Agriculture

Expanding Markets for State-Inspected Meat Processors Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2021

Expanding Markets for State-Inspected Meat Processors Act of 202 1 This bill allows meat and meat food products inspected by State Meat and Poultry Inspection programs to be sold in interstate commerce. Under the inspection program, the Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service allows states that meet certain requirements to inspect meat and meat food products. The state-inspected products are currently limited to intrastate commerce, unless a state opts into a separate Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program.

Small Farm to School Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2021

Small Farm to School Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to award three-year grants to eight states or tribal organizations to provide school food authorities with an increased reimbursement for free and reduced price lunches that include at least one component that is comprised entirely of locally-produced and unprocessed foods procured directly from certain agricultural producers. USDA must select at least one state or tribal organization located in each of the following regions: (1) the Mid-Atlantic Region, (2) the Midwest Region, (3) the Mountain Plains Region, (4) the Northeast Region, (5) the Southern Region, (6) the Southwest Region, and (7) the Western Region. USDA must give the highest priority to applications that propose to carry out certain projects, including projects that (1) serve a high proportion of children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and (2) increase the availability of locally-produced foods to children. Additionally, priority must be given to states or tribal organizations with a high quantity and variety of growers of local fruits and vegetables on a per capita basis, and with a demonstrated commitment to farm-to-school activities. Each state or tribal organization that receives a grant must provide, from nonfederal sources, an amount equal to 100% of the awarded grant amount.

A resolution honoring Mr. Steve Verett for more than 24 years of dedicated service to the cotton industry and to Plains Cotton Growers, Inc.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2021

This resolution commends Steve Verett for his lifelong dedication and service to the cotton industry and to Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. It also congratulates Mr. Verett on his retirement and extends him best wishes in all his future endeavors.

American Beef Labeling Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2021

American Beef Labeling Act of 2021 This bill reinstates mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements for beef. Specifically, the bill requires the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to develop a means of reinstating the requirements that complies with the rules of the World Trade Organization. The USTR and the Department of Agriculture must implement the means within one year.

Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2021

Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act of 2021 This bill sets out a process to enable Puerto Rico to participate as a state in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Under current law, a state receives SNAP funding based on the number of participating households in the state whereas Puerto Rico receives a block grant to fund its nutrition assistance programs instead of participating in SNAP.

School MEALS Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2021

School Modernization and Efficient Access to Lunches for Students Act of 2021 or the School MEALS Act of 2021 This bill establishes programs and revises requirements relating to direct certification processes for the National School Lunch Program. Direct certification allows schools to use data matching procedures to approve school meals without the need for applications for children who receive assistance under other programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program). Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Agriculture to provide grants and technical assistance for states and tribal organizations to improve their direct certification processes, including with respect to children who receive assistance under a food distribution program on Indian reservations. The bill also expands the time frame for schools to elect and gather eligibility data for the Community Eligibility Provision that permits schools in high-poverty areas to serve free meals to all enrolled students without the need for applications.

Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2021

Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2021 This bill provides federal housing assistance to Indians and Native Hawaiians. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and otherwise revises housing assistance block grants for Indians and Native Hawaiians. Among other things, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must award competitive grants to eligible recipients of block grants to carry out affordable housing activities, such as housing rehabilitation projects. The bill authorizes HUD to guarantee housing loans for Indians and Native Hawaiians through FY2026. Additionally, the bill provides statutory authority for the Tribal HUD-VASH program, which provides rental assistance and supportive services to Indians who (1) are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, (2) are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and (3) live in or near an area where a tribe or tribally designated housing entity provides assistance for affordable housing. The program must be carried out by HUD in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Under the program, grants must be made to entities eligible for housing assistance block grants. HUD may also make renewal grants to entities that have received prior program grants. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to set aside and reserve certain rural housing funds for Indian tribes.

REVIVE the CCC Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2021

Restore Environmental Vitality and Improve Volatile Economy by the Civilian Conservation Corps Act or the REVIVE the CCC Act This bill permits AmeriCorps to establish the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to address unemployment and environmental conservation and requires the Department of Agriculture to establish an agricultural workforce development program to incentivize apprenticeships in agriculture. The CCC must make grants to local host entities to allow those entities to select applicants to participate in conservation-related service projects. Local entities eligible for grants include, among others, state and local offices, nonprofit organizations, sponsors of apprenticeship programs, and individual farmers. A prospective CCC member must apply for placement with an approved local host for a service position hosted by that local entity. Applicants selected are considered CCC members but are not considered employees of the local host. The local host must provide CCC members with an allowance of $15 per hour of service and must provide a basic healthcare plan to full-time members. A CCC member who completes a term of service with a local host may be eligible to receive an award of up to $5,000 from AmeriCorps towards the costs of an apprenticeship program. These awards and allowances are not considered income for purposes of federal income taxation. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to establish an agricultural workforce development program to encourage agricultural businesses to employ apprentices by reimbursing up to 50% of apprenticeship costs.

Urban Agriculture and Community Food Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 September 2021

Urban Agriculture and Community Food Security Act This bill addresses Department of Agriculture programs relating to urban agricultural production. Specifically, the bill establishes and provides funding for an urban agriculture conservation easement program for the conservation of certain private land, improved community food security, and improved access to cropland for beginning farmers or ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers; and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures through easements or other interests in land; establishes and provides funding for an urban agriculture microentrepreneur assistance program to provide loans and grants to support microentrepreneurs in the development and ongoing success of urban agriculture microenterprises; and authorizes additional funding for a program that provides grants for nonprofit entities to establish and carry out community food projects.

Local Food Production Enhancement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 3 September 2021

Local Food Production Enhancement Act of 2021 This bill increases the credit percentage of the new markets tax credit and allows such credit for farming businesses conducted in certain low-income or rural areas that are a certain distance from a large grocery store.

SPARK Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 September 2021

Schools Preventing Hunger in At-Risk Kids Act or the SPARK Act This bill expands automatic eligibility for free school lunches and breakfasts to include children who have been placed in kinship care with a relative or family friend with the involvement of the state child welfare agency. To enroll in the program, a family must document the child's status to the appropriate local educational agency.

Expressing the sense of Congress that August 30, 2021, be observed as the 131st anniversary of the 1890 Institutions.

United States · United States Congress · 27 August 2021

This concurrent resolution (1) recognizes the 131 years of significant and meaningful contributions the 1890 Institutions (i.e., historically Black universities established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890) have made to the United States, (2) supports the efforts of the Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies to build stronger partnerships with such institutions, and (3) commits to working in a bipartisan way to address the past funding and program inequities of such institutions.

Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 August 2021

Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act of 2021 This bill makes changes to grant programs administered by the Forest Service to promote wood products. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and modifies a program that supports capital costs for installing community wood energy systems and building innovative wood products facilities, including by increasing the maximum grant amount per facility. The bill also modifies a program that provides grants to develop and expand the market for innovative wood products. Specifically, the bill (1) modifies the grant priorities, and (2) increases the portion of a project's cost that may be covered by such a grant.

SNAP Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 August 2021

Streamlining Nutrition Assistance Paperwork Act of 2021 or the SNAP Act of 2021 This bill provides statutory authority for a Department of Agriculture (USDA) waiver that allows states to use a written record to document telephonic signatures for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications. Under current law, states may allow individuals to sign their SNAP applications over the telephone, but states must preserve audio recordings of those telephonic signatures. During the COVID-19 emergency, USDA waived the requirement to preserve the audio recording and allowed states to document the telephonic signatures through written records.

A resolution designating August 2021 as "National Catfish Month".

United States · United States Congress · 11 August 2021

This resolution designates August 2021 as National Catfish Month. It also recognizes (1) the contributions of all workers, past and present, that produce, process, and provide catfish for the people of the United States; and (2) that purchasing U.S. farm-raised catfish supports farmers, jobs, and the economy of the United States.

Land Grant-Mercedes Traditional Use Recognition and Consultation Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2021

Land Grant-Mercedes Traditional Use Recognition and Consultation Act This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to issue guidance related to certain community land grants in New Mexico made by Spain or Mexico to individuals, groups, and communities to promote the settlement of the southwestern United States (land grant-mercedes). The guidance shall set forth the policies and procedures for notice and comment on planning decisions, routine engagement, and major federal actions that could impact historical-traditional uses of a qualified land grant-merced. In developing, maintaining, and revising land management plans and National Forest System land and resource management plans, as applicable, the USDA or Interior shall consider and, as appropriate, provide for and evaluate impacts to historical-traditional uses by qualified land grant-mercedes.

Stop CATASTROPHES Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2021

Stop Causing Alarming Tree, Air, and Soil Trauma Resulting from Obstructive Progressives' and Hypocritical Environmentalists' Schemes Act or the Stop CATASTROPHES Act This bill categorically excludes certain forest management activities from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement. The activities are those that are carried out by the Department of Agriculture on National Forest System Lands or the Department of the Interior on public lands where the primary purpose is to improve or restore such lands or reduce the risk of wildfire on such lands. To be excluded, the area of the forest management activity may not exceed 10,000 acres.

Livestock Disaster Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2021

Livestock Disaster Relief Act This bill modifies the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP), with a particular focus on addressing the needs of agricultural producers during droughts. (The Department of Agriculture carries out these programs to assist agricultural producers affected by natural disasters.) The changes include increasing the number of months a producer may receive LFP assistance and allowing transportation costs for feed and water as covered losses under ELAP.

Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2021

Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression Act This bill restricts state and local governments from imposing certain standards or conditions on the production or manufacture of agricultural products sold or offered for sale in interstate commerce. Specifically, it prohibits the imposition of such standards or conditions if (1) the production or manufacture occurs in another state, and (2) the standard or condition adds to requirements applicable under federal law and the laws of the state or locality where the product is produced or manufactured. The bill also allows for a private right of action to challenge state or local regulations relating to agricultural goods sold in interstate commerce. A person may bring an action in (1) the U.S. district court for the judicial district in which the person is affected by a regulation or the person resides, operates, or does business; or (2) any other appropriate court with jurisdiction.

Honoring Mr. Steve Verett for more than 24 years of dedicated service to the cotton industry and to Plains Cotton Growers, Inc.

United States · United States Congress · 10 August 2021

This resolution commends Steve Verett for his lifelong dedication and service to the cotton industry and to Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. It also congratulates Mr. Verett on his retirement and extends him best wishes in all his future endeavors.

Cindy Hensley McCain, of Arizona, for the rank of Ambassador during her tenure of service as U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture.

United States · United States Senate · 9 August 2021

U.S.A. Beef Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2021

U.S.A. Beef Act This bill modifies label requirements for meat food products of cattle. Specifically, the bill prohibits the label of cattle meat or a meat food product of cattle from bearing the phrase Product of U.S.A. unless such meat or meat food product is exclusively derived from one or more cattle born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States. The requirement does not apply to cattle meat or a meat food product of cattle that is intended and offered for export to a foreign country.

Preventing Harmful Exposure to Phthalates Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2021

Preventing Harmful Exposure to Phthalates Act This bill prohibits the use of any phthalate chemical as a food contact substance. (A food contact substance is any substance intended for use as a component of materials used in manufacturing, packing, packaging, transporting, or holding food if such use is not intended to have a technical effect in such food.) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must review FDA-regulated products other than food to determine whether use of such products leads to exposure to phthalate chemicals. This review must be publicly available on the website of the Department of Health and Human Services.

NOMINATION OF HOMER L. WILKES, TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

United States · United States Senate · 5 August 2021

Wildfire Resilient Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2021

Wildfire Resilient Communities Act This bill provides funding and sets forth provisions to address wildland fire management in certain at-risk communities that are within the vicinity of federal lands that are at high risk from wildfire. The bill provides funding for specified federal agencies to carry out hazardous fuels reduction projects. These federal agencies shall prioritize projects that (1) are conducted in areas that are within or adjacent to at-risk communities or high value watersheds, have very high wildfire hazard potential, or are in fire regime I, II, or III; or (2) are designed to integrate and advance two or more of the goals established in a specified wildland fire management report to create fire-adapted communities, to restore and maintain resilient landscapes, and to achieve safe, effective fire response. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior shall furnish financial and technical assistance to at-risk communities that are adjacent to federal land, including through states, to assist such communities in planning and preparing for wildfire. The bill makes permanent the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program. The bill removes the limits on the number of proposals that may be funded for ecological restoration treatments for priority forest landscapes under the program. The Forest Service may continue to select the number of proposals that are determined likely to receive adequate funding. The bill establishes the County Stewardship Fund for making payments to counties that have a contract for a stewardship contracting project on federal land within their boundaries.

Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2021

Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression Act This bill restricts state and local governments from imposing certain standards or conditions on the production or manufacture of agricultural products sold or offered for sale in interstate commerce. Specifically, it prohibits the imposition of such standards or conditions if (1) the production or manufacture occurs in another state, and (2) the standard or condition adds to requirements applicable under federal law and the laws of the state or locality where the product is produced or manufactured. The bill also allows for a private right of action to challenge state or local regulations relating to agricultural goods sold in interstate commerce. A person may bring an action in (1) the U.S. district court for the judicial district in which the person is affected by a regulation or the person resides, operates, or does business; or (2) any other appropriate court with jurisdiction.

School MEALS Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2021

School Modernization and Efficient Access to Lunches for Students Act of 2021 or the School MEALS Act of 2021 This bill establishes programs and revises requirements relating to direct certification processes for the National School Lunch Program. Direct certification allows schools to use data matching procedures to approve school meals without the need for applications for children who receive assistance under other programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program). Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Agriculture to provide grants and technical assistance for states and tribal organizations to improve their direct certification processes, including with respect to children who receive assistance under a food distribution program on Indian reservations. The bill also expands the time frame for schools to elect and gather eligibility data for the Community Eligibility Provision that permits schools in high-poverty areas to serve free meals to all enrolled students without the need for applications.

U.S.A. Beef Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2021

U.S.A. Beef Act This bill modifies label requirements for meat food products of cattle. Specifically, the bill prohibits the label of cattle meat or a meat food product of cattle from bearing the phrase Product of U.S.A. unless such meat or meat food product is exclusively derived from one or more cattle born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States. The requirement does not apply to cattle meat or a meat food product of cattle that is intended and offered for export to a foreign country.

Preventing Harmful Exposure to Phthalates Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2021

Preventing Harmful Exposure to Phthalates Act This bill prohibits the use of any phthalate chemical as a food contact substance. (A food contact substance is any substance intended for use as a component of materials used in manufacturing, packing, packaging, transporting, or holding food if such use is not intended to have a technical effect in such food.) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must review FDA-regulated products other than food to determine whether use of such products leads to exposure to phthalate chemicals. This review must be publicly available on the website of the Department of Health and Human Services.

AG RESEARCH Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2021

AuGmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful Act or the AG RESEARCH Act This bill provides funding for maintenance at agricultural research facilities. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must (1) revise its review process for evaluating proposals for agricultural research facilities to include consulting with representatives of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) peer review panels; and (2) establish a grant program within NIFA to provide agricultural research facilities with a federal share of the cost for the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of the research facilities or the equipment necessary for agricultural research. Additionally, USDA must use specified Commodity Credit Corporation funds to provide direct payments to research facilities of the Agricultural Research Service for addressing deferred maintenance. USDA must give priority to the most critical structures in accordance with the Agricultural Research Service Capital Investment Strategy (April 2012).

School Hunger Elimination Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2021

School Hunger Elimination Act of 2021 This bill revises requirements under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program of the Department of Agriculture, including by expanding mandatory direct certification of low-income children for free or reduced-price meals.

Chavonda J. Jacobs-Young, of Georgia, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics, vice Catherine E. Woteki.

United States · United States Senate · 4 August 2021

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2021

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 This bill provides FY2022 appropriations for the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to USDA for agricultural programs, including the Office of the Secretary, Executive Operations, the Office of Civil Rights, the Economic Research Service, the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the Agricultural Research Service, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Agricultural Marketing Service, and the Food Safety and Inspection Service. The bill also provides appropriations to USDA for farm production and conservation programs, including the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center, the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The bill provides appropriations to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund and the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund. For USDA rural development programs, the bill includes appropriations for Rural Development Salaries and Expenses, the Rural Housing Service, the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service. The bill provides appropriations to the Food and Nutrition Service for Child Nutrition Programs; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program); the Commodity Assistance Program; and Nutrition Programs Administration. The bill provides appropriations to the Foreign Agricultural Service for (1) Food for Peace Title II Grants, and (2) McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program Grants. The bill also provides appropriations for (1) the Food and Drug Administration, and (2) the Farm Credit Administration. Additionally, the bill sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

Healthy Dog Importation Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2021

Healthy Dog Importation Act This bill imposes requirements on the importation of live dogs. Specifically, the bill prohibits the importation of a live dog into the United States unless the Department of Agriculture (USDA) determines the dog (1) is in good health, (2) has received all necessary vaccinations and demonstrated negative test results as evidenced by a certificate from a licensed veterinarian, and (3) is officially identified by a permanent method approved by USDA. Additionally, dogs entering the United States for transfer must be at least six months of age and accompanied by a USDA permit. Transfer is defined as a change of ownership or control of an imported dog to another person, including by sale, adoption, exchange, or donation. USDA must provide an exception to any requirements under the bill for dogs that are transferred for (1) research purposes; (2) veterinary treatment under certain conditions, including appropriate quarantining; or (3) lawful importation into the state of Hawaii if the dog is not transported out of Hawaii for transfer at less than six months of age. USDA also has enforcement authority under the bill.

Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2021

Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2021 This bill imposes additional labeling requirements for food and addresses related issues. A food intended for human consumption must include on its principal display panel a summary of nutritional information using a system that (1) clearly distinguishes between products of greater or lesser nutritional value; and (2) uses standardized symbols to provide warning about products that are high in certain substances, such as trans fats. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must promulgate regulations establishing the requirements for such a system. Labels that use certain terms, such as whole wheat , fruit , or vegetable , must include additional information, such as the amount or quantity of that item in the food. The FDA must promulgate certain regulations relating to the use of the terms natural or healthy on food labels. The bill also imposes labeling requirements for certain foods that contain added coloring, added flavoring, phosphorus, caffeine, gluten, allulose, polydextrose, sugar alcohols, or isolated fibers. The FDA may, by regulation, deem a food ingredient to be a major food allergen. The FDA must also impose certain restrictions on the types of beverages that may be identified as infant formula or formula. The FDA must require food manufacturers to submit all information on the label of a food offered for sale in package form and update such submissions as necessary. The information must be made available in a public database on the FDA's website.

Manufacturing America’s Mineral Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2021

Manufacturing America's Mineral Security Act This bill allows an additional 10% tax deduction for the cost of specified domestically produced materials if such materials are acquired by the taxpayer directly from the domestic smelter or processor of such material. The bill defines specified domestically produced materials to include mine products, metal or metal compound production, and alloy and magnet production. Specified material are minerals that are necessary for the energy infrastructure of the United States, for community resiliency, to support domestic manufacturing, agriculture, housing, telecommunications, health care, and transportation infrastructure, or for the economic security of, and balance of trade in, the United States.

Emergency Child and Adult Nutrition Assistance Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2021

Emergency Child and Adult Nutrition Assistance Act of 2021 This bill provides funding for and extends through June 2021 programs that, during the COVID-19 emergency, reimburse certain operational costs of child and adult care food programs and school meals programs. Under the bill, funding allocated to states remains available through FY2022.

A resolution designating September 25, 2021, as "National Lobster Day".

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2021

This resolution designates September 25, 2021, as National Lobster Day and encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2021

Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2021 This bill imposes additional labeling requirements for food and addresses related issues. A food intended for human consumption must include on its principal display panel a summary of nutritional information using a system that (1) clearly distinguishes between products of greater or lesser nutritional value; and (2) uses standardized symbols to provide warning about products that are high in certain substances, such as trans fats. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must promulgate regulations establishing the requirements for such a system. Labels that use certain terms, such as whole wheat , fruit , or vegetable , must include additional information, such as the amount or quantity of that item in the food. The FDA must promulgate certain regulations relating to the use of the terms natural or healthy on food labels. The bill also imposes labeling requirements for certain foods that contain added coloring, added flavoring, phosphorus, caffeine, gluten, allulose, polydextrose, sugar alcohols, or isolated fibers. The FDA may, by regulation, deem a food ingredient to be a major food allergen. The FDA must also impose certain restrictions on the types of beverages that may be identified as infant formula or formula. The FDA must require food manufacturers to submit all information on the label of a food offered for sale in package form and update such submissions as necessary. The information must be made available in a public database on the FDA's website.

One Stop Shop for Small Business Compliance Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2021

One Stop Shop for Small Business Compliance Act of 2021 This bill requires the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman to create a website compiling small entity compliance guides and contact information for individuals who can assist small entities with each guide.

RAPID Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2021

Reimbursing Agricultural Producers for Immigration Damages Act or the RAPID Act This bill temporarily establishes a program to reimburse agricultural producers for damages to livestock, crops, and property that result from the actions of an alien present in the United States without lawful immigration status. The Department of Agriculture may not provide reimbursements on or after September 30, 2023. The bill also rescinds specified unobligated funding available to states, Indian tribes, and territories for mitigating fiscal effects that stem from the COVID-19 pandemic and makes such funding available to carry out the reimbursement program.

21ST CENTURY FOOD SYSTEMS: CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE'S ROLE IN PROTECTING DOMESTIC FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 29 July 2021

NOMINATION HEARING FOR THE HONORABLE XOCHITL TORRES SMALL TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE HONORABLE ROBERT F. BONNIE TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION

United States · United States Senate · 29 July 2021

Interstate Milk Freedom Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2021

Interstate Milk Freedom Act of 2021 This bill prohibits federal regulation of the interstate traffic of unpasteurized milk or milk products packaged for direct human consumption under specified circumstances. Specifically, the prohibition applies if such products (1) would be considered in violation of federal law solely because they are unpasteurized; (2) are allowed by the state of origin to be distributed for direct human consumption by any means; (3) are produced, packaged, and moved in compliance with the laws of such state; and (4) are moved from the state of origin with the intent to transport them to another state that allows the distribution of such products for direct human consumption.

Feeding Hungry Students in Schools Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2021

Feeding Hungry Students in Schools Act of 20 21 This bill revises program requirements under the National School Lunch Program regarding food donations to allow schools participating in the program to donate food through a charitable organization official who is directly affiliated with the school food authority serving such school. A charitable organization official may not receive donated food unless they have received a food safety certification, or other applicable certification, from the state health department or other responsible authority in the state such food is donated in. The food donated by a school may be received, stored, and distributed on the campus of such school.

Adrienne Wojciechowski, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, vice Kenneth Steven Barbic.

United States · United States Senate · 28 July 2021

Future of Agricultural Resiliency And Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2021

Future of Agricultural Resiliency And Modernization Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to award grants to certain entities, including states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations, to carry out projects that further agricultural resiliency and modernization, such as projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve air, water, and soil health; and increase carbon sequestration. Additionally, USDA must establish a program to award grants to governmental organizations and private entities in the agricultural sector to carry out at least 10 pilot projects with the potential to reduce or sequester greenhouse emissions that convert and valorize tree nut harvest by-products and waste into multiple higher value biocarbon products, including sustainable industrial applications, agrochemicals, repurposing process heat, energy, and construction materials.

EATS Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2021

Enhance Access To SNAP Act of 2021 or the EATS Act of 20 21 This bill expands eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to students attending institutions of higher education.

Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2021

Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act This bill revises the Good Neighbor Authority program to modify the treatment of revenue from timber sale contracts under good neighbor agreements with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior. (The Good Neighbor Authority permits USDA and Interior to enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with states, counties, and Indian tribes to perform forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services on federal land managed by the Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management.) Specifically, the bill (1) requires Indian tribes and counties to retain revenue generated from timber sales under a good neighbor agreement; and (2) allows states, counties, and Indian tribes to use such revenue for authorized restoration projects on nonfederal lands under a good neighbor agreement. (Under current law, only a state is permitted to retain the revenues, and the revenues must be used for restoration projects on federal land.)

CRP Flexibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2021

CRP Flexibility Act This bill modifies the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to permit emergency haying during the primary nesting season to respond to drought or other emergencies. (Under current law, emergency haying is only permitted outside of the primary nesting season.) Under CRP, the Department of Agriculture provides annual payments to agricultural producers to take highly erodible and environmentally sensitive land out of production and install resource-conserving practices.