Agriculture

Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2023

Specialty CROP Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2023

Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act of 2023 or the Specialty CROP Act of 2023 This bill expands the annual reporting requirements for the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide specific information on the competitiveness of U.S. exports of specialty crops. Specifically, the bill modifies the requirements for a congressionally mandated annual report on U.S. specialty crop trade issues to require USDA to report specific information on acts, policies, and practices of foreign countries that constitute significant barriers to, or distortions of, U.S. exports of specialty crops. Further, USDA must consult with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on the report. Before preparing the report, USDA, in coordination with the USTR, must seek comments from the public and the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables. Under the bill, USDA must submit the report to Congress in an unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. The unclassified portion of the report must be publicly available.

Specialty CROP Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2023

Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act of 2023 or the Specialty CROP Act of 2023 This bill expands the annual reporting requirements for the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide specific information on the competitiveness of U.S. exports of specialty crops. Specifically, the bill modifies the requirements for a congressionally mandated annual report on U.S. specialty crop trade issues to require USDA to report specific information on acts, policies, and practices of foreign countries that constitute significant barriers to, or distortions of, U.S. exports of specialty crops. Further, USDA must consult with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on the report. Before preparing the report, USDA, in coordination with the USTR, must seek comments from the public and the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables. Under the bill, USDA must submit the report to Congress in an unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. The unclassified portion of the report must be publicly available.

Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2023

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2023

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act This bill requires the Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture to carry out cross-cutting and collaborative research and development activities through the establishment of an interagency agreement. The agencies are authorized to (1) carry out reimbursable agreements in order to maximize research and development effectiveness, and (2) collaborate with other federal agencies. Further, the interagency agreement must require the use of a competitive, merit-reviewed process, which considers applications from federal agencies, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit institutions. Research and development activities may include collaborative research in a variety of focus areas such as integrated natural resources and the energy-water nexus, biofuels and biobased products, invasive species management, grid modernization and security, and rural technology development; developing methods to accommodate large voluntary standardized and integrated data sets on agricultural, environmental, supply chain, and economic information; supporting research infrastructure and workforce development; and conducting collaborative research and development on ways to improve agriculture operations and processing efficiencies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Farmers First Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2023

Farmers First Act of 2023 This bill extends through FY2028 and revises the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). This Department of Agriculture program provides competitive grants to states, Indian tribes, and qualified nonprofit organizations to provide stress assistance programs (i.e., professional agricultural behavioral health counseling, helplines, and resources) to individuals engaged in farming, ranching, and agriculture-related occupations. The bill specifies that the grant funding for farm telephone helplines and websites may also be used for crisis lines. Further, FRSAN grant recipients may establish referral relationships with providers, including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, health centers, rural health clinics, and critical access hospitals.

Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2023

Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 This bill provides continuing FY2024 appropriations for federal agencies and extends several expiring programs and authorities. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2024 appropriations bills have not been enacted when the existing CR expires on November 17, 2023. The CR generally funds most programs and activities at the FY2023 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. The CR provides funding through January 19, 2024, for agencies and programs that were funded in the following four FY2023 appropriations acts: the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023; the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023; the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023; and the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023. For most other federal agencies and programs, the CR provides funding through February 2, 2024. The CR also extends several programs and authorities, including programs authorized by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (commonly known as the 2018 farm bill), several public health programs and authorities, the U.S. Parole Commission, and the Department of Homeland Security's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office.

To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to relocate a memorial honoring the 9 Air Force crew members who lost their lives in an airplane crash in the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests during a training mission on August 31, 1982.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023

To establish the Commission on National Agricultural Statistics Service Modernization to modernize the data collection and reporting processes of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023

This bill establishes the Commission on National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Modernization to study and provide recommendations on modernizing and streamlining data collection at NASS. (NASS conducts the Census of Agriculture and provides official statistics on agricultural production and other farm sector indicators.) The 11-member commission must include 4 specified members from the Department of Agriculture, 1 member from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and 6 members appointed by the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. At the request of the commission chair, federal agencies must provide the commission information related to the study. The commission must submit a report to the President and Congress on the results of the study within three years of the bill's enactment. The report must include (1) an inventory of surveys conducted by NASS and their frequency; and (2) recommendations for administrative, regulatory, and legislative changes.

REACH Our Tribes Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2023

Rural Economic-development Assistance and Consultation to Help Our Tribes Act or the REACH Our Tribes Act This bill requires certain actions, particularly by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), for tribal consultation, data reporting, and interagency collaboration for economic development. Specifically, the bill requires USDA to establish a formal process for consultation with tribal governments on (1) annual budget requests; and (2) bills proposing the reauthorization of certain USDA programs over a period of multiple years with budgetary impacts, including bills providing for the reauthorization of USDA programs (commonly known as farm bills). USDA must report to Congress on this consultation process. Additionally, the bill requires USDA to establish a plan for analyzing and publicly reporting to tribal entities on funding provided through USDA programs for which tribal entities are eligible to apply. The bill also requires USDA, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration, to establish an interagency task force on economic development programs. This task force must (1) review guidance and application requirements for economic development programs administered by USDA, and (2) develop interagency agreements to reduce administrative and planning burdens for applicants to such programs and the federal agencies administering such programs. The Department of Commerce must establish a working group to develop and regularly update a comprehensive and public repository of federal economic development programs that are available to tribal entities.

Future FARMER Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2023

Future Funding for Agricultural Research, Mentorship, and Education Reauthorization Act or the Future FARMER Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 National Institute of Food and Agriculture grants and fellowships for food and agriculture science education. This includes programs such as the (1) Higher Education Challenge Grants Program, (2) Agriculture in the Classroom Program, and (3) National Awards Program for Excellence in College and University Teaching in the Food and Agricultural Sciences. 

Voluntary Grazing Permit Retirement Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2023

Farm to School Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2023

TEMP Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2023

Temperature Endorsement for Multiperil Policies Act of 2023 or the TEMP Act of 2023  This bill directs the federal crop insurance program to provide for research and development regarding a temperature-based index policy to insure crops on a nationally available basis against losses due to a frost or cold weather event. The research and development must (1) evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools with respect to low frequency and catastrophic loss weather events, and (2) result in a policy that provides protection for production loss or revenue loss.  (The term  policy means an insurance policy, plan of insurance, provision of a policy or plan of insurance, and related materials.)

To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 with respect to the issuance of quality control guidance issued by the Secretary of Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2023

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide a notice and comment period prior to making certain substantive changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) quality control system, with exceptions. As background, the SNAP quality control system measures how accurately SNAP state agencies determine a household’s eligibility and benefit amount and determines overpayments of benefits and underpayments. State agencies must conduct quality control reviews of their SNAP caseloads and report these findings to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. The bill requires USDA to provide a notice and public comment period of at least 60 days prior to finalizing any new or updated guidance that proposes substantive changes for conducting quality control reviews. This applies to any proposed guidance reasonably expected to require state agencies to make changes to systems, procedures, or staffing pertaining to quality control reviews or that impact verification requirements for SNAP recipients. In the case of an urgent and immediate need, USDA may issue interim final guidance simultaneously with the notice and comment requirements.

Farm to Fly Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2023

Farm to Fly Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to integrate the advancement of sustainable aviation fuels into its programs. Specifically, this bill includes sustainable aviation fuel as an advanced biofuel for the purposes of several USDA bioenergy programs that primarily provide support and incentives for renewable energy projects. For purposes of these programs, the bill defines sustainable aviation fuel as liquid fuel, the portion of which is not kerosene, which (1) meets specific international standards, (2) is not derived from coprocessing specific materials (e.g., triglycerides) with a non-biomass feedstock, (3) is not derived from palm fatty acid distillates or petroleum, and (4) is certified as having a lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction percentage of at least 50% compared with petroleum-based jet fuel (based on specific standards and agreements). In addition, the bill specifically includes fostering and advancing sustainable aviation fuels as part of the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. Further, USDA must carry out a comprehensive and integrated pursuit of all USDA mission areas for the advancement of sustainable aviation fuels, including through the identification of opportunities to maximize the development and commercialization of the fuels, supporting rural economic development through improved sustainability for aviation, and advancing public-private partnerships.

TEMP Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

Temperature Endorsement for Multi-Peril Policies Act or the TEMP Act This bill directs the federal crop insurance program to provide for research and development regarding a temperature-based index policy to insure crops on a nationally-available basis against losses due to a frost or cold weather event. The research and development must (1) evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools with respect to low frequency and catastrophic loss weather events, and (2) result in a policy that provides protection for production loss or revenue loss.  (The term  policy means an insurance policy, plan of insurance, provision of a policy or plan of insurance, and related materials.)  

Farmers Feeding America Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

Farmers Feeding America Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), increases funding for the program, and provides additional delivery options for geographically isolated states (i.e., Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam). TEFAP is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of people with low income by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. Through TEFAP, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchases a variety of commodities and makes those food products (e.g., canned, frozen, dried, and fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, dairy, and whole-grain and enriched grain products) available to state distributing agencies. The bill increases funding for purchasing commodities under the program. Further, the bill directs USDA to coordinate with geographically isolated states to (1) establish alternative delivery options for allocated commodities, and (2) allow for the states to order commodities through the USDA Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.  USDA may also provide geographically isolated states the ability to directly purchase domestically grown food in lieu of receiving a portion of the commodities. Under this option, USDA may distribute as cash to the state up to 20% of the cash value of the commodities that are allocated to the state under TEFAP.  Further, USDA may consider additional factors beyond lowest price in determining winning bids for contracts for fresh produce packages (including product variety and transportation distance). 

Office of Colonias and Farmworker Initiatives Establishment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

Advancing Tribal Parity on Public Land Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Advancing Tribal Parity on Public Land Act This bill addresses tribal interests in the disposal and management of public land. Specifically, the bill prohibits the federal government from disposing of public land or National Forest System land unless the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA) determines, through consultation with any interested Indian tribe, that such disposal would not impact the rights and interests of any interested tribe and would not impair access to a reservation. Interested Indian tribe means an Indian tribe with (1) historic, precontact, cultural, or religious connection to a cultural site located on the tract of public land; (2) a former reservation located on the tract of public land; or (3) treaty rights or other reserved rights associated with the tract of public land. Interior and USDA must, prior to conducting a sale of a tract of public land, notify all tribes of the availability of land for sale. Further, Interior and USDA must sell the tract of land to an interested Indian tribe that submits a bid at fair market value. Land acquired by an interested tribe shall be taken into trust by Interior for the benefit of the tribe. Additionally, the bill revises various public land provisions, including to add the interests of tribes to the list of considerations for land exchanges. The bill also requires each public land advisory board to include at least one representative of an interested Indian tribe.

Tribal Cultural Areas Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Tribal Cultural Areas Protection Act This bill provides for the preservation of tribal cultural sites on public land by establishing the Tribal Cultural Areas System. Within three years of this bill's enactment, the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA), as applicable, must establish criteria for recommending tribal cultural sites for designation as tribal cultural areas for inclusion in the system, using specified factors; solicit recommendations from tribes, state historic preservation officers, and tribal historic preservation officers; review designations in local land management plans to identify tribal cultural sites that meet established criteria; consider any other relevant information; consider and evaluate tribal cultural sites for designation as a tribal cultural area for inclusion in the system; and  make recommendations to Congress. The bill gives Congress the sole authority to (1) designate a tribal cultural site located on public land as a tribal cultural area for inclusion in the system, and (2) remove a tribal cultural area from the system. Congress must consider the recommendations of Interior and USDA when determining whether to make such a designation. For each congressionally designated tribal cultural area, Interior or USDA must (1) establish a tribal commission to provide guidance and recommendations on the development of a management plan for the tribal cultural area, and (2) develop a comprehensive management plan. The bill allows for self-determination contracts with tribes or tribal organizations to perform administrative or management functions within a tribal cultural area.

Advancing Tribal Parity on Public Land Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Advancing Tribal Parity on Public Land Act This bill addresses tribal interests in the disposal and management of public land. Specifically, the bill prohibits the federal government from disposing of public land or National Forest System land unless the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA) determines, through consultation with any interested Indian tribe, that such disposal would not impact the rights and interests of any interested tribe and would not impair access to a reservation. Interested Indian tribe means an Indian tribe with (1) historic, precontact, cultural, or religious connection to a cultural site located on the tract of public land; (2) a former reservation located on the tract of public land; or (3) treaty rights or other reserved rights associated with the tract of public land. Interior and USDA must, prior to conducting a sale of a tract of public land, notify all tribes of the availability of land for sale. Further, Interior and USDA must sell the tract of land to an interested Indian tribe that submits a bid at fair market value. Land acquired by an interested tribe shall be taken into trust by Interior for the benefit of the tribe. Additionally, the bill revises various public land provisions, including to add the interests of tribes to the list of considerations for land exchanges. The bill also requires each public land advisory board to include at least one representative of an interested Indian tribe.

Tribal Cultural Areas Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Tribal Cultural Areas Protection Act This bill provides for the preservation of tribal cultural sites on public land by establishing the Tribal Cultural Areas System. Within three years of this bill's enactment, the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA), as applicable, must establish criteria for recommending tribal cultural sites for designation as tribal cultural areas for inclusion in the system, using specified factors; solicit recommendations from tribes, state historic preservation officers, and tribal historic preservation officers; review designations in local land management plans to identify tribal cultural sites that meet established criteria; consider any other relevant information; consider and evaluate tribal cultural sites for designation as a tribal cultural area for inclusion in the system; and  make recommendations to Congress. The bill gives Congress the sole authority to (1) designate a tribal cultural site located on public land as a tribal cultural area for inclusion in the system, and (2) remove a tribal cultural area from the system. Congress must consider the recommendations of Interior and USDA when determining whether to make such a designation. For each congressionally designated tribal cultural area, Interior or USDA must (1) establish a tribal commission to provide guidance and recommendations on the development of a management plan for the tribal cultural area, and (2) develop a comprehensive management plan. The bill allows for self-determination contracts with tribes or tribal organizations to perform administrative or management functions within a tribal cultural area.

Training and Nutrition Stability Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

Training and Nutrition Stability Act of 2023 This bill excludes specific employment and training program allowances, earnings, and payments from income when determining eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). (Under SNAP, a household must have an income below a certain level to qualify for program benefits.) Examples of programs excluded from income include Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, vocational rehabilitation programs, and refugee employment programs. This bill also removes the requirement that earnings from on-the-job training be considered earned income for purposes of determining SNAP eligibility.

A resolution designating October 2023 as "National Farm to School Month".

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2023

This resolution designates October 2023 as National Farm to School Month and recognizes support for policy improvements to farm to school programs in legislation reauthorizing child nutrition programs. This resolution also (1) encourages schools, early care and education organizations, and local educational agencies to use local farm products in meals; and (2) encourages schools, early care and education organizations, farmers and farm groups, local businesses, nonprofit institutions, churches, cities, state governments, and other local groups to raise awareness of farm to school efforts in their communities.

Expressing support for the designation of October 2023 as "National Co-Op Month" and commending the cooperative business model and the member-owners, businesses, employees, farmers, ranchers, and practitioners who use the cooperative business model to positively impact the economy and society.

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2023

This resolution supports the designation of National Co-Op Month, commends the cooperative business model for its contributions to the economy, and expresses confidence in cooperatives to continue their successes.

Supporting the goals and ideals of "Weatherization Day".

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2023

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of Weatherization Day, which (1) celebrates the accomplishments and potential of the Weatherization Assistance Program, and (2) informs the public of the program's benefits. It also urges the Department of Energy, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency to increase efforts that provide weatherization assistance to improve the quality of life for low-income individuals and their families.

Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of October 24, 2023, to October 31, 2023, as "BatWeek".

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

This resolution expresses support for the designation of BatWeek and acknowledges the important role bats play as pollinators and pest control for agriculture.

Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023 This bill modifies Department of Agriculture (USDA) watershed programs. The bill modifies the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to allow USDA to undertake certain measures that go beyond addressing the immediate impairment of the watershed. Specifically, USDA may undertake measures that increase the level of protection of the watershed if USDA determines that the restoration is in the best interest of the long-term health and the protection of the watershed from repetitive impairments. (The EWP Program assists sponsors, landowners, and operators in implementing emergency recovery measures for runoff retardation and erosion prevention to relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by natural disasters.)  In addition, for Watershed Rehabilitation Program (REHAB) projects that serve a limited resource area, the bill increases the federal cost-share to up to 90% of the total rehabilitation costs. Currently, the federal cost-share for all projects is 65% of the total rehabilitation costs. (REHAB assists project sponsors in rehabilitating aging watershed dams that are reaching the end of their design life or no longer meet certain federal or state standards.) Further, the purpose of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is amended to include the prevention and mitigation of the effects of flooding and drought and the improvement or expansion of flood resiliency. (Under the RCPP, USDA enters into agreements with eligible partners to deliver conservation projects in specific geographical areas. Within an RCPP project, producers enter into contracts and agreements with USDA to carry out eligible conservation activities.)

Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Farm to School Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

Expressing support for the designation of the week of October 24, 2023, to October 31, 2023, as "BatWeek".

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

This resolution expresses support for the designation of BatWeek and acknowledges the important role bats play as pollinators and pest control for agriculture.

ROWATA Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2023

Right-Of-Way Application Transparency and Accountability Act or ROWATA Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to notify applicants for a right-of-way on certain public lands if their application is complete or deficient.

Rural Health Care Facilities Revitalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

Protecting Farmers from Drought Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

Protecting Farmers from Drought Act of 2023 This bill modifies insurance coverage for prevented planting under the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) to create a special rule for counties experiencing extreme drought. (The FCIP provides coverage for prevented planting due to insured causes of loss, such as adverse weather conditions, drought, floods, and other natural events. Prevented planting is the inability to plant an insured crop by the final planting date or during the late planting period.) Under this bill, the FCIP must modify eligibility requirements for prevented planting coverage for a county that experienced extreme drought (per the U.S. Drought Monitor) at any time during the normal planting period over the course of three consecutive years. For counties experiencing an extreme drought, the bill requires the planting of a crop once in the five most recent crop years (i.e., the 1 in 5 rule). Currently, in order to be eligible for prevented planting payments, the insured acres must have been planted, insured, and harvested at least once in the previous four crop years (i.e., the 1 in 4 rule). 

Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to establish a vehicle summer meal delivery pilot program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

This bill amends the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) to establish a vehicle summer meal delivery pilot program. (The SFSP is a federally funded, state-administered program that reimburses providers that serve no-cost, healthy meals and snacks to children and teens at summer sites in low-income communities.) The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must award one-year grants of up to $100,000 for service institutions (e.g., school food authorities) to purchase or retrofit vehicles to facilitate the distribution of noncongregate meals as part of the SFSP. USDA must give priority to service institutions with high rates of students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches and that serve a high proportion of students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. USDA must also ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that service institutions receiving grants are located in diverse geographic areas.

Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act of 2023 This bill permanently increases the federal reimbursement rates for the school lunch and breakfast programs. Specifically, beginning July 1, 2024, the bill provides an additional 45 cents per lunch served in the National School Lunch Program and an additional 28 cents per breakfast served in the School Breakfast Program. These amounts must be adjusted annually for inflation beginning July 1, 2025.

O DAIRY Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

Study on Improving Lands Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023

Study on Improving Lands Act This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to (1) direct a study on the state of soil health on federal lands that determines impacts such as grazing, wildfire, recreation, and invasive species; and (2) create a database of the information collected during the study.

SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023

SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to enter into self-determination contracts, self-governance compacts, and funding agreements with Indian tribes and tribal organizations, upon the request of a tribe, to carry out the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023

Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards Act or the CIAO Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to review and revise the organic certification standards at least every five years. Specifically, USDA must  solicit public input on which organic standards regulations should be prioritized for revision, publish a list of proposed changes to the regulations that will be prioritized for revision, obtain recommendations for each of the proposed changes from the National Organic Standards Board (a federal advisory board that considers and makes recommendations concerning the production, handling, and processing of organic products), and revise the regulations accordingly. In implementing the recommended changes, USDA and the National Organic Standards Board must consider the best available information, including environmental and ecological data, consumer and market data, organic production and handling practices, organic research, and scientific data.  

A bill to make permanent the authority to collect Shasta-Trinity National Forest marina fees.

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2023

This bill makes permanent the authority of the Department of Agriculture to collect and spend fees for a marina in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in California.

Soil CARE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2023

Soil Conservation And Regeneration Education Act of 2023 or the Soil CARE Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a training program for biological soil health management in Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs. Under the bill, biological soil health management means land management methods used to increase and balance soil biology, such as microbial biomass and macrofauna, for the purpose of improving biological functions, including forming and stabilizing soil structure, cycling nutrients, controlling pests and disease, and degrading or detoxifying contaminants. The training program must (1) provide education, resources, and technical support to USDA personnel and third-party providers on the rapidly evolving methodologies, science, and practices for improving soil health; and (2) assist USDA personnel and third-party providers in supporting agricultural producers in understanding and implementing biological soil health management systems that regenerate farmland. The training program must be available twice every two years in each NRCS region and include both an online curriculum and in-person training workshops. The training program must be developed and delivered through cooperative agreements with entities with biological soil health management systems expertise and experience working with and training producers. The bill includes minimum curriculum requirements for the training program, including specific units on soil health and diversified production systems. USDA must review and update the training program curriculum every two years.

Supporting the designation of October 16, 2023, and October 16, 2024, as "World Food Day".

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2023

This resolution supports the designation of World Food Day and encourages the people of the United States to observe the days with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

CROP for Farming Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023

Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2023

A resolution designating October 16, 2023, and October 16, 2024, as "World Food Day".

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2023

This resolution designates October 16, 2023, and October 16, 2024, as World Food Day and encourages the people of the United States to observe the days with appropriate ceremonies and activities.