Agriculture

Optimal Grain Grading Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1986

Optimal Grain Grading Act of 1986 - Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to define the objectives of U.S. grain policy as: (1) defining uniform terms in order to facilitate grain marketing; (2) providing information on grain storability; (3) offering users end-product information; and (4) creating market place incentives for grain quality improvement. Establishes an "optimal grade" (for grain) based on minimal amounts of foreign material, and damaged and broken grain. Measures other grain by the deviation from such standard. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service to: (1) conduct a study of the need for and the availability of uniform end-use value tests for grain; (2) revise inspection and certification procedures accordingly; and (3) report to the Congress within one year.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to modify cross compliance requirements for producers of extra long staple cotton.

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1986

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to modify cross-compliance requirements for producers of extra-long staple cotton.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to modify cross compliance requirements for producers of extra long staple cotton, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1986

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to modify cross-compliance requirements for producers of extra-long staple cotton.

Agriculture and Timber Products Shipper Protection Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1986

Agriculture and Timber Products Shipper Protection Act of 1986 - Delineates the essential terms of an agricultural commodities transportation contract which must be made available to the general public in tariff format. Deems any subsequent changes to such terms to be a new contract for purposes of this Act. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission to promulgate within 60 days after enactment of this Act regulations which require such essential contract terms to be made available to the general public in tariff format. Extends from 30 days to 60 days the deadline for filing a complaint against a shipping contract. Directs the railroad contract rate advisory service to: (1) assess the impact on competition among agricultural shippers of contract rate variations for various shipments and published single car rates; and (2) report to the Congress within 120 days after the enactment date of this Act. Prohibits certain rail carriers from requiring of any shipper a minimum number of more than 750 cars annually for timber products' transportation.

Temporary Emergency Grain Storage Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1986

Temporary Emergency Grain Storage Act of 1986 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, where Commodity Credit Corporation-approved grain storage facilities are insufficient, to pay for on-farm storage at rates consistent with commercial facilities. Terminates such authority on May 1, 1987 (with a one-year extension available). Directs the Secretary, whenever demand for Corporation-approved storage exceeds capacity, to utilize rail cars, barges, and other temporary storage facilities. Permits in-kind payment of such storage costs.

A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer sufficient funds from amounts authorized for guaranteed loans to amounts authorized for insured loans to meet the continuing need for such insured loans.

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1986

Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer specified funds from guaranteed loan authorizations to insured loan authorizations if authorizations for insured loans fall below a specified level.

Surplus Commodities Donation Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1986

Surplus Commodities Donation Act of 1986 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make surplus basic agricultural commodities available without charge to producers of the 1986 crop of such commodities in designated disaster areas.

A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer sufficient funds from amounts authorized for guaranteed loans to amounts authorized for insured loans to meet the continuing need for such insured loans.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1986

Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer specified funds from guaranteed loan authorizations to insured loan authorizations if authorizations for insured loans fall below a specified level.

A bill to provide emergency assistance to farmers and ranchers adversely affected by this year's drought and excessively hot weather.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1986

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make available at no cost to farmers and ranchers in drought disaster areas (as defined by this Act) surplus Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) commodities (including transportation costs) for emergency livestock or poultry feed. Directs the Secretary to use specified regulations issued under the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to determine feed needs and commodity amounts. Makes such assistance available until the earlier of the period beginning three days after enactment of this Act and ending March 31, 1987, or the date, as determined by the Secretary, on which the emergency no longer exists. Directs the Secretary to make emergency livestock and poultry feed assistance available under section 1105 of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to farmers and ranchers in drought disaster areas. Provides for in-kind reimbursement from CCC stocks. Directs the Secretary to permit any 1986 drought-affected producer of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, or rice who is participating in specified acreage reduction programs under the Agricultural Act of 1949 to devote such acreage to hay or grazing without regard to certain limitations imposed by such Act. Directs the President, in carrying out on emergency assistance program under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, to require the Secretary to implement an emergency hay program, including paying 80 percent of transportation costs. Stipulates that such program shall be undertaken only if the Secretary determines, after consultation with the Governor and other State officials, that: (1) available stocks of hay are insufficient; and (2) emergency feed assistance and additional haying and grazing acreage will be insufficient to prevent substantial livestock loss or herd liquidations. Makes such emergency feed assistance and additional haying and grazing provisions effective 15 days after enactment of this Act. States that such assistance shall be available until the earlier of March 30, 1987, or the date, as determined by the Secretary, on which the emergency no longer exists. Directs the Secretary to make disaster payments in-kind to requesting producers of 1986 wheat, feed grain, upland cotton, rice, soybean, and peanut crops in drought areas. Limits aggregate payments to any one producer to $100,000. Prohibits reductions in the price received by milk producers in drought areas for the period beginning August 16, 1986, and ending November 15, 1986. Increases such reductions during the period beginning November 16, 1986, and ending September 30, 1987, in order to make up for such prohibited price reductions. Directs the Secretary to make cost-sharing payments (at least 50 percent) available in drought areas for: (1) conservation measures designed to prevent soil erosion due to loss of vegetative cover; and (2) reestablishment of stands of pine trees. Provides for in-kind cost-sharing payments. Makes such assistance available during the period beginning 15 days after enactment of this Act and ending March 30, 1987. Authorizes the Secretary, in making in-kind payments, to use commodities owned by the CCC, or pledged to the CCC, as loan security. Permits such payments to be made by: (1) warehouse delivery; (2) transfer of negotiable warehouse receipts; (3) issuance of negotiable commodity certificates; or (4) other appropriate methods. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture should: (1) establish a coordinating mechanism within the Department of Agriculture to coordinate Federal assistance; (2) ensure that Government and voluntary agencies, and the farmers and ranchers, in each natural disaster area are provided a single contact person or unit for Federal assistance, and that a similar contact is provided for assistance from outside such areas; and (3) consult with the Governor and other appropriate State officials concerning the disaster needs of affected farmers and ranchers.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture maintain the $5.02 per bushel loan rate for soybeans.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1986

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture shall: (1) institute a marketing loan program for soybeans as authorized in the Food Security Act of 1985; and (2) maintain the soybean price support loan rate at $5.02 per bushel.

A bill to amend the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to require the Commodity Credit Corporation to pay rates for the storage of grain on farms that is no less than the rates the Corporation pays for storage of grain in commercial storage facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1986

Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to direct the Commodity Credit Corporation to pay on-farm grain storage rates at not less than commercial rates.

Agricultural Export Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1986

Agricultural Export Act of 1986 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985, effective for the period ending September 30, 1988, to provide that under the export enhancement program the Secretary of Agriculture shall: (1) permit participation by all traditional foreign purchasers of U.S. agricultural commodities who maintain trade relations with the United States; and (2) give priority to foreign purchasers who have traditionally purchased such commodities and continue to purchase at historic levels, or who begin to purchase in quantities greater than previous purchase levels. Directs the Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, to use commodities with a cumulative value of not less than $667,000,000 to carry out such program through FY 1987. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress within 30 days of the end of FY 1986 if less than $333,000,000 of program commodities are used in FY 1986. Requires such report to: (1) make recommendations for increasing program participation; and (2) list nonparticipating traditional foreign purchasers and explanations for such nonparticipation.

Farm Program Improvements Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1986

Farm Program Improvements Act of 1986 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to permit agricultural price support loan repayments for the 1987 crops of wheat and feed grains at the lesser of the original level or current regional or State daily average market prices. Provides that for the 1987 wheat crop: (1) the established price shall not be less than $4.40 per bushel for the first 15,000 bushels of a person's production, and $4.00 for each additional bushel; and (2) such payments shall not be made to any producer with a wheat acreage base of less than 15 acres. Provides that for the 1987 corn crop: (1) the established price shall not be less than $3.05 per bushel for the first 30,000 bushels of a person's production, and $2.75 per bushel for each additional bushel; and (2) such payments shall not be made to any producer with a feed grain acreage base for each commodity of less than 15 acres.

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate commending the compassionate assistance extended to Southeast farmers by other Americans.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1986

Commends farmers and government leaders for their public-spirited efforts to alleviate the suffering of Southeastern farmers.

Processed Products Inspection Improvement Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1986

Processed Products Inspection Improvement Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to redescribe the manner and frequency of inspection of meat food products to include the requirement that the Secretary of Agriculture take into account for each establishment: (1) the nature and frequency of processing operations; (2) the adequacy and reliability of processing controls and sanitary procedures; and (3) the history of inspection compliance. Changes the requirement that condemned meat food products be destroyed for "food purposes," to a requirement that they be destroyed for "human food purposes." Authorizes a court, upon the Secretary of Agriculture's request, to issue a temporary order forbidding operational control of a facility subject to Federal inspection by any person convicted of a felony involving intentional adulteration of food, extortion, or bribery, if control by such person would pose a threat to public health or safety or a clear likelihood of significant economic harm to consumers. Authorizes the Secretary to commence civil actions for inspection suspensions in cases of: (1) repeated offenses; and (2) assaults or threats of assault on inspectors. Provides for judicial review of such suspension in courts of appeal. Provides that amendments made by this Act shall not be construed to authorize the Secretary to refuse to provide inspection solely because an establishment does not participate in a total plant quality-control program. Expresses the sense of the Congress that it should evaluate the effects of this Act eight years after its enactment.

A bill to authorize the construction by the Secretary of Agriculture of a salinity laboratory at Riverside, California.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1986

Authorizes appropriations for the construction, by the Secretary of Agriculture acting through the Agricultural Research Service, of a salinity laboratory at Riverside, California. Allows moneys appropriated under this Act to remain available without fiscal year limitation.

A resolution waiving certain points of order against consideration of the bill (H.R. 5177) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1987, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1986

Waives points of order against the consideration of H.R. 5177 (Agriculture, Rural Development, and related agencies appropriations).

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the President should take immediate steps to increase U.S. agricultural exports.

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1986

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President is encouraged to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide Commodity Credit Corporation agricultural stocks as bonuses for agricultural export sales under the Export Enhancement Program, and to pursue negotiations aimed at increasing such overseas sales.

A bill making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1987, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1986

Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates funds for FY 1987 for the following programs and services: (1) Office of the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration; (3) rental payments; (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; (9) Office of Governmental and Public Affairs; (10) Office of the Inspector General; (11) Office of the General Counsel; (12) Economic Research Service and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Economics; (13) Statistical Reporting Service; (14) World Agricultural Outlook Board; (15) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Science and Education; (16) Agricultural Research Service; (17) Cooperative State Research Service; (18) Extension Service; (19) National Agricultural Library; (20) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Inspection Services; (21) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (22) Food Safety and Inspection Service; (23) Federal Grain Inspection Service; (24) Agricultural Cooperative Service; (25) Agricultural Marketing Service (with limitations on administrative expenses, and including funds for strengthening markets, payments to States, and the Office of Transportation); (26) Packers and Stockyards Administration; (27) Office of the Under Secretary for International Affairs and Commodity Programs; (28) Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service; and (29) 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. Directs the Commodity Credit Corporation to make specified amounts available for short-term and intermediate export credit. Title II: Rural Development Programs - Appropriates funds for rural development assistance as follows: (1) Office of the Under Secretary for Small Community and Rural Development; (2) Farmers Home Administration; (3) Rural Electrification Administration; (4) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment; (5) Soil Conservation Service (including watershed and flood prevention programs; and (6) Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. 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); (3) the Office of International Cooperation and Development; and (4) scientific activities overseas. 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 65 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. Prohibits the use of funds to restrict the authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation to lease jointly-occupied space for its own use or on behalf of other Department of Agriculture agencies.

Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Improvement Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1986

Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Improvement Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct examinations and inspection of meat, poultry, and egg processing establishments in such a manner and with such frequency as the Secretary determines appropriate, based on the establishment's history of inspection compliance, nature of processing operations, and reliability of product monitoring.

Rural Electrification Credit Assistance Improvement Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1986

Rural Electrification Credit Assistance Improvement Act of 1986 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to change the interest rate on insured loans from five percent to the cost of Treasury borrowing as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires an insured loan borrower to demonstrate that he or she: (1) is unable to obtain credit elsewhere at reasonable rates; and (2) has a plan for obtaining sufficient future equity. Provides for a loan fee of not more than one percent. Repeals: (1) the prohibition on guaranteed loan fees; (2) the interest rate ceiling. Requires a guaranteed loan borrower to demonstrate that he or she: (1) is unable to obtain credit elsewhere at reasonable rates; and (2) in the case of an electric power facility, has considered alternatives for meeting power requirements, including purchasing power from other sources. Provides for a loan fee not in excess of administrative expenses and probable losses arising from such assistance. Authorizes a borrower to apply to the Federal Financing Bank for a guaranteed loan if such assistance is unavailable through private institutions. Requires (currently the Act authorizes) the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration to request an insured or guaranteed loan applicant to accept a partial loan from another source (at reasonable rates) concurrently with such Administration assistance.

Farm Family Emergency Protection Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1986

Farm Family Emergency Protection Act of 1986 - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Office of Emergency Aid for Farm Families to: (1) evaluate and approve State plans for emergency services to eligible farm families; (2) make payments for such programs; (3) coordinate such services with existing assistance; and (4) maintain records and report annually to the Congress. Bases a State's payment allotment on the number of farms in the State compared to the number of farms in all States needing such assistance. Authorizes the use of such assistance for: (1) medical assistance; (2) social services; (3) employment assistance; and (4) nutrition assistance. Terminates such assistance authority five years after enactment of this Act. Limits the payment period to three years. Authorizes appropriations.

Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Improvement Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1986

Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Improvement Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct examinations and inspection of meat, poultry, and egg processing establishments in such a manner and with such frequency as the Secretary determines appropriate, based on the establishment's history of inspection compliance, nature of processing operations, and reliability of product monitoring.

Bovine Growth Hormone Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1986

Bovine Growth Hormone Study Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from approving the use of bovine growth hormone in dairy cattle until an environmental impact statement and impact analyses on milk production and price supports are provided to the Congress.

Farm Mortgage Marketing Corporation Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1986

Farm Mortgage Marketing Corporation Act of 1986 - Establishes the Farm Mortgage Marketing Corporation. Provides for a five-member Board of Directors. Authorizes the Corporation, with specified limitations, to buy farm mortgages from qualified agricultural lenders and dispose of such mortgages through security issues. Prohibits the Corporation from buying a mortgage unless: (1) the seller retains at least a ten-percent participation in the mortgage, or agrees to replace or repurchase the mortgage if the borrower defaults; and (2) at the time of purchase, the outstanding principal balance of such mortgage is less than 80 percent of the securing property's value, or the portion of the unpaid balance in excess of 80 percent is insured or guaranteed by a qualified insurer. Provides for an initial Treasury capitalization of $200,000,000. Sets forth Corporation authority. Terminates the Corporation ten years after enactment of this Act. Prohibits the making of any mortgage purchase commitments later than seven years after enactment of this Act. Provides for Treasury administration of any remaining Corporation assets or obligations. Authorizes appropriations beginning with FY 1987 for the purchase of Corporation stock.

A bill to amend the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to require that excess cheese held by the Commodity Credit Corporation be made available, at the request of the chief executive officer of a State, upon a showing of need, and without charge, for distribution by eligible agencies in the State.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1986

Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to require that excess cheese held by the Commodity Credit Corporation be made available, at the request of the chief executive officer of a State, upon a showing of need, and without charge, for distribution by eligible agencies in the State.

A bill to amend the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930 to require commission merchants, dealers, and brokers to label perishable agricultural commodities with the name of the country of origin of such commodities.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1986

Amends the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930 to require commission merchants, dealers, and brokers to label perishable agricultural commodities with their country of origin if not otherwise so indicated as provided for under the Tariff Act of 1930.

Farm Mortgage Guarantee Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1986

Farm Mortgage Guarantee Act of 1986 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to purchase or repurchase specified farm real estate loans. Directs the Secretary to guarantee such loans on terms that will assure them of an adequate secondary market. Authorizes the Secretary to similarly guarantee farm real estate loans held by the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) or other qualifying institution. Authorizes the Secretary to offer for sale such guaranteed FmHA-held loans. Establishes: the (1) Farm Mortgage Revolving Fund; and (2) the Farm Real Estate Insurance Fund. Terminates loan guarantee authority under this Act as of December 31, 1991.

A bill to amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to remedy burdens on commerce in poultry, poultry products and eggs, and protect poultry sellers and growers and egg producers and suppliers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1986

Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to include poultry and eggs within the purview of such Act. Gives poultry and egg producers 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 producers or sellers. States that payment shall not be considered to have been made if the seller or producer receives a payment instrument which is dishonored. Requires the seller or producer 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. Provides egg producers with similar protections.

A concurrent resolution to express the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture should exercise his authority under section 1009(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 to accept bids from the producers of agricultural commodities for diverting acreage in return for payments in kind.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1986

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture should exercise certain authority to accept bids from agricultural producers for diverting acreage in return for surplus payments-in-kind.

Food Stamp and Commodity Distribution Amendments of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1986

Food Stamp and Commodity Distribution Amendments of 1986 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to deny income exclusion for energy payments that are provided only to households receiving benefits under a public or general assistance program. Repeals the provisions providing for May 1, 1986: (1) increases in the earned income and excess shelter deductions; and (2) separation of the dependent care deduction from the excess shelter deduction. Excludes direct or third-party payments received under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (LIHEAA) from being considered expenses for purposes of the excess shelter deduction. Requires States that have a standard heating and cooling allowance to establish a separate utility allowance for LIHEAA recipients. Repeals the provision for a May 1, 1986, increase in household resource limits. Includes as income all assistance received under the Job Training Partnership Act of 1982 for purposes of determining food stamp program eligibility and benefits. Requires all program applicants subject to program work requirements to meet job search requirements. Sets forth uniform performance standards for State employment and training programs. Reduces FY 1987 Federal cost-sharing assistance. Provides for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) access to retail food store program information. Requires participating retailers to provide the Department of Agriculture with their IRS employer identification numbers or social security numbers. States that interest on a claim against a State agency shall begin on the date of billing. Reduces the time period during which a household may choose a method for repaying fraudulent program claims. Includes computer fraud within the scope of program fraud. Establishes 25 percent Federal funding of State administrative costs in excess of 175 percent of median per-recipient costs. Provides for the phased-in elimination of enhanced funding for fraud investigations and data processing costs. Requires States, as of October 1, 1986, to pay the full cost of errors in excess of a five percent error rate. Reduces FY 1987 through 1990 authorizations for Puerto Rico's nutritional assistance program. Authorizes States to operate a low-income nutrition assistance grant program in lieu of the food stamp program. Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to require that households in the Indian reservation food distribution program and the commodity supplemental food program (CSFP) provide their social security numbers as a condition of eligibility. Amends CSFP provisions to: (1) repeal new pilot project services to the elderly; (2) eliminate donation-based funding from the program's funding formula; (3) prohibit new program sites in areas served by the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC); and (4) repeal authority to use excess funds for service to low-income elderly persons. Authorizes commodity processing contract user fees. Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to repeal the FY 1986 and 1987 authorization of appropriations to assist States with commodity distributions.

A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to offer training in advanced marketing techniques and to require individuals to complete such training to be eligible for real estate and operating loans under such Act.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1986

Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to require: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture to offer specified training in advanced marketing techniques for commodities, livestock, and aquaculture (including futures and options training) with regard to real estate and operating loans under such Act; and (2) applicants completion of such training in order to receive such loans or guarantees.

A bill to amend the Farmland Protection Act to improve farmland protection by requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to provide technical assistance and farmland easements, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1986

Amends the Farmland Protection Policy Act to require (currently such Act "encourages") the Secretary of Agriculture to provide technical assistance to limit the conversion of productive farmland to nonagricultural uses. Directs the Secretary to make grants to assist States, units of local government, and nonprofit organizations to acquire development easements in farmland in order to prevent the conversion of such farmland to nonagricultural uses. Authorizes appropriations beginning with FY 1987.

A bill to amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to remedy burdens on commerce in poultry, poultry products and eggs, and protect poultry sellers and growers and egg producers and suppliers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1986

Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to include poultry and eggs 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. Provides egg producers with similar protections.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture should exercise his authority under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to transfer sufficient funds from amounts authorized for guaranteed loans to amounts authorized for insured loans to meet the existing demand for insured farm operating loans.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1986

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture should exercise specified authority under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to transfer funds from amounts authorized for guaranteed loans to amounts authorized for insured loans.

Kathleen W. Lawrence, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Small Community and Rural Development, vice Frank W. Naylor, Jr.

United States · United States Senate · 11 June 1986

Hunger Relief Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1986

Hunger Relief Act of 1986 - Title I: General Food and Nutrition Programs - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the thrifty food plan base by specified annual percentages. Exempts the first $50 paid in child support from counting for food stamp program eligibility. Increases the shelter deduction cap. Sets the threshold for the elderly and disabled medical deduction at the lesser of five percent of monthly income, or $35 a month. Increases resource limitations to: (1) $2,250 for nonelderly households; (2) $3,500 for elderly households; and (3) $5,500 for automobiles. Makes State outreach programs for the elderly, disabled, or the unemployed eligible for matching funds. Increases FY 1987 through 1990 program authorizations. Requires a report to the House and the Senate evaluating the budgetary and administrative consequences of an equity-based calculation of household resources. Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to increase authorization levels for commodity distributions. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to increase authorization levels for the expanded program of food, nutrition, and consumer education. Title II: Special Food and Nutrition Programs for Children, Women, and the Elderly - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to reduce the amount children pay for a reduced price breakfast. Increases Federal reimbursement to improve the nutritional quality of school breakfasts by five cents, and by ten cents for "severe need" schools. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the nutrition requirements for breakfasts served under such Act. Amends the National School Lunch Act to reduce the amount children pay for a reduced price lunch. Permits reimbursement for an additional meal or snack under the child care feeding program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to increase FY 1987 through 1989 authorizations for the supplemental food program for women, infants, and children. Increases authorization limits for nutrition education training in schools. Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to increase FY 1987 authorizations for congregate meals, home delivered meals, and nutrition education for the elderly. Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to authorize FY 1987 appropriations for the community food and nutrition program. Title III: Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research - National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1986 - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Sets forth the purposes of and definitions for this title. Subtitle B: Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research - Establishes a ten-year coordinated program, to be known as the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Program, which will be implemented by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and of Agriculture. Establishes an Interagency Board for Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research to facilitate the implementation of such program. Authorizes the Secretaries to appoint an Administrator of Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research to coordinate such program. Sets forth the functions of the Secretaries with respect to such program, including: (1) establishing matching grants programs for specified nutritional and dietary purposes; and (2) submitting an annual report to the President for transmittal to the Congress. Requires the Secretaries to prepare and implement a comprehensive national nutrition monitoring and related research plan which shall: (1) assess and report on U.S. nutritional and dietary trends; (2) assess and report on low-income food and household expenditures; (3) sponsor and conduct research; (4) develop and update a national dietary and nutritional status data bank; (5) assist State and local agencies in developing procedures and networks for nutrition monitoring and surveillance; and (6) focus the activities of Federal agencies. Requires the plan to allocate the project functions and activities among the various Federal agencies and offices involved. Requires the Secretaries to provide for and coordinate such scientific research and development as may be necessary to support the coordinated program and comprehensive plan. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council - Establishes a National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council to: (1) provide scientific and technical advice on the development and implementation of all components of the coordinated program and the comprehensive plan; (2) evaluate such program and plan; and (3) submit an annual report to the Secretaries. Subtitle D: Dietary Guidance - Directs the Secretaries to publish and review dietary guidelines for the general population. Title IV: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.

Farm Credit Enhancement Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1986

Farm Credit Enhancement Act of 1986 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee pools of qualified agricultural mortgage loans and to provide for the issuance of securities representing interests in such pools by approved agricultural loan facilities. Sets a specified ceiling on outstanding guarantee authority. Terminates guarantee authority five years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to fund such guarantees through obligations issued to the Treasury.

A bill to amend the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to alleviate hunger among the homeless by improving certain nutrition programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1986

Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to authorize food stamp program outreach activities for the homeless. Amends the definitions of "food," "household," and "retail food store" to permit the homeless to use food stamps to buy prepared meals from government-approved nonprofit shelters or eating establishments. Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to increase for FY 1987, and extend through FY 1989, authorizations of appropriations for surplus commodity storage and distribution.

Kenneth A. Gilles, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, vice Raymond D. Lett, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 5 June 1986

Robert W. Beuley, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Department of Agriculture, vice John V. Graziano, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 5 June 1986

A bill to amend the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to provide for the issuance of bonds that can be redeemed upon call by the Farm Credit System or its fiscal agent.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1986

Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to provide for the issuance of bonds that can be redeemed on call by the Farm Credit System or its fiscal agent.

A bill to amend the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930 to require commission merchants, dealers, and brokers to label perishable agricultural commodities with the name of the country of origin of such commodities.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1986

Amends the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930 to require commission merchants, dealers, and brokers to label perishable agricultural commodities with their country of origin if not otherwise so indicated as provided for under the Tariff Act of 1930.

Food Safety Modernization Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1986

Food Safety Modernization Act of 1986 - Title I: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to define "safe," as applied to food additives, color additives, pesticide residues, and other specified substances, to mean a reasonable certainty that the risks of a substance under the intended conditions of use are negligible. Authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to permit, under specified conditions, the gradual elimination or phase-out of substances from the food supply if the FDA determines that there will be no unreasonable risk to the public health from continued use of a substance while it is phased out and there is no practicable substitute. Permits an extension for up to an additional five years. Provides that certain cancer-causing substances shall not be banned (and may be approved) if the proponent of use demonstrates on the basis of credible experimental evidence that the risks to humans under the intended conditions of use are negligible. Authorizes the FDA to consider the benefits to human health from a long-used additive with no practicable substitute before prohibiting its use on the basis of risks to human health. Permits continued use of an additive if the risks to human health are acceptable on account of the benefits to human health, such as the effects of its use on the nutritional value and availability of food and uses for dietary management and other health-related purposes. Directs the FDA to establish an independent scientific peer review committee to study and give advice on substantial scientific issues related to food safety. Requires the FDA, within two years of enactment of this Act, to establish by regulations standards to determine under what circumstances the use of a substance in a food contact situation (i.e., an indirect additive) meets the food additive definition of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Directs the FDA, in issuing regulations, to consider the extent of human exposure to a substance under its intended conditions of use and the toxicological characteristics of the substance. Title II: Amendments to the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act - Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to provide that a meat, poultry, or egg product is adulterated because it contains an added poisonous or added deleterious substance when the presence of the substance renders the food unsafe within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations for added poisonous or added deleterious substances in meat, poultry, and egg products but only if the FDA has not already done so. Authorizes the Secretary to phase out the use of substances in meat, poultry, and egg products for which the Department of Agriculture has primary responsibility. Directs the Secretary to establish an independent scientific peer review system.

A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enforce certain food labeling requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for packaged foods sold by certain restaurants.

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1986

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require packaged foods sold by restaurants which are part of a chain of ten or more restaurants to comply with certain food labeling requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Micro-Enterprise Promotion Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1986

Micro-Enterprise Promotion Act of 1986 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to provide for a program to use the foreign currency proceeds of U.S. agricultural commodity sales abroad to provide loans through financial intermediaries to micro-enterprises owned by the poor in developing countries. Defines "micro-enterprise" as a small enterprise operating within the informal sector economy of a developing country which lacks access to foreign credit sources. States that for FY 1987 through 1990 foreign currencies shall be made available for such program in an aggregate amount of between 20 percent and 30 percent of the value of all such foreign currency commodity sales.

Deficiency Payments Adjustment Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1986

Deficiency Payments Adjustment Act of 1986 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make specified deficiency payments for the 1986 crops of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice to producers who are prevented from planting because of flood, drought, or excessive moisture or rain.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to make deficiency payments for the 1986 crops of wheat and feed grains not later than the end of the fifth month of the marketing years for such crops.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1986

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make 1986 wheat and feed grain deficiency payments not later than the end of the fifth month of the marketing year for such crops.

National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1986

Hunger Relief Act of 1986 - Title I: General Food and Nutrition Programs - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the thrifty food plan base by two and one-half percent annually. Exempts the first $50 paid in child support from counting for food stamp program eligibility. Increases the shelter deduction cap. Sets the threshold for the elderly and disabled medical deduction at the lesser of five percent of monthly income, or $35 a month. Increases resource limitations to: (1) $2,250 for nonelderly households; (2) $3,500 for elderly households; and (3) $5,500 for automobiles. Makes State outreach programs for the elderly, disabled, or the unemployed eligible for matching funds. Increases FY 1987 through 1990 program authorizations. Requires a report to the House and the Senate evaluating the budgetary and administrative consequences of an equity-based calculation of household resources. Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to increase authorization levels for commodity distributions. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to increase authorization levels for the expanded program of food, nutrition, and consumer education. Title II: Special Food and Nutrition Programs for Children, Women, and the Elderly - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to reduce the amount children pay for a reduced price breakfast. Increases Federal reimbursement to improve the nutritional quality of school breakfasts by five cents, and by ten cents for "severe need" schools. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the nutrition requirements for breakfasts served under such Act. Amends the National School Lunch Act to reduce the amount children pay for a reduced price lunch. Permits reimbursement for an additional meal or snack under the child care feeding program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to increase FY 1987 through 1989 authorizations for the supplemental food program for women, infants, and children. Increases authorization limits for nutrition education training in schools. Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to increase FY 1987 authorizations for congregate meals, home delivered meals, and nutrition education for the elderly. Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to authorize FY 1987 appropriations for the community food and nutrition program. Title III: Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research - National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1986 - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Sets forth the purposes of and definitions for this title. Subtitle B: Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research - Establishes a ten-year coordinated program, to be known as the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Program, which will be implemented by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and of Agriculture. Establishes an Interagency Board for Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research to facilitate the implementation of such program. Authorizes the Secretaries to appoint an Administrator of Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research to coordinate such program. Sets forth the functions of the Secretaries with respect to such program, including: (1) establishing matching grants programs for specified nutritional and dietary purposes; and (2) submitting an annual report to the President for transmittal to the Congress. Requires the Secretaries to prepare and implement a comprehensive national nutrition monitoring and related research plan which shall: (1) assess and report on U.S. nutritional and dietary trends; (2) assess and report on low-income food and household expenditures; (3) sponsor and conduct research; (4) develop and update a national dietary and nutritional status data bank; (5) assist State and local agencies in developing procedures and networks for nutrition monitoring and surveillance; and (6) focus the activities of Federal agencies. Requires the plan to allocate the project functions and activities among the various Federal agencies and offices involved. Requires the Secretaries to provide for and coordinate such scientific research and development as may be necessary to support the coordinated program and comprehensive plan. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council - Establishes a National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council to: (1) provide scientific and technical advice on the development and implementation of all components of the coordinated program and the comprehensive plan; (2) evaluate such program and plan; and (3) submit an annual report to the Secretaries. Subtitle D: Dietary Guidance - Directs the Secretaries to publish and review dietary guidelines for the general population. Title IV: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.

Hunger Relief Act of 1986

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1986

Hunger Relief Act of 1986 - Title I: General Food and Nutrition Programs - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the thrifty food plan base by two and one-half percent annually. Exempts the first $50 paid in child support from counting for food stamp program (program) eligibility. Increases the shelter deduction cap. Sets the threshold for the elderly and disabled medical deduction at the lesser of five percent of monthly income, or $35 a month. Increases resource limitations to: (1) $2,250 for nonelderly households; (2) $3,500 for elderly households; and (3) $5,500 for automobiles. Makes State outreach programs for the elderly, disabled, or the unemployed eligible for matching funds. Increases FY 1987 through 1990 program authorizations. Requires a report to the House and the Senate evaluating the budgetary and administrative consequences of an equity-based calculation of household resources. Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to increase authorization levels for commodity distributions. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to increase authorization levels for the expanded program of food, nutrition, and consumer education. Amends the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from determining that cheese made available under the temporary emergency food assistance program has displaced commercial products unless the unemployment rate in the geographic area affected does not exceed 20 percent of the national unemployment rate during a specified time. Increases authorizations for such program. Title II: Special Food and Nutrition Programs for Children, Women, and the Elderly - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to reduce the amount children pay for a reduced price breakfast. Increases Federal reimbursement to improve the nutritional quality of school breakfast by five cents, and by ten cents for "severe need" schools. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the nutrition requirements for breakfasts served under such Act. Amends the National School Lunch Act to reduce the amount children pay for a reduced price lunch. Permits reimbursement for an additional meal or snack under the child care feeding program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to increase FY 1987 through 1989 authorizations for the supplemental food program for women, infants, and children. Increases authorization limits for nutrition education training in schools. Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to increase FY 1987 authorizations for congregate meals, home delivered meals, and nutrition education for the elderly. Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to authorize FY 1987 appropriations for the community food and nutrition program. Title III: Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research - National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1986 - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Sets forth the purposes of and definitions for this title. Subtitle B: Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research - Establishes a ten-year coordinated program, to be known as the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Program, which will be implemented by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and of Agriculture. Establishes an Interagency Board for Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research to facilitate the implementation of such program. Authorizes the Secretaries to appoint an Administrator of Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research to coordinate such program. Sets forth the functions of the Secretaries with respect to such program, including: (1) establishing matching grants programs for specified nutritional and dietary purposes; and (2) submitting an annual report to the President for transmittal to the Congress. Requires the Secretaries to prepare and implement a comprehensive national nutrition monitoring and related research plan which shall: (1) assess and report on U.S. nutritional and dietary trends; (2) assess and report on low-income food and household expenditures; (3) sponsor and conduct research; (4) develop and update a national dietary and nutritional status data bank; (5) assist State and local agencies in developing procedures and networks for nutrition monitoring and surveillance; and (6) focus the activities of Federal agencies. Requires the plan to allocate the project functions and activities among the various Federal agencies and offices involved. Requires the Secretaries to provide for and coordinate such scientific research and development as may be necessary to support the coordinated program and comprehensive plan. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council - Establishes a National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council to: (1) provide scientific and technical advice on the development and implementation of all components of the coordinated program and the comprehensive plan; (2) evaluate such program and plan; and (3) submit an annual report to the Secretaries. Subtitle D: Dietary Guidance - Directs the Secretaries to publish and review dietary guidelines for the general population. Title IV: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.