Agriculture

A bill making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1982, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981

Makes appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies programs for fiscal year 1982. Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates funds for the following agricultural programs and services: (1) Office of the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) departmental administration; (3) governmental and public affairs and emergency preparedness; (4) Office of the Inspector General; (5) Office of the General Counsel; (6) Federal Grain Inspection Service (with limitations on administrative expenses); (7) Agricultural Research Service (including scientific activities overseas); (8) Cooperative State Research Service; (9) Extension Service; (10) National Agricultural Library; (11) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (12) Food Safety and Inspection Service; (13) Economic Research Service; (14) Statistical Reporting Service; (15) Agricultural Cooperative Service; (16) World Agricultural Outlook Board; (17) Agricultural Marketing Service (with limitations on administrative expenses); (18) Packers and Stockyards Administration; and (19) Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (including the dairy indemnity program). Authorizes the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and the Commodity Credit Corporation to make expenditures, within specified limits, to carry out their respective programs. Title II: Rural Development Programs - Appropriates funds for rural development assistance as follows: (1) Farmers Home Administration; (2) Rural Electrification Administration; (3) Soil Conservation Service; and (4) Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. Title III: Domestic Food Programs - Appropriates funds for programs of the Food and Nutrition Service, including child nutrition, the special milk program, and food stamps. Title IV: International Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Foreign Agricultural Service (including an allotment from the Commodity Credit Corporation); (2) the Office of International Cooperation and Development; and (3) Public Law 480 (financing the sale of agricultural commodities for convertible foreign currencies). Title V: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for the: (1) Food and Drug Administration; (2) Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and (3) the Farm Credit Administration (with limitations on administrative expenses). Title VI: General Provisions - Limits the expenditure of specified appropriations made by this Act.

A bill to provide greater protection against the introduction and dissemination of plant pests.

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981

Amends the Federal Plant Pest Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to take emergency measures against plant pests if State action is inadequate. Authorizes intrastate inspections without warrants by Department of Agriculture personnel.

A joint resolution to establish a Farm Animal Husbandry Committee.

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1981

Establishes a Farm Animal Husbandry Committee to investigate and to prepare a comprehensive report concerning all aspects of intensive farm animal husbandry in the United States, including: (1) the economic, scientific, ethical, and environmental considerations; and (2) a comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of intensive and alternative methods of farm animal husbandry. Specifies the membership of the Committee. Provides for staff and administrative support. Enumerates the powers of the Committee, including the powers to hold hearings, take testimony and receive such evidence as the Committee considers appropriate. Requires the Committee to submit a report, not later than two-years after its first meeting, to the chairmen of the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. Terminates the Committee 60 days after submitting its report.

A bill to provide that Federal housing and community development programs will be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in nonmetropolitan areas, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981

Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to delegate to the Secretary of Agriculture authority to administer Federal assistance for community development programs involving units of local government and Indian tribes outside metropolitan areas or within such an area if the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development determines that the location is rural in nature and best served by the Farmers Home Administration (nonmetropolitian areas). Requires that 20 percent of the special discretionary fund set aside for housing and community development grants by the Secretary of HUD be used by the Secretary of Agriculture for making such grants for nonmetropolitan areas. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make rural development action grants to nonmetropolitan counties (which include portions of counties outside metropolitan areas). Delegates to the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to administer specified Federal assistance programs for lower income housing in nonmetropolitan areas. Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to direct the Secretary of HUD to delegate to the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to make loans for the provision of rental or cooperative housing for elderly or handicapped families in nonmetropolitan areas. Amends the National Housing Act to delegate to the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to insure loans for home improvements and mortgages in nonmetropolitan areas. Directs the Secretary of HUD to transfer to the Secretary of Agriculture for use in rural areas and small towns 25 percent of the total authority of the HUD Secretary to contract for: (1) mortgage assistance payments for low income homeowners; and (2) mortgage interest reduction payments on behalf of owners of rental housing projects for lower income families. Authorizes appropriations.

Floral Research and Consumer Information Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981

Floral Research and Consumer Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue research and promotion orders applicable to persons engaged in the production, sale, importation, or handling of flowers and plants. Prescribes administrative procedures for the issuance of such orders. Requires the Secretary, for the purpose of administering each order, to appoint a "Floraboard" composed of not more than 75 producers and importers nominated by certified organizations. Requires such Floraboards to develop plans and projects subject to the Secretary's approval. Provides for assessments on the sale of flowers and plants to defray administrative costs. Describes the permissive terms an order may contain. Conditions the effectiveness of any order upon its approval by a supermajority of producers voting in a referendum. Requires the Secretary to suspend or terminate an order on his own initiative, or at the behest of a referendum, under certain circumstances. Exempts certain producers and importers from coverage by such orders. Provides for refund of assessments and review of orders upon petition. Vests the district courts of the United States with jurisdiction to enforce such orders. Prescribes civil penalties for their violation. Sets forth criteria for the certification of organizations claiming to represent producers and importers. Enumerates investigative and legal powers of the Secretary with respect to Floraboard orders. Authorizes appropriations.

Food Safety Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981

Food Safety Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise the procedures and criteria for consideration of food and color additive petitions and new animal drug applications. Excludes from the definition of "food additive": (1) a food contact substance; and (2) a basic or traditional food. Defines "food contact substance" to mean a substance used to package food upon which such substance is not intended to, and does not have, any physical effect. Revises the general definition of "safe" to include in its meaning the absence of significant risk under the intended conditions of use of a substance. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe regulations to gradually eliminate a substance from the food supply upon a finding that such elimination will serve the public interest and not present a danger to public health. Requires that a determination of whether food is adulterated be based on an assessment of the risks from the probable consumption of such substance, taking into account all pertinent safety factors. Revises the procedures under which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes tolerance levels for required or unavoidable substances in foods. Replaces the current formal hearing requirements for setting tolerances with the notice and comment rulemaking procedure. Adds to the criteria for establishing tolerances: (1) an assessment of the nature and extent of the risks from probable consumption of the substance, considering all safety factors and after consultation with the food safety committee (established by this Act); and (2) the effects of limits on the cost and availability of food. Requires the Secretary to specify the analytical procedure for determining tolerance compliance. Permits any party in an injunction, seizure, or criminal action by the FDA alleging food adulteration, to request the court to set a tolerance for any food for which there is no existing tolerance. Revises the procedures and criteria for consideration of food additive petitions. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures to facilitate early discussion of an additive prior to submission of a petition. Requires the FDA to file food additive petitions within 30 days after receipt. Requires the FDA to specify in detail its reasons expanded for denying a petition. Directs the Secretary to permit interim use of an already approved additive if it appears from initial review that such expanded use is safe. Directs the Secretary to base a determination of the safety of a food additive on all relevant factors, including risk assessment. Provides an exception to the "Delaney clause" (which deems as unsafe any additive which induces cancer when ingested by man or animal) upon a finding that use of the additive does not present a significant risk to health. Requires the Secretary, whenver an additive is limited on the basis that it induces cancer in man or animal, to refer such matter to the food safety committee and permit interested persons to provide information. Enumerates additional criteria for considering a food additive which has been identified as presenting a significant risk, but has a substantial history of use and no reasonably practicable substitute. Includes among such factors the nature and extent of the consequences of use and the feasibility and effect of providing information to consumers regarding the additive's risk. Provides for expedited judicial review of any failure by the FDA to meet the time limits for food additive determinations or to provide detailed reasons for denial of a petition. Authorizes the Secretary to issue an interim food additive regulation with respect to a substance the safety of which has been questioned by new, but inconclusive, information, upon a determination that there is a reasonable certainty that such substance is not harmful. Applies the new procedures for amending or repealing a food additive regulation to any action to limit a substance which is generally recognized as safe. Establishes a new simplified premarket notification system for food contact substances. Provides that a food contact substance shall be deemed unsafe unless: (1) it is not reasonably expected to become a component of food under its intended use; (2) it conforms to a regulation; or (3) a premarket notification has been registered with the FDA and the FDA fails to make a finding of significant risk to public health within 90 days. Subjects any such finding to judicial review. Permits a person to petition the Secretary for promulgation of a regulation in lieu of premarket notification. Directs the Secretary, for the purpose of receiving referrals respecting the safety of food substances, to request the National Academy of Sciences, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, or other independent entity having such scientific expertise, to establish a committee to study and report on the safety of food substances. Provides a procedure and the criteria for the Secretary to establish an advisory food safety committee in the event such entities decline to establish such committee. Authorizes any person who may be adversely affected by a Secretarial decision to request the Secretary to consult such a committee before he makes a final decision on the use of any food substance, food additive, new animal drug, or color additive. Establishes for new animal drugs and color additives a regulatory scheme similar to that set forth for food additives. Includes as a factor to be considered with respect to animal drugs the present commercial availability of approved alternatives. Eliminates the current requirement for individual product licenses for animal drug manufacturers. Establishes a one-time location registration of establishments at which a new animal drug is to be first mixed into animal feed. Repeals the animal drug provision requiring batch certification of five specific antibiotics. Title II: Amendments to the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Meat Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act - Amends such Acts to conform to provisions of this Act. Title III: General and Conforming Provisions - Requires persons who have filed food or color additive petitions or new animal drug applications which are not final prior to enactment to elect consideration in accordance with existing law or law as amended by this Act. Provides that enforcement proceedings based on acts occurring prior to enactment shall proceed under prior law.

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that certain foods intended for human consumption be labeled to show the amount of sodium and potassium they contain.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to state that a food intended for human consumption shall be deemed misbranded unless it is labeled to show the amount of sodium and potassium it contains when in excess of a certain amount of milligrams. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt a food from such requirement by requiring the information to be prominently displayed in close proximity to the place of display or sale of such food. Exempts from such labeling requirements any manufacturer of such foods whose total annual sale are less than a specified amount.

Food Safety Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981

Food Safety Amendments of 1981 - Title I - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise the procedures and criteria for consideration of food and color additive petitions and new animal drug applications. Excludes from the definition of "food additive": (1) a food contact substance; and (2) a basic or traditional food. Defines "food contact substance" to mean a substance used to package food upon which such substance is not intended to, and does not have, any physical effect. Revises the general definition of "safe" to include in its meaning the absence of significant risk under the intended conditions of use of a substance. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe regulations to gradually eliminate a substance from the food supply upon a finding that such elimination will serve the public interest and not present a danger to public health. Requires that a determination of whether food is adulterated be based on an assessment of the risks from the probable consumption of such substance, taking into account all pertinent safety factors. Revises the procedures under which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes tolerance levels for required or unavoidable substances in foods. Replaces the current formal hearing requirements for setting tolerances with the notice and comment rulemaking procedure. Adds to the criteria for establishing tolerances: (1) an assessment of the nature and extent of the risks from probable consumption of the substance, considering all safety factors and after consultation with the food safety committee (established by this Act); and (2) the effects of limits on the cost and availability of food. Requires the Secretary to specify the analytical procedure for determining tolerance compliance. Permits any party in an injunction, seizure, or criminal action by the FDA alleging food adulteration, to request the court to set a tolerance for any food for which there is no existing tolerance. Revises the procedures and criteria for consideration of food additive petitions. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures to facilitate early discussion of an additive prior to submission of a petition. Requires the FDA to file food additive petitions within 30 days after receipt. Requires the FDA to specify in detail its reasons expanded for denying a petition. Directs the Secretary to permit interim use of an already approved additive if it appears from initial review that such expanded use is safe. Directs the Secretary to base a determination of the safety of a food additive on all relevant factors, including risk assessment. Provides an exception to the "Delaney clause" (which deems as unsafe any additive which induces cancer when ingested by man or animal) upon a finding that use of the additive does not present a significant risk to health. Requires the Secretary, whenver an additive is limited on the basis that it induces cancer in man or animal, to refer such matter to the food safety committee and permit interested persons to provide information. Enumerates additional criteria for considering a food additive which has been identified as presenting a significant risk, but has a substantial history of use and no reasonably practicable substitute. Includes among such factors the nature and extent of the consequences of use and the feasibility and effect of providing information to consumers regarding the additive's risk. Provides for expedited judicial review of any failure by the FDA to meet the time limits for food additive determinations or to provide detailed reasons for denial of a petition. Authorizes the Secretary to issue an interim food additive regulation with respect to a substance the safety of which has been questioned by new, but inconclusive, information, upon a determination that there is a reasonable certainty that such substance is not harmful. Applies the new procedures for amending or repealing a food additive regulation to any action to limit a substance which is generally recognized as safe. Establishes a new simplified premarket notification system for food contact substances. Provides that a food contact substance shall be deemed unsafe unless: (1) it is not reasonably expected to become a component of food under its intended use; (2) it conforms to a regulation; or (3) a premarket notification has been registered with the FDA and the FDA fails to make a finding of significant risk to public health within 90 days. Subjects any such finding to judicial review. Permits a person to petition the Secretary for promulgation of a regulation in lieu of premarket notification. Directs the Secretary, for the purpose of receiving referrals respecting the safety of food substances, to request the National Academy of Sciences, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, or other independent entity having such scientific expertise, to establish a committee to study and report on the safety of food substances. Provides a procedure and the criteria for the Secretary to establish an advisory food safety committee in the event such entities decline to establish such committee. Authorizes any person who may be adversely affected by a Secretarial decision to request the Secretary to consult such a committee before he makes a final decision on the use of any food substance, food additive, new animal drug, or color additive. Establishes for new animal drugs and color additives a regulatory scheme similar to that set forth for food additives. Includes as a factor to be considered with respect to animal drugs the present commercial availability of approved alternatives. Eliminates the current requirement for individual product licenses for animal drug manufacturers. Establishes a one-time location registration of establishments at which a new animal drug is to be first mixed into animal feed. Repeals the animal drug provision requiring batch certification of five specific antibiotics. Title II - Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Meat Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to conform to provisions of this Act. Title III - Requires persons who have filed food or color additive petitions or new animal drug applications which were filed prior to enactment to elect consideration in accordance with existing law or law as amended by this Act. Provides that enforcement proceedings based on acts occurring prior to enactment shall proceed under prior law.

A bill to amend the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the authorization for appropriations for fiscal year 1981, and to amend Public Law 93-233 to continue, through September 30, 1981, the cash-out of food stamp program benefits of certain recipients of Supplemental Security Income.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981

Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the authorized appropriations for fiscal year 1981. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, during the period July 1 - September 30, 1981, and upon the request of a State, to find that such State's cash payments under the Social Security Act have been specifically increased to include the bonus value of food stamps, for purposes of determining food stamp eligibility for supplemental security income recipients.

A bill to amend the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the authorization for appropriations for fiscal year 1981, and to amend Public Law 93-233 to continue, through August 1, 1981, the cash-out of food stamp program benefits of certain recipients of Supplemental Security Income.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981

Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the authorized appropriations for fiscal year 1981. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, during the period July 1 - August 1, 1981, and upon the request of a State, to find that such State's cash payments under the Social Security Act have been specifically increased to include the bonus value of food stamps, for purposes of determining food stamp eligibility for supplemental security income recipients.

Tobacco Deregulation Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981

Tobacco Deregulation Act of 1981 - Title I: Repeal of Programs Concerning Price Support For and the Marketing of Tobacco - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to repeal specified programs concerning tobacco, including: (1) price supports; (2) parity payments; (3) review and adjustment of quotas; and (4) marketing quotas. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 and the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to prohibit agricultural commodity assistance for tobacco. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from issuing any orders that regulate the handling of tobacco. Makes such provisions applicable to the 1982 and subsequent crops of tobacco. Title II: Withdrawal of Consent Relating to Compacts Among States for Regulating Tobacco Production and Commerce - Repeals provisions relating to compacts among States providing for the control or production of, or commerce in, tobacco within such States. Withdraws congressional consent of such compacts. Title III: Tobacco Inspection and Related Services - Amends the Tobacco Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to collect fees from specified persons for the inspection, certification, and other services concerning tobacco at designated auction markets. Requires that such fees cover the cost of such services. Makes such provisions effective July 1, 1981. Title IV: Warehouse Examination, Inspection, and Licensing - Amends the United States Warehouse Act to direct the Secretary to collect a fee for examinations and inspections of agricultural product warehouses that covers the costs of providing such services. Authorizes appropriations. Makes the above provisions effective October 1, 1982. Title V: Increased Tax on Cigars and Cigarettes - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on cigars and cigarettes.

A bill to extend the time for conducting the referendum with respect to the national marketing quota for wheat for the marketing year beginning June 1, 1982, and to eliminate the requirement that the Secretary of Agriculture waive interest on loans made on 1980 and 1981 crops of wheat and feed grains placed in the farmer-held grain reserve.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1981

Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to extend the deadline for conducting a referendum on wheat marketing quotas to October 15, 1981, or 30 days after Congress adjourns, whichever is sooner. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to eliminate the mandatory interest waiver on loans for 1980 and 1981 wheat and feed grain crops in the farmer-held grain reserve.

A joint resolution to authorize and request the President to designate July, 1981 as "National Peach Month," and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981

Requests the President to designate July, 1981, as "National Peach Month."

A bill entitled the "Voluntary Vitamins Act of 1981".

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exclude from the definition of food additive the food itself, a combination of foods, or foods for special dietary use, or the ingredients thereof, unless being used as preservatives or flavors for a food. Provides that foods for special dietary use, or for preservation or treatment of dietary deficiency conditions, shall not be classified as drugs.

A joint resolution to designate July, 1982, as "National Peach Month".

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981

Requests the President to designate July 1981 as National Peach Month.

A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to release on behalf of the United States a reversionary interest in certain lands conveyed to the Arkansas Forestry Commission, and to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain mineral interests of the United States in such lands to such Commission.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to release on behalf of the United States, under specified conditions, a reversionary interest in certain lands conveyed to the Arkansas Forestry Commission. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain mineral interests in such lands to the Commission.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain National Forest System lands, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain National Forest System lands which are: (1) 40 acres or less with a market value of not more than $150,000, and interspersed with or adjacent to mineral patents; (2) five acres or less and have been used or improved upon as a result of an erroneous Federal survey; and (3) road rights-of-way substantially surrounded by lands not owned by the United States. Defines "person" to include any State or subdivision or entity thereof. Declares that nothing in this Act shall authorize conveyance of Federal lands in the National Wilderness Preservation System.

John V. Graziano, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Department of Agriculture, vice Thomas F. McBride.

United States · United States Senate · 9 June 1981

A bill to amend the Poultry Products Inspection Act to increase the number of turkeys which may be slaughtered and processed without inspection under such Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1981

Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act to increase the number of turkeys which may be slaughtered and processed without inspection under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to grant an exemption beyond such increase if such exemption will not impede the purposes of such Act.

A bill to provide changes in legislation to meet reconciliation requirements of the first Congressional Budget Resolution--fiscal year 1982--for the House Committee on Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1981

House Committee on Agriculture Reconciliation Measures - Subtitle A: Reductions in Authorizations for Appropriations - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to extend the food stamp program, at reduced funding levels, through fiscal year 1985. Makes reduced authorizations and limits outlays for each of fiscal years 1982 through 1984 for: (1) dairy indemnity payments by the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service; (2) marketing activities payments to States and possessions by the Agricultural Marketing Service; (3) specified rural development assistance grants by the Farmers Home Administration; (4) Soil Conservation Service and other agricultural conservation program expenses; (5) international programs under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (Public Law 480); (6) specified expenses of the Forest Service (but not for the Bald Mountain road and timber sale in the Siskiyou National Forest); and (7) salaries and expenses of certain agencies, offices, and functions of the Department of Agriculture. Subtitle B: Reduction in Direct Spending - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set a new formula for the determination of the price support for milk during fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Limits the range of support from 75 percent to 90 percent of parity, keyed to net Government price support purchases of nonfat dry milk and the milk equivalent of butter and cheese. Requires an increase of the support price whenever dairy product imports are increased due to an expansion of imports or a termination of import restraints. Requires semiannual adjustments of such support price. Directs the Secretary to notify the congressional agriculture committees thirty days before the effective date of a new support level. Amends the United States Grain Standards Act, for fiscal years 1982 through 1984, to authorize the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service to collect inspection fees to defray administrative and supervisory costs. Limits such costs, for fiscal years 1982 through 1985, to 35 percent of the total costs of the Service. Authorizes appropriations for such years. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an advisory committee to advise the Administrator on the implementation of the United States Grain Standards Act of 1976. Amends the United States Cotton Standards Act, the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act, and the United States Cotton Futures Act to direct the Secretary to collect directly from participating producers cotton classing and loose cotton sale fees in an amount sufficient to cover the costs of such services, including administrative and supervisory costs. Limits the net cost estimate used to calculate such fees to specified amounts for fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Directs the Secretary to impose charges for establishing cotton standards. Credits all such fees and charges to the current appropriation incurring such costs and leaves them available until expended. Exempts from the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 any cotton samples submitted in compliance with the requirements of such Acts and thereby becoming United States property. Requires the Secretary to hold annual meetings with cotton industry representatives to review such activities. Amends the Tobacco Inspection Act to direct the Secretary to fix and collect fees for inspection and certification, the establishment of standards, sampling and weighing, and other services at designated auction markets. Requires such fees to cover the costs of such services, including administrative and supervisory costs. Credits such fees to the current appropriation incurring such costs and leaves them available until expended. Requires assessment of such fees against warehouse operators, who shall collect them from tobacco sellers. Directs the Secretary to set up a national advisory committee of tobacco producers, with advisory subcommittees for each major kind of tobacco, to advise him about such services and fees. Amends the United States Warehouse Act to direct the Secretary to collect warehouse examination, inspection, and licensing fees sufficient to cover the costs of such services and licenses, including administrative and supervisory costs. Limits the amounts of such fees for fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Authorizes appropriations for other services under such Act. Repeals the Naval Stores Act relating to standards and prohibitions regarding commerce in spirits of turpentine and rosin. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to allow interest rates equal to the current market yield for municipal bonds for direct or insured loans to public bodies or nonprofit associations for water and waste disposal facilities and essential community facilities. Limits to five percent per annum the interest rate on such loans for facility upgrading or new facility construction in poverty areas. Sets the range for interest rates on direct or insured low-income farm ownership loans at between five percent per annum and one-half the current market yield on United States bonds. Requires a two percent per annum additional interest rate on any direct or insured loan to a State or local government for construction of certain facilities on prime farmland where non-prime farmland is available. Marks for such treatment certain facilities for: (1) recreational uses; (2) rural small business enterprises; (3) electrical transmission systems; (4) pollution abatement and control; and (5) subterminal uses. Limits to 90 percent of actual production loss the amount of farming, ranching, or aquaculture production loss for which an applicant may receive an emergency loan. Reduces the total amount of certain insurable rural development loans for fiscal year 1982: (1) from $1,000,000,000 to $300,000,000 for water and waste facilities; and (2) from $500,000,000 to $130,000,000 for community facilities. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to eliminate certain waiver of interest provisions so the Secretary may collect interest on loans made on the 1980 and 1981 crops of wheat and feed grains placed in the farmer-held reserve. Reduces to $52,000,000 the ceiling on administrative expenses of the Commodity Credit Corporation for fiscal year 1982.

An act to designate the United States Department of Agriculture Boll Weevil Research Laboratory building, located adjacent to the campus of Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, as the "Robey Wentworth Harned Laboratory"; to extend the delay in making any adjustment in the price support level for milk; and to extend the time for conducting the referenda with respect to the national marketing quotas for wheat and upland cotton.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1981

Designates the U.S. Department of Agriculture Boll Weevil Research Laboratory building, at Mississippi State University, as the Robey Wentworth Harned Laboratory.

A bill to establish a Soybean Research Institute for the purpose of coordinating and conducting research programs, encouraging soybean exports, and providing the leadership for a national soybean policy.

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981

Establishes a Soybean Research Institute to coordinate and conduct research programs, encourage soybean exports, and provide for a national soybean policy.

A bill to extend the time for conducting the referendum with respect to the national marketing quota for wheat for the marketing year beginning June 1, 1982, and to eliminate the requirement that the Secretary of Agriculture waive interest on loans made on 1980 and 1981 crops of wheat and feed grains placed in the farmer-held grain reserve program.

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981

Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to extend the deadline for conducting a referendum on wheat marketing quotas to October 15, 1981, or 30 days after Congress adjourns, whichever is sooner. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to eliminate the mandatory interest waiver on loans for 1980 and 1981 wheat and feed grain crops in the farmer-held grain reserve.

A bill to restrict the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare with respect to the regulation of vitamin and mineral products for over-the-counter use.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exclude from the definition of food additive the food itself, a combination of foods, or foods for special dietary use, or the ingredients thereof, unless being used as preservatives or flavors for a food. Provides that foods for special dietary use, or for preservation or treatment of dietary deficiency conditions, shall not be classified as drugs.

A bill to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require that imported meat and meat food products be subject to certain examination, inspection, and labeling requirements, and to require that eating establishments serving imported meat or meat food products provide notice of that fact to their customers.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981

Title I: Examination, Inspection, and Labeling Requirements for Imported Meat - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require the labeling of any carcass, part of a carcass, meat, or meat food product which is imported into the United States and capable of consumption as human food. Requires that such meat food products be examined and inspected at the port of entry to determine whether or not they are adulterated. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe regulations for the disposition of adulterated foods and for the labeling of non-adulterated foods. Requires the Secretary to prescribe such assessments and fees on imported meat food products to cover examination, inspection, and labeling costs as determined necessary. Authorizes the holding of any meat food product in customs custody until the foreign plant exporting such product pays such assessments or fees. Title II: Requirement That Eating Establishments Inform Customers That Imported Meat or Meat Food Products are Served in Such Establishments - Requires any eating establishment serving imported meat to inform its customers of such fact. Sets forth penalties for any owner, employee, or agent who knowingly violates such requirement.

Peanut Production Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981

Peanut Production Act of 1981 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to make the 1982 through 1985 peanut crops eligible for price supports.

A bill to provide grants to the 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee Institute, for the purpose of assisting these institutions in the purchase of equipment and land, and the planning, construction, alteration, or renovation of buildings to strengthen their capacity for research in the food and agricultural sciences.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981

Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1985 to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a program of grants to assist "1890 land-grant colleges," including Tuskegee Institute, in acquiring and improving agricultural and food research facilities and equipment.

A bill to prohibit the use of water from certain Federal reclamation projects for the irrigation of surplus crops within ten years of the completion date of such projects.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981

Prohibits the delivery of water from any Federal reclamation project within ten years of its completion to irrigate any basic agricultural commodity in excess supply, if such project is less than ten percent complete as of September 30, 1981. States that such prohibition shall not apply if the Secretary of Agriculture calls for increased production of such a commodity in the interest of national security.

Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981

Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 to exempt from the definition of "farm labor contractor": (1) any agricultural employer who recruits and hires migrant workers for such person's own agricultural operation (currently the employer must personally engage in such hiring); (2) bona fide employees who perform such activity for their employer (currently full-time or regular employees who engage only incidentally in such activity); (3) any person who supplies students or other persons whose principal occupation is nonagricultural to perform certain seed industry work (currently only applies to corn and sorghum with a maximum four-week work period); and (4) nonprofit or cooperative associations of farmers, growers, or ranchers and their employees. Defines the terms "for such person's own operation" and "bona fide employee" for purposes of such Act. Redefines "migrant worker" to mean a seasonal or temporary agricultural worker who cannot normally return to his or her domicile after each working day (currently anyone employed in agriculture).

A bill to provide that suspension of agricultural exports must be approved by concurrent resolution of both Houses of Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981

Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to provide that suspension of agricultural exports for a period of more than 30 days shall require approval by concurrent resolution of both Houses of Congress.

Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981

Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt from minimum wage and overtime coverage employees principally engaged in the production of livestock on the range away from the headquarters of the employer, without regard to the difficulty of computing the hours worked. Eliminates provisions which made the minimum wage exemption inapplicable to agricultural employees of specified establishments. Exempts from minimum wage coverage employees above age 12 and below age 17 who are employed in the range production of livestock: (1) within their school district or on the same farm or ranch where their parent is also employed; and (2) for not more than 16 hours per week outside of school hours during school sessions or 40 hours per week during vacation periods. Allows such exemption only if such employee's occupation has not been declared to be particularly hazardous for the employment of children below age 16.

A resolution to assure the access of farmer-owned refining businesses to crude oil at reasonable prices.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the continued access of farmer-owned oil refining cooperatives and independent oil refining businesses to crude oil at reasonable prices must be assured.

Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981

Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 to include migrant worker hiring, referring, or related services performed by any labor organization within the definition of "farm labor contractor." Excludes from such definition: (1) any agricultural producer or processor who engages migrant workers in his or her own operations (currently must personally engage in such activities); (2) any nonprofit agricultural association or cooperative and employees; (3) any bona fide employee who engages in such activity for his or her employer (currently full-time or regular employees who engage only incidentally in such activities); and (4) any person who supplies students or other persons whose principal occupation is nonagricultural to perform certain seed industry work (currently only applies to corn and sorghum with a maximum four-week work period). Redefines "migrant worker" to mean a seasonal or temporary agricultural worker who cannot normally return to his or her domicile after each working day (currently anyone employed in agriculture). Requires payroll records to be kept for three years.

Floral Research and Consumer Information Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981

Floral Research and Consumer Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue research and promotion orders applicable to persons engaged in the production, sale, importation, or handling of flowers and plants. Prescribes administrative procedures for the issuance of such orders. Requires the Secretary, for the purpose of administering each order, to appoint a "Floraboard" composed of not more than 75 producers and importers nominated by certified organizations. Requires such Floraboards to develop plans and projects subject to the Secretary's approval. Provides for assessments on the sale of flowers and plants to defray administrative costs. Describes the permissive terms an order may contain. Conditions the effectiveness of any order upon its approval by a supermajority of producers voting in a referendum. Requires the Secretary to suspend or terminate an order on his own initiative, or at the behest of a referendum, under certain circumstances. Exempts certain producers and importers from coverage by such orders. Provides for refund of assessments and review of orders upon petition. Vests the district courts of the United States with jurisdiction to enforce such orders. Prescribes civil penalties for their violation. Sets forth criteria for the certification of organizations claiming to represent producers and importers. Enumerates investigative and legal powers of the Secretary with respect to Floraboard orders. Authorizes appropriations.

A resolution providing for the printing of the House report to accompany the bill (H.R. 3603) and entitled "Food and Agriculture Act of 1981" for the use of the Committee on Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981

Provides for the printing of the House report to accompany the bill (H.R. 3603) and entitled "Food and Agriculture Act of 1981," for the use of the House Committee on Agriculture.

Food and Agriculture Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1981

Food and Agriculture Act of 1981 - Title I: Dairy Production Act of 1981 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish milk price supports from October 1, 1981 through September 30, 1985, at between 75 and 90 percent of parity, based on projected purchases, surpluses and price increases. Extends dairy base plan authority. Extends through 1985: (1) the program of price-supported dairy products for the military and veterans' hospitals; and (2) the dairy indemnity program. Encourages wider consumption of dairy products through export promotion and domestic distribution. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to explore domestic casein production possibilities and report to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees within 90 days after this Act becomes effective. Title II: Wool and Mohair - Amends the National Wool Act of 1954 to extend the wool and mohair price support program through 1985. Title III: Wheat - Provides for loans and purchases of the: (1) 1982 wheat crop at not less than $3.55 per bushel; and (2) 1983-1985 crops at levels adjusted proportionally to the target price of wheat. Stipulates that the Secretary may adjust levels downward by up to ten percent (but not less than $3.00 per bushel) whenever the yearly price for the previous year is not more than 105 percent of the current loan and purchase level. Requires the Secretary to provide producers with the same return they would have received if such loan reductions occur. Authorizes a target price program for the 1982-1985 crops. Makes such payments mandatory if domestic carryover levels exceed one billion bushels. Sets such price for the: (1) 1982 crop at $4.20 per bushel; and (2) 1983-1985 crops at a level based on production costs over a specified time. Authorizes prevented planting and low yield disaster programs for the 1982-1985 crops only if Federal crop insurance was not generally available prior to planting. Requires set-aside and program acreages for such crops to be announced by August 1 of each year. Suspends marketing quotas and producer certificate provisions for such crops. Title IV: Feed Grains - Provides for loans and purchases of: (1) the 1982 corn crop at not less than $2.65 per bushel; and (2) the 1983-1985 crops based on target price adjustments. Stipulates that such levels may be adjusted downward by up to ten percent (but not less than $2.00 per bushel) if the yearly price for the previous year is not more than 105 percent of the current loan and purchase level. Provides for loans and purchases of the 1982-1985 grain sorghum, barley, and rye crops at a level based on the loan level for corn. Bases 1982-1985 oats levels on a weight comparison with other grains. Authorizes target prices for grain sorghum and corn. Makes such prices mandatory if domestic carryover exceeds 1.3 billion bushels. Sets the target price for: (1) the 1982 corn crop at $2.90 per bushel; (2) the 1983-1985 corn crops at a level based on production cost changes; and (3) grain sorghum, oats, and barley at a level based on corn payments. Authorizes disaster payments for the 1982 feed grain crops only if Federal crop insurance was not generally available prior to planting. Requires set-aside and program acreages for the 1982-1985 feed grain crops to be announced by November 1 of each year. Title V: Upland Cotton - Suspends marketing quotas, base acreage allotments, and related provisions for the 1982-1985 upland cotton crops. Provides with regard to such crops that: (1) the minimum loan level shall be $.55 per pound (currently $.48 per pound); (2) the base for the Northern European price quotation used to determine the loan rate shall be middling 1 3/32 inch cotton (currently strict middling 1 1/16 inch); (3) the target price shall be 120 percent of the loan level; (4) disaster payments shall be available in counties without generally available Federal crop insurance; (5) cotton acreage reductions could be required as a condition for program benefits instead of current set-aside authority; and (6) the Secretary shall establish a seed cotton recourse loan program. Extends skiprow provisions through 1985. Bases the preliminary allotment for the 1986 crop on the permanent (as adjusted) 1977 acreage allotment. Title VI: Rice - Repeals acreage allotment and marketing quota provisions effective with the 1982 rice crop. Provides for loans and purchases of the 1982-1985 rice crops at not less than $8.00 per hundredweight. Bases target prices on production costs. Makes disaster payments available only in counties where Federal crop insurance was not generally available prior to planting. Extends: (1) set-asides but authorizes the Secretary to limit acreage as a condition of benefits eligibility; and (2) land diversion programs. Requires the Secretary to report by July 31, 1983, to the Congress on rice futures trading, including the feasibility of using the average seasonal price received by farmers as a basis for computing loan and target prices. Title VII: Peanuts - Suspends annual marketing quotas and acreage allotments for the 1982-1985 peanut crops. Provides that the 1982-1985 New Mexico peanut allotments shall not be reduced below the adjusted 1977 level. Extends acreage allotments and national and farm poundage quotas for the 1982-1985 peanut crops. Modifies such provisions to: (1) set a minimum acreage allotment of 1,614,000 acres; (2) set a minimum national poundage quota of 1,300,000 tons, increased as necessary by the Secretary; and (3) require and set forth formulae for determining individual farm yields, base production poundage, and poundage quotas. States that if the total of all increases in individual farm poundage quotas exceeds ten percent of the national quota the Secretary shall adjust such increases in order not to exceed such percentage. Extends provisions relating to sale, lease, and transfer of acreage allotments. Permits acreage allotments and marketing quotas to be transferred without regard to county boundaries in a State having a peanut acreage of less than 11,000 acres. Eliminates the 50 acre limitation on individual allotment transfers. Extends and modifies marketing penalty and disposition of additional peanut provisions to: (1) direct the Secretary to authorize specified county committees to reduce or waive penalties for unintentional violations; (2) provide that weight errors not exceeding one-tenth of one percent in a marketing document shall not be considered violations; (3) give the area marketing associations primary responsibility for selling additional peanuts under loan when such peanuts are sold at prices not less than the Commodity Credit Corporation's minimum price; (4) change the contract deadline for additional peanuts from June 15 to March 15; and (5) penalize handlers for marketing peanuts in excess of the quantity, grade, or quality of quota levels. Extends through 1985: (1) specified reporting and recordkeeping requirements; and (2) preservation of unused allotments provisions. Provides for loans and purchases of the: (1) 1982 crop at not less than $600 per ton; and (2) 1983-1985 crops at the level of the preceding year, adjusted for production costs. Prohibits marketing associations other than the three area associations selected by the Secretary from receiving storage loans or performing administrative or supervisory activities. Title VIII: Soybeans - Establishes the soybean price support program under the category of "basic agricultural commodity" for the 1982-1985 crop years. Provides for loans and purchases of the 1982-1985 soybean crops at not less than $5.02 per bushel. Authorizes the Secretary to lower such level ten percent each year (but not below $4.50 per bushel) if the previous year's average market price was not in excess of 105 percent of the loan rate for that year. States that soybeans are ineligible for the producer storage reserve program and the production adjustment control program. Title IX: Other Commodities - Establishes the sugar beet and sugar cane, and sunflower seed support programs under the category of "basic agricultural commodity" for the 1982-1985 crop years. Establishes a loan rate for sugar: (1) of 19.6 cents per pound; and (2) for the 1983-1985 crops based on production costs for the two preceding years. Provides for loans and purchases of oil sunflower seeds at not less than $9.00 per hundredweight. Title X: General and Miscellaneous Commodity Provisions - Continues current disaster and nondisaster payment limitations for wheat, feed grains, rice, and upland cotton through 1985. Continues and modifies the producer storage program for wheat and feed grains as follows: (1) provides an entry loan rate for grains at the higher of 110 percent of the loan rate or $3.85 per bushel for wheat and $2.80 per bushel for corn; (2) provides a minimum resale price for Commodity Credit Corporation stocks at 105 percent of the price levels at which the market rate interest rates are invoked; (3) authorizes the Secretary to waive storage charges and interest on support loans, to vary the size of the reserve, and to cancel early-release penalties, halt storage payments, and impose market rate interest under specified circumstances. Extends the special grazing and hay program through 1985. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide for set-asides for the 1982-1985 wheat and feed grain crops as a result of executive export restrictions; (2) reduce accumulated interest charges on Commodity Credit Corporation loans in order to discourage loan defaults; and (3) transfer Department funds in plant or animal disease emergencies. Continues normally planted acreage requirements for the 1982-1985 wheat and feed grain crops (but not for rice and upland cotton) but bases such acreage on the preceding two years. Title XI: National Agricultural Cost of Production Standards Review Board - Establishes the National Agricultural Cost of Production Standards Review Board. Requires the Board to report annually to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Makes the authority provided in this title applicable for the 1982-1985 crop years. Title XII: Export Provisions - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (Public Law 480) to: (1) extend the program through December 31, 1985; (2) increase the annual ceiling; and (3) include other alcoholic beverages in addition to wine and beer within the authorization for overseas market development. Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to require the loan rate to be set at 90 percent of parity for any executive embargo not based on national security, and at a level not less than the average market price during the 15 days preceding the embargo if based solely on national security. Exempts commodities if an embargo would reduce annual export tonnage by less than two percent. Waives interest charges on loans adjusted during an embargo and provides for payment of storage charges to producers. Directs the Secretary to report within six months to the Congress on the potential for increased food use of protein byproducts derived from alcohol fuel production. Expresses the sense of Congress that any agreement by the United States for foreign sales of wheat, corn, soybeans, or feed grains provide for a price of not less than the cost of production. Title XIII: Food Stamp and Commodity Distribution Amendments of 1981 - Food Stamp and Commodity Distribution Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend such programs through fiscal year 1985. Modifies the food stamp plan to: (1) repeal the October 1-December 31 update of the Thrifty Food Plan based on projected food costs that was scheduled to take place as of January 1 of each year starting in 1982; (2) reduce the gross income eligibility ceiling to 130 percent of the poverty level; (3) repeal increases in dependent care deductions for working adults and medical deductions for the elderly, blind, and disabled scheduled to take effect on October 1, 1981; (4) require retrospective accounting for determining ongoing program eligibility and allotments for all but migrant farm worker households on a nationwide basis by October 1, 1983; (5) require monthly reporting to accompany implementation of retrospective accounting for all households with earned income (except migrant farmworker households) or receiving unemployment compensation or required to register for work or required to file monthly reports for AFDC, but not households in which all members are elderly, blind, or disabled or who reside in States with the lowest error rates; (6) impose an authorization ceiling for fiscal years 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985 fixed at $10,010,000,000, $10,345,000,000, $10,290,000,000, and $10,480,000,000, respectively; (7) raise the authorization ceiling for fiscal year 1981 to $11,480,000,000 to accommodate program needs; (8) require the Secretary to permit any political subdivision that wishes to do so in return for a 50 percent share of workfare administrative costs and that agrees to comply with the Secretary's guidelines, to administer a workfare program in which non-exempt food stamp recipients must work for the subdivision at the Federal minimum hourly wage rate (or State rate, if higher), payable in the form of food stamps; (9) require parents and children who are living together to be treated as one household unless one parent is 60 years of age or older; (10) eliminate all boarders from participation in the program; (11) eliminate establishments that do only a marginal staple food business, such as bars, gas stations, party stores, and carryout shops, from the program unless they are the only food store in the immediate area; (12) permit Alaska to have a distinct Thrifty Food Plan for its rural areas; (13) reduce the adjustment of the standard deduction and the dependent care/excess shelter deduction cap by deleting reliance upon the homeownership component in the housing costs of the Consumer Price Index; (14) deny deductions for any expenses paid on a household's behalf by a third party and require the income and resources (over a floor) of sponsors of certain aliens to be deemed available to those aliens in order to determine the aliens' eligibility and benefits; (15) give the Secretary flexibility to alter the complex accounting standards for ascertaining the value of licensed vehicles; (16) extend disqualification from the program after hearing (a) from fraud to the making of false or misleading statements or misrepresentations or concealing or withholding facts, (b) expand the use of allotment reduction to recover non-fraud overissuance arising from agency error, and (c) permit States to retain 50 percent of all misrepresentation claims collected; (17) (a) extend program disqualification for voluntarily quitting a job to current program participants, (b) extend sanctions for noncompliance with the food stamp work registration requirement to food stamp participants who fail to satisfy an AFDC-WIN or unemployment compensation work requirement, and (c) make work registration an annual requirement; (18) disqualify strikers and the households to which they belong from participating in the food stamp program (unless they were eligible to participate prior to the strike); (19) make States strictly liable for issuance losses and provide liability for negligent failures in certain other areas of State agency administrative responsibility; (20) prevent households that apply to participate in the program and are declared to be eligible from receiving any stamps for that part of the month prior to the date on which they filed their application; (21) end the 60-day transfer provision permitting benefits to follow a household moving from one political subdivision to another in an uninterrupted fashion; (22) terminate the basic mandate to perform outreach; (23) allow States flexibility to provide households with a notice of expiration of their certification periods up to 30 days before the start of the last month of a six month or longer certification period; (24) limit provision for expedited food stamp benefits within three working days of application to applicant households with $150 or less in gross income a month and liquid assets of $100 or less and to applicant households whose only income for ten days after filing an application is $25 or less from a new source of income and who also meet the $100 liquid assets test; (25) end the Department's liability to restore food stamps to households that have wrongfully been denied them or terminated from the program if the benefits were lost more than one year prior to a household's request for restoration; (26) require the State agency to request and utilize for certification purposes household members' wage and benefit information available from the Social Security Administration and State unemployment compensation agencies; (27) require the Secretary to allow political subdivisions to use certified mail in issuing food stamps to reduce mail theft and loss; (28) clarify the Secretary's authority to determine the amount of and settle or adjust any claim, including claims filed against State agencies for issuance losses; (29) end the imposition of staffing standards upon the States; (30) require States to meet the Secretary's standard for improper denials and terminations in order to receive 55 percent Federal funding of administrative costs and further require all States with error rates over five percent to develop corrective action plans; (31) mandate obtaining a household's Social Security number as a prerequisite to participation; (32) extend pilot cash-out projects for four years at State option and expand possible cash-outs to include AFDC families; (33) provide contract and grant authority to develop means for continuous nutritional monitoring of high-risk populations; (34) require certain studies of various accounting and reporting methods; (35) provide penalties for the fraudulent misuse of commodities; (36) provide authority for pilot projects using the commodity supplemental feeding program for low-income elderly persons; and (37) prevent current Supplemental Security Income cash-out States from reverting to food stamps. Title XIV: National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1981 - National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to revise the Congressional findings and purposes of such Act to give greater emphasis to the role of State agricultural extension services in research and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences. Extends from five to eight years the term of the Joint Council on Food and Agricultural Sciences. Increases membership to at least 25 persons. Establishes three-year, staggered terms for such members. Extends from five to eight years the term of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Users Advisory Board. Increases membership from 21 to 25 persons. Establishes staggered terms for such members. Changes the due dates of the Board's: (1) annual recommendations to the Secretary from October 31 to July 1; and (2) appraisal of the President's budget from March 1 to February 20. Specifies as part of the staff of six full-time professionals assisting the Joint Council and the Users Advisory Board: (1) an executive secretary for each entity; and (2) an executive director to serve both. Authorizes the Secretary to establish cooperative human nutrition centers to focus on high-priority nutrition problems. Changes the due date of the Secretary's annual agricultural research report from February 1 to January 1. States that the Department of Agriculture should establish working relationships with foreign information and data systems as part of the policy of Congress. Provides for the appointment of an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture to carry out agricultural research, extension, and teaching. Authorizes specified appropriations through fiscal year 1985 for competitive agricultural research grants. Makes land grant college research foundations and veterinary colleges eligible for special grants. Changes the emphasis of facilities grants from purchasing equipment, land, and supplies to renovating existing buildings and limited new construction. Makes forestry schools and 1890 land grant colleges eligible for such grants. Authorizes specified appropriations for research facilities grants for fiscal years 1982-1985. Revises guidelines for higher education food and agricultural sciences grants. Transfers functions of the Secretary of Education under the Bankhead-Jones Act and the Morrill Act to the Secretary. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1985. Extends the research grant program in alcohol fuels and industrial hydrocarbons through fiscal year 1985. Limits the total amount institutions in any one State may receive to $5,000,000. Changes the due date of the assessment of the value and costs of food and human nutrition research centers. Requires the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and of Agriculture to jointly formulate such report. Extends limited authorizations of appropriations ($25,000,000 annually) through fiscal year 1985 for animal health and disease research. Increases and extends through fiscal year 1985 the annual limit on authorizations of appropriations for national and regional animal health and disease research. Limits the duration of such grants to five years. Directs the Secretary to establish priority lists annually for such grants. Sets forth guidelines for such determinations. Extends and increases funding for 1890 land grant colleges (including Tuskegee Institute) through fiscal year 1982. Permits administrative funds to be used for transportation to research meetings of scientists who are not Federal employees. Establishes a dairy goat research program. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1985. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance (on a reimbursable basis) to U.S. institutions involved in international agricultural research and extension. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1982-1985 for: (1) existing agricultural programs; (2) State agricultural experiment stations; and (3) extension education. Requires at least 25 percent of research and grant funds to be appropriated for Hatch Act State experiment stations beginning with fiscal year 1984. Provides that funds made available by the Secretary under specified Acts shall not be subject to reduction for indirect costs incurred by the recipient. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) establish an aquaculture research and extension program; (2) make grants to colleges and universities, Federal laboratories, and experiment stations; and (3) assist States (up to $50,000) in formulating aquaculture development plans. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report annually to the President and to the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture and Appropriations; and (2) establish an Aquaculture Advisory Board. Authorizes specified appropriations through fiscal year 1985. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) establish a rangeland research program on a matching grant basis; and (2) make grants to colleges and universities, Federal laboratories, and experiment stations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report annually to the President and to the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture and Appropriations; and (2) establish a Rangeland Advisory Board. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $10,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1982-1985. Amends the McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962 to direct the Secretary to appoint an advisory forestry council. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to permit the Secretary to furnish excess Federal property to State or county extension services, 1890 land grant colleges, and State experiment stations. Makes the provisions of this title effective as of October 1, 1981. Title XV: Credit, Rural Development, and Family Farms - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to permit cooperatives to receive Farmers Home Administration (FHA) loans if unable to otherwise get credit. Removes the five percent interest ceiling on FHA water and waste disposal and essential community facility loans. Directs the Secretary to set such rates, but not in excess of current market yields of comparable municipal obligations. Limits such rates to a maximum of five percent in low income areas. Provides: (1) for a two percent interest penalty on specified loans for nonfarm construction on prime farmland if optional sites are available; and (2) that interest rates on operating and ownership loans to limited resource borrowers shall be determined by the Secretary, but not at less than five percent nor more than one-half the average market value of comparable municipal obligations (currently a five percent ceiling). States that the above loan provisions shall apply as of fiscal year 1982. Amends the Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act of 1978 to extend the FHA economic emergency loan program through fiscal year 1982. Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act regarding farm storage facility loans to: (1) extend such program through fiscal year 1985; (2) make the duration of such loans between eight and ten years; (3) base facility size on the space required to store two years' production; (4) make such loans in amounts not less than 80 percent of total construction costs, not to exceed $100,000; (5) set interest rates equal to the interest charged to the Commodity Credit Corporation by the Treasury plus up to one percent; and (6) provide that the loans shall be deducted from the proceeds of price support loans on purchase agreements. Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to: (1) extend for ten years and increase the annual authorization of appropriations for U.S. class A stock purchases of the Rural Telephone Bank; (2) change the date for retiring stock previously purchased by the United States from September 30, 1985 until September 30, 1995; (3) require that loans guaranteed by the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) be made by the Federal Financing Bank upon borrower request; and (4) remove the special two percent insured loan interest rate to electric and telephone borrowers, but permit interest rates on such loans of between two and five percent in situations of financial hardship or inability to provide service without utility rate increases. Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to require the Secretary to include in his annual report to Congress an assessment of how Federal tax, credit, and other laws affect the growth of nonfamily farm operations. Title XVI: Conservation - Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide increased financial and technical assistance to landowners and operators in the most seriously eroding areas of the country, as designated by the Secretary. Requires a participant to furnish a plan which: (1) incorporates erosion conservation measures; (2) includes a schedule for carrying out such measures; (3) considers local conditions; (4) allows for varying levels of application as appropriate; (5) may include wildlife and recreation enhancement; and (6) is to be developed in cooperation with, and approved by, the local soil and water conservation district. Requires: (1) a participant to forfeit further payments and reimburse the United States for payments received upon violation of the agreement; and (2) the Secretary to share the cost of such conservation measures. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts to maintain already established conservation measures. Sets forth guidelines for special area determinations. Authorizes such designations for ten-year periods. Limits to a term of ten years any contract entered into during the ten years following such a designation. Requires approval by the House and Senate Agriculture Committees of all project areas designated by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to any State having lands within a designated special area to evaluate the impact of State and local tax structures on conservation measures. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Requires the Secretary to submit an evaluation to Congress by January 1, 1986, and at five-year intervals thereafter. Directs the Secretary to establish a matching grant program with local governmental units through State soil conservation agencies. Requires local participants to: (1) have a long-range program in effect; (2) have an annual work plan consistent with such program in effect; and (3) have matching fund sources available. Authorizes necessary appropriations through fiscal year 1991. Requires the Secretary to report to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees by January 1, 1986, and again by January 1, 1991. States that such grants shall be made to augment rather than replace other Department of Agriculture technical and financial assistance programs. Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to direct the Corporation, beginning with fiscal year 1982, to make loans for natural resource conservation and environmental specified county and State conservation committees as part of an overall local plan. Provides with regard to such loans that: (1) loan duration shall not exceed ten years, with interest rates based upon interest charged to the Corporation by the Treasury; (2) annual loans to an individual shall not exceed $25,000; and (3) loans over $10,000 must be secured. Directs the Secretary to establish a volunteer program for conservation work without regard to Civil Service requirements. Deems such volunteers to be Federal employees for purposes of injury and tort compensation. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program to test the feasibility of reducing excessive reservoir sedimentation in areas having watershed soil erosion problems. Requires approval by the House and Senate Agriculture Committees before implementing any program. Authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal years 1983-1987. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by January 1, 1987. Authorizes the Secretary to empower soil and water district boards to disapprove producers' designation of land under any set-aside or diversion program if such lands will make a less than average contribution to soil conservation compared with other lands that could have been so designated. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to owners and operators in certain cold climates who remove land from production for up to one year in order to install conservation measures involving excavation. Requires approval of local soil and water conservation boards. Prohibits such assistance in any one year of more than one-half of one percent of a county's cropland. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Reaffirms the importance of agriculture and encourages the Secretary to cooperate with other Federal agencies in developing policies that recognize the importance of limiting agricultural conversions. Directs the Secretary and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to Congress within one year of enactment of this Act concerning the retention of productive agricultural lands. Encourages the Secretary to provide related information to State, local and nonprofit entities. Directs the Secretary to develop agricultural land resource information. Declares that rural areas are facing resource utilization, economic, and social problems. Directs the Secretary to establish a resource conservation and development program of technical and financial assistance to States, local governmental units, and nonprofit organizations for rural planning. Sets forth the terms of such agreements. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by December 31, 1986. Directs the Secretary to establish a Resource Conservation and Development Policy Board. Makes the provisions of this title effective as of October 1, 1981.

A bill to provide for the adjustment of interest rates on rural telephone bank loans.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1981

Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to authorize the Governor of the rural telephone bank to call a rural telephone bank loan or refinance it at a higher interest rate if the borrower transfers its property, rights, or franchises acquired under such Act.

A bill to provide authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct boundary surveys of National Forest System lands.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981

Amends Federal law to transfer authority to conduct National Forest System boundary surveys from the Department of the Interior to the Department of Agriculture.

A bill to assure that sales of agricultural commodities by the United States are made at prices which are not less than the cost of production.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981

Prohibits the Government from agreeing, to sell U.S. agricultural commodities to any country for a price less than the cost of production.

A bill to require that imports of fresh ginger root meet all the requirements imposed on domestic fresh ginger root.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1981

Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 to subject imported fresh ginger root to the same restrictions applicable to domestic ginger.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary to reduce interest charges on Commodity Credit Corporation Loans in order to decrease the rate of default.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1981

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to reduce interest charges on Commodity Credit Corporation loans in order to decrease the rate of loan defaults.

Food Stamp Program Amendments of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981

Food Stamp Program Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require that application forms for food stamp assistance inform the applicant that any information provided is subject to verification by Federal, State, and local officials. Declares that food stamps may be denied to any applicant who knowingly provides incorrect information. Authorizes the State agencies to allow State and local law enforcement officials access to applicant information for the purpose of investigating possible violations of the food stamp program. Provides minimum mandatory sentences for violations of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, including a work restitution program.

Mary Claiborne Jarratt, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, vice Carol Tucker Foreman, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 1 May 1981

Cotton-Tobacco-Warehouse User Fee Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981

Cotton-Tobacco-Warehouse User Fee Act of 1981 - Title I: Cotton Classifying and Related Services - Amends the United States Cotton Standards Act, the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act, and the United States Cotton Futures Act to requires the Secretary of Agriculture to impose and collect cotton classing and loose cotton sale charges in an amount sufficient to cover as nearly as practicable the costs of providing such services, including administrative and supervisory costs. Directs the Secretary to impose, in a similar manner, charges for the establishment of cotton standards. States that all such charges shall be credited to the current appropriation incurring such costs and shall remain available until expended. Exempts from the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 any cotton samples submitted in compliance with the requirements of such Act and thereby becoming United States property. Makes the title effective July 1, 1981. Title II: Tobacco Inspection and Related Services - Amends the Tobacco Inspection Act to direct the Secretary to impose and collect charges for inspection or certification of tobacco at designated auctions markets, as well as for sampling and weighing. Requires the imposition of such charges in an amount sufficient to cover, as nearly as practicable, the costs of providing such services, including administrative and supervisory costs. States that all such charges shall be credited to the current appropriation incurring such costs and shall remain available until expended. Requires the collection of such charges from warehouse operators. Limits the performance of tobacco inspection or certification services for tobacco sold at auction to designated markets. Repeals current authority to perform such services, for a fee, at undesignated markets as well. Repeals the Naval Stores Act, relating to the establishment of standards and prohibitions with respect to commerce in spirits of turpentine and rosin. Makes this title effective July 1, 1981. Title III: Warehouse Examination, Inspection, and Licensing - Amends the United States Warehouse Act to require the Secretary to impose warehouse examination, inspection, and licensing fees sufficient to cover, as nearly as practicable, the costs of providing such services and licenses, including administrative and supervisory costs. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for services under such Act other than warehouse examination, inspection, and licensing. Makes this title effective October 1, 1981.

A bill to amend the United States Grain Standards Act to require that fees charged for official inspection and weighing services cover costs to the Federal Grain Inspection Service including administrative and supervisory costs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981

Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to authorize the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service to collect inspection fees, including administrative and supervisory costs.

A bill to amend section 110(b) of the Agricultural Act of 1949 to eliminate the requirement that the Secretary of Agriculture waive interest on loans made on 1980 and 1981 crops of wheat and feed grains placed in the farmer-held grain reserve program.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to eliminate the requirement that the Secretary of Agriculture waive interest on loans made on 1980 and 1981 crops of wheat and feed grains placed in the grain reserve program.

A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and the Small Business Act.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981

Title I: Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act Amendments - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to repeal: (1) the low income farm ownership loan program; (2) the maximum five percent interest rate on disaster emergency loans for persons unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere; (3) the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to make and insure disaster loans to applicants who can obtain credit elsewhere; and (4) the minimum 25 percent of all insured farm ownership and operating loans reserved for low-income, limited-resource borrowers. Title II: Small Business Act Amendments - Amends the Small Business Act to: (1) specify the availability of Small Business Administration disaster loans to refinance any mortgage or lien against a totally destroyed or substantially damaged home or business concern, under certain conditions; (2) end the availability of loans for economic disasters for natural, physical disasters declared by the Secretary of Agriculture only, or certified to the SBA Administrator by the governor of a State; (3) condition the extension of a loan or guarantee upon the Administrator's finding that reasonable credit is not otherwise available; and (4) modify the formula for the determination of interest rates (currently limited to the average annual interest rate on all interest-bearing obligations of the United States) to allow such rates to rise above a minimum level keyed to the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States, plus a one percent additional charge. Limits the total amount of loans to any borrower to $500,000 for each disaster, unless the borrower constitutes a major source of employment in the disaster area.

A bill to increase the interest rates for loans made or insured under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act of water and waste disposal, and essential community facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981

Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to replace the current five percent interest ceiling on loans for water and waste disposal and community facilities with an adjustable ceiling based on current market yields for outstanding municipal obligations, plus not more than one percent.

A bill to amend the Housing Act of 1949 to make discretionary the power of the Secretary of Agriculture to provide interest credit subsidy to low and moderate income borrowers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981

Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize rather than require the Secretary of Agriculture to furnish interest credits on certain loans to provide housing aid or farm improvements for elderly, handicapped, or low- and moderate-income persons and families in rural areas. Repeals a requirement that a certain percentage of such loans be provided to low-income persons or families.

A bill to provide for the establishment of a National Agricultural Cost of Production Standards Review Board.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981

Establishes the National Agricultural Cost of Production Standards Review Board. Sets forth the functions and membership provisions of such Board. Requires annual reports to be submitted to the appropriate Congressional committees. States that the authority provided in this Act shall apply to the 1982 - 1985 crop years. Authorizes necessary appropriations.