Agriculture

A bill to amend the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to provide protection for agricultural purchasers of farm products.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to provide that a buyer in the ordinary course of business who buys farm products from a person engaged in farming operations shall own such goods free of any security interest in such goods even though the security interest is perfected and even though the buyer knows of its existence.

Highly Erodible Cropland Pilot Program Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Highly Erodible Cropland Pilot Program Act of 1983 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a long-term (five to ten years) pilot program with owners and operators of highly erodible land who, in return for cash or in-kind assistance, agree to carry out soil and water conservation programs in place of active crop production on such land. Sets forth program provisions, including payment limitations. Limits the program to owners and operators who enter into project contracts within one year after enactment of this Act. Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees if such program is put into effect. Authorizes FY 1985 appropriations.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to modify the loan rate and the acreage set-aside and diversion programs for the 1984 crop of feed grains and the producer reserve program for wheat and feed grains.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982, to set the 1984 corn loan rate at 1983 levels. Provides, with regard to the 1984 feed grain crop, for a mandatory ten percent set-aside and a diversion program of between ten and 20 percent. Prohibits wheat and feed grain storage payments from being less than the prevailing community storage rates for such commodities.

Conservation and Forestation Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Conservation and Forestation Act of 1983 - Title I: Conservation Reserve Program - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into contracts (not less than five-year periods) to replace crops with vegetative cover or other conservation practices on designated farm acreage. Sets forth program provisions. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Agricultural Forestation Program - Authorizes the Secretary to pay farmers (in cash or in-kind) to divert non-timber acreage to pine tree production. Permits farmers who are temporarily unable to repay Small Business Act or Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act loans to use such payments and the proceeds from pine timber sales to repay such loans.

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

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Proclaims March 20, 1984, as National Agriculture Day.

A resolution establishing a Task Force on Agricultural Credit.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should appoint a task force on agricultural credit to: (1) examine agricultural credit problems; (2) report to the President and Congress on the credit-related problems confronting agricultural producers and related businesses; and (3) make recommendations on how to resolve problems that might be identified. Directs the task force to: (1) identify and describe the components of the existing agricultural credit system; (2) identify and describe the credit needs of agricultural producers and related businesses; (3) identify and evaluate the current agricultural credit system's ability to meet producer credit needs; and (4) develop for the President and Congress specific recommendations for policies and legislation to ensure the availability of adequate agricultural credit at reasonable cost.

Agricultural Efficiency and Equity Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Agricultural Efficiency and Equity Act of 1983 - Title I: Acreage Base and Program Yield System - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish farm acreage and crop acreage bases for each program crop based on the preceding five crop years. Permits producer crop acreage base adjustment. Requires program participation in order to receive price support assistance. Sets forth exceptions. Requires the Secretary to provide for a farm program yield for each crop based on the preceding five years. Sets forth related county committee recordkeeping responsibilities. Title II: Price-Support Levels for Program Crops - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide: (1) that price supports for peanuts for which marketing quotas have been disapproved shall be 50 percent of parity; and (2) no supports for tobacco for which marketing quotas have been disapproved.

Agricultural Commodity Export Reporting Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Agricultural Commodity Export Reporting Act of 1983 - Requires that persons who in a calendar year sell for export from the United States agricultural commodities with a fair market value of more than $100,000,000 shall file a financial report with the Secretary of Agriculture. Sets forth information that must be contained in such report, including a balance sheet and a profit and loss statement.

A bill to promote the use of food irradiation as a post-harvest treatment for agricultural commodities and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exclude "sources of radiation" from the definition of food additive. Subjects food irradiation to the same regulations that apply to raw agricultural commodity pesticide use. Exempts existing regulations from such requirements.

A resolution relating to the dismantling of nontariff trade barriers of the Japanese to the import of beef.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Expresses the sense of the House that: (1) U.S. negotiators, in negotiations with Japan, should insist that Japan dismantle all nontariff barriers to imports of beef; and (2) if progress is not made toward the dismantling of such nontariff barriers by a specified time, the U.S. Trade Representative should seek appropriate relief under U.S. and international trade law.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to extend special use authorizations to owners of recreation residences within the Coronado National Forest.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to extend existing special use permits to holders of specified recreation residence sites in the Coronado National Forest, Arizona. Prohibits the issuance of new permits to subsequent owners of improvements on such sites. Provides for permit termination if sites cease to be used for the personal use of the present holders. Requires the Secretary's written approval for additional improvements. Prohibits rebuilding improvements rendered untenable by casualties. Requires the Secretary to assess fees based upon fair market value of the authorized rights and privileges.

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

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983

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

A bill to apply a payment limitation on payments under the milk diversion program.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1983

Limits individual milk diversion payments under the Agricultural Act of 1949 for the period January 1, 1984 through March 31, 1985, to the sum of $100,000 and the amount of price reduction applied to a producer's marketings for the period September 1, 1983 through March 31, 1985.

A bill to amend the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to expand the limitations applicable to payments made under the Agricultural Act of 1949 to producers of certain agricultural commodities to include payments in kind made under the authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to such producers.

United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1983

Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to apply land diversion program payment limitations to the value of commodity payments as well as cash for wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice.

An act to provide continuing authority to the Secretary of Agriculture for recovering costs associated with cotton classing services to producers and to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to invest funds derived from fees for certain voluntary grading and inspection services.

United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1983

Amends the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act to extend the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to recover cotton classing costs through FY 1988. Provides for the collection of classification fees from participating producers or producer-agents. Sets specified fee ceilings.

A bill to amend the farm disaster emergency loan program to require the Secretary to base single enterprise production loss determinations on actual production only, and to prohibit the Secretary from including production determinations from sources such as payment-in-kind or land diversion program participation.

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1983

Amends Federal law regarding the farm disaster emergency loan program to: (1) require the Secretary of Agriculture to base single enterprise production loss determinations exclusively on actual production; and (2) prohibit the Secretary from including projected production determinations from payment-in-kind or land diversion program participation.

Agricultural Compliance Clarification Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1983

Agricultural Compliance Clarification Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to revise acreage set-aside or land-diversion compliance rules.

A bill to amend the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930, by impressing a trust on perishable agricultural commodities and sales proceeds of such commodities for the benefit of the unpaid seller, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1983

Amends the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930, to impress a trust on behalf of an unpaid seller or supplier on the inventories, commodities, or proceeds from the sale of such commodities held by a commission merchant, dealer, or broker. States that payment shall not be considered to have been made if the supplier, seller, or agent receives a payment instrument which is dishonored. Exempts cooperative association-member transactions from such provisions. States that an unpaid seller or supplier shall lose such trust benefits unless he or she: (1) gives written notice of intent to preserve such benefits to the commission dealer or agent; and (2) files such notice with the Secretary of Agriculture within specified times. Vests U.S. district courts with jurisdiction over actions to preserve a trust or to enforce a trust beneficiary's payment. Makes a failure to properly maintain a seller trust or violation of such Act.

Consolidated Agricultural Adjustment Loan Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1983

Consolidated Agricultural Adjustment Loan Act of 1983 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to consolidate ownership, operating, soil and water, limited resource, rural growth, recreation, and economic emergency agricultural loans into a single consolidated agricultural adjustment loan. Establishes aggregate insured and guaranteed loan limits at $500,000. Sets forth application and program provisions.

A joint resolution designating March 6, 1984, as "Frozen Food Day".

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1983

Designates March 6, 1984, as Frozen Food Day.

A bill to require that certain financial information be acquired and disseminated by the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to non-Federal facilities approved for the storage of certain grains owned or controlled by the Commodity Credit Corporation.

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1983

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to non-Federal facilities approved for the storage of certain grains owned or controlled by the Commodity Credit Corporation, to collect financial information relating to: (1) types of delayed pricing contracts entered into and the aggregate quantity of grain subject to the contracts; (2) aggregate value of all contracts of sale of commodities for future delivery; and (3) a financial statement.

A bill to amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to authorize the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to insure producers against losses of commodities incurred as a result of the insolvency of certain persons who store grain or upland cotton on behalf of such producers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1983

Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to authorize the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to insure producers of wheat, rice, upland cotton, soybeans, or feed grains against losses due to the insolvency of approved storage facilities. States that 20 percent of such insurance premiums shall be paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. Requires the Corporation to promote the purchase of such insurance. Requires an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees.

An act to suspend the noncash benefit requirement for the Puerto Rico nutrition assistance program, to provide States with greater flexibility in the administration of the food stamp program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1983

Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to eliminate, as of January 1, 1984, the requirement that nutrition assistance in Puerto Rico be made available in noncash form.

A bill to modify the dairy price support program and to repeal the assessment program.

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1983

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982, to eliminate the 50-cent milk producer assessments. Reduces milk price support levels to $12.10 per hundredweight.

A bill to allow State agencies to continue to elect to use a system of retrospective accounting for the purpose of determining benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1983

Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to permit States to continue to elect to use a system of retrospective accounting and periodic reporting for purposes of determining benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1977. Allows States (with the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture) to select categories of households subject to periodic reporting and retrospective budgeting to be recertified at more frequent intervals than once every six months. Permits the Secretary to authorize certification periods of longer than two months for households not subject to periodic reporting where the Secretary finds this would improve the administration of the program. States that those categories excluded from periodic reporting requirements are similarly exempt from retrospective budgeting. Authorizes States to provide temporary supplemental benefits to those households subject to periodic reporting and retrospective budgeting which experience a sudden and significant loss of income of more than $100 a month.

Agricultural Export Trade Equity Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1983

Agricultural Export Trade Equity Act of 1983 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982 to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to use the FY 1984 and 1985 agricultural export promotion funds for export assistance only in connection with agricultural commodities and products that have been adversely affected by price or credit subsidies used by other countries. Directs the Secretary to export at least 100,000 metric tons of dairy products owned by the Commodity Credit Corporation in each of FY 1984 and 1985 provided that: (1) export sales of dairy products shall be made at appropriate prices of not less than the minimum prices applicable under the International Dairy Arrangement; and (2) the level of exports shall be in addition to donations of dairy products made under other Acts. Authorizes the Secretary to formulate and carry out a program under which agricultural commodities and products acquired by the Corporation are made available for export without charge to U.S. exporters and users and foreign purchasers in order to promote export markets for such commodities and products. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that equal treatment is provided to domestic and foreign purchasers and users in cases where the importation of a manufactured product made from agricultural commodities, made available for export under this Act, would place domestic users of such commodity at a competitive disadvantage; (2) consider all interested foreign purchasers for participation, giving priority to those who have purchased U.S. agricultural commodities in the past and who continue to do so in increased quantities; (3) ensure that Corporation stocks, made available for export under this Act, are used to encourage increased use of such commodities and to avoid unnecessary market displacement of domestic agricultural commodities; and (4) take reasonable precautions to prevent resale, transshipment, or any use of such stocks other than domestic use in the importing country. Provides for supplemental distributions to foreign purchasers who use funds realized from the sale of commodities made available for export under this Act to construct or rehabilitate facilities in the importing country for specified purposes. Requires the Secretary to determine the intervals and amounts of such supplemental distributions. Requires the Secretary to carry out this program through the Corporation. Amends the Agriculture Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to require the President to consider distributing commodities for famine relief in processed and protein-fortified form. Requires the President to take all feasible steps to ensure that an appropriate portion of such commodities be in the form of processed and protein-fortified products. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to urge the Secretary of Agriculture to fund an export market development program for value-added farm products and processed foods at a greater funding level than that provided during FY 1983.

Farmland Protection Policy Act Amendments of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1983

Farmland Protection Policy Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Farmland Protection Policy Act to direct the Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies to ensure that U.S. farmland shall not be unnecessarily converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires any unit of the Federal Government to hold public hearings and report to the Secretary of Agriculture before making any farmland conversions. Makes the existing one-time congressional report an annual requirement. Repeals the prohibition on legal actions against Federal activities affecting farmland.

Daniel Oliver, of Connecticut, to be General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture, vice A. James Barnes.

United States · United States Senate · 25 October 1983

Food Stamp Integrity and Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1983

Food Stamp Integrity and Accountability Act - Title I: Definitions - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to eliminate the minimum six-month certification period for monthly reporting households. Limits households reporting no income to a three-month maximum certification. Authorizes States to determine whether an individual living with others and purchasing food and preparing meals separate and apart shall be treated as a separate household or as a member of a single household. Title II: Eligible Households - Includes certain presently-exempted student loan and grant amounts as income for purposes of food stamp eligibility and benefits. Requires that the resources of students ineligible for food stamp benefits be counted as part of a household's resources. Treats nonrecurring lump-sum payments as income for the month received. Limits real property that may not be considered as resources to the principal house and lot (up to ten acres) and a burial plot for each member of the household. Title III: Eligibility Disqualifications - Requires that all resources of an ineligible alien be counted (presently a pro-rata share) for purposes of determining a household's eligibility. Title IV: Issuance and Use of Coupons - Terminates authority for the issuance of cash change for amounts less than one dollar. Title V: Administration - Requires all adult applicants and recipients to certify in writing, under penalty of perjury, that information provided in applications, reports, and other related documents is true. Makes presently-required expedited service for certain households discretionary with the States. Requires States to implement a photographic identification system for recipients. Authorizes States to use alternatives to Social Security wage data if approved by the Secretary of Agriculture. Requires States to establish fraud detection offices in areas serving 5000 or more households. Authorizes the use of Internal Revenue Service interest and dividend information to protect the integrity of the food stamp program. Title VI: Disqualification of Retail Food Stores and Wholesale Food Concerns - Makes stores disqualified from the food stamp program ineligible for participation in the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC). Title VII: Collection and Disposition of Claims - States that each adult member of a household shall be jointly and severally liable for the value of any coupon overissuance. Requires (presently authorizes) States to collect agency-caused coupon overissuances unless such actions would not be cost-effective. Authorizes States to intercept unemployment benefits and Federal tax refunds in order to collect overissuances brought about by fraud. Title VIII: Administrative and Judicial Review - Changes the conditions appellant retail stores, wholesale food concerns, and State agencies must meet in order to get judicial stays of administrative penalties under such Act (presently must demonstrate irreparable injury). Title IX: Administrative Cost-Sharing and Quality Control - Requires States to reimburse the Federal Government for error rates in excess of three percent. Authorizes the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture to develop geographical error-prone project profiles. Authorizes the imposition of additional program requirements in such cases. Requires an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees. Title X: Effective Date - Makes the provisions of this Act effective January 1, 1984, unless otherwise provided for.

A joint resolution to recognize the second week of November 1983, as "National Meals-on-Wheels and Congregate Meal Week".

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1983

Designates the week beginning November 6, 1983, as National Meals-on-Wheels and Congregate Meal Week.

Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1983

Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 - Title I: Dairy Compliance Program - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982, to set the milk support price at $13.10 per hundredweight through the last day of the month of enactment of this Act. (Eliminates the 50-cent milk producer assessments.) Sets such price at $12.60 per hundredweight from such date through FY 1985, except that: (1) on April 1, 1985, if the Secretary estimates that Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) milk purchases for the next 12 months will exceed 6,000,000,000 pounds, then the support price may be reduced by 50 cents per hundredweight; and (2) on July 1, 1985, if 12-month purchase estimates exceed 5,000,000,000 pounds, the support price shall be further reduced by 50 cents per hundredweight, and if such estimates are 5,000,000,000 or less, the support price shall be increased by at least 50 cents per hundredweight. States that the price of milk shall be supported through milk and milk product purchases. Requires a 50-cent per hundredweight milk price reduction for the 15-month period beginning January 1, 1984, in order to encourage marketing reductions. Remits such funds to the CCC. Requires a 15-month paid dairy diversion program to be implemented as follows: (1) a $10 per hundredweight reduced production payment; (2) reductions as determined by the producer of between five and 30 percent of the base; (3) quarterly partial payments; (4) limited transferability of a producer's marketing history; (5) penalties for failure to make the agreed reductions and remit the resultant funds, and for a knowing violation of a diversion contract; (6) limited transferability of dairy cattle to other producers; (7) suspension of diversion payments if the Secretary is prohibited by court order from implementing the 50-cent producer assessments; (8) determination of a participant's commercial marketing history, which may be adjusted by the Secretary to compensate for abnormally low production; (9) recordkeeping requirements; and (10) judicial enforcement in U.S. district courts. Permits the Secretary to modify contracts to avoid excessive milk reductions. Prohibits any such reduction from being geographically apportioned. Title II: Dairy Promotion Program - Requires the Secretary to publish (with due notice and opportunity for public hearing) a proposed dairy research and promotion order within 30 days of receiving a request for such proposed order. Permits such proposal to be submitted by an individual or an organization certified under this Act. Makes such order effective 90 days after the public comment period. Authorizes the Secretary to amend such orders. Sets forth required terms of such orders, including the establishment of a National Dairy Promotion and Research Board made up of at least 36 milk producer members appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth organizational and operating provisions, including penalties for disclosure and other related violations of such orders. Funds such dairy promotion, research, and nutrition education program through a 15 cents per hundredweight assessment on commercially marketed milk. Permits a credit of up to ten cents per hundredweight for contributions to qualified State or regional dairy promotion or nutrition education programs. Requires an organization to be certified by the Secretary in order to represent milk producers. Authorizes the Secretary to develop such criteria, and makes the Secretary's eligibility decision final. Requires the Secretary, within the 60-day period preceding September 30, 1985, to conduct a producer referendum on such program's continuation (approval to be by a simple majority, of those voting). States that after September 30, 1985, such referendums may be held when the Secretary deems appropriate, or when requested by ten percent of the affected producers. Reimburses the Secretary from assessments collected by the Board for related expenses. Permits cooperative association representation at such referendums, provided that the association notifies its members 30 days in advance and provides them an opportunity to vote as individuals. Provides petition and review in U.S. district court for a person subject to an order. Vests enforcement powers in U.S. district courts. Sets forth penalty provisions. Grants the Secretary investigative and related authority. Limits such program to the 48 contiguous States. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Dairy Reports - Sets forth congressional reporting requirements.

Drought Assistance Equity Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1983

Drought Assistance Equity Act of 1983 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to modify principal and collateral value determinations for purposes of emergency disaster loans.

Consumers and Dairy Producers Fairness Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1983

Consumers and Dairy Producers Fairness Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982, to repeal the 50-cent milk producer assessments. Reduces FY 1984 milk support prices from $14.00 per hundredweight to $12.50 per hundredweight. Provides for 50-cent price support decreases if Government purchases are in excess of specified levels on October 1, 1984, and October 1, 1985, respectively. Requires a report by July 1, 1984, on the effect of applying nationally fluid milk standards similar to those in California.

A joint resolution designating the second week of November, 1983 as "National Congregate and Meals on Wheels Week".

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1983

Designates the week beginning November 6, 1983, as National Congregate and Meals on Wheels Week.

Drought Relief Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1983

Drought Relief Act of 1983 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to permit farmers and ranchers to qualify for disaster assistance whether or not their counties have been designated as disaster areas. Permits family farmers to request economic hardship loan repayment and foreclosure deferrals through FY 1984. Requires a showing of: (1) good management; (2) temporary inability to repay because of circumstances beyond one's control; (3) reasonable chance of repayment; and (4) no available loan-servicing alternatives. Provides for loan consolidation and rescheduling at the end of such deferral period. Requires the Secretary to notify borrowers regarding such deferral and rescheduling programs. Requires deferred or rescheduled loan interest rates to be at the lower of either original or current rates. Amends the Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act of 1978 to extend the economic emergency loan program through FY 1984. Gives preference to farmers affected by the 1983 drought. Limits interest rates to eight percent. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase insured and guaranteed operating loan limits. Extends the maximum payment period from seven to 15 years. Requires that at least 20 percent of FY 1984 farm ownership and operating loans be for limited-resource farmers. Requires the Secretary to notify all farmers about such program. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to require the Secretary to make advance deficiency payments to 1984 wheat, feed grain, upland cotton, and rice producers. Requires the Secretary to make low-grade Commodity Credit Corporation corn available (at 75 percent of the local loan rate) to poultry and livestock producers in areas affected by the 1983 drought. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make emergency business loans available to small rural businesses in areas adversely affected by the drought or payment-in-kind program. Requires the Secretary to provide for a graduated scale of rural water and waste disposal grants based on income and population levels. Restricts the maximum rate to projects in communities with populations of 1500 or less and a median income level below 80 percent of the statewide nonmetropolitan median income level. Directs the Secretary to establish a project selection system based on income, population, and health hazards due to lack of potable water or inadequate waste disposal. Authorizes predevelopment grants and technical assistance. Revises the standard for five percent loans from one based on the Federal poverty line to one based on the statewide nonmetropolitan median income level. Establishes a seven-percent loan for communities with median incomes of between 80 and 100 percent of such statewide income level.

Food Safety Modernization Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983

Food Safety Modernization Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to define "safe", as applied to food additives, color additives, pesticide residues, and other specified substances, to mean a reasonable certainty that the risks of a substance under the intended conditions of use are negligible. Authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to permit, under specified conditions, the gradual elimination or phase-out of substances from the food supply if the FDA determines that there will be no unreasonable risk to the public health from continued use of a substance while it is phased out and there is no practicable substitute. Permits an extension for up to an additional five years. Provides that certain cancer-causing substances shall not be banned (and may be approved) if the proponent of use demonstrates on the basis of credible experimental evidence that the risks to humans under the intended conditions of use are negligible. Authorizes the FDA to consider the benefits to human health from a long-used additive with no practicable substitute before prohibiting its use on the basis of risks to human health. Permits continued use of an additive if the risks to human health are acceptable on account of the benefits to human health, such as the effects of its use on the nutritional value and availability of food and uses for dietary management and other health-related purposes. Directs the FDA to establish an independent scientific peer review committee to study and give advice on substantial scientific issues related to food safety. Requires the FDA, within two years of enactment of this Act, to establish by regulations standards to determine under what circumstances the use of a substance in a food contact situation (i.e., an indirect additive) meets the food additive definition of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Directs the FDA, in issuing regulations, to consider the extent of human exposure to a substance under its intended conditions of use and the toxicological characteristics of the substance. Title II - Amendments to the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act - Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Egg Products Inspection Act to provide that a meat, poultry or egg product is adulterated because it contains an added poisonous or added deleterious substance when the presence of the substance renders the food unsafe within the meaning of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations for added poisonous or added deleterious substances in meat, poultry and egg products but only if the FDA has not already done so. Authorizes the Secretary to phaseout the use of substances in meat, poultry, and egg products for which the Department of Agriculture has primary responsibility. Directs the Secretary to establish an independent scientific peer review system. Title III - Effective Date - Provides that the Act shall become effective upon enactment.

Dairy Farmer Protection Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983

Dairy Farmer Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to reduce milk price support levels from $13.10 per hundredweight to $11.85 per hundredweight. Repeals the two 50-cent milk producer assessments. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as amended and reenacted by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to set the minimum price for class I (fluid) milk under milk marketing orders at $12.56 per hundredweight.

A bill to amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to provide relief to farmers stricken by the 1983 drought and to increase enrollment in the crop insurance program.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983

Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to provide crop insurance to farmers who have suffered crop losses due to the 1983 drought. Requires enrollment by December 31, 1983. Sets forth other program provisions, including premium determinations and coverages. Funds such program for two years through the Commodity Credit Corporation.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe the established price for the 1984 or 1985 crop of wheat, corn, upland cotton, or rice as appropriate but at no less than the established price for the 1983 crop of the commodity; to require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out an export incentive program for such crops; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to set 1984 and 1985 target prices for wheat, corn, upland cotton, and rice, but at not less than 1983 levels. Requires the Secretary to carry out a 1984 and 1985 wheat export incentive program through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Sets forth program provisions. Limits 1984 wheat acreage reductions to a maximum of 25 percent. Provides for in-kind land diversion payments at a rate of 85 percent of a farm's program payment yield. States that registration for the 1984 wheat program shall be until April 1, 1984. Determines 1984 and 1985 wheat acreage based on the five preceding crop years, respectively.

Food Safety Modernization Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983

Food Safety Modernization Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to define "safe", as applied to food additives, color additives, pesticide residues, and other specified substances, to mean a reasonable certainty that the risks of a substance under the intended conditions of use are negligible. Authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to permit, under specified conditions, the gradual elimination or phase-out of substances from the food supply if the FDA determines that there will be no unreasonable risk to the public health from continued use of a substance while it is phased out and there is no practicable substitute. Permits an extension for up to an additional five years. Provides that certain cancer-causing substances shall not be banned (and may be approved) if the proponent of use demonstrates on the basis of credible experimental evidence that the risks to humans under the intended conditions of use are negligible. Authorizes the FDA to consider the benefits to human health from a long-used additive with no practicable substitute before prohibiting its use on the basis of risks to human health. Permits continued use of an additive if the risks to human health are acceptable on account of the benefits to human health, such as the effects of its use on the nutritional value and availability of food and uses for dietary management and other health-related purposes. Directs the FDA to establish an independent scientific peer review committee to study and give advice on substantial scientific issues related to food safety. Requires the FDA, within two years of enactment of this Act, to establish by regulations standards to determine under what circumstances the use of a substance in a food contact situation (i.e., an indirect additive) meets the food additive definition of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Directs the FDA, in issuing regulations, to consider the extent of human exposure to a substance under its intended conditions of use and the toxicological characteristics of the substance. Title II - Amendments to the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act - Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Egg Products Inspection Act to provide that a meat, poultry or egg product is adulterated because it contains an added poisonous or added deleterious substance when the presence of the substance renders the food unsafe within the meaning of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations for added poisonous or added deleterious substances in meat, poultry and egg products but only if the FDA has not already done so. Authorizes the Secretary to phaseout the use of substances in meat, poultry, and egg products for which the Department of Agriculture has primary responsibility. Directs the Secretary to establish an independent scientific peer review system. Title III - Effective Date - Provides that the Act shall become effective upon enactment.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe the established price for the 1984 or 1985 crop of wheat, corn, upland cotton, or rice as appropriate but at no less than the established price for the 1983 crop of the commodity; to require that deficiency payments for the 1984 and 1985 crops of wheat be paid only with respect to wheat produced for domestic consumption; to require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out an export incentive program for such crops; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to set 1984 and 1985 target prices for wheat, corn, upland cotton, and rice, but at not less than 1983 levels. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to require that 1984 and 1985 wheat deficiency payments be made only with respect to domestic-intended production. Requires the Secretary to carry out a 1984 and 1985 wheat export incentive program through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Sets forth program provisions. Limits 1984 wheat acreage reductions to a maximum of 25 percent. Provides for in-kind land diversion payments at a rate of 85 percent of a farm's program payment yield. States that registration for the 1984 wheat program shall be until April 1, 1984. Provides for 1984 wheat advance deficiency payments and loans. Determines 1984 and 1985 wheat acreage based on the five preceding crop years, respectively.

Dairy Assessment Repeal Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983

Dairy Assessment Repeal Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to repeal the 50-cent milk producer assessments and related provisions.

Wheat Incentive Program Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983

Wheat Incentive Program Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to require as a condition of eligibility for 1984 wheat price support benefits that producers reduce their planted wheat acreage by 30 percent, through a 15 percent acreage reduction program and a 15 percent diversion program. States with regard to such diversion program: (1) that diverted land shall be used for conservation purposes; and (2) that the payment rate shall be $3.00 per bushel. Requires advance payment of at least 50 percent. Provides for 1984 wheat crop advance deficiency payments.

A bill to repeal the National Wool Act of 1954, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983

Repeals the National Wool Act of 1954. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to eliminate specified program references to wool.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to prevent the Secretary of Agriculture from requiring deductions from the proceeds of milk marketed commercially by producers in deficit milk production areas designated as disaster areas because of drought.

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from requiring milk producer assessments from drought-affected areas designated as disaster areas under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.

A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to release a reversionary interest held by the United States in certain lands located in Sumter County, South Carolina.

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to release a reversionary interest in specified land in the Manchester State Forest, Sumter County, South Carolina, to the South Carolina State Commission of Forestry.

A bill to extend the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to collect fees to cover United States Government costs incident to services rendered in connection with the enforcement of plant and animal quarantine laws, laws governing the humane care, treatment and transportation of animals, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1983

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to collect fees for services in connection with: (1) plant and animal quarantine laws; (2) humane care, treatment, and transportation of animals; and (3) import requirements imposed by other countries to prevent the spread of plant and animal diseases and pests from the United States. States that such fees shall be credited to accounts which the Secretary may establish for such activities, and shall remain available until expended.

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate that January 22 through January 28, 1984, should be observed as "National Meat Week".

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1983

Designates the week of January 22 through January 28, 1984 as National Meat Week.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1983

Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to change the mandatory Burley tobacco sale date from December 1, 1983, to December 1, 1984.

Feed Grains Improvement Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1983

Feed Grains Improvement Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to reduce target prices: (1) for the 1984 corn crop from $3.03 per bushel to $2.95 per bushel; and (2) for the 1985 corn crop from $3.18 per bushel to $3.03. Requires farmers, in order to qualify for 1984 price support assistance, to reduce their planted acreage by 15 percent under a combined acreage reduction (ten percent) and diversion (five percent) program. Requires the diverted land to be used for conservation purposes. Sets the program signup date at not earlier than March 30, 1984. Provides, with regard to the 1984 diversion program, payments of not less than $2.00 per bushel, except that the Secretary may reduce such payments by up to ten percent if appropriate to meet program objectives. Requires advance payments of at least 50 percent. Provides for 1984 feed gain advance deficiency payments.