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Bill· HRH.R. 2793 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Hunger and Global Security Act - Title I: Public Law 480 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to require the President to consider the extent to which a developing country is using self-help measures to reduce illiteracy among young farmers and to improve the health of farmers and their families before the President can enter an agreement for the sale of agricultural commodities for foreign currencies and long-term-dollar credit with such country. Requires that the economic development and self-help measures the recipient country agrees to undertake be sufficiently described so that the primary beneficiaries will be needy people with incomes below the level required to prevent malnutrition. Requires such economic development and self-help measures to be in addition to the measures the recipient country had otherwise been planning to take. Directs the President to verify that such measures are being carried out and to report to the appropriate Congressional committees on such verification and on the additional nature of such measures. Title II: Multilateral Development Banks - Amends the Federal provisions for aiding international financial institutions to require the United States to work within certain multilateral development banks to establish a requirement that not less than 50 percent of such bank's lending benefit needy people. Requires the Secretaries of State and of the Treasury to report to Congress annually on establishing such requirement. Title III: World Food Security - Directs the President to encourage other grain exporting countries to establish food security reserves or take other measures that complement the U.S. food security reserve. Directs the President to report to Congress on actions taken with respect to such food security reserves. Directs the President to negotiate the establishment of a global food financing facility and ensure that the benefits of such facility meet basic human needs. Directs the President to report to Congress on the actions taken to implement such facility. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit the Secretary of Commerce from imposing export controls on food if it is determined that such controls would cause measurable malnutrition in the countries against whom the controls are proposed unless the President determines such controls are necessary to protect U.S. national security. Title IV: Generalized System of Preferences - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit the President from designating as a beneficiary developing country any country that fails to give priority to alleviating malnutrition and poor health and enabling the poor to participate actively in increasing economic productivity, unless the President determines that such designation is required by U.S. national security interests and so reports to Congress. Directs the President to review the possibility of increasing the benefits available to the poorest beneficiary developing countries under such Act's Generalized System of Preferences. Title V: American International Public Health Fund - Establishes within the Agency for International Development (AID) an American International Public Health Fund to provide financial assistance to private and voluntary organizations to support specified public health activities in developing countries. Limits the Fund's financial assistance with respect to the administrative activities of such organizations. Specifies factors to be considered in allocating the Fund's resources. Authorizes the Fund to carry out all AID programs assisting private and voluntary organizations. Directs the Administrator of AID to establish a Board for International Public Health which shall: (1) participate in project proposal review; (2) review documents that detail the terms under which the Fund provides financial assistance to private and voluntary organizations; (3) review the impact of activities supported by the Fund; (4) recommend the allocation of funds; and (5) participate in preparing the annual report. Requires the Director of the Fund to report annually to Congress and the President on the Fund. Authorizes appropriations for such Fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 2773 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1981
Amends Federal law to transfer certain fish research functions from the Department of the Interior to the Department of Agriculture.
Bill· HRH.R. 2629 (97th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to eliminate the semiannual price support adjustment for milk.
Bill· HRH.R. 2594 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1981
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish a milk and milk products support schedule of 75- 80 percent of parity for the period of April 1, 1981, through September 30, 1985, based on specified Commodity Credit Corporation transactions. Extends the availability of price-supported dairy products acquired by the Corporation for the military and veterans' hospitals through December 31, 1985. Encourages the Secretary of Agriculture to distribute excess dairy inventories held by the Corporation.
Law· SS. 730 (97th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to authorize the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to request the Secretary of Agriculture to use up to a specified amount of Commodity Credit Corporation funds to cover operating and administrative costs incurred during fiscal year 1981.
Bill· SS. 729 (97th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 to subject imported tomatoes to specified container-pack restrictions comparable to those applicable to domestic tomatoes.
Bill· HRH.R. 2561 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Amendments of 1981 - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to extend through fiscal year 1981 the authorization of appropriations for research grants in the food and agricultural sciences. Increases from five years to ten years the terms of the Joint Council on Food and Agricultural Sciences and of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Users Advisory Board. Sets the minimum membership of the Joint Council at 25, with each member appointed for a three-year term. Raises the membership of the Advisory Board from 21 to 25. Revises the annual deadlines for certain Advisory Board reports. Replaces the emphasis of Joint Council policy from a unified national program to coordination with existing State cooperative institutions, especially land-grant colleges and universities, including the Tuskegee Institute. Authorizes the Secretary to establish cooperative human nutrition centers at such institutions. Directs the President to appoint an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for the administration of such research grant programs. Specifies areas of high priority research. Makes research foundations established by land-grant colleges and universities eligible for special grants. Prescribes a ten percent allocation of facilities grants to cooperating forestry schools. Increases to $40,000,000, with an extension through fiscal year 1987, the authorization for research grants for agricultural chemicals, alcohol and other forms of biomass energy, and industrial hydrocarbons. Increases from $3,000,000 to $5,000,000 the maximum amount of such grant money that may be awarded to the colleges and universities of any one State. Increases from $15,000,000 to $35,000,000 the annual authorization for research in national or regional animal health or disease problems. Directs the Secretary to establish annual priority lists of animal health and disease problems of national or regional significance. Exempts funds made available under established Federal-State partnership arrangements from reduction for indirect costs incurred by the recipient involved. Authorizes the Secretary to develop and implement a cooperative research and extension aquaculture program, including matching grants (not to exceed $50,000 per State). Establishes within the Department of Agriculture an Aquaculture Advisory Board to advise the Secretary with respect to such research program. Authorizes appropriations for such program. Amends the McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962 to direct the Secretary to appoint a council of at least 16 members to give representation to Federal and State agencies concerned with the development and utilization of the Nation's forest resources. Prescribes the allocation to food and agricultural research of appropriations earmarked for promotion of exportation and domestic consumption of agricultural products. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to exempt from the general prohibition against furnishing excess Federal personal property to grantees any property furnished by the Secretary to: (1) State and county extension services engaged in cooperative agricultural extension work; (2) State agricultural experiment stations; or (3) land-grant colleges and universities.
Bill· HRH.R. 2523 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to insure the grain deposits in all insured public warehouses against losses due to the insolvency of such warehouses. Limits the amount of such insurance for any depositor or seller to fair market value, not to exceed $100,000. Requires the Secretary to prescribe uniform premium rates on a per bushel basis, not to exceed one-fourth of a cent per bushel. Terminates the authority to collect premiums once the insurance fund reaches $25,000,000. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a Public Warehouse Insurance Fund, which shall have available up to $25,000,000, without fiscal year limitation, to pay claims. Requires payment of all claims, in the event that an insured warehouse closes because of insolvency, within 30 days after the date of closing. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 2522 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to revise the price supports for the 1980 and 1981 crops of corn, wheat, and soybeans to reflect 75 percent of parity. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, upon the failure of a producer to redeem any wheat, feed grains, or soybeans before the expiration of the term of a price support loan, to sell the secured commodity within 90 days after acquisition, under specified terms, to a qualified purchaser for manufacture into alcohol for use as fuel.
Bill· HRH.R. 2527 (97th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Food Additives Amendment of 1977 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow the use of a food additive found to induce cancer in animals if the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that such food additive does not present a significant risk to human health. Directs the Secretary to consider certain factors in making such a determination.
Bill· HRH.R. 2538 (97th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to repeal the blanket prohibition against regulations deeming safe any cancer-inducing food additives or color additives in food, drugs, or cosmetics (the "Delaney clause"). Abolishes the advisory committee of experts established to review regulations disapproving color additives as cancer-inducing.
Bill· SS. 712 (97th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1981
Soil Conservation Act of 1981 - Title I: Special Areas Conservation Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance to farm and ranch owners or operators and public entities to identify and correct erosion or irrigation management problems in special areas (as designated under this Act). Prohibits assistance to: (1) public lands unless they are an integral part of a farm or ranch; and (2) nonfarm or nonranch land unless such land has a serious erosion problem which threatens farm or ranch land. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cost-sharing contracts with such persons for: (1) conservation measures, as set forth under this Act; and (2) continuing established conservation measures. Requires a recipient to provide the Secretary with a plan that: (1) incorporates practices to prevent land erosion; (2) outlines a schedule for implementing cropping system changes or other conservation methods; (3) considers local, social, economic, and environmental conditions; (4) allows for varying levels of conservation application as appropriate; (5) allows for wildlife and recreation measures; and (6) identifies measures to improve vegetative conditions, reduce erosion, and conserve water on rangeland. Permits financial assistance to cover the loss of income resulting from cultivated crops to permanent vegetative cover adjustments. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prepare a report respecting the designation of an area as a special area; and (2) submit such report to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into any contracts (involving such land) until the Committees approve such report. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to evaluate the impact of local and State tax structures on the acceptance and implementation of conservation measures. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by January 1, 1986, and at five-year intervals thereafter. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Title II: Matching Grants for Conservation Activities - Directs the Secretary to make annual matching grants to county conservation boards for: (1) soil erosion control; (2) cropland, forest, pasture, or rangeland improvements; (3) water conservation and quality improvement; (4) agricultural land preservation; and (5) demonstration projects. Permits such grants for: (1) fish and wildlife habitat improvement; (2) animal waste management; (3) watershed and flood protection; (4) sediment and stormwater control in urbanizing areas; and (5) natural resources aspects of rural planning. Prohibits a county conservation board from receiving a grant unless it: (1) has a current long-range program; (2) has a current annual work plan; and (3) has arranged for equal matching funds or in kind services. Stipulates that grants may be given for two years to develop such a program and plan. Requires not more than 25 percent of State or local funds for a component of the work plan determined by the Secretary to have a national objective. Sets forth the composition of such county conservation boards. Authorizes long-term agreements of up to ten years. Requires a recipient board to maintain records as the Secretary prescribes, and to provide access to them for audit and examination purposes. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Prohibits appropriations after fiscal year 1992. Directs the Secretary to report to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and to the House Committee on Agriculture by January 1, 1986, and again by January 1, 1991. Title III: Resource Conservation and Development Program - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a resource conservation and development program to provide technical and financial assistance through State, local, and nonprofit entities in designated rural areas; (2) establish within the Department of Agriculture a Resource Conservation and Development Policy Board; and (3) evaluate such report and report to the House Committee on Agriculture and to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry by September 30, 1986. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983-1987. Title IV: Volunteers for Conservation - Directs the Secretary to establish a volunteer program. States that such volunteers shall not be considered Federal employees except for provisions relating to compensation for injury and tort claims.
Bill· HRH.R. 2517 (97th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1981
Permits possession of betelnut for personal use, but not for commercial distribution, by residents of Guam, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 92 (97th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that agricultural resources are of strategic importance to the United States' future. Calls for Federal cooperation with State and local governments and assistance to persons engaged in agriculture.
Law· SS. 705 (97th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain National Forest System lands which are: (1) 40 acres or less and interspersed with or adjacent to mineral patents; (2) ten acres or less and have been used or improved upon as a result of an erroneous Federal survey; and (3) road rights-of-way substantially surrounded by lands not owned by the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 2496 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to subject imported tomatoes to restrictions comparable to those applicable to domestic tomatoes.
Bill· HRH.R. 2487 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, as amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to subject imported tomatoes to restrictions comparable to those applicable to domestic tomatoes.
Bill· HRH.R. 2401 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Dairy Production Act of 1981 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish a milk price support for the period from enactment of this Act to September 30, 1985, of 75-90 percent of net estimated Government purchases. States that such estimates shall be based on the most recent six-month period adjusted to an annual level (using the previous ten-year period) and adjusted to reflect such factors as feed and cow prices. States that such support price shall not be lower than the existing support price. Permits a redetermination of such support price if imported dairy products are increased under specified conditions during the marketing year. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to notify in writing the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the House Committee on Agriculture 30 days prior to any new support level. Revises the semiannual milk adjustment provisions to: (1) extend such provisions through September 30, 1985; (2) make such adjustments discretionary (a) unless Government purchases fall below a specified annual rate or (b) such adjustments are necessary to prevent a support price at less than 75 percent of parity; and (3) require the Secretary to notify such Committees in writing of any such adjustment. Extends the dairy indemnity program (chemical or radiation contamination) and the availability of price-supported dairy products for the military and veterans' hospitals through 1985. Directs the President to proclaim a quota on the importation of milk protein products used in food or animal feed. Prohibits the importation of dairy products (as defined by this Act) for food or animal feed without the Secretary's authorization. Prohibits such an authorization if the resulting importation of dairy products exceeds certain limits under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933. Eliminates the dairy base plan separate adjustment (and related provisions) for milk handlers.
Bill· HRH.R. 2373 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1981
New Homestead Act of 1981 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to require that not less than 40 percent of the real estate loans made under such Act be for the acquisition of family farms by prospective owner-operators. Sets forth the repayment terms for such loans. Directs the Secretary to make or insure at least 500 but not more than 2,000 such loans.
Bill· HRH.R. 2368 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1981
Food Stamp Reform Act of 1981 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to make individuals 19 years of age or over, with countable income and participating in the food stamp program as a member of an eligible household, liable for any benefits received in excess of an exempt amount. Sets forth the method of determining such amount and such liability. Requires the liability to be paid as if it were a personal income tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. Directs State agencies administering the food stamp program to notify such individuals before February 1 of each calendar year of the amount of coupons allotted to them and to notify the Secretary of the Treasury before March 1 of such amounts and the names and addresses of such individuals. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer sufficient appropriated funds to the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the collection of assessed funds to the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the collection of assessed liabilities. Provides for the distribution of such collected amounts to State administrative agencies. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 consistent with provisions of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 2335 (97th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Makes producers of the 1981 crop of soybeans eligible for compensation, in the case of prevented plantings or failure to harvest normal crop acreage because of a natural disaster, at rates comparable to those received by producers of feed grains and wheat under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1949.
Bill· HRH.R. 2313 (97th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981
Food Additive Safety Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem any food additive safe if the Secretary of Health and Human Services: (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days after such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive or its proposed use. Authorizes the Secretary to include in any food additive regulation a labeling requirement to identify the additive and its degree of risk. Prohibits the Secretary from denying a petition for a food additive regulation solely on the basis of evidence of tumors developed in test animals where the dosage levels used on such animals exceed one hundred times the reasonably expected maximum human consumption of such additive. Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend from 18 to 60 months the period following enactment during which restrictions may not be imposed on the sale or distribution of saccharin, or any food, drug, or cosmetic containing it.
Bill· HRH.R. 2262 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Soil Conservation Act of 1981 - Title I: Special Areas Conservation Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance to farm and ranch owners or operators and public entities to identify and correct erosion or irrigation management problems in special areas (as designated under this Act). Prohibits assistance to: (1) public lands unless they are an integral part of a farm or ranch; and (2) nonfarm or nonranch land unless such land has a serious erosion problem which threatens farm or ranch land. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cost-sharing contracts with such persons for: (1) conservation measures as set forth under this Act; and (2) continuing established conservation measures. Requires a recipient to provide the Secretary with a plan that: (1) incorporates practices to prevent land erosion; (2) outlines a schedule for implementing cropping system changes or other conservation methods; (3) considers local, social, economic, and environmental conditions; (4) allows for varying levels of conservation application as appropriate; (5) allows for wildlife and recreation measures; and (6) identifies methods to improve vegetative conditions, reduce erosion, and conserve water on rangeland. Permits financial assistance to cover the loss of income resulting from cultivated crops to permanent vegetative cover adjustments. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prepare a report respecting the designation of an area as a special area; and (2) submit such report to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and to the House Committee on Agriculture. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into any contracts (involving such land) until the Committees approve such report. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to evaluate the impact of local and State tax structures on the acceptance and implementation of conservation measures. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by January 1, 1986, and at five-year intervals thereafter. Title II: Matching Grants for Conservation Activities - Directs the Secretary to make annual matching grants to county conservation boards for: (1) soil erosion control; (2) cropland, forest, pasture, or rangeland improvements; (3) water conservation and quality improvement; (4) agricultural land preservation; and (5) demonstration projects. Permits such grants for: (1) fish and wildlife habitat improvement; (2) animal waste management; (3) watershed and flood protection; (4) sediment and stormwater control in urbanizing areas; and (5) natural resources aspects of rural planning. Prohibits a county conservation board from receiving a grant unless it: (1) has a current long-range program; (2) has a current annual work plan; and (3) has arranged for equal matching funds or in kind services. Provides that grants may be given for two years to develop such a program and plan. Requires not more than 25 percent of State or local funds for a component of the work plan determined by the Secretary to have a national objective. Sets forth the composition of such county conservation boards. Authorizes long-term agreements of up to ten years. Requires a recipient board to maintain records as the Secretary prescribes and to provide access to them for audits or examinations. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Prohibits appropriations after fiscal year 1992. Directs the Secretary to report to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and to the House Committee on Agriculture by January 1, 1986, and again by January 1, 1991. Title III: Conservation Loan Program - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to direct the Corporation, beginning October 1, 1981, to make loans (up to ten years) to agricultural producers for conservation measures recommended by the applicable county and State committees. Requires loans in excess of $10,000 to be secured. Limits: (1) loans to any one producer in a fiscal year to $25,000; and (2) the total amount of loans in a fiscal year to $200,000,000. Title IV: Volunteers for Conservation - Directs the Secretary to establish a volunteer program. States that such volunteers shall not be considered Federal employees except for provisions relating to compensation for injury and tort claims. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Title V: Reservoir Sedimentation Reduction Program - Authorizes the Secretary to develop a reservoir sediment reduction program to be implemented on no more than five public reservoirs with surrounding soil erosion problems. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prepare a plan with the assistance of interested State and local entities for each such reservoir; and (2) submit such plan to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and to the House Committee on Agriculture. Prohibits implementation of any such plan without the Committees' approval. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983-1987. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by January 1, 1987.
Bill· HRH.R. 2243 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to set the loan level for a suspended agricultural export at not less than the average market price (for such commodity) for the preceding 15 days when such suspension is national security or foreign policy related (currently 90 percent of parity in situations of short supplies).
Bill· HRH.R. 2246 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) investigate using the protein byproduct resulting from the production of fuel alcohol from agricultural commodities to meet the food needs of developing countries through the Food for Peace programs and the Export Credit Sales Program; (2) investigate using such protein byproduct in the distribution of food products under a specified commodity donation program; (3) report to Congress on the results of such investigations; and (4) provide Congress annually with a description of the efforts being made to make such protein byproduct available as part of the Food for Peace programs, the Export Credit Sales Program, and the commodity donation program. Authorizes the Commodity Credit Corporation to purchase such protein byproduct for donation for certain domestic and foreign purposes despite the fact that the byproduct does not meet the otherwise mandatory percentage of grain in products donated.
Bill· HRH.R. 2264 (97th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
National Agricultural Bargaining Act of 1981 - Repeals the Agricultural Fair Practices Act of 1967 and establishes an agricultural bargaining policy substantially identical but expanded. Enumerates the unfair practices a handler of agricultural products is forbidden to commit under existing law, and adds a list of unfair practices an association of producers may not commit, including: (1) refusal to bargain in good faith with a handler over prices, terms of sale, and compensation for products produced under contract; (2) coercing or intimidating a handler to breach or terminate marketing contracts and association membership agreements; (3) circulating false reports about an association's or handler's finances, management, or activities; and (4) conspiracy to commit an unfair practice. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to accredit an association for bargaining with respect to the specified agricultural products of its members with handlers designated individually or by production or marketing area or by some other appropriate classification. Defines good faith bargaining for the purposes of this Act and specifies the conditions and procedure for the accreditation of producer associations. Requires each accredited association to submit an annual report to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to notify any association of the ways in which he believes it has ceased to maintain accreditation standards and to allow it a reasonable time to answer or correct the deficiencies noted. Provides a procedure for revocation of accreditation. Provides for the assignment of association dues and fees. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide mediation services when bargaining between a handler and an association reaches an impasse; and (2) establish a procedure for compulsory and binding arbitration whenever such an impasse will result in a serious interruption in the flow of products to consumers, or will cause substantial economic hardship to the producers or handlers involved in the bargaining. Provides an administrative procedure for processing charges of unfair practices. Authorizes the Secretary to institute inquiries on his own motion and to commence a civil action for injunctive and other relief. Specifies the Secretary's investigative powers. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for the violation of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 2233 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1981
Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to set the loan level for a suspended agricultural export at not less than the average market price (for such commodity) for the preceding 15 days when such suspension is national security or foreign policy related (currently 90 percent of parity in situations of short supplies). Directs the Secretary to ascertain that Government purchases of such commodities include acquisition of quantities of like classes of the particular commodities proportionate to the quantities of those classes for which sales were suspended. States that if an export suspension occurs after January 1, 1980, and remains in effect on October 1, 1981, the applicable loan level shall be adjusted as provided in this Act.
Law· HRH.R. 2218 (97th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain lands to the county of Douglas, Nevada, in exchange for certain lands to be conveyed by the county to the Secretary. Requires the county to construct a warehouse on the lands it conveys, and directs that such lands be added to the Toiyabe National Forest.
Law· HRH.R. 2160 (97th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1981
Potato Research and Promotion Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Potato Research and Promotion Act to revise the National Potato Promotion Board's assessment rate beginning with fiscal year 1982. States that the failure of potato producers to approve an amendment to any research and promotion plan shall not invalidate the existing plan.
Bill· HRH.R. 2159 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1981
Permits the Secretary of Agriculture to compensate producers of fruits and vegetables grown in the United States for economic losses incurred as a result of quarantine or destruction carried out to control plant pests in emergencies.
Bill· HRH.R. 2169 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1981
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to state that a food intended for human consumption shall be deemed misbranded unless it is labeled to show the amount of sodium and potassium it contains when in excess of a certain amount of milligrams. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt a food from such requirement by requiring the information to be prominently displayed in close proximity to the place of display or sale of such food.
Bill· HRH.R. 2168 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1981
Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to set the loan level for a suspended agricultural export at not less than the average market price (for such commodity) for the preceding 15 days when such suspension is national security or foreign policy related (currently 90 percent of parity in situations of short supplies). Directs the Secretary to ascertain that Government purchases of such commodities include acquisition of quantities of like classes of the particular commodities proportionate to the quantities of those classes for which sales were suspended.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 83 (97th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1981
Authorizes expenditures for investigations and studies to be conducted by the Committee on Agriculture, including: (1) employment of personnel; and (2) procurement of consultant services. Prohibits the committee from expending such funds in connection with any study or investigation being conducted by any other House committee.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 10 (97th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that agricultural resources are of strategic importance to the United States' future and calling for Federal cooperation with State and local governments and assistance to persons engaged in agriculture.
Bill· HRH.R. 2032 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to repeal provisions which authorize certain food stamp recipients involved in labor-management disputes to continue to receive benefits.
Law· HRH.R. 2035 (97th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981
Authorizes Department of Agriculture employees engaged in animal disease control work to carry firearms in the performance of their official duties.
Bill· HRH.R. 1986 (97th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1981
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to eliminate the semiannual price support adjustment for milk.
Bill· SS. 512 (97th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1981
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain lands to Douglas County, Nevada, (upon which the County shall build a warehouse) in exchange for certain lands from such County to be added to the Toiyabe National Forest.
Law· SS. 509 (97th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1981
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to eliminate the semiannual price support adjustment for milk.
Bill· SS. 524 (97th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1981
Title I: Meat Labeling and Inspection - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require the labeling of any imported meat food product capable of consumption as human food. Requires: (1) tests to be conducted on any imported meat food product to determine if such product contains any prohibited substance; and (2) an appropriate government official of the country of origin to certify that such product has been tested in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary of Agriculture. Directs the Secretary to conduct a program under which Department of Agriculture inspectors send samples of meat products intended for export to the United States for testing. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe fees on imported meat food products to cover the costs of such inspections, testing, and labeling required by this Act. Grants the Secretary the authority to suspend the privilege of any exporter of such products who fails to pay assessed fees. Title II: Requirement of Certain Eating Establishments to Inform Customers That Imported Meat or Meat Food Products Are Served in Such Establishments - Requires any eating establishment serving imported meat to inform customers of such fact. Sets forth penalties for any owner, employee, or agent thereof who knowingly violates such requirement.
Bill· SS. 505 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1981
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to subject imported grapes to the same regulation as to grade, size, quality, or maturity as table grapes which are made subject to a marketing order regulating such items.
Bill· SS. 495 (97th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1981
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to exclude from the definition of household any persons who live with others and pay compensation to such others for meals.
Bill· HRH.R. 1925 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1981
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to exclude as household income for any household in which an individual is receiving aid payments to families with dependent children (under a State plan approved under title IV of the Social Security Act) all educational loans on which payment is deferred, grants, scholarships, fellowships, veterans' educational benefits, and the like received by such individual for purposes of pursuing an education at an institution of higher education, vocational education, or school for the handicapped.
Bill· HRH.R. 1852 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1981
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to subject imported grapes to the same regulations as to grade, size, quality, or maturity as table grapes which are subject to a marketing order.
Bill· SS. 480 (97th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1981
Food and Agriculture Act of 1981 - Title I: Dairy and Beekeeper Programs - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1970 to revise dairy base plan provisions. Extends through fiscal year 1985: (1) the dairy base plan program; and (2) the beekeeper indemnity program. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend through 1985: (1) milk price supports and semiannual adjustments; and (2) the program of price-supported dairy products for the military and veterans' hospitals. Directs the President to proclaim a quota on the importation of milk protein products used in food or animal feed. Prohibits the importation of dairy products (as defined by this Act) for food or animal feed without the Secretary's authorization. Prohibits such an authorization if the resulting importation of dairy products exceeds certain limits under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933. Title II: Wool and Mohair - Amends the National Wool Act of 1954 to extend the wool and mohair price support program through 1985. Title III: - Establishes the "Basic Loan Rate" for wheat, corn, cotton, rice, and peanuts at 75 percent of parity. Sets forth loan rates for other specified commodities, including "Producer-Held Reserve" commodities (110 percent of the "Basic Loan Rate"). Authorizes the Secretary to require that a producer (excluding cotton) not exceed normal crop acreage to qualify for a loan or purchase. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish for the 1982-1985 soybean crops a price support of at least 75 percent of parity. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a set-aside of soybean acreage as a condition of eligibility. Establishes for 1981-1984 sugar cane and sugar beet processed products a price support at a level which will not result in the acquisition of any significant amounts of sugar by the Commodity Credit Corporation. Title IV: Directs the Secretary to establish a "Producer-Held Reserve" for wheat and feed grains. Authorizes similar reserves for other commodities. Provides for: (1) commodities to be held for three to five years; (2) storage payments to producers; (3) a (waivable) maximum eight percent interest rate; and (4) the minimum amount of wheat to be 400,000,000 bushels. Title V: Establishes the release level for commodities in the "Producer-Held Reserve" at 120 percent of the applicable loan rate, and the call level at 140 percent. Title VI: Establishes the Commodity Credit Corporation's sale price for the 1982-1985 wheat and feed grain crops at not less than 30 percent of the current national average loan rate. Title VII: Permits the Secretary to use set-asides, land diversion, and planted acreage limitations to avoid commodity surpluses. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary to establish national acreage programs for the 1982-1985 wheat and feed grain crops. Permits the Secretary to revise such programs as necessary. Establishes the national program acreages as the number of harvested acres necessary for domestic and export requirements. Requires the Secretary to determine a program allocation factor for each crop. States that such factor shall be determined by dividing the national program acreage (of a crop) by the estimated number of acres to be harvested. Stipulates that the allocation factor shall be between 80 and 100 percent. States that: (1) the individual farm program acreage shall be determined by multiplying the allocation factor by planted acreage on farms for which individual farm program acreages are required to be determined; and (2) the farm program payment yield shall be based on the previous crop year. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for a set-aside of croplands if necessary to avoid excessive wheat and feed grain harvests. Directs the Secretary to announce any such set-aside by August 15 for wheat and by November 15 for feed grains. Requires producers participating in such set-aside program to use such acreage for conservation purposes. Stipulates that the Secretary may permit such acreage or part thereof to be used for other commodities if such crops are necessary to provide an adequate supply, and will not increase the cost of the price support program nor adversely affect farm income. Permits the Secretary to uniformly limit the acreage planted in wheat and feed grains. Authorizes the Secretary to make land-diversion payments whether or not a set-aside is in effect to wheat and feed grain producers. Requires such acreage to be used for conservation purposes. Authorizes such land-diversion contracts to be determined by bid. Requires that the total diverted acreage in any county or local community not adversely affect the economy of such area. Permits the set-aside and diverted acreage to be used for wildlife purposes. Requires such set-aside and land-diversion programs to be carried out through the Community Credit Corporation. Exempts the 1982-1985 wheat crops from specified: (1) export and processing marketing certificate requirements; (2) marketing quotas and producer certificate provisions; (3) quota provisions; and (4) current support price levels. Exempts the 1982-1985 feed grain crops from current price support and related provisions. Establishes similar set-aside and land diversion programs for the 1982-1985 upland cotton and rice crops. Exempts such cotton crops from current price support levels. Amends the Rice Production Act of 1975 to extend the national acreage allotment for rice through 1985. Exempts the 1982-1985 rice crops from specified marketing quota provisions. Extends the applicability of the existing definition of "cooperator" (with respect to rice) through 1985. Title VIII: Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to: (1) extend through 1985 the President's authority to enter into agreements for concessional sales of U.S. agricultural commodities and to provide such commodities for use in foreign assistance programs; and (2) increase the authorization of appropriations available to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for costs incurred in such programs. Title IX: National Soil and Water Conservation Loans - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to direct the Corporation to make loans to agricultural producers for conservation and environmental enhancement. Limits loans to any single producer to: (1) $10,000 annually in unsecured loans; (2) not less than $10,000 nor more than $25,000 annually in secured loans; and (3) a total of not more than $200,000. Limits such loans to a maximum term of ten years. Title X: Resource Conservation and Development Program - Resource Conservation and Development Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a resource conservation and development program to assist States, local units of government, and local nonprofit organizations to operate and maintain a planning process for land conservation and utilization, natural resources development, and rural economic and environmental improvement. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance in developing area plans for designated rural areas; (2) cooperate in conducting surveys and inventories, disseminating information, and developing area plans; (3) assist in the carrying out of approved area plans by local public agencies and nonprofit organizations designated by States; and (4) enter into specified agreements with such State and local entities. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such agreements. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Agriculture a Resource Conservation and Development Policy Board to advise the Secretary regarding the administration of this title. Directs the Secretary to evaluate such program. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this title, with specified annual limits on technical and financial assistance and on loans. Title XI: Special Areas Soil Conservation Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance to farm and ranch owners or operators and public entities to identify and correct erosion or irrigation management problems in special areas (as designated under this Act). Prohibits assistance to: (1) public lands unless they are an integral part of a farm or ranch; and (2) nonfarm or nonranch land unless such land has a serious erosion problem which threatens farm or ranch land. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cost-sharing contracts (not to exceed ten years in duration) with landowners and operators to: (1) make necessary changes in their cropping systems or land management practices; (2) install the necessary soil and water conservation treatments; and (3) maintain any other established conservation treatment. States that locally-developed conservation plans shall form the basis for such plan. Requires a recipient to provide the Secretary with a plan that: (1) incorporates practices to prevent land erosion; (2) outlines a schedule for implementing cropping system changes or other conservation methods; (3) considers local, social, economic, and environmental conditions; (4) allows for varying levels of conservation application as appropriate; (5) allows for wildlife and recreation measures; and (6) identifies methods for controlling agricultural related point and nonpoint pollution. Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a plan for each designated special area assessing problems, objectives, priorities, and implementation schedules; and (2) submit such plan to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and to the House Committee on Agriculture. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into any contracts involving such plans without the Committees' approval. Authorizes the Secretary to expend funds directly or through grants for conservation technology research related to such plans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to evaluate the impact of local and State tax structures on the acceptance and implementation of conservation measures. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress at the end of each of the first five years of such program's operation. Title XII: Agricultural Volunteers - Directs the Secretary to establish a volunteer program. States that such volunteers shall not be considered Federal employees except for provisions relating to compensation for injury and tort claims. Authorizes necessary appropriations. Title XIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to assist, including the use of Soil Conservation Service personnel and equipment, in local search and rescue operations. Directs the Secretary to establish centers to assemble, test, and distribute plants for use in soil, water, and energy conservation programs. Authorizes specified appropriations. Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act to permit the Secretary to carry out experimental reclamation treatment projects on all lands within a hydrologic unit (rather than on individual land parcels) to reduce the effects of past surface mining techniques. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to landowners and operators for the: (1) beneficial use or safe disposal of land wastes; (2) control of agricultural related pollution; and (3) development of rural storm water runoff facilities. Authorizes specified appropriations. Title XIV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary to set the loan level for a suspended agricultural export at 100 percent of such commodity's parity price. Defines "commodity" to include wheat, corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, oats, rye, barley, rice, flaxseed, and cotton. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary to administer a special wheat acreage grazing and hay program for the 1981-1985 crops. Permits a participant to replace a certain portion of the wheat, feed grain, or cotton acreage with noncommercial wheat or hay. Sets forth the payment formula. Directs the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out such program. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require foreign plants to: (1) be inspected at least six times each year; and (2) receive certification from the Secretary. Title XV: Reauthorizes title XIV (National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977) of the Food and Agricultural Act of 1977. Authorizes appropriations (with a specified annual limit) to support research on specific national or regional animal disease problems. Directs the Secretary in consultation with the Joint Council, the Users Advisory Board, and the Animal Health Science Research Advisory Board, to establish annually a priority list of such diseases. Requires grantees to be selected on a competitive basis.
Bill· SS. 451 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Farmland Protection Policy Act - Defines "agricultural land" as any land (including crop, pasture, range, or forest lands) being used or capable of being used for agriculture, forestry, or timber production. Requires each Federal agency or other unit to: (1) develop procedures within 60 days for identifying the effects of its programs regarding the conversion of agricultural land to nonagricultural uses; (2) review within 90 days relevant administrative and legal provisions which may prevent such unit from acting to mitigate losses of such land; and (3) develop within 120 days appropriate administrative and legislative proposals.
Bill· SS. 419 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to provide for Congressional veto of any agricultural export controls imposed under such Act to carry out foreign policy objectives.
Bill· SS. 418 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Rescinds the authority of the President to impose an embargo on U.S. exports of agricultural commodities for foreign policy purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 1780 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to grant eligibility to receive food stamps to individuals who participate in psychiatric residential treatment programs conducted by a private nonprofit organization or institution which is approved, licensed, or certified by the State for meals prepared and served under such programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 1767 (97th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Food Stamp Act Reform Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to provide that an authorization card held by an eligible household show any amount to be paid by such household for an allotment of food stamp coupons. Excludes the use of food stamps by persons 60 years of age or older or those receiving supplemental security income benefits at private establishments that contract with State agencies to sell food at concessional prices. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make adjustments to uniform allotments for households with respect to the age and sex of its members. Includes energy assistance payments as household income for purposes of the food stamp program. Excludes households from food stamp assistance if any member who is physically and mentally fit refuses to accept employment under a State workfare program established by this Act. Exempts any household member responsible for the care of a dependent child under the age of six (currently the age of 12) from such workfare program requirement. Prohibits households eligible for food stamp benefits prior to a member going on strike from receiving increased benefits as a result of such strike. Prohibits any household from participating in the food stamp program for any month such household exceeds specified earned income and certain nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget. Exempts households containing a member 60 years of age or over or a member who receives certain payments under the Social Security Act from such prohibition. Eliminates provisions which reduce the value of allotments to eligible households by a specified percentage of such household's income. Sets forth a formula for reducing the value of allotments to households containing members who participate in the national school lunch program under the National School Lunch Act. Provides that the value of an allotment in excess of the amount charged for such allotment shall not be considered income for purposes of Federal, State, or local laws. Sets forth standards and procedures for determining which households, and the amount such households, shall be charged for allotments. Requires that funds received by coupon issuers from such charges shall be deposited into the Treasury and that State agencies be notified of such deposits in a manner prescribed by regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture. Sets forth penalties for violations of such regulations. Revises requirements of the monthly operations report to be submitted by coupon issuers to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to require State agencies to provide periodic reports on the receipt of coupon issuer notifications of deposits. Directs the Secretary and the U.S. Postal Service to jointly arrange for the prompt deposit of such funds collected by the Service on behalf of a State. Prohibits State agencies from conducting food stamp outreach activities with funds provided by this Act. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations for State agencies to establish and operate workfare programs which make available public employment for certain food stamp recipients. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement evaluation measures to determine the effectiveness of workfare programs established by this Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 consistent with the provisions of this Act.