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101 records in US in 1985
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Transfers specified U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, lands at the Savannah River Plant near Aiken, South Carolina, to the Department of Energy.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Farm Credit System Central Reserve Act of 1985 - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to decrease the maximum amount of a loan which a Federal land bank may originate, or in which such a bank may participate with a lender that is not a Farm Credit System (FCS) institution, from 85 to 60 percent of the appraised value of the real estate security, or from 97 to 75 percent of that value as may be authorized by the Farm Credit Administration for loans guaranteed by a governmental agency. Directs the Administration to establish and maintain a central reserve for FCS which the Governor of the Administration may use to make temporary deposits and investments in financially troubled FCS banks or production credit associations. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for funding of the reserve from the proceeds of FCS notes, bonds, and debentures and from payments from FCS banks and associations. Directs the Governor to report annually to specified congressional committees and to FCS investors on the condition of such central reserve. Provides that from the date that funds are appropriated to the reserve until the later of one year after such date or the date equivalent funds are repaid to the Treasury, the appointment of the Governor shall be subject to the President's approval and the President shall have the power to remove the Governor. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, during any such period, to designate two additional members to the Federal Farm Credit Board. Requires such members to have commercial agricultural lending or academic agricultural financial backgrounds. Allows the Secretary to designate as his or her representative to the Board a former member of a farm credit district board, officer or employee of the Administration, or officer or employee of any institution operating under the Administration's supervision. Requires Federal land banks and their associations to offer to farmers, ranchers, and producers or harvesters of aquatic products, for the purpose of purchasing land for any agricultural or aquacultural use, fixed-rate real estate mortgage loans with terms of at least 20 years. Allows such banks and associations to assess prepayment penalties on such mortgages under certain conditions. Directs the Governor to require each Federal intermediate credit bank, Federal land bank, Federal land bank association, and production credit association to: (1) provide to its stockholders and members, at least annually and upon request, copies of its bylaws, current director and officer lists, and schedules of stockholder meetings; (2) conduct an annual financial audit of its accounts and each loan; and (3) hold an annual meeting of stockholders and members to consider a report on such audit. Limits the total amount of loans and credit that may be extended to any person by a FCS bank or association to the greater of: (1) $200,000; or (2) five percent of the total of all outstanding loans and credit extensions of the institution. Sets forth provisions governing Administration enforcement actions, including: (1) the issuance of cease and desist orders directed at institutions or persons conducting institution activities who engage in unsafe or unsound practices or violate applicable laws or Administration rules; (2) the removal or suspension of an FCS institution director or officer who engages in such a practice, violates such rules or such an order, or breaches his or her fiduciary duty; and (3) the prohibition against participation in institution affairs by a person, or the removal or suspension of an FCS institution director or officer, whose conduct results in a substantial financial loss or other damage to the institution and evidences either personal dishonesty or a negligent, willful, or continuing disregard for the safety and soundness of the institution and unfitness to participate in institution affairs; and (4) the suspension or removal of a director or officer charged or convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or breach of trust. Sets forth penalties for violations of cease and desist orders or regulations issued under this Act. Provides for notice and Administration hearings for, and judicial review and enforcement of, such actions. Requires forfeiture of all rights, privileges, and franchises by any FCS institution whose directors knowingly violate, or knowingly permit any person participating in institution affairs to violate, the Farm Credit Act of 1971 as determined by a U.S. district court in a suit brought by the Administration. Provides that any institution director or officer who knowingly violates or permits the violation of such act shall be held personally liable for all damages that the institution, its stockholders, or other persons sustain as a result of such violation. Grants the Administration subpoena power in connection with enforcement action proceedings under this Act. Repeals the authority of the Federal Farm Credit Board to require the merger of FCS associations. Authorizes the Governor to require two or more FCS institutions to merge if the merger would promote efficient and effective service to borrowers and if one or more of such institutions: (1) is insolvent or not financially viable; or (2) has failed to comply with an order issued under this Act or to conduct its operations in accordance with the Farm Credit Act of 1971. Directs the Comptroller General to audit FCS, evaluate the programs and activities authorized by such Act, and report the results to the Congress every three years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require Farm Credit System institutions to make the names of their members and stockholders available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of alternatives for providing agricultural credit for FY 1986 through 1989. Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees by October 31, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Aspartame Safety Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require foods and drugs containing aspartame to carry labeling indicating the amount of aspartame in such product and a warning that such product should not be used by infants. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from approving any additional uses for aspartame for one year or until specified research is completed. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies on the effect of the consumption of aspartame, such studies to be completed within one year. Directs the Secretary to establish a Clinical Adverse Reaction Committee on Aspartame to collect reports on individual reactions to the consumption of aspartame. Directs the Secretary to establish a toll-free number for collecting such reports.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the farmer-owned and farmer-controlled Farm Credit System should be maintained and assisted by the Government during this period of agricultural stress; and (2) the Farm Credit System leadership should work with the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration and the Secretary of Agriculture to provide the congressional Agriculture Committees with a report by September 10, 1985, on such System's ability to meet agricultural credit demands.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Milk Production and Marketing Act of 1985 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set milk price support levels at $11.60 per hundredweight for the period October 1, 1985, through December 31, 1987. Establishes permanent milk support levels based on purchase levels and previous year's support prices. Extends milk marketing assessment authority through 1987. Replaces the 50 cent per hundredweight assessment with an assessment not in excess of 50 cents per hundredweight. Transfers specified assessment funds to the Dairy Research Trust Fund and the Commodity Credit Corporation. Extends the milk diversion program through 1987. Limits the maximum amount of payments per producer to the sum of $100,000 and the aggregate amount of funds represented by the price reduction during such producer's contract. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from making any contract modifications that would result in aggregate annual marketing reductions of less than 4,000,000 pounds. Sets forth marketing history provisions for 1986 and 1987. Imposes a civil penalty upon a person who purchases one or more dairy cattle for slaughter and fails to slaughter such cattle within a reasonable time. Amends the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 to establish in the Department of Agriculture a National Dairy Research Endowment Institute to provide a permanent system for funding dairy market-expansion research activities. Establishes in the Treasury a Dairy Research Trust Fund. Extends through FY 1989: (1) the dairy indemnity program; and (2) the program authorizing dairy products to be transferred to the military and to veterans' hospitals. Makes authority permanent for: (1) milk producer-initiated marketing order amendment hearings; and (2) dairy base plans. States that the legal status of producer handlers of milk shall remain the same upon enactment of this Act as it was before such date. Prohibits the Secretary from purchasing milk or milk products from handlers who pay milk producers a price which: (1) is increased to reflect reductions; or (2) is not adjusted to reflect price support decreases. Amends the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 to provide for assessment payments by dairy importers. Increases the membership of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board from 36 to 37. Provides for importer membership. Provides for mandatory import relief for milk protein products. Provides that for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act a cheese substitute food shall be deemed misbranded if its label contains the word "cheese."
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Peanut Price Support Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize a price support program for the 1986 and succeeding peanut crops.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Fair Trade for Agriculture Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the President to determine, within 90 days of enactment, the foreign countries that impose nontariff trade barriers on imports of U.S. agricultural goods. Directs the President to publish a list of such countries within 120 days of enactment. Authorizes the President to revise such list. Authorizes any interested person to file with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) a petition alleging that a foreign country is imposing nontariff trade barriers on imports of U.S. agricultural goods that restrict U.S. commerce or impair the growth of markets in that country for such goods. Directs the USTR to determine whether the allegations are true and to inform the President of any such determination. Sets forth time limits on the actions by the USTR. Directs the President, within 60 days after it is determined that a country is imposing such trade barriers, to impose trade restrictions on U.S. imports of that country's products that will have an economic effect equivalent to the effect of such trade barriers, notwithstanding any trade agreement between the United States and that country. Requires the trade restrictions to remain in effect until the President, acting through the USTR, determines that the foreign country has removed the nontariff trade barriers. Sets forth the responsibilities of the USTR with respect to petitions for the imposition of reciprocal trade restrictions. Requires the President to publish in the Federal Register and report to the Congress: (1) the results of all determinations of the existence of foreign nontariff trade barriers; and (2) all actions taken to impose reciprocal trade restrictions. Provides for judicial review of determinations by the USTR with respect to the existence of nontariff trade barriers.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) food producers who permit gleaning of their fields and nonprofit organizations which glean fields and distribute the resulting harvest to help alleviate hunger should be commended for their efforts; and (2) State and local governments should be encouraged to offer tax and other incentives for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Provides for the expenditure or transfer of funds by the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture for the emergency prevention and control of grasshoppers and Mormon crickets on public lands.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1985
Provides for the expenditure or transfer of funds by the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture for the emergency prevention and control of grasshoppers and Mormon crickets on public lands.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1985
Repeals the provisional listing of color additives as permitted under the Color Additive Amendments of 1960.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1985
Repeals the provisional listing of color additives as permitted under the Color Additive Amendments of 1960.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1985
National Agricultural Policy Commission Act of 1985 - Establishes a National Commission on Agricultural Policy to study the structure, procedures, and methods of formulating and administering U.S. agricultural policies and programs. Requires annual reports to the President and to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates such Commission four years after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1985
Makes a supplemental FY 1985 appropriation to reimburse the Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation for net realized losses.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1985
Waives points of order against the consideration of H.R. 3037 (agriculture, rural development, and related agencies appropriations).
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) local control by farmer and rancher borrowers in the Farm Credit System should not be diminished; and (2) wide-scale consolidations and mergers of Federal land bank associations and production credit associations should not be pursued by the Farm Credit System or accomplished through coercive action such as the threat of liquidation of dissenting associations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985
Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates funds for FY 1986 for the following programs and services: (1) Office of the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration; (3) standard level user charges; (4) building operations and maintenance for the Washington, D.C., Agriculture building complex; (5) advisory committees; (6) departmental administration; (7) Working Capital Fund; (8) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Governmental and Public Affairs (including public affairs, legislative liaison, and intergovernmental affairs); (9) Office of the Inspector General; (10) Office of the General Counsel; (11) Economic Research Service; (12) Statistical Reporting Service; (13) World Agricultural Outlook Board; (14) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Science and Education; (15) Agricultural Research Service; (16) Cooperative State Research Service; (17) Extension Service; (18) National Agricultural Library; (19) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Inspection Services; (20) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (21) Food Safety and Inspection Service; (22) Federal Grain Inspection Service (with limitations on administrative expenses); (23) Agricultural Marketing Service (with limitations on administrative expenses, and including funds for strengthening markets, payments to States, and the Office of Transportation); (24) Packers and Stockyards Administration; (25) Office of the Under Secretary for International Affairs and Commodity Programs; (26) Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service; and (27) Dairy Indemnity Program. Authorizes specified amounts to be transferred from the Commodity Credit Corporation to support the General Sales Manager in expanding commodity sales abroad. 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) Office of Rural Development Policy; (2) Farmers Home Administration; (3) Rural Electrification Administration; (4) Soil Conservation Service; (5) Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service; and (6) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment. Title III: Domestic Food Programs - Appropriates funds for the: (1) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Food and Consumer Services; (2) Food and Nutrition Service, including the food stamp program; and (3) Human Nutrition Information Service. Title IV: International Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Foreign Agricultural Service; (2) Public Law 480 (financing the sale of agricultural commodities for convertible foreign currencies); and (3) the Office of International Cooperation and Development. Title V: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Food and Drug Administration; (2) the 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. Prohibits the use of funds for production payments to recipients who harvest marihuana or other prohibited drug-producing plants for illegal use. Limits the amount of transfers to the Working Capital Fund for the purpose of accumulating growth capital for data services and National Finance Center operations. Limits the amounts that may be charged against such Fund for personal compensation. Prohibits the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce any regulation which has been disapproved pursuant to any resolution of disapproval. Provides that the certificates of beneficial ownership sold by the Farmers Home Administration in connection with specified insurance funds shall not be less than 75 percent of the value of loans closed during the fiscal year. Prohibits the use of funds to carry out any activity related to phasing out the Resource Conservation and Development Program. Prohibits the use of funds to prevent or interfere with the right and obligation of the Commodity Credit Corporation to sell surplus agricultural commodities in world trade at competitive prices. Authorizes the provision of specified commodities to individuals in cases of hardship. Prohibits the payment of any funds out of the Treasury to any private individual or corporation in satisfaction of a loan guarantee entered into by a Federal agency or corporation with respect to loans made and credits extended to the Polish People's Republic, unless: (1) the Republic has been declared to be in default of its debt to such individual or corporation; or (2) the President has provided a monthly written report to specified congressional leaders justifying any such payments during the previous month. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to initiate construction on not less than 20 new projects under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act and not less than five new projects under the Flood Control Act. Prohibits appropriations under any Act from being used to relocate the Hawaii State Office of the Farmers Home Administration from Hilo, Hawaii, to Honolulu, Hawaii. Exempts Department of Agriculture veterinarians from certain personal service contract restrictions. Prohibits employee reductions below specified levels for the Farmers Home Administration, the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, and the Soil Conservation Service. Authorizes funds to be used for a one-year contract which is to be performed in two fiscal years if such contract's total amount is obligated in the same year for which the funds are appropriated. States that appropriations shall be applied only to the objects for which the appropriations were made, unless otherwise provided by law.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985
Makes a supplemental appropriation for FY 1985 to the Department of Agriculture to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for net realized losses.
United States · United States Senate · 17 July 1985
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1985
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to allow a specified percentage of educational loans (higher education or handicapped schooling) as an income deduction for purposes of food stamp program participation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) local control by farmer and rancher borrowers in the Farm Credit System should not be diminished; and (2) wide-scale consolidations and mergers of Federal land bank associations and production credit associations should not be pursued by the Farm Credit System or accomplished through coercive action such as the threat of liquidation of dissenting associations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1985
Makes a supplemental appropriation for FY 1985 to the Department of Agriculture to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for net realized losses.
United States · United States Senate · 11 July 1985
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set price support levels for the 1986 through 1989 sugarcane and sugar beet crops.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to release the State of New York from the "public-purposes-only" condition on a land conveyance of specified lands in Allegany County, New York. Releases U.S. mineral rights in such lands to such State. Requires New York State to convey specified lands to the Bellville Wesleyan Church, Caneadea, New York, and to reimburse the United States for the mineral rights.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from in any way funding the discharge of agricultural wastewaters from the Central Valley Project into the Pacific Ocean at either Morro or Monterey Bay, California.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Tobacco Program Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set the 1985 support price for Burley tobacco at $1.449 per pound. Sets the price support level for any kind of tobacco (other than Flue-cured and Burley) for which marketing quotas are in effect or not disapproved by producers at the preceding year's price, plus or minus the amount by which the current crop's price is greater or less than the preceding year's price, as such difference may be adjusted by the Secretary of Agriculture. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce the support level if requested by a producer association. Sets the price support level for the 1986 and subsequent crops of Flue-cured and Burley tobacco at the preceding year's level, plus or minus an adjustment of 65 percent to 100 percent of the total of: (1) two-thirds of the amount by which 95 percent of the previous five years' average marketing price is greater or less than the preceding year's support price; and (2) one-third of the change in the index of prices paid by tobacco farmers during the previous calendar year. Repeals the provision authorizing the Secretary to reduce price supports for certain low quality grades of Flue-cured tobacco. Requires Flue-cured and Burley tobacco purchasers to pay to the appropriate associations assessments on all purchases of such tobacco marketed by a producer from a farm. States that such assessments shall be determined so that producers and purchasers share equally in maintaining association funds. Requires assessments to be collected from: (1) the person acquiring the tobacco; (2) the warehouseman or agent if the tobacco is marketed through such person; or (3) the producer on sales (by the producer) to a person outside the United States. Subjects persons who fail to collect and remit such assessment to a penalty. Provides for: (1) notice and hearing opportunity; and (2) U.S. district court review. Provides that for the 1986 and subsequent Burley crops assessment shall be determined without regard to any losses the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) may sustain with respect to the 1983 Burley crop. Directs the CCC to acquire and dispose of surplus Flue-cured and Burley tobacco inventories. States that such tobacco shall not be offered for sale for processing into manufactured tobacco products, or entered into either the domestic or foreign tobacco trade for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to include poultry and the live poultry trade within the purview of such Act. Gives poultry growers and cash sellers who have not received full payment from specified large poultry dealers or packers a beneficial interest in all poultry products and proceeds from their poultry until full payment has been made by such growers or sellers. States that payment shall not be considered to have been made if the seller or grower receives a payment instrument which is dishonored. Requires the seller or grower in such instance to preserve his interest as provided for by this Act. Requires full payment by the next business day in a cash sale and within seven days following the week of slaughter in a poultry growing arrangement. Permits the parties to modify such payment schedules. Makes a delay in fund collection in order to extend the payment period an unfair practice under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Tobacco Program Improvement Act of 1985 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set the 1985 support price for Burley tobacco at $1.449 per pound. Sets the price support level for any kind of tobacco (other than Flue-cured and Burley) for which marketing quotas are in effect or not disapproved by producers at the preceding year's price, plus or minus the amount by which the current crop's price is greater or less than the preceding year's price, as such difference may be adjusted by the Secretary of Agriculture. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce the support level if requested by a producer association. Sets the price support level for the 1986 and subsequent crops of Flue-cured and Burley tobacco at the preceding year's level, plus or minus an adjustment of 65 percent to 100 percent of the total of: (1) two-thirds of the amount by which 95 percent of the previous five years' average marketing price is greater or less than the preceding year's support price; and (2) one-third of the change in the index of prices paid by tobacco farmers during the previous calendar year. Repeals the provision authorizing the Secretary to reduce price supports for certain low quality grades of Flue-cured tobacco. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to establish reserve tobacco stock levels for: (1) Flue-cured at the greater of 100,000,000 pounds or 15 percent of such tobacco's national marketing quota; and (2) Burley at the greater of 50,000,000 pounds or 15 percent of such tobacco's national marketing quota. Requires the Secretary to set the national marketing quota for Flue-cured and Burley at between 103 percent and 97 percent of the total of: (1) the aggregate of projected cigarette purchases; (2) the previous three years' average annual exports; and (3) the amount of tobacco the Secretary determines necessary to increase or decrease producer association inventories to maintain such inventories at reserve stock levels. Limits downward adjustments in the national Burley marketing quota to the greater of: (1) 35,000,000 pounds; or (2) 50 percent of the amount by which total Burley inventories of a producer association exceed reserve stock levels. Requires cigarette manufacturers to submit to the Secretary an annual confidential projection of the amount of Flue-cured and Burley tobacco they intend to buy at auction or from producers during the succeeding marketing year. Directs the Secretary to establish the projection if a manufacturer fails to provide such information. Subjects Department of Agriculture officers or employees to loss of office and fines or imprisonment for violations of such confidentiality provisions. Reduces the amount of Flue-cured and Burley tobacco that may be marketed without penalty from 110 percent to 103 percent of the farm marketing quota. Establishes the annual marketing quota announcement date for: (1) Burley tobacco as February 1; and (2) other tobacco as March 1. Requires cigarette manufacturers to submit to the Secretary on a confidential basis at the end of each marketing year the amount of Flue-cured and Burley tobacco purchases during such year. Subjects manufacturers to a penalty (twice the per pound assessment times the amount by which purchases are less than 90 percent of projected purchases) for failure to purchase at least 90 percent of their Burley and Flue-cured projected purchases. Exempts individual manufacturers from such penalty if aggregate manufacturer purchases equal at least 90 percent of overall projected purchases. Requires penalties to be transmitted to the appropriate associations for deposit in the No Net Cost Fund or Account. Requires Flue-cured and Burley tobacco purchasers to pay to the appropriate associations assessments on all purchases of such tobacco marketed by a producer from a farm. States that such assessments shall be determined so that producers and purchasers share equally in maintaining association Funds. Requires assessments to be collected from: (1) the person acquiring the tobacco; (2) the warehouseman or agent if the tobacco is marketed through such person; or (3) the producer on sales (by the producer) to a person outside the United States. Subjects persons who fail to collect and remit such assessment to a penalty. Provides for: (1) notice and hearing opportunity; and (2) U.S. district court review. Provides that for the 1986 and subsequent Burley crops assessments shall be determined without regard to any losses the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) may sustain with respect to the 1983 Burley Crop. Provides with regard to inventory purchases that: (1) 1976 through 1984 Flue-cured stocks shall be offered for sale at the base prices (including carrying charges) in effect on the offer date, reduced by 90 percent for 1976 through 1981 tobacco, and ten percent for 1982 through 1984 tobacco; and (2) 1982 Burley stocks shall be offered for sale at the July 1, 1985 price, and 1984 stocks shall be offered for sale at the associations' costs as of the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the CCC, with regard to the 1983 Burley crop, to: (1) take title to such crop held by the associations by calling in the loans on such tobacco; (2) offer such crop for sale as the CCC deems appropriate; and (3) offer any stocks remaining two years after such loan call-in at the associations' costs on the loan call date, reduced by 90 percent. Authorizes cigarette manufacturers to purchase tobacco inventories over an eight-year period for Flue-cured tobacco and a five-year period for Burley tobacco. Requires the Secretary to approve purchase agreements. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies of: (1) the tobacco grading system; and (2) the feasibility of establishing grades to designate disaster-affected crops, including price support adjustment authority. Directs the Secretary to establish a related advisory committee. Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees. Amends the Tobacco Inspection Act to authorize the Secretary to invest tobacco inspection fees to cover the cost of related services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Farm Credit System Review Commission Act of 1985 - Establishes the Farm Credit System Review Commission to study the Farm Credit System structure and recommend any appropriate changes. Requires the Commission to submit to each House of the Congress an interim report by March 31, 1986, and a final report by June 30, 1986. Terminates the Commission 60 days after submission of such final report. Establishes a 90-day moratorium on specified association mergers under the Farm Credit Act of 1971.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1985
Sets forth a permanent formula for determining livestock grazing fees on public rangelands in the 16 contiguous Western States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1985
Seafood Marketing Councils Act - Provides for the creation of seafood marketing councils to promote the consumption of fish and fish products. Requires council applications to be in the form of a proposed charter, which must include certain information such as the fish and fish products planned to be marketed and promoted, and the sectors (geographic areas) that will be represented by the proposed council. Places certain organizational restrictions on the councils. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (the Administrator) to determine the suitability of a proposed charter within 30 days after submission. Requires a referendum to be held, and 50 percent or more of the fish and fish products' value of an area to be represented by sector participants who approve the charter, before the Administrator can establish the council and approve the proposed charter. Provides for the appointment of council members to a newly established council. Outlines various functions of a council, including the preparation and submission to the Administrator for review of a plan for marketing, promotion, and consumer education of the fish and fish products represented by a council. Prohibits any such plan from containing any references to any private brand or trade name or from using deceptive acts with respect to the quality, value, or use of competing products. Outlines powers of a council, including that of adopting standards relating to the quality of fish and fish products and the sector operating procedures of the council. Requires such standards to be adopted by a majority of the council and implemented by the Administrator. Enumerates specified duties of the Administrator with respect to the review and regulation of marketing and promotion plans submitted by the councils. Requires NOAA employees to maintain the confidentiality of all books and records opened to them by each council. Provides fines and penalties for any individual violating such confidentiality. Directs a council to impose such assessments as necessary to carry out functions. Directs such assessments to be imposed on sector participants in the receiving sector, or the importing sector, or both, as approved in the council charter. Directs the Administrator to assist each council in the determination and implementation of such assessments. Allows any person subjected to an assessment to petition the Administrator for a review and ruling on the validity of such assessment. Gives an appropriate U.S. district court jurisdiction to review such rulings. Establishes in the Treasury a Seafood Marketing Fund for making payments to carry out the annual marketing and promotion plans and annual budgets of the councils. Requires assessments and revenues from investments to be deposited in such Fund. Outlines administrative procedures for the voluntary termination of a council. Provides civil penalties for any person violating any provision of any order or regulation issued by the Administrator under this Act. Outlines procedures for review of any such penalties levied upon an individual. Authorizes the Administrator to make any necessary investigations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides the Administrator with other administrative powers. Allows the Administrator to obtain enforcement of such powers with the aid of any U.S. court. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1985
Federal Imported Meat Standards Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to prohibit the importation of live animals or meat produced using chemicals or drugs prohibited for use in the United States. Authorizes the President to make exceptions to prevent serious damage to U.S. exports of agricultural products providing the Congress is given ten days' notice of such intent. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to initiate negotiations to develop an international agreement regarding the use of antibiotics and drugs in the production of food.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Amends the Federal Land Policy and Managment Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to issue permanent easements, without reimbursement, for specified water systems in operation before October 21, 1976, which traverse National Forest System lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter, repair, and assess costs against the holder of any right-of-way which has been allowed to deteriorate.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue an order to revoke an exemption from the tolerance requirements for a pesticide chemical in or on a raw agricultural commodity and establish a tolerance for such chemical, or revoke a tolerance if it is determined that such action is necessary to prevent an imminent hazard to the public health. Makes such an order effective upon its issuance and requires its publication in the Federal Register. Sets forth provisions for a public hearing on such order. States that the effective date of any such order shall not be delayed during administrative or judicial review. Prohibits judicial review until completion of a hearing. Declares that Federal rule making procedures shall apply to rules to amend regulations establishing, revoking, or exempting tolerances, except that the Administrator may allow informal hearings on such rules. Sets forth revocation procedures, if it is determined that residues of a pesticide chemical permitted by a tolerance established under such regulations may not be safe. Includes among the factors to be considered in promulgating regulations establishing tolerances: (1) the potential acute and chronic health hazards which may result from exposure to residues of a pesticide chemical; and (2) the synergistic effect upon health of combining certain pesticide residues in or on raw agricultural commodities. Requires the Administrator to establish tolerances at zero level for pesticides determined not to have any residues in or on raw agricultural commodities. Prohibits the Administrator from exempting a pesticide chemical from the necessity of a tolerance on the ground that there is no practical method of detecting its residues or that the pesticide does not leave residues on agricultural commodities. Revises provisions with respect to persons who may petition for the registration of a pesticide to conform to provisions of this Act. Sets forth provisions for the Administrator to revoke a regulation if it is found that false, misleading, or inaccurate information was submitted in connection with its promulgation. Provides that tolerances or exemptions established as a result of postponements shall not remain in effect for more than 180 days. Requires the Administrator, during the four years after enactment of this Act, to conduct a survey of the information available on the aforementioned additional factors for establishing pesticide tolerances to determine: (1) if such information was submitted in connection with a proceeding to establish a tolerance; and (2) if such information was derived from well-conducted studies and is consistent with sound scientific principles. Sets forth revocation procedures for tolerances resulting in unfavorable determinations. Requires the Administrator within 180 days of enactment of this Act, to review the pesticide exemptions in effect to determine: (1) if there is any practical method of detecting such pesticide residues in or on raw agricultural commodities; (2) if such pesticide leaves any residue in or on such commodities; or (3) if such residues are safe. Sets forth revocation procedures. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct random samplings of raw agricultural commodities imported into the United States to determine if the amounts of pesticide residues on such commodities meet Federal standards. Sets forth procedures for the Administrator if the use of a pesticide chemical is cancelled, suspended, or voluntarily withdrawn under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to pesticide tolerances to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Amends the Farm Credit Act to allow the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration to reduce temporarily the capital requirements of a bank or association.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to authorize the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration to provide capital worth certificates as partial payment for the purchase of foreclosed farmland or farmland mortgages. Terminates such authority on December 31, 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Federal Meat Import Labeling Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require imported meat to be labeled with its country of origin and to be examined and inspected at the port of entry. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to assess fees to cover costs. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of requiring eating establishments to inform customers that imported meat is being served.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1985
Farm Credit Capital Assistance Act - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to permit the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration to temporarily: (1) reduce the capital requirements of a bank or association; and (2) provide capital worth certificates as partial payment for the purchase of foreclosed farmland or farmland mortgages. Amends the Garn-St Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982 to postpone from three to six years after enactment of such Act the prospective repeal of certain provisions of the National Housing Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1985
Agricultural Commodity Uses Research Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a five-year matching funds research program to develop new nonfood uses for agricultural commodities normally used as food or livestock feed. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1990 appropriations. Requires funds from such appropriations to be used for an agricultural commodity uses research center at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1985
Wetland Conservation Act of 1985 - Makes persons who convert wetland to crop production ineligible for: (1) price support benefits; (2) crop insurance; (3) farm storage loans; (4) disaster payments; and (5) other Farmers Home Administration loans. Exempts: (1) land converted before enactment of this Act; (2) loans made before enactment of this Act; and (3) a producer who did not know that the land was converted wetland. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) consult with the Secretary of the Interior in identifying wetland and converted wetland; and (2) establish an appeal procedure for persons adversely affected by any determination made under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to use the services of local, county, and State agricultural committees. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1985
Dairy Unity Act of 1985 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend milk price supports for FY 1986 through 1990. Sets the preliminary support price as the product of $8.83 per hundred weight and the adjusted cost of production index (as formulated under this Act). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish such support level on October 1 of each year. Directs the Secretary to provide for a support reduction if a milk diversion program is in effect. Extends milk diversion authority through FY 1990. Authorizes reductions if estimated purchases are between 5,000,000,000 pounds and 7,000,000,000 pounds, and requires them if such estimates exceed 7,000,000,000 pounds. Provides a civil penalty for a person who purchases one or more dairy cattle for slaughter and fails to slaughter such cattle within a reasonable time. Expresses the sense of the Congress that two years after the date of enactment of this Act the congressional agricultural committees should make an evaluation of the cost of production index. Amends the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 to establish in the Department of Agriculture a National Dairy Research Endowment Institute to provide a permanent system for funding dairy market-expansion research activities. Establishes in the Treasury a Dairy Research Trust Fund. Extends through FY 1990: (1) the dairy indemnity program; and (2) the program authorizing dairy products to be transferred to the military and to veterans' hospitals. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to set forth minimum price adjustments for fluid milk marketing orders. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to extend seasonal production adjustment authority through FY 1990. Authorizes: (1) marketwide service payments; and (2) cooperative association representation. States that the legal status of producer milk handlers under the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, shall be the same after enactment of this Act as it was before such date.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1985
Agricultural Land Value Stabilization Act of 1985 - Determines the value of agricultural land using ten-year averages of yield, prices, and costs (agricultural value). States that, for loan purposes, the agricultural value of land shall not be less than the agricultural use component of the value of the land. Authorizes conditional cancellation of Farmers Home Administration loan amounts in excess of such agricultural value. Permits interest repayment on the remaining loan amount at the lesser of original or current rates. Prohibits: (1) the sale of Government-owned agricultural land at less than agricultural value; and (2) the lease of such land for growing any crops which sold at less than full parity price during the preceeding year. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make purchase loans available to owners or operators in areas where the fair market value of land is less than its agricultural value. Directs the Secretary, upon the request of the borrower, to offer to purchase an institution-held loan if such institution is placed in bankruptcy or receivership, or if it forecloses on an outstanding loan. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a loan to the borrower if the institution does not accept such loan purchase offer.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1985
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use market purchases, loan settlements, and acreage reductions to reduce Government commodity program costs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1985 - Title I: Reorganization Within Department of Agriculture - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Rural Development Administration, which shall be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Renames the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) the Farm Administration. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to nonprofit institutions to establish rural technology development centers to seek to improve rural economic conditions. Permits the Secretary to provide employment related technical assistance in economically depressed rural areas. Authorizes grants for up to 75 percent of the administrative cost of rural development projects incurred by organizations and public bodies. Directs the Secretary to carry out provisions of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, except for specified loan provisions, through the Rural Development Administration. States that titles V (Rural Development and Small Farm Research and Education) and VI (Miscellaneous) of the Rural Development Act of 1972 shall be carried out through the Rural Development Administration. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to expand the number of designated assistance areas from 225 to 450. Transfers certain conservation loan programs from the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) to the Soil Conservation Service. Makes conforming amendments to specified agricultural and rural affairs Acts. Title II: Administration of Federal Rural Housing and Community Development Programs - Transfers to the Rural Development Administration all functions of the Farmers Home Administration relating to: (1) the FmHA loan program; and (2) certain trusts that may be established under the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act. Title III: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 1383 (agricultural innovations).
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1985
Older Americans Food Stamp Reform Act of 1985 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to permit elderly or disabled food stamp recipients to use food stamps at restaurants (currently limited to private establishments that contract with the State agency and provide concession-price meals). Permits recipients who are unable to purchase and prepare their own meals to be considered as a separate household regardless of the income level of the caretaker family. Allows an elderly or disabled recipient to deduct as a medical expense the excess costs of a physician-advised special diet. Makes supplemental security income and aid to families with dependent children recipients categorically eligible for food stamps. Makes the monthly medical expense threshold the lesser of $35 or five percent of gross income (currently $35 a month). Raises financial resource ceilings from: (1) $1500 to $2250 for nonelderly households; and (2) $3000 to $3500 for elderly households. Authorizes recipients to maintain separate burial funds of up to $1500. Requires (50 percent reimbursed) outreach programs for the elderly and disabled. Provides for food stamp program and application information to be available at Social Security Administration offices.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1985
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee Act of 1985 - Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to permit a county committee, by majority vote, to petition the Secretary of Agriculture to change the number of local areas in a county. Directs the Secretary to make such change, except that the number of such areas (from which agricultural stabilization and conservation committees are elected) shall not be fewer than existed as of December 31, 1980. Requires with regard to such committees that: (1) all members, as of January 1, 1986, be elected to three-year terms; and (2) they meet at least four times a year. Sets forth committee duties and makes them effective as of January 1, 1986. Provides that if there is an increase in a county's local areas and local committees as a result of this Act, any member of a local committee elected before January 1, 1986, shall reserve the unexpired portion of his or her term of the committee for the area in which he or she resides. Expands the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to use local and county committees. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to require the Secretary to pay: (1) travel expenses for members of State, county, and local committees; and (2) hourly compensation for work actually performed by county members (at GS-11 rate) and by local members (at GS-9 rate).