit Corporation; and for other purposes. States that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed one hour, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule. Provides that, at the conclusion of the consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and the Housing Act of 1949 to provide for the election of county committees to determine applications for agricultural and rural housing loans under such Acts. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish State committees to determine appeals by individuals denied assistance by a county committee. States that if the State committee affirms the county committee's decision the individual involved may appeal such decision to the Administrator of the Farmer's Home Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1976
Provides that upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to move that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 10930) to amend section 7 (e) of the Cotton Research and Promotion Act to provide for an additional assessment and for reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by the Secretary of Agriculture and to repeal section 610 of the Agricultural Act of 1970 pertaining to the use of Commodity Credit Corporation funds for research and promotion. Directs that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed one hour, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule. Provides that it shall be in order to consider the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Agriculture now printed in the bill as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule. Directs the Committee, at the conclusion of such consideration, to rise and report the bill to the House with such amenments as may have been adopted, and any Member may demand a separate vote in the House on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole to the bill or to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. Provides that the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
National Child Nutrition Information and Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program, through a system of grants to State educational agencies, to provide for: (1) the nutritional training of food service and educational personnel; and (2) the conduct of nutrition education activities in schools and child care institutions eligible under the School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts. States that the amount of such grants shall be based on a rate of 50 cents for each child enrolled in such facilities. Authorizes appropriations of such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires State educational agencies to keep accounts as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to determine whether the provisions of this Act have been complied with. Establishes, within the National Agricultural Library of the United States Department of Agriculture, a Food and Nutrition Information and Education Resources Center to assemble and collect food and nutrition education materials and to disseminate such information to State educational agencies and other interested persons. States that a maximum of $1,500,000 from the funds appropriated under this Act shall be used for the establishment and maintenance of such Center.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Provides that whenever the exportation of any agricultural commodity is prohibited or curtailed by the President or a Federal agency, the exportation of any prime element in the production of such commodity shall also be curtailed or prohibited in the same manner and to the same extent.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Dairy and Meat Import Inspection and Identification Act - Title I: Dairy Products - Defines terms used in this title. Prohibits the importation of dairy products into the United States unless the Secretary of Agriculture has certified that such products are wholesome and pure and that the plants in which such products were manufactured or processed comply with minimum standards of sanitation prescribed by the Secretary. Requires that the standards established under this title be comparable to those imposed upon domestic dairy products. Directs the Secretary to inspect imported dairy products and to require that such products be accompanied by a certificate of compliance indicating that such products conform to the minimum standards established under this Act. Provides for the assessment of fees on imported dairy products to cover the cost of inspections and certificates required by this title. Title II: Meat and Meat Products - Prohibits the importation of meat or meat products capable of use as human food into the United States unless tests have been conducted to determine whether such articles contain any substance prohibited in any carcass or meat product from any domestically produced animal or contain a level of any substance in excess of the maximum allowable level for domestically produced meat products. Stipulates that such tests may be conducted by persons in the exporting country if such individuals have been certified to do so under the same criteria as persons certified by the Department of Agriculture to conduct such test on articles of animals produced in the United States. Provides for the assessment of fees on such imported products to cover the costs of inspections and testing required under this title. Title III: Study; Effective Date - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct a study to determine the most practicable and effective method of requiring imported meat and dairy products to bear lables identifying such products as being imported.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Defines terms for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans available through the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund to agricultural producers who suffer losses as a result of having their agricultural commodities or livestock quarantined or condemned because such commodities or livestock have been found to contain toxic chemicals dangerous to the public health.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Redefines the meaning of the term "food" as used in the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to include seeds and plants for garden use. Redefines the term "household" to delete the requirement that individuals sharing common living quarters be related in order to qualify as a household. Defines the term "nutritionally adequate diet. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the Food Stamp program. States that no household shall be eligible if its income exceeds the income poverty guideline for a household of its size as prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget. Stes forth standards by which the income of a household shall be determined. Excludes from gross income Federal, State, and local taxes, and necessary expenses incurred in self-employment. Establishes limits on the value of liquid and nonliquid assets owned or being purchased by a household for purposes of determining eligibility. Specifies types of holdings which are to be included in determining the value of the household's assets. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households which are victims of a disaster. States that no household shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program which includes an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who: (1) incurs a reduction of income as a result of voluntarily reducing his or her number of hours of employment without good cause; (2) fails to register for employment at a State or Federal employment office; (3) has refused to accept employment or public work within 30 miles of the person's principal residence; or (4) fails to actively seek employment. Excludes from this class of ineligible individuals mothers with dependent children, primary or secondary school students, postsecondary level students or trainees' employed part-time, enrollees in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and persons working at least 30 hours per week. States that refusel to work at a plant site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed to be a refusal to accept employment. Declares that no person shall be eligible who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no individual shall be considered a household member for food stamp program purposes who: (1) has reached his eighteenth birthday; (2) is enrolled in an institution of higher education; and (3) is properly claimed or could be claimed as a dependent by a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 90 days. States that no individual shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program who resides in a State in which the Supplemental Security Income benefit has been increased specifically to include the bonus value of food coupon allotments. Requires food coupons to be designed with spaces for the user to sign upon receipt and redemption. Requires coupon users to present suitable identification; including signature and photograph, when redeeming coupons at approved food stores. States that the value of the food coupon allotment to which eligible households will be entitled shall be an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Requires the semi-annual adjustment of the value of an allotment based on changes in the cost of living. Sets the charge for a household coupon allotment at 30 percent of the household's monthly income. Requires State agencies administering the food stamp program to conduct nutrition education programs for food coupon recipients. Establishes a plan whereby the States will pay two and one-half percent of the bonus value of the food coupon allotments made to State residents each month of fiscal year 1977, with an additional two and one-half percent added annually until the States pay ten percent of such bonus value each year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Emergency Food Stamp Vendor Accountability Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Food Stamp Act of 1964, to prescribe regulations to be followed by food coupon vendors or any officers, employees, or agents thereof with respect to the depositing of funds received for such coupons and the accounting for such funds to the State and Federal Government. Requires vendors to deposit such funds weekly in accordance with Department of Agriculture regulations. Requires more frequent deposit of balances of $1,000 or more. States that vendors act as fiduciaries of the Federal Government when receiving food coupon funds. Prohibits the use of such funds by vendors for the benefit of any other than the Federal Government. Requires vendors to report periodically to State and Federal Government agencies the amount of funds deposited. Establishes criminal penalties for the violation of the regulations established in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Terminates the duty of the Secretary of Commerce to take agricultural censuses every five years and censuses of irrigation and drainage every ten years. Directs the Secretary to continue the statistical classification of farms which was in effect on January 1, 1975, until June 30, 1976. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect information on agriculture, irrigation, and drainage on a sample basis, which is comparable to the information previously collected every five years in the agriculutral census. Allows the Secretary, when sampling methods would be inappropriate, to use other statistical methods to collect information relating to the classification of farms. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 142)
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Agriculture should assess the whey supply situation and advise the House Committee on Agriculture of his findings. Directs the Department of Agriculture to begin a research program to utilize whey more efficiently.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Food Stamp Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculuture to formulate and administer a food stamp program under which, at the request of the State agency which administers federally aided public assistance programs, eligible households within the State shall be provided with an opportunity to obtain a nutritionally adequate diet through the issuance to them of a coupon allotment. Stipulates that the coupons received by such households shall be used only to purchase food from retail food stores which have been approved for participation in the food stamp program. Prohibits the distribution of federally donated foods in areas where a food stamp program is in operation except where such distribution is required to achieve an orderly transition to a food stamp program on an Indian reservation, or where distribution is made to meet disaster relief needs. Directs the Secretary to establish uniform national standards by which the eligibility of households for participation in the food stamp program may be determined. States that, in determining the income of a household for the purpose of determining the household's eligibility to participate in the program, all income shall be calculated by focusing upon the income anticipated to be received in the certification period for which eligibility is being determined so as to ascertain as best as possible the income that will be actually available to a household. Specifies deductions which may be made from gross income in determining the income of a household. States that, for eligibility purposes, a household may possess up to $2,000 in liquid and nonliquid assets, except for households of two or more persons, one of whom is elderly, which will be permitted to hold assets not exceeding $4,000. Specifies allowable exemptions from such assets, including a household's home and lot, one licensed vehicle, and certain types of income-producing property. Precludes from being declared eligible under the program: (1) for a period of one year, any household which has been found quilty of fraud in connection with the program; (2) any household which refuses to provide required information with respect to a determination of eligibility; (3) any individual between the ages of 18 and 60 who refuses to register for work, to accept an offer of employment, or to continue in employment when such employment fulfills conditions specified in this Act; (4) any individual 18 years of age or older who is enrolled in an institution of higher education unless such individual is the head of a household; and (5) any individual who is not a resident of the United States and either a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Prohibits households from transferring assets for the purpose of qualifying for the food stamp program. States that individuals receiving supplemental security income payments, the level of which was increased specifically to include the bonus value of food stamps, shall not be eligible for the food stamp program. Directs the Secretary to promulgate procedures for insuring an adequate inventory of food coupons in the hands of each vendor, and to prescribe procedures for the delivery of coupons to vendors and for the custody, care, control, and storage of coupons in the hands of vendors. States that the face value of the coupon allotment which State agencies shall be authorized to issue to any eligible households shall be equal to the cost to such households of a nutritionally adequate diet. Establishes the charge for such allotment at 27.5 percent of the household's income. Stipulates that the value of the coupon allotment provided to any eligible household shall not be considered to be income or resources for any purpose under any Federal or State laws including, but not limited to, laws relating to taxation, welfare, and public assistance programs. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations governing the disposition of funds received by food coupon vendors. States that all such funds are monies of the Federal Government and may not be used in any manner by any person or corporation. Sets forth accounting procedures to be followed by coupon vendors. Provides for the approval of retail foodstores and wholesale food concerns which desire to be authorized to accept and redeem coupons under the Food Stamp Act. Prohibits States and political subdivisions thereof from decreasing welfare grants to any individual or individuals because of such individual's participation in the food stamp program. Requires each State agency desiring to participate in the food stamp program to submit a plan of operation specifying the manner in which such program will be conducted within the State. Requires such plans to provide: (1) for action to inform low-income households of the program, including multi-lingual announcements where necessary; (2) that each household requesting assistance under the program shall be permitted to file for assistance on the same day that the first request is made; (3) that the determination of eligibility shall be made within 15 days; and (4) for safeguards restricting the use or disclosure of information obtained from applicant households. Directs the Secretary and participating State agencies to carry out a program of nutritional education for recipient households. Provides for the review of the conduct of State food stamp programs by the Secretary. Sets forth remedial procedures. Provides for the disqualification of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns for violations of State regulations. Establishes procedures for the administrative and judicial review of such disqualifications. Establishes criminal penalties for fraud in connection with the obtaining for sale of food coupons or authorization to purchase cards. Authorizes the Secretary to pay 50 percent of the administrative costs of the food stamp program. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct experimental projects designed to increase the efficiency of the food stamp program. Directs the Secretary to implement, by March 1, 1977, a pilot project testing the elimination of the purchase requirement. Requires such project to be carried out in at least ten areas, appropriately divided between urban and rural regions. Stipulates that the value of a household's coupon allotment under such project shall be the cost of a nutritionally adequate diet reduced by 30 percent of the household's income. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal year 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture should assess the whey supply situation and advise the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry of his findings. Directs the Department of Agriculture to begin a research program to utilize whey more efficiently.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Defines terms for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans available through the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund to agricultural producers who suffer losses as a result of having their agricultural commodities or livestock quarantined or condemned because such commodities or livestock have been found to contain toxic chemicals dangerous to the public health.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act Amendments - Includes frozen potato products within the definition of "perishable agriculture commodity" for purposes of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. Makes it unlawful for a commission merchant, broker, or dealer to extend to a grower or other person undue, unjust, or unreasonable preference or advantage in any respect whatsoever; or to subject or cause to be subjected any grower or other person to any undue, unjust, or unreasonable prejudice or disadvantage in any respect whatsoever. Prohibits the disclosure of any identifying information about one complaining of any violation of such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to inspect the accounts of anyone determined to have violated such Act to assure that such violator is paying all reparations required by, and is otherwise complying with, such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
Defines terms for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans available through the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund to agricultural producers who suffer losses as a result of having their agricultural commodities or livestock quarantined or condemned because such commodities or livestock have been found to contain toxic chemicals dangerous to the public health.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to compensate any person who raises or transports hogs for reasonable losses which were incurred as a result of hog cholera controls imposed after January 1, 1976, by the Secretary.