Agriculture

A bill to amend the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as amended and reenacted by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to subject imported tomatoes to the same pack of container restrictions as are applicable to domestic tomatoes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1983

Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, as amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to subject imported tomatoes to the same packing restrictions that apply to domestic tomatoes.

A joint resolution to designate the week of July 17, 1983, through July 23, 1983, as "National Corn Week".

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1983

Designates the week of July 17 through July 23, 1983, as National Corn Week.

Soil Conservation Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1983

Soil Conservation Act of 1983 - Title I: Policy, Findings, and Definitions - States policy, findings and definitions. Title II: Program Eligibility on Highly Erodible Land - Declares that any person who produces an agricultural commodity on highly erodible land shall be ineligible with respect to such commodity for: (1) price or income support assistance; (2) a loan for the construction or purchase of a storage facility; (3) crop insurance; (4) a disaster payment; or (5) any new loan if used for a purpose which will contribute to excessive erosion of highly erodible land. Exempts from such restrictions lands and crops cultivated before enactment of this Act and any crop produced under an approved conservation system. Title III: Certified Voluntary Set-Aside - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program whereby owners and operators of cropland certify that certain crops have been planted with grass or legumes as part of a rotation pattern designed to reduce soil erosion or build soil productivity. Provides for annual renewal. Provides for the classification of croplands eligible for certification. Directs the Secretary to allow any farmer who has certified lands to designate those lands as cropland in rotation for purposes of establishing a normal crop acreage base for his farm. Allows farmers to designate certified lands as set-aside land or conserving-use acreage in a commodity stabilization program before the Secretary announces such program. Title IV: Conservation Reserve Program - Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program to assist owners and operators of erosion-prone land in making changes in land-use needed to conserve and protect soil and water resources. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts to carry out these purposes. Prescribes the contents of such contracts. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance, to share the cost of conservation measures, and to pay land-rental fees on conserved lands to the contracting owner or operator. Provides a formula to determine the Secretary's share of conservation costs. Requires bids from owners and operators to determine land rental fees. Title V: Rules and Regulations - Requires the Secretary, within 120 days of enactment of this Act, to publish regulations to effectuate its purpose. Title VI: Additional Authority - States that any authority provided by this Act is in addition to other authorities available to the Secretary and the Commodity Credit Corporation for carrying out soil and water conservation programs. Title VII: Authorization for Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to provide for 6 month non-recourse loans on commodities received as payments in kind.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1983

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to make six-month nonrecourse loans available to producers on payment-in-kind commodities (cotton, feed grains, rice, and wheat) for 1983 through 1985.

A joint resolution to proclaim March 20, 1984, as "National Agriculture Day".

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1983

Proclaims March 20, 1984, as National Agriculture Day.

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate that July 15, 1983, should be observed as "National Ice Cream Day".

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1983

Expresses the sense of the Senate that July 15, 1983, should be observed as National Ice Cream Day.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate with respect to the provision of emergency assistance to the people of Ethiopia.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1983

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should insure that food and other emergency supplies be made available to the starving people of Ethiopia.

Extra Long Staple Cotton Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1983

Extra Long Staple Cotton Act of 1983 - Repeals specified extra long staple (ELS) cotton marketing quota and acreage allotment provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1949, effective with the 1984 crop. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set forth new ELS cotton program provisions. Establishes a ten-month loan period, with an optional eight-month extension, at minimum rates of 50 (presently 75) percent more than the upland cotton rate. Requires loan level announcements by November 1. Authorizes an ELS cotton acreage limitation program based on a uniform percentage reduction. Makes farmers who knowingly overproduce ineligible for program benefits. Bases a farm's acreage for such reduction purposes on the previous three year's average planted acreage. Requires that part of such acreage be devoted to conservation uses. Authorizes ELS cotton land diversion payments (whether or not an acreage limitation is in effect). Requires such acreage to be devoted to approved conservation uses. Permits land diversion contracts to be determined by bid. Directs the Secretary to limit the total diverted acreage in any local area in order not to adversely affect the local economy. Permits reduced or diverted acreage to be used for approved wildlife habitats. States that the ELS cotton program shall be carried out through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Requires the Secretary to make recourse loans available to ELS cotton farmers for seed cotton. Authorizes the sale of CCC-owned cotton for unrestricted use at such price levels as the Secretary determines appropriate to maintain and expand domestic and export markets. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to add ELS cotton to the $50,000 payment limitation on payments that a person may receive for specified Agricultural Act of 1949 commodity programs.

Dairy and Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983

Dairy and Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983 - Title I: Dairy - Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982, to set the milk support price at $13.10 per hundredweight through FY 1983. (Eliminates the 50-cent milk producer assessments). Sets such price at $12.60 per hundredweight for FY 1984 and FY 1985, except that: (1) on January 1, 1985, if the Secretary estimates that Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) milk purchases for the next 12 months will exceed 6,000,000,000 pounds, then the support price shall be reduced by 50 cents per hundredweight; and (2) on July 1, 1985, if 12-month purchase estimates exceed 5,000,000,000 pounds, the support price shall be further reduced by 50 cents per hundredweight; but (3) if such estimates are 5,000,000,000 or less, the support price shall be increased by at least 50 cents per hundredweight. States that the price of milk shall be supported through milk and milk product purchases. Requires a 50- cent per hundredweight milk price reduction through the end of 1984 in order to encourage marketing reductions. Requires remittance of such funds to the CCC to be credited to the Dairy Stabilization Settlement Fund to fund a paid diversion program. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to implement the diversion program (beginning by October 1, 1983 and terminating December 30, 1984) as follows: (1) a $10 per hundredweight reduced production payment; (2) reductions as determined by the producer of between five and 30 percent of the base; (3) quarterly partial payments; (4) limited transferability of a producer's marketing history; (5) penalties for failure to make the agreed reduction and remit the resultant funds, and for a knowing violation of a diversion contract; (6) limited transferability of dairy cattle to other producers; (7) suspension of diversion payments if the Secretary is prohibited by court order from implementing the 50-cent producer assessments; (8) determination of a participant's commercial marketing history, which may be adjusted by the Secretary to compensate for abnormally low production; (9) recordkeeping requirements; and (10) judicial enforcement in U.S. district courts. Requires the Secretary to submit a report on milk parity formula changes to the appropriate congressional committees by December 31, 1984. Requires the Secretary to publish (with due notice and opportunity for public hearing) a proposed dairy research and promotion order within 30 days of receiving a request for such an order. Permits such proposal to be submitted by an individual or an organization certified under this Act. Makes such order effective 90 days after the public comment period. Authorizes the Secretary to amend such orders. Sets forth required terms of such orders, including the establishment of a National Dairy Promotion and Research Board made up of at least 36 milk producer members appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth organizational and operating provisions, including penalties for disclosure and other related violations of such orders. Funds such dairy promotion, research, and nutrition education program through a 15 cent per hundredweight assessment on commercially marketed milk. Permits a credit of up to ten cents per hundredweight for contributions to qualified State or regional dairy promotion or nutrition education programs. Requires an organization to be certified by the Secretary in order to represent milk producers. Authorizes the Secretary to develop such criteria, and makes the Secretary's eligibility decision final. Requires the Secretary, within the 60-day period preceding September 30, 1985, to conduct a producer referendum on such program's continuation (approval to be by a simple majority of those voting). States that after September 30, 1985, such referenda may be held when the Secretary deems appropriate, or when requested by ten percent of the affected producers. Provides for reimbursement of the Secretary from assessments collected by the Board for related expenses. Permits cooperative association representation at such referenda, provided that the association notifies its members 30 days in advance and provides them an opportunity to vote as individuals. Provides petition and review in U.S. district court for a person subject to an order. Vests enforcement powers in U.S. district courts. Sets forth penalty provisions. Grants the Secretary investigative and related authority. Sets forth congressional reporting provisions. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to solicit bids for the sale of cotton to the CCC without limitation, on cotton pledged as security for nonrecourse loans under the payment-in-kind program. Gives any producer with a previous bid the opportunity to resubmit a bid under the provisions of this amendment. Title II: Tobacco - Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set 1983 support prices for any quota tobacco at 1982 levels. Sets 1984 prices for Flue-cured tobacco at 1982 levels. Sets 1985 Flue-cured prices at 1982 levels: (1) if the 1985 price would not exceed five percent of the 1984 price (as determined by the nonadjusted formula under such Act); or (2) if in excess of five percent then the 1985 price would be the 1984 price plus or minus the difference between the 1985 and 1984 levels as determined under current law. Bases 1986 and subsequent quota tobacco support prices on the preceding year's price, plus or minus the difference between the current and preceding crop prices. Eliminates after 1983 the requirement that owners and operators who lease their Flue-cured tobacco allotment or quota must also contribute to the no net cost tobacco account. Permits an association to use funds from its no net cost tobacco account to reduce its indebtness to the CCC or to make loan advances to members. Authorizes Flue-cured associations to request a CCC no net cost tobacco account. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to permit (presently requires) certain Flue-cured allotment transfers within the same county. Eliminates off-farm lease and transfer of Flue-cured tobacco allotments or quotas beginning with the 1987 crop, except that transfers of 3,000 pounds or less would be permitted through 1990. Permits such transfers through 1986 if both parties file with the county committee a copy of the lease and a written statement attesting that none of the consideration for such lease has or will be paid before such tobacco is marketed. Provides penalties (after notice and opportunity for hearing) for knowingly-made false statements in such certification. Requires, as of January 1, 1986, forfeiture (after notice and opportunity for hearing) of Flue-cured allotments not planted in at least two years out of the most recent three-year period. Requires that such forfeited allotments to be reallocated to active growers in the county. Extends from December 1, 1983 to December 1, 1984, the deadline for non-farming entities to sell their Flue-cured and Burley quotas. States that such mandatory sales do not apply to lands being used for agricultural purposes. Changes the quota announcement date for: (1) Flue-cured tobacco from December 1 to December 15; and (2) other tobacco from February 1 to March 1. Increases the Flue-cured tobacco reserve from one to three percent of the national allotment, and requires that at least two-thirds be used for new growers. Requires the Secretary to determine each farm's Flue-cured planted acreage whenever an acreage-poundage program is in effect. Increases the Burley quota reduction factor from five to 15 percent. Decreases the national factor from 95 to 85 percent. Reduces the amount of Burley tobacco (beginning with the 1984 crop) that may be leased or transferred to any farm from 30,000 pounds to 15,000 pounds. Requires records of any such transfer to be filed by July 1 of that crop year. States that two or more tracts of land owned by the same person and in contiguous counties of the same State shall be combined as one farm if: (1) a Burley poundage quota is established for one or more tracts; and (2) the county committee determines that such tracts will be operated as a single farm unit. Requires the Secretary to review the domestic effects of Burley imports whenever price supports or CCC stocks reach specified levels.

Dairy and Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1983

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to solicit bids (without specifying any bid limitations) from cotton producers in order to acquire sufficient cotton for 1983 payment-in-kind stocks. States that until sufficient stocks are acquired or a reasonable bidding time has been made available by the Secretary (not less than two weeks), no bids shall be rejected unless they exceed similar feed grain bids. Permits producers to modify previous bids as provided for by this Act.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1983

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set 1983 quota tobacco supports at 1982 levels.

Millicent Fenwick, of New Jersey, for the rank of Ambassador during the tenure of her service as United States Representative to the Food and Agriculture Organizations in Rome.

United States · United States Senate · 20 June 1983

An act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to release on behalf of the United States a reversionary interest in certain land in the State of Delaware.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1983

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to release to the State of Delaware certain reversionary interests in specified lands in Sussex County. Conditions such release upon certification by the Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources that specified wetlands, marsh, or shore lands have been dedicated to public purposes. Requires such certification to include: (1) a legal description of the lands; and (2) a legal opinion that title to such lands vests in the State of Delaware; and (3) that a public purpose restriction applies to such lands.

A bill to provide federal disaster assistance to producers of peaches and apples.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1983

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make disaster payments to peach and apple producers.

A joint resolution to authorize and request the President to designate July 15, 1983, as "National Ice Cream Day."

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1983

Authorizes and requests the President to designate July 15, 1983, as National Ice Cream Day.

A bill to provide federal disaster assistance to producers of peaches and apples.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1983

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make disaster payments to peach and apple producers.

Surplus Dairy Products Exchange Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983

Surplus Dairy Products Exchange Act - Declares that it is in the national interest to promote the exchange of surplus dairy stocks for critical and strategic materials. Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, during FY 1984 and 1985, to accept offers from individuals or commercial firms to exchange strategic and critical materials for surplus dairy stocks provided specified conditions relating to value determination and protection of export markets are met. Requires the Secretary to export, if possible, at least 15 percent of uncommitted surplus dairy stocks in each of FY 1984 and 1985.

Farm Products Buyers Protection Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983

Farm Products Buyers' Protection Act of 1983 - Provides that a buyer in the ordinary course of business who buys farm products (livestock and commodities) from a person engaged in farming operations shall own such goods free of any security interest in such goods even though the security interest is perfected in accordance with applicable State law and even though the buyer knows of its existence.

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act relating to the use of alcohol in confectionery.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to eliminate the provision deeming confectionery containing alcohol an adulterated food.

A bill to amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, for the purpose of protecting good faith purchasers of livestock.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983

Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1971, to state that any livestock buyer who purchases livestock in the ordinary course of business shall take the animals free of any security interest, even though such interest is perfected and even though such buyer knows of its existence.

Dairy Adjustment and Stabilization Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983

Dairy Adjustment and Stabilization Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982, to eliminate the 50-cent milk producer assessment provisions. Reduces minimum milk price support levels to $11.60.

Milk Producers Equity Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1983

Milk Producers Equity Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982, to eliminate the 50-cent milk producer assessments. Sets milk support levels at $13.10 per hundredweight. Provides that if quarterly Government milk and milk product purchases fall below four percent of commercial marketings the support level shall be based on a sliding scale of between 90 percent and 60 percent of parity. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish individual production levels based on previous production. Prohibits transfers of such levels except to family members. Terminates such levels for nonproduction in two consecutive years. Requires the Secretary to establish a production reduction factor equal to the percentage of Government purchases total commercial marketing. Makes an individual's production goal equal to his production level minus the reduction factor. Provides a 15 percent (of the support price) bonus for voluntary underproduction, and assessments for overproduction. Provides for review of such assessments in U.S. district court.

Agricultural Disaster Payment-In-Kind Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1983

Agricultural Disaster Payment-In-Kind Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to use Government surplus commodities to make disaster payments for the 1983 through 1985 crops of wheat, feed grains, rice, and cotton.

A bill to extend the export authority of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commodity Credit Corporation to include fish and fish products, without regard to whether such fish are harvested in aquacultural operations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983

Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to authorize the Commodity Credit Corporation to export or aid in the development of foreign markets for fish and fish products without regard to whether the fish are harvested in aquacultural operations. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to include fish within the definition of agricultural commodities, for purposes of that Act, without regard to whether the fish are harvested in aquacultural operations. Deletes the provision which requires that priority be given to financing the sale of food and fiber commodities under title I of such Act. Amends the Food for Peace Act of 1966 to include fish within the definition of agricultural commodities, for purposes of the export sales credit program of that Act, without regard to whether the fish are harvested in aquacultural operations.

A resolution waiving certain points of order against consideration of the bill (H.R. 3223) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1984, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983

Waives points of order against the consideration of H.R. 3223 (appropriations).

A bill making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1984, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1983

Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates funds for FY 1984 for the following programs and services: (1) Office of the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) standard level user charges; (3) advisory committees; (4) departmental administration; (5) Office of Governmental and Public Affairs; (6) Office of Congressional Affairs; (7) Office of the Inspector General; (9) Office of the General Counsel; (9) Federal Grain Inspection Service (with limitations on administrative expenses); (10) Agricultural Research Service (including scientific activities overseas); (11) Cooperative State Research Service; (12) Extension Service; (13) National Agricultural Library; (14) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (15) Food Safety and Inspection Service; (16) Economic Research Service; (17) Statistical Reporting Service; (18) Agricultural Cooperative Service; (19) World Agricultural Outlook Board; (20) Agricultural Marketing Service (with limitations on administrative expenses); (21) Packers and Stockyards Administration; (22) Agricultural Stabilization and conservation Service (including the dairy indemnity program); and (23) Office of Transportation. Limits the amount to be obligated for inspection and weighing services. Authorizes the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and the Commodity Credit Corporation to make expenditures, within specified limits, to carry out their respective programs. Title II: Rural Development Programs - Appropriates funds for rural development assistance as follows: (1) Office of Rural Development Policy; (2) Farmers Home Administration; (3) Rural Electrification Administration; (4) Soil Conservation Services; and (5) Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. Title III: Domestic Food Programs - Appropriates funds for programs of the Food and Nutrition Service, including the food stamp program. Title IV: International Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Foreign Agricultural Service (including an allotment from the Commodity Credit Corporation); (2) Public Law 480 (financing the sale of agricultural commodities for convertible foreign currencies; and (3) the Office of International Cooperation and Development. Title V: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Food and Drug Administration; (2) the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and (3) the Farm Credit Administration (with limitations on administrative expenses). Title VI: General Provisions - Limits the expenditure of specified appropriations made by this Act. Prohibits the use of funds for the production of 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. Prohibits the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce any regulation which has been disapproved pursuant to any resolution of disapproval. Provides that the certificates of beneficial ownership sold by the Farmers Home Administration in connection with specified insurance funds shall not be less than 75 percent of the value of loans closed during the fiscal year. Prohibits the use of funds to carry out any activity related to phasing out the Resource Conservation and Development Program. Prohibits the use of funds to prevent or interfere with the right and obligation of the Commodity Credit Corporation to sell surplus agricultural commodities in world trade at competitive prices. Authorizes the provision of specified commodities to individuals in cases of hardship. Prohibits the payment of any funds out of the Treasury to any private individual or corporation in satisfaction of a loan guarantee entered into by a Federal agency or corporation with respect to loans made and credits extended to the Polish People's Republic, unless: (1) the Republic has been declared to be in default of its debt to such individual or corporation; or (2) the President has provided a monthly written report to specified congressional leaders justifying any such payments during the previous month. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to initiate construction on not less than 20 new projects under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act and not less than five new projects under the Flood Control Act.

Extra Long Staple Cotton Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983

Extra Long Staple Cotton Act of 1983 - Repeals specified extra long staple (ELS) cotton marketing quota and acreage allotment provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1949, effective with the 1984 crop. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set forth new ELS cotton program provisions. Establishes a ten-month loan period, with an optional eight-month extension, at minimum rates of 50 (presently 75) percent more than the upland cotton rate. Requires loan level announcements by November 1. Authorizes an ELS cotton acreage limitation program based on a uniform percentage reduction. Makes farmers who knowingly overproduce ineligible for program benefits. Bases a farm's acreage for such reduction purposes on the previous three year's average planted acreage. Requires that part of such acreage be devoted to conservation uses. Authorizes ELS cotton land diversion payments (whether or not an acreage limitation is in effect). Requires such acreage to be devoted to approved conservation uses. Permits land diversion contracts to be determined by bid. Directs the Secretary to limit the total diverted acreage in any local area in order not to adversely affect the local economy. Permits reduced or diverted acreage to be used for approved wildlife habitats. States that the ELS cotton program shall be carried out through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Requires the Secretary to make recourse loans available to ELS cotton farmers for seed cotton. Authorizes the sale of CCC-owned cotton for unrestricted use at such price levels as the Secretary determines appropriate to maintain and expand domestic and export markets. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to add ELS cotton to the $50,000 payment limitation on payments that a person may receive for specified Agricultural Act of 1949 commodity programs.

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish certain minimum standards for milk, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish minimum milk fat and milk solids standards for whole, low-fat, and skim milk.

A bill to allow producers participating in the Payment-In-Kind program established by the Secretary of Agriculture with the option to receive from the Secretary a 6-month nonrecourse loan to pay for continued storage of the commodities received by such producers under such program.

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983

Provides payment-in-kind program participants with the option of receiving a six-month nonrecourse loan to pay for their related commodity storage costs.

Modern Farm Animal Practices Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983

Modern Farm Animal Practices Act - Establishes the Commission on Modern Farm Animal Practices to investigate and report on all aspects of U.S. intensive farm animal husbandry, including human health effects, and related ethical, scientific, and economic considerations. Sets forth membership and operating provisions. Requires such report to be submitted within two years of the Commission's first meeting to each House of Congress, the Department of Agriculture, and to the Food and Drug Administration. Terminates the Commission 60 days after submitting such report.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 to subject imported tomatoes to the same pack of container restrictions applicable to domestic tomatoes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983

Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, as amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to subject imported tomatoes to the same packing restrictions that apply to domestic tomatoes.

Egg and Poultry Export Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983

Egg and Poultry Export Equity Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide U.S. poultry and egg producers with Commodity Credit Corporation-held corn in order to facilitate exports.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as amended and reenacted by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to issue marketing orders regulating the handling of eggs.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983

Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as amended and reenacted by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to issue marketing orders regulating the handling of eggs.

Federal Crop Insurance Prompt Payments Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983

Federal Crop Insurance Prompt Payments Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to require the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to: (1) decide an indemnity claim within 30 days; and (2) pay an approved claim within 60 days, or pay accrued interest until such claim is paid. Requires an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees.

A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey, without consideration, to the Sabine River Authority of Texas approximately 34,000 acres of land within the Sabine National Forest, Texas, to be used for the purposes of the Toledo Bend Project, Louisiana and Texas.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the Sabine River Authority of Texas specified Federal lands located within the Sabine National Forest in Texas and within the project boundary of the Toledo Bend Dam and Reservoir, Louisiana and Texas. Conditions conveyance upon use of such lands only for purposes of the Toledo Bend project. Reverts ownership to the United States if such lands are used for any other purpose. Reserves all mineral rights in such lands to the United States.

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

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to release a reversionary interest in specified land in the Manchester State Forest to the South Carolina State Commission of Forestry. Conditions such release upon the Commission's agreement to specified conditions. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey specified Federal mineral interests to the Commission. Provides guidelines for the sale and appraisal of such mineral interests.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee, in kind, contracts made by producers to supply agricultural commodities to manufacturers of liquid fuels.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee, in kind, contracts made by producers to supply agricultural commodities to manufacturers of liquid fuels.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe the established prices for the 1984 or 1985 crop of wheat, corn, upland cotton or rice as appropriate but at no less than that for the 1983 crop of the commodity.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983

Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from establishing prices for the 1984 and 1985 crops of wheat, corn, rice, or upland cotton below 1983 levels.

Food Stamp and Commodity Distribution Amendments of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1983

Food Stamp and Commodity Distribution Amendments of 1983 - Title I: References to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 - Declares that amendments or repeals made by this Act, unless otherwise noted, shall be considered amendments or repeals to the Food Stamp Act of 1977. Title II: Food Stamp Budgetary Revisions - Amends such Act to revise the definition of household to remove references to parents, children, and siblings and insert references to groups of individuals living together. States that sanctions against any member of a household shall not disqualify the entire household from the food stamp program. Changes the thrifty food plan adjustments schedules for October 1, 1983, and October 1, 1984, to April 1, 1984, and April 1, 1985, respectively. Changes subsequent October 1 adjustments to the next April 1. Replaces the current standard deduction, excess shelter expense deduction, and the combined dependent care/excess shelter expense deduction with a standard/shelter deduction. Removes provisions for adjustments to the dependent care deduction and sets forth a maximum allowable amount. Conforms the standard earnings deduction with such deduction under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program (AFDC) under the Social Security Act. Requires that AFDC families be considered categorically eligible for food stamp benefits. Requires that allotment values for such families be determined under approved plans based upon household size and specified categories. Extends the work requirement for persons between the ages of 18 and 60 to persons between the ages of 16 and 60. Exempts persons between the ages of 16 and 18 under paternal control of another household member. Repeals the exemption for certain students from the work requirement. Makes mandatory (currently, at State option) that job search requirements commence at the time of application for food stamps. Grants State agencies the option of extending work requirements to caretakers of children between the ages of three and six, if adequate care is available for such children. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate guidelines to enable State agencies to design and operate community work experience programs. Makes participation in such programs a mandatory requirement for household members subject to food stamp work requirements. Repeals provisions for the workfare program. Revises State agency liability provisions to institute an error rate liability program under which State agencies shall be responsible for error rates in excess of three percent. Title III: Improving Administrative Procedures for the Food Stamp Program - Removes the income exclusion for student reimbursements. Makes certain aliens ineligible for the food stamp program. Allows the consideration of food stamp allotments in the determinations for Federal housing assistance. Allows the redemption of food stamp coupons at any bank or savings and loan association (currently, redemption is allowed only at certain federally insured institutions.) Changes the expedited coupon issuance procedure from providing such coupons not later than five days after application to providing such coupons not later than five working days after application. Allows State agencies to use sources other than the Social Security Administration and State unemployment agencies when making wage matching determinations. Requires State agencies to establish work registration and job search services to effectuate eligibility provisions of the food stamp program. Provides that, in the case of retailer/wholesaler disqualifications, stays of administrative action shall be considered under the applicable law governing such relief. Repeals the noncash benefit requirement for the Puerto Rico nutrition assistance program. Title IV: Administrative Funds for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to include the value of bonus commodities in determining the administrative cost ceiling for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Title V: Effective Date - Provides that the amendments made by this Act shall be effective on dates prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture unless specified otherwise.

A bill to amend the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to modify the numerical limitation applicable to group living arrangements, for determining the eligibility of certain recipients of social security benefits who reside in such arrangements to receive allotments.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1983

Revises the definition of "food" under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase from 16 to 25 the number of blind and disabled persons receiving social security benefits who may reside in a group-living arrangement for purposes of food stamp eligibility.

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into commitments to guarantee or insure authorized loans in the full amount provided by law for such loans.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983

Amends Federal law to require the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into commitments to guarantee or insure authorized loans in the full amount provided by law for such loans.

A resolution authorizing the printing of additional copies of the Joint Committee print entitled "Changing Economics of Agriculture: Challenge and Preparation for the 1980's."

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983

Authorizes the printing of additional copies of "The Changing Economics of Agriculture: Challenge and Preparation for the 1980's" for the use of the Joint Economic Committee.

Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund Self-Sufficiency Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983

Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund Self-Sufficiency Act of 1983 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (REA) to eliminate the requirement for a State certificate of convenience and necessity before the Administrator may make loans to provide rural telephone service. Revises the liabilities and uses of the Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund established under the REA to provide that notes of the Administrator to the Secretary of the Treasury to obtain funds for loans shall be equity capital of the Fund. States that assets of the Fund shall be available only for: (1) payment of interest and principal on loans to the Administrator from the Secretary of the Treasury; and (2) for certificates of beneficial ownership issued to such Secretary or in the private market. Requires the Administrator to maintain two separate accounts within the fund: (1) the Electrification Account; and (2) the Telephone Account. Lists the items that shall be accounted for in each Account respectively, and restricts the purposes for which the assets of each Account shall be available. Authorizes the Administrator to repurchase specified certificates of beneficial ownership under certain conditions affecting their interest rates. Establishes guidelines for interest-bearing insured loans made by the Administrator to electric and telephone borrowers. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to request in each annual supplemental budget estimate the amount needed to replenish the Fund for anticipated and actual costs resulting from loans made at less than a specified rate during the preceding fiscal year. Directs the Administrator to guarantee loans to specified borrowers or to accommodate or subordinate liens or mortgages held in the Fund, according to prescribed rules and regulations. Directs the Administration to promulgate such rules and regulations within 90 days after the effective date of this Act. Prescribes guidelines under which certain lenders are authorized to adjust interest rates on loans guaranteed by the Administrator. Requires rural electrification borrowers to obtain concurrent supplemental financing according to prescribed guidelines in any fiscal year in which the minimum loan level for insured rural electrification loans is less than $1,000,000,000. Repeals the loan-making authority of the Governor of the Rural Telephone Bank which require approval by the Secretary of Agriculture of facilities or lines to be acquired with such loans. Eliminates loan restrictions placed upon potential borrowers whose net worth exceed their assets by twenty percent.

Federal Crop Insurance Act Amendments of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983

Federal Crop Insurance Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to authorize until December 31, 1986, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (through the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service) to insure producers against community losses due to warehouse insolvency or bankruptcy. Requires the Corporation to: (1) act on insurance applications within 30 days; and (2) make initial insurance payments within 30 days. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report to the appropriate congressional committees by February 1, 1985, regarding the extension of such insurance program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and subsequent fiscal years.

Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund Self-Sufficiency Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983

Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund Self-Sufficiency Act of 1983 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (REA) to eliminate the requirement for a State certificate of convenience and necessity before the Administrator may make loans to provide rural telephone service. Revises the liabilities and uses of the Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund established under the REA to provide that notes of the Administrator to the Secretary of the Treasury to obtain funds for loans shall be equity capital of the Fund. States that assets of the Fund shall be available only for: (1) payment of interest and principal on loans to the Administrator from the Secretary; and (2) for certificates of beneficial ownership issued to the Secretary or in the private market. Requires the Administrator to maintain two separate accounts within the Fund: (1) the Electrification Account; and (2) the Telephone Account. Lists the items that shall be accounted for in each Account respectively, and restricts the purposes for which the assets of each Account shall be available. Authorizes the Administrator to repurchase specified certificates of beneficial ownership under certain conditions affecting their interest rates. Establishes guidelines for interest-bearing insured loans made by the Administrator to electric and telephone borrowers. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to request in each annual supplemental budgets estimate the amount needed to replenish the Fund for anticipated and actual costs resulting from loans made at less than a specified rate during the preceding fiscal year. Directs the Administrator to guarantee loans to specified borrowers or to accommodate or subordinate liens or mortgages held in the Fund, according to prescribed rules and regulations. Directs the Administrator to promulgate such rules and regulations within ninety days after the effective date of this Act. Prescribes guidelines under which certain lenders are authorized to adjust interest rates on loans guaranteed by the Administrator. Requires rural electrification borrowers to obtain concurrent supplemental financing according to prescribed guidelines in any fiscal year in which the minimum loan level for insured rural electrification loans is less than $1,000,000,000. Repeals certain provisos governing the loan-making authority of the Governor of the Rural Telephone Bank which require approval by the Secretary of Agriculture of facilities or lines to be acquired with such loans. Eliminates loan restrictions placed upon potential borrowers whose net worth exceeds their assets by twenty percent.

A bill to authorize the use of Commodity Credit Corporation grain stocks to provide in-kind guarantees of grower agreements for the delivery of grain to alcohol fuels production facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983

Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to authorize the Commodity Credit Corporation to use its grain stocks as guarantees for agreements between grain farmers and alcohol fuel processing plants.

Food Stamp Optional Block Grant Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983

Food Stamp Optional Block Grant Act of 1983 - Authorizes a State to elect to operate a low-income nutritional assistance block grant program to finance expenditures for food assistance for needy persons. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide such States with a block grant in an amount based on a percentage of the fiscal year funds appropriated for the food stamp program. Authorizes the Secretary, at the request of an Indian tribe or tribal organization within a block grant State, to reserve a determined amount of such grant for the direct use of such tribe. Sets forth procedures for application and requirements for eligibility for block grants. Prohibits the use of such grants for construction. Sets forth procedures for the Secretary and the Comptroller General to assure compliance with this section.

Omnibus Marketing User Fee Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983

Omnibus Marketing User Fee Act of 1983 - Title I: Federal Marketing Agreements and Orders - Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to assess handlers for the costs of marketing agreements and orders under such Act. Authorizes, if necessary, a specified transfer of funds to cover related administrative expenses. Title II: User Fees for Certain Printed Reports and Market Information and Statistics - Amends the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act, and the Tobacco Inspection Act to authorize user fees to recover the costs of printing and handling cotton and tobacco marketing information. Title III: Plant Variety Protection - Amends the Plant Variety Protection Act to permit plant variety protection fees to be used without fiscal year limitation to cover related administrative costs. Title IV: Wool and Mohair Promotion Programs - Amends the National Wool Act of 1954 to authorize the Secretary to recover administrative costs incurred in promoting wool and mohair.

Agricultural Amendments of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983

Agricultural Amendments of 1983 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish 1984 and 1985 target prices for wheat, corn, rice, and upland cotton as he deems appropriate. Stipulates that such prices shall not be less than 1983 levels. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize the overseas donation of Commodity Credit Corporation agricultural stocks (currently limited to dairy stock donations). States that such donations shall be administered through title II of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (P.L. 480), and shall be in addition to existing assistance under such Act.

Agricultural Amendments of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983

Agricultural Amendments of 1983 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish 1984 and 1985 target prices for wheat, corn, rice, and upland cotton as he deems appropriate. Stipulates that such prices shall not be less than 1983 levels. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize the overseas donation of Commodity Credit Corporation agricultural stocks (currently limited to dairy stock donations). States that such donations shall be administered through title II of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (P.L. 450), and shall be in addition to existing assistance under such Act.