Agriculture

A bill to improve the operation of agricultural price support programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1987

Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and other Federal law to: (1) increase from $25,000,000,000 to $40,000,000,000 both the amount of permissible outstanding obligations and the borrowing authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC); and (2) fund reimbursement of the CCC's net realized losses by means of a current, indefinite appropriation.

A joint resolution making urgent supplemental appropriations for the Department of Agriculture for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1987.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1987

Makes a supplemental appropriation for FY 1987 to the Department of Agriculture to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for net realized losses.

Rural Recovery and Revitalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1987

Rural Recovery and Revitalization Act - Title I: Rural Development Program and Authority-Subtitle A: Rural Development Authority - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish and maintain a revitalized nationwide rural development program as set forth in the Rural Development Act of 1972, the Rural Development Policy Act of 1980, and this Act. Establishes in the Department of Agriculture a Rural Development Authority (Authority) headed by an Assistant Secretary appointed by the Secretary, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Secretary to: (1) transfer to the Authority those agencies, offices, or entities in the Department that perform rural development functions, including certain loan programs currently administered by the Farmers Home Administration; (2) establish in the Authority units to perform the various categories of transferred functions, such as rural housing, research, and public affairs; and (3) report to specified congressional leadership within one year with respect to transfers made or to be made Directs the Comptroller General to investigate and report to the President and to the Congress within one year about services, functions, and missions of other Federal departments and agencies that could be transferred to the Authority. Subtitle B: Rural Development Assistance - Directs the Secretary to consolidate and coordinate, under the Authority, all rural development and assistance programs established by the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, related programs administered by the Secretary, and, to the extent feasible, rural-oriented programs administered by other agencies. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to: (1) remove the Secretary's authority to grant up to $15,000,000 annually for certain rural development technical assistance, rural community leadership development, and rural development planning projects; and (2) direct the Assistant Secretary of the Authority, under the rural industrialization assistance program, to provide matching grants to States and loan guarantees to State-designated recipients to fund these same rural development interests, and to develop plans designed to encourage the growth of private business enterprises in rural areas. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) a Rural Fund for Development account, to be administered by the Assistant Secretary, to guarantee loans made to finance rural development projects. Instructs the CCC to make available to this fund at least $1,100,000,000 in either commodities or cash. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to enter into agreements with State and private entities to guarantee loans for such rural development projects as the start-up costs of small businesses, plan construction, and equipment purchases. Describes the limitations on the amounts of such loans and the procedures applicable if a borrower defaults. Directs the Assistant Secretary to report annually to specified Congressional leadership concerning the loan program. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to: (1) extend through FY 1990 guarantees by the Secretary of loans to nonprofit national rural development and finance corporations; (2) revise the eligibility requirements for such loan guarantees; (3) earmark $50,000,000 of certain available funds for loan guarantees; and (4) authorize FY 1987 through 1990 appropriations. Directs the Assistant Secretary to use low quality grain from CCC inventories as collateral to guarantee loans under the subtitle to borrowers for the purpose of constructing or operating a grain processing facility. Title II: State Cooperative Agreements and Plans - Directs the Assistant Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements, based on comprehensive plans submitted by the States, to: (1) enable the States to carry out laws and implement Federal rural development programs; (2) provide matching grants to the States; and (3) assist States in the development and administration of Federal programs that provide educational opportunities, job training, health services, and other specified benefits to rural residents. Permits the Secretary and other Federal agency heads to enter into agreements with State and local governments to provide educational training, job training, health services, and other benefits to rural residents. Directs the Assistant Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary, to use the Cooperative State Extension Service to inform rural residents about such programs. Establishes in the National Agricultural Library the National Rural Assistance Information Clearinghouse to distribute information and data about Federal, State, and local programs. Title III: Rural Technology Development Centers - Amends the Consolidated Farms and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary to conduct pilot projects in States or universities to enable them to establish and operate centers for rural technology development. Requires applicants to submit plans for such centers, which must: (1) be located in rural areas; (2) be designed to improve the economic condition of the area through projects to collect, test, and disseminate information on relevant new services and products; (3) consult with colleges or universities administering rural development and small farm research and education programs under the Rural Development Act of 1972; (4) take steps to develop continuing sources of financial support; and (5) provide for the maximum application of technology in those rural areas strongly affected by a depressed farm economy. Sets forth criteria to be met by pilot projects established under this title. Permits the Secretary to provide employment-related technical assistance to economically distressed rural areas. Directs the Secretary, for each of FY 1988 through 1990, to make grants of up to $500,000 per project to public, private, or cooperative organizations, to Indian tribes on reservations, other tribal groups, or individuals to assist rural entities in funding projects for the development of marketing plans to promote rural economic development. Enumerates criteria to guide the Secretary in determining grant recipients. Provides for the monitoring of projects funded under this program. Directs the Secretary to report the monitoring results to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Rural Dislocation Set-Aside Program - Sets aside ten percent of certain funds provided to the Secretary of Labor in each of FY 1988 through 1992, for programs providing basic readjustment services to dislocated farmers, ranchers, and farm workers. Directs the Secretary of Labor to notify the Governors of eligible States of the availability of such funds. Bases State eligibility on the extent of declining farm equity and the percentage increase in the average debt-to-asset ratio of farms. Sets forth criteria based on farm population for the allocation of funds to eligible States. Requires the Governor of each eligible State to submit a plan describing the readjustment services to be provided. Specifies required contents of the plan. Indicates potential recipients of services under the plan, including individuals whose farm or ranch operations have ended or are likely to end as a result of foreclosure, bankruptcy, or other unfavorable economic circumstances. Enumerates possible activities and services to be included in the State plan, such as counseling services, vocational evaluation, job search, and training assistance, and various support services (transportation, meals, temporary shelter, dependent care). Title V: Rural Set-Asides and Priority - Directs agency heads, in cases when funds are allocated to States according to a mandated formula, to take specified actions that would result in benefits to rural areas from Federal procurement and construction projects. Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require the heads of executive agencies to give equal consideration to rural areas when determining the location of new Federal buildings and activities related to their construction. Title VI: Special Assistant for Agriculture and Rural Development - Directs the President, within 180 days after enactment of this Act, to establish in the White House an Office of Agriculture and Rural Development to coordinate executive branch programs affecting rural areas. Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Special Assistant appointed by the President. Directs the Special Assistant to: (1) systematically review Federal programs affecting rural areas; (2) monitor activities and legislation affecting rural areas; and (3) assist in the full preparation of a comprehensive rural development strategy designed to maximize the effectiveness and increase the responsiveness of Federal programs to rural areas. Requires the Secretary, within one year after enactment of this Act, to transmit the rural development strategy to the congressional agriculture committees and to report annually to such committees on any changes to such strategy. Requires the Special Assistant to use the Office of the President to maximize coordination of Federal programs affecting rural areas. Title VII: Technical Provisions - Subtitle A: Administration - Provides for transfer of personnel to the Rural Development Authority from the Farmers Home Administration as may be necessary with respect to the functions transferred to the Authority. Sets forth other administrative details relevant to these functions transfers. Subtitle B: Conforming Amendments - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, the Community Economic Development Act of 1981, and other Federal law to reflect the creation of the Rural Development Authority and the transfer of certain functions to it. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to continue the program of guaranteed loans and grants to nonprofit national rural development and finance corporations (Under current law, the program ended as of FY 1987). Title VIII: Implementation - Mandates that this Act be implemented not later than six months after its enactment.

A bill to encourage the use of program crop acreage for the purpose of creating game and wildlife habitats, feeding areas, and sanctuaries by protecting farm program crop base acreage and program payment yields.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1987

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to encourage the use of program crop acreage (with respect to wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice) to create wildlife sanctuaries, as well as habitat and feed and storage areas for game and wildlife. Provides that when the owner or operator of a farm, upon notice to the Secretary, converts all or any portion of any program crop acreage base established for the preceding crop year to targeted game and wildlife uses, the converted land shall be counted toward any acreage reduction program with respect to preserving the program crop base acreage and program payment yield of the farm. Permits the person who converted the program crop base acreage to a permissible wildlife/game use to resume program crop production on the affected acreage upon 120 days' written notice to the Secretary.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress with respect to setting the government ARP level at 27 1/2 percent for the 1988 crop of wheat.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1987

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) it is in the best interest of the United States that wheat producers receive immediately the details of the wheat price support program (loan rates and target prices) for the 1988 crop; and (2) the program should provide for a high acreage limitation (ARP) program under which acreage planted to wheat for harvest on a farm would be limited to the wheat crop acreage base reduced by no more than 27 1/2 percent.

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate that it is in the best interests of United States wheat producers to immediately receive the details of the 1988 wheat program and that the program should include no more than a 27 1/2 percent acreage limitation level.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1987

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it is in the best interests of U.S. wheat producers to immediately receive the details of the program for the 1988 crop of wheat established under the Agricultural Act of 1949; and (2) such program should provide for an acreage limitation program under which a farm's wheat acreage would be limited to the wheat crop acreage base for the farm reduced by no more than 27 1/2 percent.

A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that any legislation that provides additional financial assistance to the Farm Credit System should enable the banks and associations of the System to make loans at lower interest rates, ensure the continued participation of borrowers in the System, and assist borrowers to repay their loans obtained from banks and associations of the System.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1987

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any Federal legislation enacted to increase financial assistance to the Farm Credit System (FCS) should: (1) enable FCS banks and associations to offer loans at lower interest rates than would be possible without the assistance; (2) ensure the continued participation of borrowers in the management and control of the FCS; (3) require FCS entities to reduce loan repayment obligations as necessary if the reduction is less costly than foreclosure or legal actions with respect to debtors unable to make payments; and (4) encourage FCS banks and associations to take part in State mediation programs conducted by independent arbitrators and to offer delinquent borrowers opportunities to restructure their loans.

A resolution encouraging Americans to consume meat and meat products.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1987

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Americans are encouraged to consume meat and meat products.

A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to prevent foreigners from receiving production adjustment payments and price support payments and loans.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1987

Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to make the following ineligible to receive production adjustment payments or price support program loans, payments, or benefits with respect to any commodity produced on a U.S. farm: (1) foreign nationals owning or operating such a farm; and (2) corporations at least ten percent of whose beneficial ownership is held by foreign nationals.

A bill to authorize the establishment by the Secretary of Agriculture of a plant stress and water conservation research laboratory and program at Lubbock, Texas.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1987

Authorizes appropriations to establish a plant stress and water conservation research laboratory and program at Lubbock, Texas.

Fast Food Ingredient Information Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1987

Fast Food Ingredient Information Act of 1987 - Title I: Responsibilities of the Secretary of Health and Human Services - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require fast food restaurant packaged foods to be labeled in accordance with such Act, or to require the restaurants to display such content and nutrition information in conspicuous places in the restaurant. Title II: Responsibilities of the Secretary of Agriculture - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to require labels of packaged foods sold by fast food restaurants to comply with such Acts. Permits the restaurants to display such content information in conspicuous places in the restaurant if determined appropriate by the Secretary of Agriculture. Title III: Regulations; Effective Date - Sets regulation promulgation responsibilities and effective dates.

Wheat and Feed Grain Programs Improvement Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1987

Wheat and Feed Grain Programs Improvement Act of 1987 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish the loan rate for the 1987 corn crop at $2.40 per bushel. (Currently such rate is based on a percentage of the preceding five years' average price.) Establishes the loan rate for the 1988 wheat crop at $2.85 per bushel. (Currently such rate is based on a percentage of the preceding five years' average price.)

A bill to amend the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to require the Commodity Credit Corporation to pay at least as much to use privately owned farms for grain storage as is paid to commercial storage facilities for such purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1987

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.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to mandate marketing loans for each of the 1988 through 1990 crops of wheat, feed grains, soybeans, and sunflowers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1987

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish price support levels for the 1988 through 1990 crops of: (1) wheat, at not less than $5.00 per bushel; (2) feed grains (corn), at not less than $3.50 per bushel; and (3) soybeans, at not less than $5.00 per bushel. Permits marketing loan repayment levels for these crops, as well as for sunflower seeds, at a level that is the lesser of: (1) the loan level determined for such crop; or (2) the average county price for the crop. Establishes standards the Secretary of Agriculture must use in providing for an acreage limitation program with respect to the 1988 through 1990 crops of wheat and feed grains. Establishes price supports for 1988 through 1990 sunflower crops. Sets purchase and loan levels at not less than nine cents per pound. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to limit to $150,000 per crop year the total amount of loans available per person under price support programs for crop years 1988 through 1990.

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture should promote a multilateral agricultural agreement with the top five agricultural producing countries.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1987

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture should negotiate a multilateral agreement with the top five agricultural producing countries to limit agricultural production.

Ewen M. Wilson, an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Consumer Cooperative Bank for a term of three years, vice Robert L. Thompson.

United States · United States Senate · 2 June 1987

Fair Farm Credit Amendments of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1987

Fair Farm Credit Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to restructure, rather than foreclose, a delinquent Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) loan if foreclosure costs would exceed restructuring costs. Requires the Secretary, if the estimated liquidation value of the securing property exceeds 70 percent of the loan value, to provide independent support for such estimate. Requires the Secretary to pay losses incurred when a guaranteed lender restructures a loan as provided for by this Act. Revises provisions relating to membership on county committees and elections of committee members. Revises farmland disposition provisions to give previous owners or operators the right of first refusal with respect to a lease of the property and preference with respect to the awarding of management contracts governing the property. Requires that previous owners be given written notice of the potential sale or lease of the property. Requires the Secretary to continue to release living and operating expenses to a borrower until the FmHA takes title and possession of the land and determines that such borrower is ineligible for leaseback of the property. Revises homestead protection provisions to: (1) include outbuildings in homestead property; and (2) extend authority beyond the current December 23, 1988, cut-off date. Requires the Secretary to provide all FmHA borrowers with written descriptions of available loan service programs. Authorizes the Secretary to allow deferral of principal and interest on outstanding loans or to forego foreclosure upon his or her own initiative (under current law a borrower must request such actions). States that interest which accrues during the loan deferral period shall bear no interest (current law permits the Secretary to decide this issue). Sets forth considerations and conditions that the Secretary must implement in determining whether a borrower is eligible for a deferral and in establishing the deferral period. Permits retroactive restructuring of loans. Requires the Secretary to participate in any program of credit dispute resolution required under State law before initiating collection activity. Directs the Secretary to permit a borrower to redeem real property acquired through legal process during the year following the date of judgment or the period prescribed under State, whichever is longer. Applies State law to the redemption process. Suspends collection activities during a 90-day transition period after enactment of this Act. Provides that emergency loans made to family farmers shall be refinanced at the same interest rates as FmHA real estate or operating loans made for the same purpose. Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require Farm Credit System (FCS) institutions (Federal land banks, Federal land bank associations, Federal intermediate credit banks, and production credit associations) to inform delinquent borrowers about the availability of loan restructuring. Sets forth procedures with respect to loan restructuring. Limits mandatory loan restructuring to situations in which the present value of borrower payments under a restructured loan would exceed the liquidation value of the relevant property (less liquidation costs). Permits appeals of an institution's determinations as to loan restructuring. Requires FCS institutions to submit quarterly reports to the Farm Credit Association (FCA) containing specified details about delinquent loans and loan restructuring activity. Directs the FCA, in turn, to transmit such data to specified congressional committees.

Farm Loan Mediation Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1987

Farm Loan Mediation Act of 1987 - Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from making loans under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to persons in States not having a loan mediation system. Sets forth program provisions.

Farm Credit System Emergency Management and Assistance Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1987

Farm Credit System Emergency Management and Assistance Act of 1987 - Title I: Farm Credit System Emergency Management Board - Establishes in the executive branch a Farm Credit System (FCS) Emergency Management Board in the interest of providing Federal assistance and management oversight to support the FCS while recommendations are being developed to assure the continued supply of agricultural credit at a reasonable cost. Directs the Board, within 18 months of its first meeting, to submit to the Congress its findings and recommendations, including legislative proposals, regarding the most efficient and effective organization of the FCS for delivering agricultural credit to farmers and ranchers. Requires, in addition, quarterly Board reports to the Congress and to the President on its activities and plans. Enumerates powers and duties of the Board, including authorization to: (1) make loans to FCS institutions; (2) issue guarantees to protect the value of stock in such institutions; (3) supervise, manage, and establish policies for the FCS; and (4) require Board approval of various facets of FCS activities, including personnel matters, credit standards, and financial management procedures. Authorizes the Comptroller General of the General Accounting Office to audit the activities and programs of both the Board and FCS institutions. States that the Board shall not be subject to the Administrative Procedure Act. Authorizes FY 1987 through 1989 appropriations to fund Board activities. Title II: Debt Restructuring - Requires, as a condition for receiving title I funding, that an institution: (1) before instituting a foreclosure proceeding, determine both the cost of foreclosure and the cost of restructuring the pertinent loan, and reduce principal, interest, or both, or otherwise restructure the loan when foreclosure costs either equal or exceed restructuring costs; and (2) use at least half of such funds for this loan restructuring activity. Requires FCS banks, as a condition of funding eligibility under titles I and II, to develop a separate specialist group to restructure problem loans on a case by case basis. Prohibits an institution from requiring additional security from a borrower who is current in payments. Sets out procedures to govern appeals of Board determinations as to whether or not to restructure a given loan. Directs the Board, in allocating funds, to consider an institution's aggressiveness in restructuring loans. Requires an institution to report quarterly to the Board, documenting its compliance with loan restructuring procedures. Title III: Borrower Rights - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 concerning borrower access to documents and information. Prohibits requiring a borrower to provide additional collateral or financial information. Creates a cause of action for borrowers against FCS institutions for borrower rights violations. Grants original jurisdiction to Federal district courts. Title IV: Termination of Authority - Terminates the authority under titles I and II 12 months after submission of the Board's required report.

A bill to amend the Poultry Products Inspection Act to re-establish minimum inspection and processing standards.

United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1987

Amends the Poultry and Poultry Products Inspection Act to require all poultry and poultry products slaughtered or processed to comply with certain inspection and processing standards in effect as of July 1, 1977. States that any further change in such standards is ineffective unless specifically approved in a public law.

School Lunch, Child Nutrition, and Older Americans Commodity Program Improvement Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1987

School Lunch, Child Nutrition, and Older Americans Commodity Program Improvement Act of 1987 - Amends the National School Lunch Act with respect to the commodity distribution program. Sets forth requirements and procedures that the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) must observe in developing specifications for commodity acquisition for programs under such Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, and for nutrition programs for the elderly under title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory council on the distribution of donated commodities to recipient agencies. Requires the council to report annually to specified congressional committees. Terminates the council at the end of FY 1992. Enumerates duties of the Secretary with respect to the provision of commodities to recipient agencies, including obligations to: (1) provide both technical assistance on commodity use and nutritional data; (2) monitor commodity conditions to ensure high quality; (3) establish procedures for commodity replacement when necessary; (4) establish certain guidelines and mandatory criteria to be used by State distribution agencies; and (5) monitor the ways in which such agencies carry out their responsibilities. Sets forth criteria to be met before the Secretary may enter into a contract for the purchase of entitlement commodities. Directs the Secretary by regulation to establish requirements with respect to a State distribution agency's: (1) warehousing and distribution systems; (2) delivery methods; (3) contracts covering the processing of agricultural commodities and their products for recipient agencies; (4) fees; and (5) minimum performance standards. Requires the Secretary to: (1) issue regulations with respect to procedures for allocating donated commodities among the States and guidelines for intrastate commodity distribution; (2) provide for systematic cost-benefit analysis and monitoring of recipient agency reports concerning commodities suitable to recipient needs; (3) develop and implement a national field testing program to determine the acceptability of commodities to recipient agencies; (4) require, with specified exceptions, that recipient agencies purchase only food products that are produced in the United States; (5) ensure consistent interpretation by Department of Agriculture regional offices of the policies and regulations governing donated commodities; (6) provide certain entitlement commodities to recipient agencies free of charge; (7) report annually to specified congressional committees concerning the implementation of this Act within the targeted programs; (8) establish a letter-of-credit program based on specified pilot projects and offer to all recipient agencies, one year following this Act's enactment, the option of receiving such commodity letters-of-credit instead of entitlement commodities for the targeted programs; and (9) conduct a survey of recipient agencies to determine the package sizes and forms of noncommodity food products they commonly purchase locally with their own funds and report the survey results to specified congressional committees within 90 days following this Act's enactment.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire certain private lands to be added to wilderness areas in the State of Texas.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1987

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire specified lands for addition to the Upland Island Wilderness, Angelina National Forest; the Turkey Hill Wilderness, Angelina National Forest; and the Big Slough Wilderness, Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas. Requires such additional lands to be managed as wilderness. Permits grazing to continue where already established.

A bill to amend the National School Lunch Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a certification program for imported food products purchased by schools that participate in the school lunch program.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1987

Amends the National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish a certification program for imported food products (other than milk and dairy products) purchased for school lunches; and (2) develop a model certificate for such purposes. Requires the certification program to include food inspections to assure Federal minimum health and safety standards are being met. Makes it unlawful for any person who sells such products to a school to: (1) fail to provide the school with the necessary certificates; (2) fail to retain such certificates; (3) fail to provide the Secretary with such certificates; and (4) knowingly make a false statement on such certificates. Sets forth penalties for violations.

A joint resolution directing the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of the effectiveness of current laws and regulations in protecting dogs and puppies bred and raised for sale to retail pet stores from inhumane treatment and premature shipment.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1987

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report on the effectiveness of current laws, regulations, and licensing standards for commercial breeders of dogs and puppies in protecting such animals raised for sale in retail pet stores from inhumane treatment.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to make Commodity Credit Corporation stocks available to promote the production of liquid fuels, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1987

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to require that entities receiving Commodity Credit Corporation surplus commodities for liquid fuel (ethanol) production be State agencies or entities created by the State. Limits: (1) the use of such commodities to the development and expansion of liquid fuel facilities; and (2) the annual amount of commodities available for such projects. Terminates program authority five years after enactment of this Act.

Base Acreage Equity Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1987

Base Acreage Equity Act of 1987 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to permit a producer, upon appropriate notice to the county committee, to increase the crop acreage base for wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, or rice by up to ten percent (20 percent for two or more crops). Requires that any upward adjustment be offset by an equivalent downward adjustment of one or more other crop acreage bases. Sets forth county committee notification dates according to individual program crops.

Farm Credit Borrower Stock Protection and System Restoration Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1987

Farm Credit Borrower Stock Protection and System Restoration Act of 1987 - Title I: Capitalization; Stock Protection - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require Farm Credit System (FCS) institutions to incorporate provisions for capitalization in their bylaws. Sets forth required contents with respect to such provisions. Describes criteria to govern any capitalization plan adopted by an FCS institution, including a requirement that the plan enable the institution to meet permanent capital adequacy standards in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Directs the Farm Credit Administration (FCA) to issue regulations that establish minimum permanent capital adequacy standards, to be phased in over a seven-year period. Prohibits the FCA, during this seven-year period, from initiating regulatory or supervisory actions, such as receivership or liquidation, against institutions failing to meet minimum permanent capital adequacy standards unless the action is sanctioned by the board of directors of the Federal Farm Credit Assistance Board. Provides that failure of any FCS institution to adopt and administer an appropriate capitalization plan will be grounds for an enforcement action by the FCA. Permits the board of directors of an FCS institution, upon stockholder approval, to adopt bylaws providing for stockholder voting rights on other than a one-person-one-vote basis. Directs the FCA to issue regulations for the implementation of these capitalization requirements not later than 180 days after this Act's enactment. Requires, during the seven-year period following this Act's enactment, that any borrower stock and certain other ownership interests in FCS institutions be retired at par value. Directs the Federal Farm Credit Assistance Board, upon notification by an FCS institution that it is unable to retire borrower stock at par value because of its financial condition, to: (1) pay to the institution enough funds to retire the stock at par value; or (2) ensure that holders of borrower stock in an institution that is in liquidation, receivership, conservatorship, or similar status will receive par value for their holdings. Title II: Financial Assistance Through the Federal Farm Credit Assistance Board - Establishes the Federal Farm Credit Assistance Board (Board), an independent agency whose purposes are to: (1) obtain funds from the Secretary of the Treasury for use to protect the stock of FCS institution borrowers and to assist in restoring such institutions to economic viability, thus permitting them to continue to provide credit to farmers and ranchers at reasonable rates; and (2) receive funds from FCS institutions in repayment of Federal assistance. Sets forth criteria to govern Board membership, procedures, and leadership. Enumerates both general and specific corporate powers of the Board. Rescinds required purchases or assessments made by the Farm Credit System Capital Corporation and directs refunds of monies obtained through such purchases or assessments. Reverses or repays, as appropriate, all contributions made by FCS banks under loss-sharing agreements since December 23, 1985. Directs each FCS bank to pay to the Board an amount determined in accordance with this Act, to a maximum equal to the amount that the bank contributed under FCS capital preservation agreements. Sets forth a timetable to govern the activities described in this paragraph. Directs the Board to assist FCS institutions whose financial condition would not permit them to carry out their responsibilities without such assistance. Lists possible Board actions, including: (1) paying amounts necessary to bring the institution's stock out of an impaired condition; and (2) taking prescribed actions with respect to non-accrual loans and acquired property and with respect to high-cost debt. Directs the Board to pay to an FCS institution the amount necessary to permit the institution to retire borrower stock at par value if other assistance has not been adequate for this purpose. Requires that each FCS bank pay the Board an amount equal to two-tenths of one percent of the average annual volume of accruing loans outstanding until all amounts received by the Board from the Secretary of the Treasury for financial assistance to the institutions are repaid. Authorizes an institution to pay more than its required amount if it wishes to do so. Directs the Board to obtain from the Secretary, by sale of its obligations or otherwise, funds sufficient to carry out its responsibilities. Directs the Secretary to make such funds available. Describes the authority of the Secretary with respect to the obligations of the Board. Prohibits the Board from making assistance available to FCS institutions if the costs of the assistance would exceed those of liquidation of the institution. Permits the Board to terminate capital preservation agreements. Sets forth additional limitations on the Board. Declares that the Board shall not be subject to supervision or regulation by the Farm Credit Administration. Requires annual audits of Board records by the Comptroller General. Directs the Board to report annually to specified congressional committees on: (1) its activities and their effect on the financial condition of FCS institutions; and (2) the progress made by the institutions in achieving restoration of their financial viability. Terminates the powers of the Board upon fulfillment of its responsibilities under this Act. Caps at $6,000,000,000 the fiscal authority of the Secretary to purchase Board obligations or otherwise make funds available to the Board. Describes conditions, procedures, and transactions to occur during the period of transition as the Farm Credit System Capital Corporation progressively relinquishes its authority. Fixes December 31, 1988, as the date by which the Farm Credit System Capital Corporation must be terminated. Title III: Stockholder Authority to Reorganize System Institutions to Improve Operating Efficiency - Adds a new title to the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to govern mergers of various FCS institutions, as well as the structure and operation of the resulting entities. Provides for the merger of banks within a district into a merged bank. Describes criteria and procedures relating to the board of directors, powers, capital stock, earnings, reserves, and distributions for the resulting entity. Includes corresponding provisions with respect to the merger of like banks in different districts. Permits mergers of, and transfers of assets and powers by or to, associations within a district and describes the relevant transactions associated with such activity. Includes specific provisions for: (1) transfers by production credit associations to banks; (2) transfers by Federal land banks to Federal land bank associations; (3) mergers of associations into banks; (4) mergers of like and unlike associations (such as a merger of one or more production credit associations with one or more Federal land bank associations); and (5) mergers of service organizations. Requires prior approval by the FCA of information disclosed in the context of plans of merger or plans for the transfer of lending authority. Describes procedures and timetables to govern the approval process, including provisions for the remedy of any deficiencies identified by the FCA. Accords tax-exempt status to any entity resulting from the merger of currently tax-exempt entities (Federal land banks, Federal land bank associations, and Federal intermediate credit banks). Grants a limited tax exemption to entities resulting from a merger in which at least one constitutent was a production credit association or a bank for cooperatives. Title IV: Secondary Market for Agricultural Loans - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to add a new title, the Federal Farm Credit Mortgage Corporation Act of 1987, in the interest of: (1) increasing the availability of agricultural credit; (2) stimulating the flow of investment capital into the agricultural sector; and (3) increasing the liquidity and lending capacity of agricultural lenders. Establishes the Federal Farm Credit Mortgage Corporation as an institution of the Farm Credit System. Describes the general corporate powers and the investment powers of the Corporation. Accords the Corporation tax-exempt status with respect to all taxation except State and local real property taxes. Provides for a Board of Directors to govern the Corporation and sets forth criteria relating to Board operations and membership. Describes requirements with respect to common stock and preferred stock of the Corporation, including a requirement that there be at least one class of common stock issued to and held by only the FCS banks. Authorizes the Corporation to purchase, service, sell, lend on the security of, or otherwise deal in, agricultural loans (defined in the Act). Confines such operations to those loans deemed to be of such quality, type, and class as to meet generally the purchase standards imposed by private institutional agricultural loan investors. Permits the Corporation to establish reasonable requirements and to impose fees in connection with its services. Permits classifications of sellers or servicers to the extent distinctions bear a rational relationship to this Act's purposes or provisions. Disallows distinctions based solely on whether an entity is an FCS bank. Authorizes the Corporation to borrow, to give security, to pay interest or other return, and to issue notes, debentures, bonds, and other securities. Requires FCS banks to guarantee the Corporation's performance with respect to any agricultural loan or security, including loans and instruments subject to guarantees issued by the Corporation. Authorizes FCS members to lend money to the Corporation. Permits the Corporation to guarantee the timely payment of principal and notice payments on certain notes, bonds, trust certificates or other obligations, or other securities. Requires the Corporation to collect a reasonable fee for such guarantees and to charge other fees as appropriate with respect to such activities. Details procedures and powers to be implemented when an issuer is unable to make payments on any security guaranteed by the Corporation, including the power of the Corporation to enter into contracts under which the issuer relinquishes interest in the agricultural loans serving as security for the loan. Preempts State, local, and other preexisting Federal law with respect to such contracts. Declares that all securities issued or guaranteed by the Corporation shall be deemed to be exempt securities within the meaning of U.S. securities law. Exempts such agricultural loans, obligations, or other securities that have been issued, sold, or guaranteed by the Corporation from State laws requiring registration or qualification, but permits any State, within five years of this Act's enactment, to enact a statute specifically requiring the Corporation to register. Describes the regulatory authority of the Farm Credit Administration with respect to the Corporation. Limits such authority to providing for the examination of, and the general regulation of, the safe and sound performance of the powers, functions, and duties of the Corporation. Provides for FCA audit of the fundamental transactions of the Corporation. Directs: (1) the FCA to make an annual report to the Congress on the Corporation's condition; and (2) the Corporation to publish an annual report of condition in accordance with requirements prescribed by the FCA. Empowers the FCA to issue a cease and desist order, after notice and a hearing in accordance with the framework provided in this Act, when a person participating in the affairs of the Corporation engages in or is about to engage in unsafe or unsound practices with respect to the Corporation's business. Provides for enforcement of such orders by specified district courts. Provides for the removal (after proper notice and hearing) of any officer or director of the Corporation who has violated a cease and desist order, engaged in unsafe or unsound practices in connection with the Corporation, or breached a fiduciary duty. Permits judicial review in specified district courts of orders suspending such persons from office. Permits subsequent review upon petition to the appropriate court of appeals. Immunizes all rights and remedies of the Corporation from impairment, limitation, or restriction by or under any law or administrative or other action that becomes effective after the Corporation's acquisition of the property in question. Exempts agricultural loans purchased by or guaranteed by the Corporation from State constitutional or statutory limits on interest, discount points, and finance charges. Amends the Home Owner's Loan Act of 1933, the Federal Credit Union Act, and other Federal law to reflect the changes made by this Act. Title V: Clarification of Certain System Authorities - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to remove the sunset provision applicable to the authorities for: (1) certain export financing activity of banks for cooperatives; and (2) Federal intermediate credit bank lending or discounting of paper for other financial institutions. Deletes the provision that limits a Federal land bank or a production credit association from making rural housing loans in an aggregate amount that exceeds 15 percent of its total loans outstanding. Authorizes Federal land banks, Federal intermediate credit banks, and production credit associations to participate in leveraged lease arrangements. Title VI: Regulatory Authorities - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to remove a number of powers of the FCA, including: (1) the authority to amend Federal land bank charters on their own initiative; and (2) to approve various institution activity (such as loss-sharing agreements and matters relating to stock) with respect to Federal land banks, Federal land bank associations, Federal intermediate credit banks, production credit associations, and banks for cooperatives. Eliminates the role of the FCA in the process by which farm credit district directors are elected, shifting this role to the district board, which is directed to delegate nomination and election responsibilities to an independent district election committee. Sets forth transition rules for FCA approvals, stating that all existing approvals remain in effect. Covers both existing approvals and those that will be replaced by regulatory oversight under the amendments made by this Act. Title VII: Conservation - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 with respect to the conservation acreage reserve program. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from rejecting certain offers to place land under the program. Makes this provision applicable only with respect to persons who regularly make loans secured by agricultural real estate and who have acquired highly erodible cropland through foreclosure proceedings arising out of the borrower's failure to meet loan payment obligations. Directs the Secretary to adjust payments to the parties involved in the sale of such land so that the buyer is able to participate in the program. Directs that the Secretary ensure, insofar as practicable, that lenders do not enjoy an advantage over other owners and operators of highly erodible cropland. Authorizes the Secretary to take measures to achieve this objective, including the establishment of separate bidding procedures. Exempts lenders from the conservation program's three-year holding requirement. Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to affirm the authority of any FCS institution, with respect to real property it acquires through foreclosure or other proceeding, to sell an easement for conservation, recreation, wildlife, or similar purposes.

Imported Food Labeling Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1987

Imported Food Labeling Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to require imported food, meat, and poultry to be labeled with the country of origin.

A joint resolution to recognize the one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary of the United States Department of Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1987

Expresses the sense of the Congress commending the Department of Agriculture on its 125th anniversary. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation commemorating such event.

Agricultural Mortgage Marketing Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1987

Agricultural Mortgage Marketing Act of 1987 - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to establish as a federally-chartered institution of the Farm Credit System (System) the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Corporation). States that the Corporation shall not be liable for the debts of any other System institutions. Directs the Corporation to provide a secondary agricultural mortgage market by: (1) developing uniform underwriting, security appraisal, and repayment standards; (2) determining the eligibility of agricultural mortgage marketing facilities to contract with the Corporation for credit enhancement of specific mortgage pools; and (3) providing credit enhancement to assure repayment of principal and interest on pools of qualified agricultural mortgage loans. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) the Board of Directors; (2) operating powers; (3) stock; (4) agricultural mortgage marketing facility certification (including revocation); (5) credit enhancement of qualified agricultural mortgage loans; (6) the required ten-percent contribution reserve (including distributions of any earnings on such reserve and loss allocation); (7) standards for qualified agricultural mortgage loans; (8) credit enhancement (including fees and limitations on liability); (9) Corporation regulation (including an annual report); and (10) exemption from Federal and State securities laws under specified conditions (including authorized investments).

Rural Crisis Intervention Program Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1987

Rural Crisis Intervention Program Act of 1987 - Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to provide for counseling and outreach programs to aid farmers and others who have been adversely affected by the current farm and rural economic crisis. Extends such program for an additional two years to December 23, 1990.

Farm Base Acreage Flexibility Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1987

Farm Base Acreage Flexibility Act of 1987 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture, upon producer request, to increase wheat, feed grains, rice, and cotton crop acreage bases. (Current law authorizes the Secretary to provide for such increases.) Increases maximum base adjustments from ten percent to 20 percent.

A bill to recover costs of providing services to farmer cooperatives and groups of producers.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1987

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to assess fees (and late penalties and accrued interest) upon users of the wholesale market development program pursuant to the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 and other Federal law. States that such amounts shall be credited to the account that incurs the cost, without fiscal year limitations. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring an action in any appropriate U.S. court to recover unpaid charges.

A bill to amend the Plant Variety Act to provide for the credit of fees collected to the account that incurs the cost of carrying out the Act.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1987

Amends the Plant Variety Protection Act to provide that user fees, late penalties, and accrued interest shall be credited to the account that incurs the cost, without fiscal year limitations. (Currently such amounts are deposited in the Treasury.) Authorizes the Attorney General to bring an action in any appropriate U.S. court to recover unpaid charges. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to recover costs of establishing standards and specifications for agricultural products.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1987

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to assess fees (and late penalties and accrued interest) upon users of the grading programs pursuant to the following Acts: (1) the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946; (2) the United States Cotton Standards Act; (3) the Tobacco Inspection Act; (4) the Naval Stores Act; and (5) certain Federal law relating to wool. States that such amounts shall be credited to the account that incurs the cost, without fiscal year limitations. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring an action in any appropriate U.S. court to recover unpaid charges. Authorizes appropriations.

A resolution making Republican appointments to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and the Committee on Small Business.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1987

Appoints Senator Karnes, Nebraska, to the following committees for the 100th Congress: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and (2) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and (3) Small Business.

A resolution making additional majority appointments to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1987

Appoints Senator Breaux, Louisiana, to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and Senator Wirth, Colorado, to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for the 100th Congress.

A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to improve the administration of Farmers Home Administration loans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987

Amends provisions of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act concerning debt settlement and loan servicing with respect to Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) loans. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary), before taking action on such loans, to calculate the value that the Federal Government could expect to realize through either liquidation of the property securing the loan or a bankruptcy proceeding. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring: (1) liquidation as a condition of entering a settlement if, through settlement, the Secretary will realize at least the value as calculated above; or (2) that the amount outstanding on a loan be due and payable as a condition of settlement. Directs the Secretary to write down to its current market value the outstanding debt on a delinquent loan in cases where the above calculation indicates that the Secretary could expect to receive less than the outstanding amount. Empowers the Secretary to pursue for collection all claims against third parties assigned to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to provide written notice of the calculation process and its practical application to any delinquent borrower, as well as any borrower who requests such notice or who holds a loan that the Secretary intends to liquidate, accelerate, or foreclose upon. Permits appeals of denials of settlement or of loan servicing. Authorizes the Secretary to allow deferral of principal and interest on outstanding loans or to forego foreclosure upon his or her own initiative. (Under current law a borrower must request such actions.) Requires (current law permits) the Secretary to permit interest that accrues during the loan deferral period to bear no interest. Sets forth considerations and conditions that the Secretary must implement in determining whether a borrower is eligible for a deferral, and in establishing the deferral period. Permits retroactive restructuring of loans. Directs the Secretary to provide to each borrower or loan applicant, at specified times, written notice describing: (1) the loan servicing alternative available, including deferral, rescheduling, reamortization, consolidation, limited resource rates, and debt settlement; and (2) the means of applying for each. Directs the Secretary to consider a borrower or applicant for loan servicing alternatives when a borrower: (1) so requests; (2) becomes delinquent in repayments; or (3) before initiation of liquidation, requests acceleration, foreclosure, or other collection activity. Revises provisions relating to membership on county committees and elections of committee members. Revises procedures applicable to hearings provided to persons appealing loan decisions of the Secretary, and brings such hearings within the framework of the Administrative Procedure Act. Requires the Secretary to participate in any program of credit dispute resolution required under State law before initiating collection activity. Directs the Secretary to permit a borrower to redeem any loan-securing real property the Secretary has acquired through foreclosure or other legal process during the year following the date of judgment or the period prescribed under State law, whichever is longer. Applies State law to the redemption process. Fixes priorities as to borrower preference for redemption purchases. Revises farmland disposition provisions to give previous owners or operators the right of first refusal with respect to a lease of the property and preference with respect to the awarding of management contracts governing the property. Authorizes the Secretary to sign a contract to lease land to its owner before the Secretary actually acquires the property. Requires that previous owners be given written notice of the potential sale or lease of property. Applies appeals procedures to denials of applications or disputes with respect to leases or purchase agreements. Directs the Secretary to release from the sale of any loan-securing property an amount sufficient to assure the borrower's family a reasonable standard of living and to pay all necessary farm operating expenses. Revises homestead provisions to: (1) include outbuildings in homestead property; and (2) permit a borrower to retain possession and occupancy of homestead property in certain cases. Sets forth conditions to govern such retention of homestead property. Establishes in each State a State Farmers Home Administration Policy Board to: (1) review and report on State impact on Federal policies of the FmHA: (2) determine loan amounts needed in the State; and (3) present quarterly reports to the Secretary and to the public on its activities.

Agricultural Mortgage Marketing Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987

Agricultural Mortgage Marketing Act of 1987 - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to establish as a federally-chartered institution of the Farm Credit System (System) the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Corporation). States that the Corporation shall not be liable for the debts of any other System institutions. Directs the Corporation to provide a secondary agricultural mortgage market by: (1) developing uniform underwriting, security appraisal, and repayment standards; (2) determining the eligibility of agricultural mortgage marketing facilities to contract with the Corporation for credit enhancement of specific mortgage pools; and (3) providing credit enhancement to assure the repayment of principal and interest. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) the Board of Directors; (2) operating powers; (3) stock; (4) agricultural mortgage marketing facility certification (including revocation); (5) credit enhancement of qualified agricultural mortgage loans; (6) the required ten-percent contribution reserve (including distributions of any earnings on such reserve and loss allocation); (7) standards for qualified agricultural mortgage loans; (8) credit enhancement (including fees and limitations on liability); (9) Corporation regulation (including an annual report); and (10) exemption from Federal and State securities laws under specified conditions (including authorized investments).

FmHA Amendments of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1987

FmHA Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to restructure, rather than foreclose, a delinquent Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) loan if foreclosure costs would exceed restructuring costs. Requires the Secretary, if the estimated liquidation value of the securing property exceeds 70 percent of the loan value, to provide independent support for such estimate. Requires the Secretary to pay losses incurred when a guaranteed lender restructures a loan as provided for by this Act. Requires the Secretary to continue to release living and operating expenses to a borrower until FmHA takes title and possession of the land and determines that such borrower is ineligible for leaseback of the property. Provides that emergency loans made to family farmers shall be refinanced at the same interest rates as FmHA real estate or operating loans made for the same purpose. Revises farmland disposition provisions to establish the following order of priority: (1) sale or lease with purchase option to previous owners of such land; (2) sale or lease with purchase option to previous operators of such land; and (3) sale or lease with purchase option to family-farm sized operators. Revises homestead protection provisions to: (1) include out buildings in homestead property; and (2) extend authority beyond the current December 23, 1988, cut-off date. Requires the Secretary to provide all FmHA borrowers with written descriptions of available loan service programs. Suspends collection activities until the Secretary has issued final loan restructuring regulations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Secretary should ensure through FmHA that farmland held in inventory which is suitable for use by eligible persons be properly classified and offered for sale to eligible buyers; and (2) such land should be classified as suitable unless the Secretary demonstrates that it is unlikely that it could be profitably farmed.

Farm Credit Borrower Relief, System Reform and Local Control Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987

Farm Credit Borrower Relief, System Reform and Local Control Act of 1987 - Title I: Interest Rate Reduction - Provides for: (1) a mandatory interest rate reduction of at least seven percent on all Farm Credit System (System) loans; (2) an additional reduction of up to two points, upon a borrower's written request, to be funded by applying up to one-half of such borrower's stock against interest otherwise due; and (3) a five-year guarantee of borrower stock. Title II: Borrower Relief: Forbearance and Restructuring - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require all banks and associations to have a forbearance program providing for loan extensions, deferrals, or late payments for delinquent borrowers who meet specified criteria. Prohibits foreclosure if a borrower is making efforts to repay a loan, is maintaining the property, and has the capacity to work out of debt. Provides: (1) that a borrower must have at least 30 days written notice before a foreclosure action is filed against him or her; and (2) a ten-day right to appeal such action. Requires System institutions to make efforts to permit a borrower in a foreclosure or voluntary liquidation action to retain ownership or possession of a principal residence and a reasonable amount of adjoining land in order to maintain his or her family. Requires System institutions to establish lease-back buy-back programs to avoid displacing farm operators and depressing land values. Includes within such program provisions regarding: (1) leases with repurchase options; (2) repurchase options; (3) maximum ten-year terms for holding collateral; (4) use of loan collateral as bond collateral; (5) appeal rights; and (6) program inapplicability to wetlands and highly erodible land. Title III: Borrower Rights - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to protect a borrower from: (1) being required to provide additional collateral; (2) being foreclosed for failing to provide such collateral; or (3) being required to furnish additional financial information unless such provision is in the loan agreement or unless the borrower requests an agreement change. Provides for borrower access to documents and information. Grants a borrower the right to sue any System institution in a U.S. district court. Title IV: Uniform Use of Regulatory Accounting - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require each bank of the System, for the years 1986 through 1988, to capitalize, amortize (over a 20-year period), and prepare financial reports on: (1) any additions to their loan loss reserves in excess of one-half of one percent; and (2) interest costs in excess of six percent. Title V: Sunset of the Capital Corporation and Halt to System Centralization Through Service Organizations - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to terminate the Farm Credit System Capital Corporation 90 days after the enactment of this Act. (Currently, such Corporation expires as of December 31, 1990.) Prohibits the Farm Credit Administration from chartering any entities except Federal land banks, Federal land bank associations, Federal intermediate credit banks, production credit associations, banks for cooperatives, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, and the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation. Liquidates all service organizations established before the effective date of this Act, except the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation, within 90 days of the effective date of this Act. Title VI: Future Stability Through Farm Credit Reserve Fund - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to direct the Farm Credit Administration to establish a reserve fund within 30 days of the effective date of this Act. States that such reserve shall be used to: (1) guarantee borrower stock; and (2) protect institution viability. Funds such reserve initially through a one-time issue of an uncollateralized joint obligation of System banks. Provides for perpetual reserve funding through obligation contributions. Sets forth operating provisions. Title VII: Termination of Loss Sharing That Conflicts With the Reserve Fund - Repeals the authority for interbank loss-sharing agreements. Title VIII: Local Control - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to provide a referendum method for stockholder elections of separate boards of directors for System banks. Terminates a district board if separate boards are established for two or more banks in such district. Sets forth related operating provisions. Title IX: Mandatory Cool-Off Period for Mergers - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to provide for a mandatory cooling-off period before a merger becomes effective. Title X: Funding Corporation Report - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation to report annually to each System institution detailing its bond placements, budget, costs, and expenses.

A joint resolution to recognize the 125th anniversary of the United States Department of Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1987

Expresses the sense of the Congress commending the Department of Agriculture on its 125th anniversary. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation commemorating such event.

Farm Credit Borrower Relief, System Reform and Local Control Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1987

Farm Credit Borrower Relief, System Reform and Local Control Act of 1987 - Title I: Interest Rate Reduction - Provides for: (1) a mandatory two-year interest rate reduction of at least seven percent on all Farm Credit System (System) loans; (2) an additional reduction of up to two points, upon a borrower's written request, to be funded by applying up to one-half of each borrower's stock against interest otherwise due; and (3) a five-year guarantee of borrower stock. Title II: Borrower Relief: Forbearance and Restructuring - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require all banks and associations to have a forbearance program providing for loan extensions, deferrals, or late payments to delinquent borrowers who meet specified criteria. Prohibits foreclosure if a borrower is making efforts to repay a loan, is taking care of the property, and has the capacity to work out of debt. Provides: (1) that a borrower must have at least 30 days' written notice before a foreclosure action is filed against him; and (2) a ten-day right to appeal such action. Requires System institutions to make efforts to permit a borrower in a foreclosure or voluntary liquidation action to retain ownership or possession of a principal residence and a reasonable amount of adjoining land in order to maintain a family. Requires System institutions to establish lease-back buy-back programs to avoid displacing farm operators and depressing land values. Includes within such programs provisions regarding: (1) leases with repurchase options; (2) repurchase options; (3) maximum ten-year terms for holding collateral; (4) the use of loan collateral as bond collateral; (5) appeal rights; and (6) program inapplicability to wetland and highly erodible land. Title III: Borrowers Rights - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to protect a borrower from: (1) being required to provide additional collateral; (2) being foreclosed for failing to provide such collateral; or (3) being requested to furnish additional financial information unless provided for in the loan agreement, or unless the borrower requests an agreement change. Provides for borrower access to documents and information. Grants a borrower the right to sue any System institution in U.S. district court. Title IV: Sunset of the Capital Corporation and Halt to System Centralization Through Service Organizations - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to terminate the Farm Credit System Capital Corporation 90 days after enactment of this Act. (Currently, such Corporation expires as of December 31, 1990.) Prohibits the Farm Credit Administration from chartering any entities except Federal land banks and associations, Federal land bank associations, Federal intermediate credit banks, production credit associations, banks for cooperatives, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, and the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation. Liquidates all service organizations established before the effective date of this Act, except the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation, within 90 days of the effective date of this Act. Title V: Future Stability Through Farm Credit Reserve Fund - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to direct the Farm Credit Administration to establish a reserve fund within 30 days of the effective date of this Act. States that such reserve shall be used to: (1) guarantee borrower stock; and (2) protect institution viability. Funds such reserve initially through a one-time issue of an uncollateralized joint obligation of System banks. Provides for perpetual reserve funding through obligation contributions. Sets forth operating provisions. Title VI: Termination of Loss-Sharing That Conflicts With the Reserve Fund - Repeals authority for interbank loss-sharing agreements. Title VII: Local Control - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to provide a referendum method for stockholder elections of separate boards of directors for System banks. Terminates a district board if separate boards are established for two or more banks in such district. Sets forth related operating provisions. Title VIII: Mandatory Cool-Off Period for Mergers - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to provide for a mandatory cooling-off period before a merger between System associations becomes effective. Title IX: Funding Corporation Report - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation to report annually to each System institution detailings its bond placements, budget, costs, and expenses.

Landowner Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1987

Landowner Protection Act - Title I: Farm Credit System Institution Borrowers - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require a Farm Credit System (System) institution to restructure, rather than foreclose, a loan to an eligible borrower if foreclosure costs equal or exceed restructuring costs. Sets forth borrower eligibility criteria. Requires the Farm Credit System Capital Corporation to reimburse an institution for the amount of principal due on loans reduced by the institution if necessary to avoid insolvency or liquidation. Encourages System institutions to permit foreclosed borrowers to retain possession of their principal residences and a reasonable amount of adjoining land. Directs the Farm Credit Administration to issue regulations regarding the disposition and leasing of acquired farmland. Directs System institutions to give sale or lease priority to family-sized farms and to original owners or operators. Requires a borrower to buy System stock in order to be eligible to obtain a loan or to purchase by installment System-held farmland. Title II: Farmers Home Administration Borrowers - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to restructure, rather than foreclose, a loan made under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act if foreclosure costs equal or exceed restructuring costs. Sets forth borrower eligibility criteria. Title III: Regulations - Directs the Secretary and the Farm Credit Administration to issue implementing regulations within 90 days of enactment of this Act.

A bill to require implementation of a marketing loan program for agricultural commodities if negotiations fail to produce an international agreement on agricultural trade.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1987

Extends for up to two years agricultural trade negotiating authority with respect to revision of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Makes as a principal objective of such revision the elimination of trade barriers in order to increase U.S. agricultural exports. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a marketing loan program for price-supported crops if a trade agreement is not reached and enacted into law within such two-year period.

Wheat and Feed Grain Marketing Certificate Referendum Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1987

Wheat and Feed Grain Marketing Certificate Referendum Act of 1987 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, effective for the 1988 through 1991 wheat and feed grain crops, to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct biennial referendums among eligible wheat and feed grain producers to determine whether they favor or oppose a national marketing certificate program (program) as provided for in this Act. States that if a program is approved for the 1988 crop year, the Secretary shall compensate producers who planted a crop in excess of their program acreage prior to the proclamation of such program. Permits livestock and poultry producers to purchase Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) feed grain at cost if a program is in effect. Sets forth the specifics of the wheat and feed grain programs. Provides for farm loans and purchases equal to the crop acreage times the program yield. Sets forth minimum loan levels. Provides that marketing certificates shall be made available on the same amount of crop for which loans and purchases would be made available. Prohibits a producer from marketing, donating, or bartering wheat or feed grains domestically without such certificate, except for: (1) on-farm use; or (2) export. Makes exports accompanied by a certificate eligible for export incentive payments. Permits excess crops to be marketed in the succeeding year if not otherwise in excess of permitted certificate amounts for such year. Prohibits the transfer of certificates unless accompanying marketed, bartered, or donated crops. Makes a producer who fails to comply with program terms ineligible for loans, purchases, or payments under such Act. Imposes a civil penalty or acreage reduction penalty on a producer who markets: (1) in excess of permitted certificate amounts; or (2) without a certificate. Imposes a civil penalty on a person who knowingly purchases or acquires such excess amounts. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce or waive such penalties as appropriate. Provides that collected penalties shall be deposited with the CCC.

Agricultural Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1987

Agricultural Act of 1987 - Title I: Price Support for Producers of Wheat, Feed Grains, Rice and Upland Cotton - Subtitle A: Commodity Credit Corporation - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to increase the Commodity Credit Corporation's borrowing authority from $25,000,000,000 to $40,000,000,000. Subtitle B: Agricultural Farm Programs - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 with respect to the permitted acreage eligible for established price payments. Reduces the established price of wheat: (1) from $4.29 per bushel to $3.94 per bushel for the 1988 crop; (2) from $4.16 to 3.55 for the 1989 crop; and (3) from $4 to $3.19 for the 1990 crop. Reduces the established price for corn: (1) from $2.97 per bushel to $2.73 per bushel for the 1988 crop; (2) from $2.88 to $2.45 for the 1989 crop; and (3) from $2.75 to $2.21 for the 1990 crop. Reduces the established price for upland cotton: (1) from $0.77 per pound to $0.714 per pound for the 1988 crop; (2) from $0.745 to $0.643 for the 1989 crop; and (3) from $0.729 to $0.579 for the 1990 crop. Reduces the established price for rice: (1) from $11.30 per hundredweight to $10.50 per hundredweight for the 1988 crop; (2) from $10.95 to $9.45 for the 1989 crop; and (3) from $10.71 to $8.51 for the 1900 crop. Increases the key percentage in the formulae for the price support levels of each such commodity from five percent to ten percent. Title II: General Commodity Provisions - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise the definition of a person. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to consider any entity that is conducting a farming operation independently of all of its members to be a separate person. Requires the Secretary to attribute all payments received by an entity to the members of the entity that have an interest in it, such attribution to be based upon the member's interest. Declares that an individual or entity shall be considered to be actively engaged in farming if such individual or entity has made a significant contribution to the farming operation of: (1) land, cash, or equipment; and (2) labor management. Permits the Secretary not to attribute payments to a member of an entity if: (1) such member's interest in the entity is less than ten percent; and (2) attribution of the payments to such member would have little or no impact on the implementation of the limitation on deficiency payments. Title III: Trade - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise the allocation of funds for export promotion programs for FY 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1990. Requires the Commodity Credit Corporation to make available for FY 1988 through 1990 not less than $3,000,000,000 in export credit guarantees for short-term credit to finance export sales of U.S. agricultural commodities. Title IV: Credit - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to prohibit insured and guaranteed real estate loans starting FY 1988. Permits insured and guaranteed operating loans for FY 1988 in an amount equal to $3,500,000,000. Makes $1,000,000,000 available for insured operating loans and $2,500,000,000 for guaranteed operating loans for FY 1988. Title V: Crop Insurance - Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to reduce the capital stock of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to $1.00. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, within 30 days after enactment of this Act, to cancel, without consideration, receipts for payments for or on account of the stock of the Corporation outstanding immediately before such enactment. States that such receipts shall cease to be liabilities of the Corporation. Declares that the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall encourage the sale of Federal Crop Insurance through licensed private insurance agents and brokers. Requires the Board to provide such agents and brokers after September 30, 1991, with indemnification for errors or omissions on the part of the Corporation or its contractors for which the agent or broker is sued or held liable, except to the extent the agent or broker has caused the error or omission. Places a personnel cap on Corporation employees after September 30, 1991, of 50 permanent, full-time employees. Provides for payment by the Corporation of producer premiums in decreasing percentages from 32 percent for FY 1988 to six percent for FY 1991. Leaves the Corporation with authority to provide reinsurance, which, after September 30, 1991, shall be premium sustained. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, within 30 days after enactment of this Act, to cancel without consideration: (1) all obligations of the Commodity Credit Corporation for funds extended under the Federal Crop Insurance Act; and (2) any outstanding obligations of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for borrowings (as of the date of enactment of this Act). Title VI: Recovery of Costs for Services - Subtitle A: Grain Inspection Fees - Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to require each designated official agency and each delegated State agency to pay fees to the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service to cover the costs of supervising official agency personnel. Provides for administrative and civil penalties for failure to pay such fees. Subtitle B: Service Payments Under Federal Milk Marketing Orders; Repeal of Timetable for Implementation of Marketwide Service - Amends the Food Security Improvements Act of 1986 with respect to payments under Federal milk marketing orders to repeal the timetable for implementation of marketwide service. Subtitle C: To Recover the Costs of Various Other Programs; Recover Cost of Carrying Out Wholesale Market - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe and collect fees from those who obtain services or assistance under the market development program. Provides for administrative and civil penalties for failure to pay such fees. Directs the Secretary to prescribe and collect fees to cover the costs of carrying out: (1) inspection and certification programs for apples and pears; (2) distribution and marketing programs under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946; and (3) activities relating to standards and specifications for agricultural products under the same Act. Provides for administrative and civil penalties for failure to pay such fees. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 (as reenacted and amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937), the Plant Variety Protection Act, and the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act, respectively, to direct the Secretary to assess fees for: (1) carrying out Federal marketing agreements and orders; (2) plant variety protection certificates; and (3) cotton classing services. Provides for administrative and civil penalties for failure to pay such fees. Subtitle D: To Recover the Costs of Carrying Out the Federal Market News Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe and collect fees to recover the costs of collection, analysis, and dissemination of market information. Provides for administrative and civil penalties for failure to pay such fees. Subtitle E: Secretary of Agriculture Authorized to License Certain Persons and Collect Certain Fees Under the Federal Seed Act - Amends the Federal Seed Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe and collect fees from persons licensed under such Act to recover the costs of carrying out its provisions. Title VII: Meat, Poultry and Egg Products Inspection Fees - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to assess and cause to be collected from each slaughterer or official handler, as appropriate, fees to cover the costs of administering the respective Acts. Provides for administrative penalties (including suspension of inspections, and under the Egg Products Inspection Act civil penalties as well) for failure to pay such fees. Title VIII: General Effective Date - Makes the date of enactment of this Act its effective date, except where otherwise stated in its titles.

A bill to require implementation of a marketing loan program for agricultural commodities if negotiations fail to produce an international agreement on agricultural trade.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1987

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish agricultural commodity marketing loan programs within two years if the Congress does not approve certain trade agreements (or if such agreements are not reached). States that such marketing loan program shall remain in effect until explicitly terminated by the Congress.

A bill to amend the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to exclude from income, for purposes of determining eligibility and benefits, certain funds used for textbooks, supplies, and transportation incidental to attending postsecondary institutions and schools for the handicapped.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1987

Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to exclude from income for purposes of food stamp eligibility specified educational assistance used for textbooks, supplies, and transportation incidental to attending postsecondary institutions or schools for the handicapped.

Imported Meat Inspection Reciprocity Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1987

Imported Meat Inspection Reciprocity Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate the meat inspection requirements of countries which export meat to the United States to determine whether a country applies standards to U.S. meat that: (1) are not substantiated by reliable analytical methods; or (2) are different from standards applied to domestic meat. Authorizes the House or Senate agricultural committees also to request such investigation. Directs the Secretary, upon such findings, to: (1) notify the Congress; and (2) prohibit such country from exporting meat to the United States the Secretary certifies that such meat has met applicable U.S. domestic inspection standards.