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Bill· HRH.R. 8446 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1980
Food Safety and Quality Amendments of 1980 - Title I: Withdrawal of Inspection - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to withdraw inspection service under such Acts for violations connected with transactions in drugs and for the repeated failure of an applicant or recipient to comply with sanitation or other requirements of such Acts. Title II: Civil Penalties - Increases criminal penalties for violations of such Acts. Establishes civil penalties for violations for which there is no crimal penalty. Sets forth hearing and review procedures under such Acts. Title III: Residue Prevention - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Inspection Act to authorize the Secretary to quarantine any cattle, sheep, swine, goat, horse, mule, or equine or any carcass, part thereof, meat product, poultry or poultry product which the Secretary has reason to believe may contain any unlawful residue. Authorizes such detention until the order is revoked or the articles containing such residue are destroyed. Sets forth hearing procedures for those adversely affected by the Secretary's determination. Authorizes the Secretary to require poultry slaughterers to identify the ownership of such poultry. Title IV: Bribery - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to establish criminal penalties for bribing officials performing duties prescribed under such Acts. Title V: General Provisions - Provides for the separability of the provisions of this Act.
Bill· SS. 3256 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1980
Food Safety and Quality Amendments of 1980 - Title I: Withdrawal of Inspection - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to withdraw inspection service under such Acts for violations connected with transactions in drugs and for the repeated failure of an applicant or recipient to comply with sanitation or other requirements of such Acts. Title II: Civil Penalties - Increases criminal penalties for violations of such Acts. Establishes civil penalties for violations for which there is no criminal penalty. Sets forth hearing and review procedures under such Acts. Title III: Residue Prevention - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to authorize the Secretary to quarantine any cattle, sheep, swine, goat, horse, mule, or other equine or any carcass, part thereof, meat or meat food product, poultry or poultry product which the Secretary has reason to believe may contain any unlawful residue. Authorizes such detention until the order is revoked or the articles containing such residue are destroyed. Sets forth hearing procedures for those adversely affected by the Secretary's determination. Authorizes the Secretary to require poultry slaughterers to identify the ownership of such poultry. Title IV: Bribery - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to establish criminal penalties for bribing officials performing duties prescribed under such Acts. Title V: General Provisions - Provides for the separability of the provisions of this Act.
Bill· SS. 3232 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1980
Interstate Compact - Grants Congressional consent to the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact between California and Nevada, which concerns the conservation of the waters of Lake Tahoe and of the resources of the area around such lake. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the heads of other appropriated agencies, upon the request of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, to cooperate with such agency in all respects compatible with carrying out the normal duties of their agencies. Conditions consent to the compact by the United States on permitting the President to appoint a non-voting representative of the United States to the governing body of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. Declares that nothing contained in this Act or in the compact consented to shall in any way affect the powers, rights, or obligations of the United States, or the applicability of any law or regulation of the United States in, over, or to the region or waters which are the subject of the compact, or in any way affect rights owned or held by or for Indians or Indian tribes subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Reserves the right of the Congress or any of its standing committees to require the disclosure and furnishing of such information and data by or concerning the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency as is deemed appropriate by the Congress or such committee.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 815 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1980
Urges the President not to exercise his authority under the Meat Import Act of 1979 to suspend limitations on imports of certain meat articles.
Bill· HRH.R. 8382 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1980
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 of such fruits or vegetables carried out to control plant pests in emergencies.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 632 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the calendar week beginning with the first Sunday of June of each year as "National Garden Week."
Bill· HRH.R. 8312 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1980
Biological Organisms Act of 1980 - Prohibits any person from moving any biological organism into or within the United States without the authorization of the Secretary of Agriculture. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe the conditions and procedures for the movement of such organisms. Prohibits any movement of organisms which would involve a danger of the dissemination of such organisms as may be hazardous to American agriculture or the production of food or fiber. Authorizes inspectors to: (1) stop and inspect without a warrant any person or means of conveyance moving into or within the United States to determine whether any biological organism is being moved; and (2) enter premises with a warrant to make inspections and seizures necessary to enforce the provisions of this Act. Permits the Secretary to compromise, modify, or remit any civil penalty assessed under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue subpoenas. Establishes criminal penalties for the unauthorized movement of biological organisms. Vests the U.S. district courts with jurisdiction in all cases arising under this Act. Empowers the Secretary to seize or quarantine any organisms or premises as an emergency measure. Permits the Secretary to require the owner of such organisms or premises to apply remedial measures to such organisms or premises or to dispose of such organisms in an appropriate manner. Authorizes the Secretary to cooperate with any Federal or State agency to enforce this Act and to eradicate, control or prevent the spread of any biological organism harmful to agriculture.
Bill· HRH.R. 8251 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1980
Livestock Producers Act of 1980 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee loans to individuals for the establishment and operation of livestock production facilities. Directs the Secretary to establish eligibility criteria which include the requirement that any such individual be or intend to be primarily and directly engaged in livestock production and be unable to obtain sufficient credit without such guarantee. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such loan guarantees, including the furnishing of cost information on the application and repayment according to either a variable repayment program or a specified schedule. Limits the period of such guarantee to 14 years. Limits the cumulative total of the original principal of new loans guaranteed for each fiscal year. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving fund called the Livestock Producer Loan Guarantee Fund to be available to the Secretary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 800 (96th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1980
Elects Representative George Hansen, of Idaho, to the Committee on Agriculture.
Bill· SS. 3184 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1980
Amends the Food for Peace Act to establish the Agricultural Export Credit Sales Revolving Fund to finance commercial export sales of agricultural commodities out of private stocks on credit terms not to exceed three years. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to use the Fund to finance export credit sales under the export credit sales program of the Commodity Credit Corporation. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress an annual report on the operation of the Fund.
Law· HRH.R. 8235 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1980
Interstate Compact - Grants Congressional consent to the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact between California and Nevada, which concerns the conservation of the waters of Lake Tahoe and of the resources of the area around such lake. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the heads of other appropriate agencies, upon the request of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, to cooperate with such agency in all respects compatible with carrying out the normal duties of their agencies.
Bill· HRH.R. 8211 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1980
Agricultural Disaster Relief Act of 1980 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the deferral for at least one year of payments on loans administered by the Farmers Home Administration when circumstances beyond the borrower's control prevent making such payments without undue hardship. Authorizes the Secretary to implement a national moratorium on the repayment or foreclosure on loans made or held by the Secretary or under the provisions of any law administered by the Farmers Home Administration for up to three years if warranted by emergencies adversely affecting the agricultural economy. Requires the Secretary to implement a local moratorium on repayment or foreclosure for any county or area which has been declared a disaster area in 1980. Authorizes the Secretary to consolidate or reschedule such loans for payment. Sets forth the terms for such payment.
Bill· HRH.R. 8210 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1980
Agricultural Disaster Relief Act of 1980 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the deferral for at least one year of payments on loans administered by the Farmers Home Administration when circumstances beyond the borrower's control prevent making such payments without undue hardship. Authorizes the Secretary to implement a national moratorium on the repayment or foreclosure on loans made or held by the Secretary or under the provisions of any law administered by the Farmers Home Administration for up to three years if warranted by emergencies adversely affecting the agricultural economy. Requires the Secretary to implement a local moratorium on repayment or foreclosure for any county or area which has been declared a disaster area in 1980. Authorizes the Secretary to consolidate or reschedule such loans for payment. Sets forth the terms for such payment.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 205 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1980
Designates March 19, 1981, as "National Agriculture Day."
Bill· HRH.R. 8158 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1980
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to authorize production and marketing research and development projects, including paid advertising, to assist and promote the marketing of filberts.
Bill· SS. 3118 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1980
Amends the Tobacco Inspection Act to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) require each tobacco grower to specify through which warehouse or person such grower intends to market tobacco; (2) issue marketing schedules allocating available sales opportunities to specified warehouses or persons; (3) prohibit unfair methods of competition involving the sale and purchase of grower's tobacco; (4) provide a method for making containers used in marketing tobacco uniform; and (5) require periodic reports and recordkeeping from persons in the tobacco industry describing the amount of tobacco planted, harvested, processed, sold, and purchased. Requires such information to be kept confidential. Establishes forfeitures for specified violations of the marketing schedule. Vests jurisdiction to review forfeiture rulings of the Secretary in the U.S. district courts.
Bill· SS. 3112 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1980
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to suspend for two years, at the request of the borrower, the repayment of any operating or emergency loan made to a farmer or rancher under either the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act or the Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act of 1978.
Bill· HRH.R. 8113 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1980
Agricultural Disaster Relief Act of 1980 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the deferral for at least one year of payments on loans administered by the Farmers Home Administration when circumstances beyond the borrower's control prevent making such payments without undue hardship. Authorizes the Secretary to implement a national moratorium on the repayment or foreclosure on loans made or held by the Secretary or under the provisions of any law administered by the Farmers Home Administration for up to three years if warranted by emergencies adversely affecting the agricultural economy. Requires the Secretary to implement a local moratorium on repayment or foreclosure for any county or area which has been declared a disaster area in 1980. Authorizes the Secretary to consolidate or reschedule such loans for payment. Sets forth the terms for such payment.
Bill· SS. 3078 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1980
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to set aside in special trust for a named individual the beneficial use and occupancy of a specified tract of land in Klamath County, Oregon. Requires the Secretary to utilize the moneys to which such individual otherwise would be entitled to purchase lands within the former boundaries of the Klamath Indian Reservation to become part of the Winema National Forest.
Bill· HRH.R. 8054 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 August 1980
American Wine Labeling Equity Act - Requires the wine ingredient labeling regulations promulgated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms pursuant to the Federal Alcohol Administration Act to be applied to foreign producers of wine imported into the United States as well as to American producers.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 512 (96th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1980
Extends the congratulations of the Senate to Colonel Harland D. Sanders on the celebration of his 90th birthday.
Bill· HRH.R. 8021 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1980
Food Stamp Reform Act of 1980 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to authorize participating States, rather than the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish eligibility criteria for participation in the food stamp program. Eliminates the uniform eligibility disqualifications and the uniform value of allotment. Eliminates from the State plan of operation all references to or requirements relating to: (1) Federal programs; (2) determinations to be made by the Secretary of Agriculture; and (3) limitations placed on the State agency. Directs the State agency to establish a work program requiring performance of work as a condition of eligibility to receive benefits under the food stamp program. Permits States participating in the food stamp program to establish a program designed to encourage households receiving coupons to purchase nutritional food. Eliminates the Secretary's authority over the administration of the program by the State agencies. Eliminates the administrative cost-sharing and quality control provisions of such Act. Limits the percentage of funds a State agency may use for administrative costs. Eliminates the Secretary's authority to conduct pilot projects and study the feasibility of recovering food stamp benefits from specified households. Sets forth a formula for the distribution of funds by the Secretary to the participating States to provide benefits and pay administrative costs. Directs the State agency to submit annually to the Secretary reports setting forth the purposes for which such funds will be and have been disbursed. Eliminates all Federal restrictions on the value of allotments received by each participating State. Amends the Food Stamp Act Amendments of 1980 to eliminate specified medical deductions for determining income eligibility.
Bill· HRH.R. 7976 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1980
Amends the Agricultural Fair Practices Act of 1967 to exclude from the definition of "producer" any fruit, vegetable, or nut grower. Defines "bargaining" for the purposes of such Act. Makes a refusal to bargain in good faith with an association of producers producing under a certified contract a prohibited practice under such Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a certificate to any association of producers which desires to bargain and which meets specified criteria. Requires such an association to: (1) submit to the Secretary a petition for accreditation; (2) have contracts with its members that are binding under State law; (3) be directly producer- owned and controlled; (4) act as principal or agent for its members in contract negotiations for the production, sale, and marketing of their product; and (5) submit an annual report to the Secretary. Sets forth the procedures for the granting, modification, and revocation of association certification. Grants the Secretary, rather than the Attorney General, enforcement power under such Act. Sets forth the enforcement and review process. Establishes civil penalties for violations of orders issued by the Secretary under such Act. Makes any final regulation of the Secretary subject to Congressional disapproval.
Bill· HRH.R. 7971 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1980
Makes producers of the 1980 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 what under the Agricultural Adjustement Act of 1949.
Bill· HRH.R. 7970 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1980
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments to the producers of the 1980 crop of soybeans if such producer is able to harvest less than 70 percent of such crop because of a natural disaster. Establishes a formula for determining the amount of such payments.
Law· HRH.R. 7960 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1980
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to set aside in special trust for a named individual of Chiloquin, Oregon, the beneficial use and occupancy of a specified tract of land in Klamath County, Oregon. Requires the Secretary to utilize the moneys to which such individual would otherwise be entitled to purchase lands within the former boundaries of the Klamath Indian Reservation to become part of the Winema National Forest.
Bill· HRH.R. 7905 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1980
New Homestead Act of 1980 - 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. 7867 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1980
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to continue current price support levels for milk or to modify any increase in such levels which might otherwise be required when the quantity of dairy products acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation exceeds the quantity of products sold by a specified amount. Fixes the level of price supports for milk at the beginning of any marketing year at not less than 75 percent of the parity price.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 393 (96th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1980
Recognizes the year 1980 as the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Extends congressional tributes to that agency.
Bill· HRH.R. 7813 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1980
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments to the producers of the 1980 crop of soybeans if such producer is able to harvest less than 70 percent of such crop because of a natural disaster. Establishes a formula for determining the amount of such payments.
Bill· HRH.R. 7822 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1980
Family Farm Antitrust Act of 1980 - Finds that vertical integration of the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural industry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the decline of rural populations and the consequent crowding of metropolitan centers. Declares it to be the national policy to restore competition to the agricultural industry and to provide for the continuance of the family farm. Provides that no person who is engaged in commerce in a business other than farming and whose nonfarming business assets exceed $5,000,000 shall engage in farming or the production of agricultural products or participate in farming by any means of acquisition or control of another person who is engaged in farming. Specifies exceptions including charitable, educational, or nonprofit institutions, and farmer-owned and controlled cooperatives. Permits the continuation of farming interests by persons otherwise in violation of this Act if such interests are not increased or expanded for the five-year period following enactment of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of provisions of such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to submit recommendations to the Congress for adjustments to the limitation on nonfarming business assets to reflect changes in economic conditions. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire at fair market value any property or interest of which a person is required to divest himself under the provisions of this Act if the person is otherwise unable to divest himself of such property.
Bill· SS. 2956 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1980
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties for violations of specified provisions preventing the introduction and dissemination of livestock and poultry diseases, plant diseases, and plant pests. Reduces the maximum term of imprisonment for importing diseased animals from three to one year. Establishes criminal penalties for importing animals except at quarantine stations. Increases the amount of criminal fines for importing or transporting infected livestock and poultry. Eliminates the element of scienter from the prohibition against the unauthorized movement of any plant pest through importation or interstate movement. Amends the Federal Plant Pest Act and the Plant Quarantine Act to establish criminal penalties for the knowing counterfeit or alteration of a permit authorizing such movement. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of regulations controlling the entry, inspection, and cleaning of vehicles and materials entering the United States from Mexico.
Bill· SS. 2955 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1980
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1985 to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a program of matching grants to States to assist "1890 land grant colleges", including Tuskegee Institute, in acquiring and improving agricultural and food research facilities and equipment.
Bill· SS. 2954 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1980
Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for the small farm extension programs through fiscal year 1985. Sets forth the formula for the apportionment of such funds to the States.
Bill· SS. 2951 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1980
Amends the Plant Quarantine Act of 1912 to eliminate the notice and hearing requirements with respect to the promulgation of determinations relating to: (1) importation restrictions on certain plants and plant products other than nursery stock; and (2) interstate quarantines necessary to prevent the spread of dangerous plant diseases or infestations.
Bill· SS. 2950 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1980
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to regulate the intrastate movement of animals, animal carcasses, products, and articles as the Secretary deems necessary to eradicate or prevent the dissemination of any disease which threatens the livestock or poultry of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 7796 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1980
Makes producers of the 1980 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 what under the Agricultural Adjustement Act of 1949.
Bill· SS. 2925 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Amends the Agriculture Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to announce a set-aside of feed grain cropland by November 1 (currently November 15) and of wheat cropland by August 1 (currently August 15) of each calendar year for the crops harvested in the next calendar year.
Bill· SS. 2931 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Agricultural Credit Readjustment Act of 1980 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a national or local moratorium on the repayment or foreclosure on loans made or held by the Secretary or under the provisions of any law administered by the Farmers Home Administration for up to three years if warranted by emergencies adversely affecting the agricultural economy. Authorizes the Secretary to consolidate or reschedule such loans for payment. Sets forth the terms for such payment. Alters the terms and conditions of membership on county committees. Authorizes the Secretary to use and train such committees for any purposes of such Act the Secretary deems appropriate. Requires such committee to serve as a loan board for loans made pursuant to such Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 7757 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1986 to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a program of grants to States to assist "1890 land grant colleges," including Tuskegee Institutes, in acquiring and improving agricultural and food research facilities, equipment, and land. Sets forth formulas for the distribution of such funds. Provides that, in computing such distribution, the allotments to Tuskegee Institute and Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University shall be determined as if each institution were in a separate State.
Bill· HRH.R. 7755 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Special Areas Soil Conservation Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program for the conservation of soil, water, and related resources in specified areas by providing technical and financial assistance to owners and operators of non-Federal farm, ranch, and other lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with owners of land within such designated areas. Limits contracts with owners of non-farm or non-ranch land to owners of lands with erosion problems which threaten adjoining farm or ranch land. Requires such contracts to assist in making necessary changes in cropping systems or land uses. Requires the owner or operator of such land to furnish the Secretary with a plan of farming operations or land use which incorporates practical conservation practices and outlines a schedule for the implementation of such practices. Requires such owner or operator to forfeit future and refund past payments if the Secretary determines the submitted plan has not been substantially followed. Sets forth other terms of such contract. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate or modify such agreement if to do so would be in the public interest. Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report assessing the problems, objectives, and a schedule for implementation of this program in a designated special area. Requires the approval of such committees before such area shall be finally designated. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) utilize the services of State and local agencies; (2) fund research necessary to develop new technologies for controlling erosion-related problems in a designated special area; and (3) provide grants to any State containing lands within such areas to conduct an evaluation and analysis of the local and State tax structures and their effect on the implementation and maintenance of conservation measures. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report annually to Congress on the activities and results of such program; and (2) protect program participants to the degree possible from any penalty under other agricultural programs for participating in such program.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 105 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1980
Recognizes the year 1980 as the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Extends congressional tributes to that agency.
Law· HRH.R. 7591 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1980
Appropriates funds for agriculture, rural development, and related agencies programs for fiscal year 1981. Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) necessary expenses of the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) departmental administration; (3) governmental and public affairs; (4) necessary expenses of the Office of the Inspector General; (5) Office of the General Counsel; (6) Federal Grain Inspection Service; (7) science and education administration; (8) scientific activities overseas (special foreign currency program); (9) cooperative research; (10) extension activities; (11) technical information systems; (12) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (13) buildings and facilities; (14) Food Safety and Quality Service; (15) funds for strengthening markets, income, and supply; (16) Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives Service; (17) World Food and Agricultural Outlook and Situation Board; (18) Agricultural Marketing Service; (19) Transportation Office; (20) payments to states and possessions; (21) for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service; (22) Dairy and Beekeeper Indemnity Programs; (23) Federal Crop Insurance Corporation; (24) Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund; and (25) Commodity Credit Corporation. Title II: Rural Development Programs - Makes appropriations for: (1) Farmers Home Administration; (2) Rural Housing Insurance Fund; (3) Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund; (4) Rural Development Insurance Fund; (5) rural water and waste disposal grants; (6) very low-income housig repair grants; (7) rural housing for domestic farm labor; (8) Self-Help Housing Land Development Fund; (9) rural community fire protection grants; (10) rural development planning grants; (11) rural development grants; (12) Rural Electrification Administration; (13) Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund loan authorizations; (14) Rural Telephone Bank; (15 Rural Communication Development Fund; (16) Soil Conservation Service; (17) river basin surveys and investigations; (18) watershed planning; (19) resource conservation and development; (20) Great Plains conservation program; (21) Agricultural stabilization and conservation service; (22) agricultural conservation program; (23) rural clean water program; (24) forestry incentives program; (25) water bank program; and (26) emergency conservation program. Title III: Domestic Food Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) child nutrition programs; (2) special milk program; (3) special supplemental food programs; (4) food stamp program; (5) food donations programs; and (6) food program administration. Title IV: International Programs - Makes appropriations for: (1) foreign agricultural service; (2) Office of International Cooperation and Development; and (3) Public Law 480 (under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954). Title V: Related Agencies Appropriates funds for the: (1) Food and Drug Administration; (2) Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and (3) Farm Credit Administration. Title VI: General Provisions - Makes funds authorized and appropriated to the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 1981 available for: (1) the purchase of a specified number of passenger motor vehicles; (2) the hire of such vehicles; (3) uniforms or uniform allowances; and (4) certain research and service work contracts. Prohibits the use of such funds to make production or other payments to persons or corporations who harvest for illegal use, marihuana or other prohibited drug-producing plants. Permits advances of money to be made to chiefs of field parties. Limits the amount of obligations chargeable against the Working Capital Fund for fiscal year 1981. Limits the amount of the appropriations available for orientation and language training. Permits employees agencies within the Department to be utilized without reimbursement by other agencies within the Department.
Bill· SS. 2833 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1980
Establishes a 15-member National Commission on Food Production, Processing, Marketing, and Pricing to study and appraise the economic and industrial structure of all segments of the food industry. Directs the Commission to make interim reports and a final report with legislative recommendations to the President and Congress within two years of enactment. Authorizes the Commission to hold hearings and secure data relating to the study. Directs the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture to each submit to Congress and publish reports on the actions of each agency with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws on the various sectors of the food industry. Requires the appropriate Federal agency to submit to Congress and publish within one year after the Commission's report and annually thereafter, indices of the structure and state of competition in the food industry. Authorizes the sum of $7,000,000 to carry out this Act.
Bill· SS. 2820 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1980
Amends the Plant Variety Protection Act to make the Plant Variety Protection Office within the Department of Agriculture an office rather than a bureau. Eliminates the bonding requirement for employees of such office. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to maintain a register of descriptions of United States protected plant varieties rather than a register of published specifications for such varieties. Bars a plant breeder's right to protect a plant variety if such variety was offered for sale or sold by the owner in a foreign country for longer than four years (six in the case of woody plants) before the effective filing date of the application. Eliminates the right to amend an application for a certificate recognizing plant variety rights to include a declaration that a viable sample of basic seed necessary for propagation of the variety will be deposited and replenished periodically in a public repository. Permits the Secretary to publish the name of an applicant for plant variety protection and whether the applicant specified that the variety is to be sold by variety name only as a class of certified seed. Increases the term of plant variety protection from 17 to 18 years. Authorizes the Secretary to issue corrected certificates of plant protection, rather than mere certificates of correction, with the same effect and operation in law as if the certificate had been originally issued in such corrected form. Authorizes owners of rights in plant varieties to give notice to the public of such rights by fixing a label to such varieties stating "Unauthorized Seed Multiplication Prohibited" or "Unauthorized Propagation Prohibited" rather than "Propagation Prohibited". Repeals the exemption for the seeds, plants, or transplants of okra, celery, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers. Amends the Federal Seed Act to prohibit the offer for sale or advertisement by variety name of seed not appropriately certified under the Plant Variety Protection Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 7557 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1980
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1985 to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a program of matching grants to States to assist "1890 land grant colleges", including Tuskegee Institute, in acquiring and improving agricultural and food research facilities and equipment.
Bill· HRH.R. 7548 (96th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1980
Farm Credit Act Amendments of 1980 - Title I: Federal Land Banks and Associations - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to authorize any Federal land bank, under the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) participate in loans with other Farm Credit System institutions (i.e., Federal land banks, Federal land bank associations, Federal intermediate credit banks, production credit associations, and banks for cooperatives); (2) participate in loans which the land banks are authorized to make with lenders which are not Farm Credit System institutions; (3) sell interests in loans to such lenders; (4) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans and in other financial assistance extended and nonvoting stock; (5) make other investments; (6) accept contributions to their capital from Federal land bank associations; (7) enter into agreements with other Farm Credit System institutions to share loan and other losses; (8) issue nonvoting stock to borrowers as a patronage refund; and (9) make or participate with other lenders in long-term real estate mortgage loans not exceeding 85 percent of the appraised value of the real estate security. Makes producers and harvesters of aquatic products eligible for Federal land bank services. Authorizes Federal land bank associations to make capital contributions to a Federal land bank. States that a member of a Federal land bank association need not make the required purchases of land stock with respect to that part of a loan derived from a lender which is not a Farm Credit System institution. Authorizes the Federal land bank associations to pay dividends on a differential basis between different classes and issues of stock and participation certificates corresponding to the value of such classes and issues to the capital or earnings of the Federal land bank in its district. Permits the Federal land bank associations to agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions. Title II: Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations - Authorizes the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, subject to the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans and in other financial assistance extended and nonvoting stock; (2) make other investments; (3) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions; (4) participate with other Farm Credit System institutions in making loans; and (5) issue nonvoting stock to such institutions. Authorizes the Federal intermediate credit banks to discount, or purchase from other financial institutions, loans made to producers and harvesters of aquatic products. Authorizes each production credit association, subject to the supervision of the intermediate credit bank in its district and the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) buy from and sell to any bank in the Farm Credit System interests in loans, other financial assistance extended, and nonvoting stock; (2) participate in loans with other Farm Credit System institutions; (3) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System Institutions; (4) issue participation certificates to eligible borrowers in lieu of nonvoting stock; and (5) issue participation certificates or nonvoting stock to any financial institution outside the Farm Credit System with which the association participates in a loan in satisfaction of the requirement that a borrower own such stock or participation certificates. Requires a borrower to own only that amount of stock or participation certificates which is proportionate to that portion of a loan retained by a production credit association when it participates with another lender in making a loan. Authorizes the production credit association to extend loan assistance to bona fide farmers, ranchers, and producers and harvesters of aquatic products for basic processing and marketing directly related to the borrower's operations. Requires the borrower's operation to provide a specified percentage of the total processing or marketing for which financing is extended. Title III: Banks For Cooperatives - Empowers each bank for cooperatives, subject to the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) participate with other Farm Credit System institutions in making loans; (2) deposit its securities and current funds with any domestic or foreign financial organization (presently, such deposits must be made at a member bank in the Federal Reserve System); (3) buy and sell bankers acceptances which are obligations of member banks in the Federal Reserve System; (4) buy and sell other obligations including those which arise in the course of transactions which the bank has assisted through loans; (5) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans and in other financial assistance extended and nonvoting stock; (6) make other investments; (7) invest in foreign and domestic business entities to facilitate the obtaining of credit information and the performance of services related to international transactions; (8) maintain credit balances to assist in the transfer of funds between parties to authorized transactions; (9) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions; and (10) issue participation certificates to parties who may not be issued voting stock. Requires all participation certificates, voting and nonvoting stock issued by the banks for cooperatives to be retired at par value. Authorizes the banks for cooperatives to: (1) offer a currency exchange for eligible cooperative associations; and (2) extend loans, loan participation commitments, and other technical and financial assistance to any domestic or foreign party in which a member cooperative has an ownership interest or which engages with the cooperative in dealings in agricultural or aquatic products, farm supplies or the lease of property, provided such assistance substantially benefits the member cooperative. Sets forth guidelines for regulations governing the extension of such assistance. Enables cooperatives solely engaged in furnishing aquatic business services to borrow from the banks for cooperatives. Reduces the degree of ownership in a cooperative which must be held by farmers, producers or harvesters of aquatic products, or other cooperative associations in order to make such a cooperative eligible to borrow from a bank for cooperatives. Requires a bank for cooperatives to retire any equity held by a borrower in default or dissolution at fair market value not to exceed the par value of the equity interest of the borrower. Prohibits the retirement or cancellation of such an equity interest if the bank's capital structure would be adversely affected. Permits each bank for cooperatives to transfer more than 25 percent of its net annual savings to a surplus account. Authorizes the banks for cooperatives to pay patronage refunds to borrowers in the form of participation certificates. Title IV: Provisions Applicable to Two or More Classes of Institutions of the System - Declares that interest rates established by the Farm Credit Administration for loans made by Farm Credit System institutions and by specified agricultural credit corporations shall preempt any interest rate limitation imposed by State law. States that when two or more Farm Credit System institutions participate in a loan as authorized by this Act, the terms of such loan shall be those agreed upon by the institutions. Requires that such factors as borrower eligibility, membership, term, amount, loan security and purchase of stock or participation certificates by the borrower are to be governed by the provisions of law applicable to the institution originating the loan. Exempts credit transactions of Farm Credit System institutions and specified agricultural credit corporations from the provisions of any State statute or any other law or regulation which impose, with regard to a credit transaction, any duty or requirement which is similar to those which have been imposed by the Truth in Lending Act. Requires each Federal land bank association and production credit association to prepare a program for furnishing sound and constructive credit and related services to young, beginning, and small farmers and ranchers. Directs the Federal land bank and the Federal intermediate credit bank for each district to annually obtain reports of activities under such programs. Authorizes the institutions of the Farm Credit System to organize corporations to perform non-lending functions and services which such institutions are authorized to perform. Empowers the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration to review and revise the charters of such corporations. States that such corporations shall be subject to supervision and examination by the Administration. Applies State and other laws relevant to organizing banks to such corporations, except for specified tax exemptions. Authorizes the sale to Farm Credit System members of insurance to protect the loan commitment and the member's farm or aquatic unit, with specified limitations. Permits banks and associations already offering insurance not authorized by this section to continue to sell such insurance for one year and continue to service such insurance until expiration. Title V: District and Farm Credit Administration Organization - Permits the Virgin Islands to be included within a farm credit district, if the extension of credit and other services in the Virgin Islands is determined to be feasible. Revises the process for the election of farm credit district directors by reducing from three to two the number of nominees on the election poll. Establishes the rate of compensation for the Federal Farm Credit Board at the daily equivalent of the rate prescribed for grade GS-18 of the General Schedule. Authorizes the Board to fix the salary of the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration at any level not exceeding the maximum rate of basic pay in the Executive Schedule. Authorizes the Governor to appoint Deputy Governors to provide assistance in the functioning of the Farm Credit Administration. Exempts the Administration from provisions of Federal law relating to appointments in the competitive civil service, travel expenses, allowances, procurement, and property disposition. Credits employees of Farm Credit System institutions with specified leave and retirement benefits when they are transferred to Federal service in the Farm Credit Administration. Authorizes the banks of the System, with the concurrence of two-thirds of the district boards, to sell or otherwise dispose of any interest in property. Requires the Farm Credit Administration to make annual reports to Congress which include a summary of any unresolved differences arising out of consultations with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Comptroller of the Currency and a summary and analysis of specified reports submitted to such Administration by the Federal land banks and Federal intermediate credit banks relating to programs for serving young, beginning, and small farmers and ranchers. Eliminates the requirement that such Administration maintain its principal office in the District of Columbia.
Bill· HRH.R. 7503 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1980
Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from charging in excess of nine percent on price support loans under the Agricultural Act of 1949 on the 1979 and 1980 crops.
Bill· SS. 2785 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1980
Amends the Emergency Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to limit the interest rates charged for economic emergency, farm ownership, and farm operating loans.
Bill· SS. 2780 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1980
Family Farm Development Act of 1980 - Title I: Family Farm Development Service - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture a Family Farm Development Service, containing a Research Board, which shall devise a national long-term plan for the development of a system providing incentives to encourage small and moderate-size family farmers to use and develop new and improved farming techniques, technology, and mechanisms of food production and distribution. Directs the Administrator of the Family Farm Development Service to submit to the Secretary of Agriculture and to the Congress: (1) a report containing such plan before the end of the three and one-half year development period; and (2) an annual report on specified activities. Title II: Research Program - Directs the Administrator of the Family Farm Development Service to conduct an intensive research grant program concerning the improvement of small and moderate-sized family farms. Directs the Secretary to submit to the President and the Congress an annual report, with recommendations, on such research program. Title III: Education, Training, and Demonstration Programs - Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to establish extension programs providing small farmers with education and demonstration assistance, using paraprofessionals. Directs the Secretary: (1) to provide small farmers with pest control and soil improvement instruction; (2) to establish a program encouraging family farmers to hire and train apprentice farmers; and (3) to establish a scholarship program for farmers and potential farmers to study organic farming methods in foreign countries. Title IV: Loans for Appropriate Technology - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include among the purposes for which loans may be made or insured under such Act, payment of costs: (1) of appropriate technology use; and (2) incident to instituting methods of sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management. Sets as a condition for eligibility for such loans being a resident of the U.S. (formerly required U.S. citizenship). Provides that loans made or insured to institute sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management methods shall be repayable in installments determined by the Secretary to reduce initial repayments. Title V: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Farm Tax Equity Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to limit the deductions attributable to the trade or business of farming to a maximum amount consisting of the sum of the taxpayer's gross income plus $17,500 reduced by the amount by which the nonfarm adjusted gross income of such taxpayer exceeds $17,500. Provides for an annual inflation adjustment of such amount. States that such limitation shall not apply if the taxpayer's nonfarm adjusted gross income does not exceed $17,500 or if the taxpayer elects to compute his taxable income on the accrual method of accounting. Requires the accrual method of accounting for any person engaged in the trade or business of farming whose gross income from farming exceeds $100,000, or an amount adjusted for inflation. Provides for a capital gains tax applicable to transfer of rural land by foreign investors. Sets forth specified reporting procedures relating to such investors. Title VI: Family Farm Ownership Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants of from $100,000 to $500,000 to units of general local government for the purchase of land suitable for farming, which land shall be sold to new or young farmers. Requires the Secretary to give priority to applicants who demonstrate that the preservation of family farming is of vital importance to the area in which the applicant is located. Establishes revolving fund accounts for grant recipients. Sets forth provisions concerning selection of purchasers and conditions of sale. Title VII: Industrial Hydrocarbons and Alcohols - Authorizes the Secretary to make, and to guarantee, loans for the construction and first year operation of facilities to produce industrial hydrocarbons and alcohols from agricultural commodities, forest products, and their byproducts for direct use or blending as motor or industrial fuel. Declares eligible for such assistance, upon application: (1) any producer who operates a family farm or group of such producers; (2) any private nonprofit organization; and (3) any State or local government. Sets forth: (1) the terms of agreement required from recipients of such aid; (2) limitations on financial assistance; (3) consequences of noncompliance with conditions for such aid; and (4) exemption of specified surplus commodities from marketing agreements or orders. Title VIII: Farm Marketing Programs - Directs the Division of Cooperative Marketing of the Department of Agriculture to give primary emphasis to services to small and moderate-sized family farmers. Amends the National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary to make cash payments to State educational agencies, upon application, in lieu of not to exceed 25 percent of the value of the commodities such agencies would have received under the school lunch program. Requires that such cash payments be used by such agencies to purchase program commodities designated from time to time by the Secretary as being in abundance nationally, or by the Secretary or the State Governor as being in abundance in the school area. Directs the Secretary to establish and carry out pilot projects in 12 States under which county extension offices will use computer terminals to assist family farmers in attaining information clarifying various market alternatives. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, not to exceed 75 percent of the costs, to establish a direct marketing system between consumers and farmers. Title IX: Food Price Stabilization - Establishes a Food Price Review Board to monitor increases in the price of any food product, and to recommend to the President the issuance of orders limiting or adjusting the amount of any such increase so that it is equal to, and not more than, the amount of any increase in the price received by the grower or producer of any raw food product involved. Empowers the President to issue such orders. Title X: Miscellaneous Amendments; Definitions - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to make it an unfair or deceptive practice affecting commerce for any person engaged in the retail sale of food to sell any food product without a sign at the point of sale containing the amount received by farmers for the agricultural commodities which were used to produce the food product involved. Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to include farmers and individuals residing in counties with populations of less than 50 persons per square mile among those whose special legal problems or special difficulties of access to legal services should be taken into account by the Legal Services Corporation in determining and implementing its priorities. Directs the Legal Services Corporation to make grants and contracts for research and for information clearinghouses on legal issues and governmental administrative practices involving farm ownership and operation.