Agriculture

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2009

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 January 2007

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007

United States · United States Senate · 31 December 2006

Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, and the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to convey specified parcels of federal land to certain counties and cities in central Idaho. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to convey, to the state of Idaho a specified parcel or parcels of BLM land, including roads thereon, for a motorized recreation park. Designates specified parcels of federal land in central Idaho as wilderness areas to be managed as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS). Repeals existing law requiring review of portions of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) for possible inclusion in the NWPS. Establishes the Boulder-White Cloud Management Area on federal lands in the Challis National Forest, the Sawtooth National Forest, SNRA, and Challis District of the BLM that are not designated as wilderness areas under this Act.

A bill to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend a suspension of limitation on the period for which certain borrowers are eligible for guaranteed assistance.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend through September 30, 2007, a suspension of limitation on the period for which certain borrowers are eligible for guaranteed assistance under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.

Spinach Research and Recovery Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Spinach Research and Recovery Act of 2006 - Authorizes additional appropriations, for the purpose of conducting and supporting applied research to enhance the safety of perishable agricultural commodities for consumers, for: (1) the Agricultural Research Service: (2) the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; and (3) the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments (not to exceed 75% of the value of the unmarketed spinach crop) to growers and first handlers of fresh spinach that were unable to market spinach crops as a result of the Food and Drug Administration Public Health Advisory issued on September 14, 2006.

Australian Wheat Board Accountability Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Australian Wheat Board Accountability Act of 2006 - Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate an investigation in accordance with title III of the Trade Act of 1974 to determine if actions by the Australian Wheat Board with respect to the Board's abuse of the United Nations Oil-for-Food Programme constitutes an act, policy, or practice and justifies taking action against unfair trade practices and to enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements. Deems economic damage suffered by U.S. wheat farmers as a result of the practices of the Australian Wheat Board related to the United Nations Oil-for-Food Programme during the period 1999 to 2003 to be such an act, policy, or practice. Requires the USTR to seek a negotiated settlement with the Australian government upon an affirmative determination that the actions of the Australian Wheat Board have resulted in barriers to U.S. wheat exports or meet the requirements for mandatory action. Imposes additional duties upon Australian imports in the event of failure to reach a negotiated settlement.

Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to convey to Resolution Copper Mining, LLC, all, right, title, and interest of the United States in and to specified federal land in Pinal county, Arizona, in exchange for Resolution Copper conveying to the United States title to: (1) the Secretary to specified non-federal land in Gila, Yavapai, Maricopa, Pinal, and Coconino counties, Arizona, and (2) the Secretary of the Interior to specified non-federal land in Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Gila counties, Arizona. Directs the Secretary to convey specified land in Pinal county to the town of Superior, Arizona. Instructs Resolution Copper to deliver to the Secretary an executed document reviewed by, and acceptable to, the Secretary which grants a permanent conservation easement to the easement area (the surface estate of the Apache Leap Natural and Cultural Resource Conservation Easement Area) to one or more of the following grantees: (1) a qualified unit of government or Indian tribe; or (2) a land trust or other qualified organization. Requires Resolution Copper the grantee or grantees, in consultation with the town, the Secretary, interested Apache Indian tribes, and other interested parties, to determine whether the area covered by the easement should be managed to establish additional cultural and historic resource protections or measures. Directs: (1) the Secretary, in consultation with Resolution Copper, the town, and other interested parties, to construct in the Global Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest one or more replacement campgrounds for the Oak Flat Campground; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior to immediately convey to the Arizona State Parks Board approximately 2,000 acres of land under such Secretary's jurisdiction within the exterior boundary of the proposed Tam O'Shanter Area State Park for the establishment of such Park. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, immediately upon request by the Board, to grant the Board a right-of-way for a State Park access road across any federal lands on the Tam O' Shanter Access Road in order to provide public access to the proposed State Park.

To make funds available for program integrity purposes, including the data mining project, under the Federal Crop Insurance Act.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to use up to a specified amount of Federal Crop Insurance Act funds in FY2007 for program integrity purposes, including the data mining project.

To extend the suspension of the limitation on the period for which certain borrowers are eligible for guaranteed farm operating loans.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend through September 30, 2007, a suspension of limitation on the period for which certain borrowers are eligible for guaranteed assistance under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.

To amend the environmental quality incentives program of the Department of Agriculture to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance to active agricultural producers for the construction of reservoirs as part of their agricultural operations for the storage of water, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize assistance under the environmental quality incentives program for water reservoir construction to be used for water storage in agricultural operations. States that the producer: (1) may not be required to use irrigation for a commodity as a precondition for such reservoir assistance; and (2) shall agree to maintain the lands to be served by a reservoir in agricultural production for at least five years after the reservoir's completion.

To clarify the provision of nutrition services to older Americans.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to fulfill, and accept reimbursement from the Secretary of Health and Human Services for, commodity procurement requests for FY2007 submitted by the states and tribal organizations before November 14, 2006, in support of the operation of the nutrition services incentive program authorized under the Older Americans Act of 1965.

Mark Everett Keenum, of Mississippi, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, vice J.B. Penn.

United States · United States Senate · 13 November 2006

Environmental Protection for Children Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Environmental Protection for Children Act of 2006 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) ensure that environmental and public health standards for environmental pollutants protect children and vulnerable subpopulations from exposure; and (2) create lists of pollutants posing health risks to children as well as safer-for-children substances and products. Requires the EPA Administrator, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support research into the health effects and toxicity of pesticides and pollutants on children. Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to require the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (Agency) and the EPA Administrator to jointly: (1) develop a hazardous substance list; and (2) revise guidelines for the preparation of toxicological profiles of substances. Requires the Agency to prepare and revise such profiles every five years. Directs the Agency develop an environmental health education program focusing on the hazardous substance exposure of fetuses and children. Requires the Agency, in cooperation with states, to establish a registry of children exposed to significant levels of hazardous substances released at facilities on CERCLA's National Priorities List. Children's Environmental Protection and Right to Know Act - Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to require EPA to establish toxic chemical release form reporting thresholds for toxic chemicals that may present a significant risk to children's health or the environment. Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) to require EPA, acting jointly with the Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), to publish a list of substances toxic to children because of their carcinogenic, neurotoxic, or reproductive toxic effects. Requires EPA to implement strategies for chemical testing and risk assessment. Requires manufacturers and importers of such substances to report to the CPSC on such substances. Authorizes private citizens to bring a civil action in the U.S. district court for specified violations of FHSA or this Act. Establishes a penalty fund. Requires EPA, in collaboration with HHS, to establish a block grant program for state testing and removal of pollutants from schools and day care centers.

Global Warming Reduction Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2006 - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) promulgate regulations necessary to reduce the aggregate net levels of global warming pollution emissions; and (2) establish a market-based emissions cap and global warming pollutants trading program. Establishes the Climate Reinvestment Fund. Requires EPA to: (1) establish, and revise every five years, standards for passenger vehicle emissions; and (2) research global climate change standards and processes. Sets forth requirements for retail electricity suppliers and EPA concerning: (1) energy efficiency and peak load reduction; (2) a related trading system; (3) renewable energy types and sources; and (4) a renewable energy credit program and related penalties. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for accrediting certified reductions in carbon dioxide emission through biological sequestration activities. Requires major stationary sources to report annually to EPA about global warming pollutant emissions. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report biennially to EPA and Congress about U.S. progress in avoiding dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Replaces specified volumes of renewable fuel required in gasoline for 2006-2012 with benchmarks for 2010, 2020, and 2030 and a requirement that EPA determine the volume for each year not specified annually. Requires the Secretary of Energy to ensure that major oil companies that sell gasoline in the United States through wholly-owned or branded stations provide pumps that dispense E-85 fuel at specified percentages. Creates a related trading program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to double the new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle credit, the new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit, and the conservation credit. Creates a new plug-in hybrid motor vehicle credit and an advanced technology motor vehicles manufacturing credit. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to: (1) require securities issuers to inform investors of financial and economic risks relating to global warming; and (2) declare that U.S. commitments to reduce emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are considered to be a material effect and that global warming constitutes a known trend. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Climate Change Vulnerability and Resilience Program and an Office of Climate Change Vulnerability and Resilience Research.

Ethanol Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Ethanol Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation, to award up to $1 million to one or more eligible firms to conduct feasibility studies for the construction of one or more dedicated ethanol pipelines.

Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2006 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish in the Department of Agriculture the Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives, to be headed by the Under Secretary for Rural Broadband Initiatives. States that the Under Secretary shall: (1) administer all rural broadband-related grant and loan programs previously administered by the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, including the rural broadband access loan and loan guarantee program and the community connect grant program; (2) conduct rural outreach; (3) foster development of a comprehensive rural broadband strategic vision; (4) assess relevant technologies; (5) serve as a single information source for all federal rural broadband programs and services; and (6) provide technical assistance to state, regional, and local governments to develop broadband deployment strategies. Directs the Under Secretary to submit a comprehensive rural broadband strategy report to the President and to Congress.

A joint resolution recognizing the contributions of the Christmas tree industry to the United States economy and urging the Secretary of Agriculture to establish programs to raise awareness of the importance of the Christmas tree industry.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Recognizes the important contributions to the U.S. economy of the live-cut Christmas tree industry, Christmas tree growers, and persons employed in the Christmas tree industry. Urges the Secretary of Agriculture to establish programs to raise awareness of the live-cut Christmas tree industry's importance.

To amend the Agricultural Adjustment Act to add clementines to the list of fruits and vegetables subject to minimum quality import requirements issued by the Secretary of Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to subject imported clementines to applicable domestic grade, size, quality, or maturity requirements.

21st Century Energy Independence Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

21st Century Energy Independence Act of 2006 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to seek to ensure: (1) the availability of 200% of the volume of renewable fuels required to be available in the United States by 2013 under the Energy Policy Act of 2005; and (2) the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from the production and use of renewable fuels by 25%. Directs the Secretary to establish a loan guarantee program for up to 80% of the cost of a project for: (1) the harvesting, storing, and delivery of agriculture residues for use in cellulosic or traditional ethanol production plants; (2) cellulosic ethanol production technologies that will reduce the initial capital cost to $2.50 per annual gallon, and operation and maintenance costs to 125% of those at traditional corn ethanol plants; (3) advanced biomass gasifiers that can provide specified thermal input requirements for traditional ethanol plants to produce syngas; and (4) scaled catalytic conversion projects to convert syngas to liquid fuels. Permits such loan guarantees for: (1) a traditional ethanol plant only if the agriculture residue products are used as feedstock to replace thermal input requirements otherwise provided by fossil fuels; and (2) an existing ethanol plant only if the applicant demonstrates the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions related to ethanol production by at least 75%. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants for up to 50% of the capital costs of the initial commercialization for certain cellulosic ethanol production technologies.

Emergency Farm Relief Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Emergency Farm Relief Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance for: (1) crop disaster assistance for qualifying quantity or quality losses for the 2005 or 2006 crop due to weather or related conditions (including disease, insects, and delayed harvest; (2) livestock assistance for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses; (3) livestock indemnity payments for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses (including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and anthrax); (4) ewe lamb replacement and retention; (5) sugar beet disaster assistance for crop year 2005; (6) sugarcane growers in Hawaii through a payment to an agricultural transportation cooperative in Hawaii; (7) flooded crop and grazing land in the Devils Lake basin, the McHugh, Lake Laretta, and Rose Lake closed drainage areas, North Dakota; and (8) bovine tuberculosis indemnification. Directs the Secretary to make grants to state agriculture departments or comparable agencies in qualified states for direct economic loss payments to eligible small businesses. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to carry out emergency measures under: (1) the emergency watershed protection program; (2) the emergency conservation program, including wildfire recovery efforts; and (3) the environmental quality incentives program, including wildfire recovery efforts. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to hire additional state and county Farm Service Agency personnel to expedite the delivery of agricultural disaster and economic assistance.

Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2006 - States that any Pigford claimant (relating to a racial discrimination action against the Department of Agriculture) who has not previously obtained a determination on the merits of a Pigford claim may, in a civil action, obtain that determination. States that it is Congress' intent that this Act be liberally construed so as to effectuate its remedial purpose of giving a full determination on the merits for each denied Pigford claim. Defines: (1) "Pigford claimant" as an individual who previously submitted a late-filing request under the consent decree in the case of Pigford v. Glickman (1999); and (2) "Pigford claim" as a discrimination complaint as defined and documented by such consent decree.

Act to Save America's Forests

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Act to Save America's Forests - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to revise eligibility criteria for members of the land and resource management scientific committee. Revises the committee termination date. Directs the Chief of the Forest Service, the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to each prepare a continuous inventory of forest land administered by each agency head and to document whole-system measures that will be taken as a result of the inventory. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for conservation and restoration of native biodiversity in forested areas. Prohibits clearcutting or other even-age logging operations on any stand or watershed on certain federal land, National Forest System land, and National Wildlife Refuge System land. Provides for federal enforcement and a private right of action. Designates special areas which shall be subject to restrictions on road construction and logging in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Requires the Secretaries concerned to appoint a committee of independent scientists to recommend additional special areas. Restricts road construction and logging on federal land in ancient forests, special areas, roadless areas, and watershed protection areas. Provides for federal enforcement and a private right of action. States that this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall not apply to federal wilderness areas designated under the Wilderness Act. Adds specified land to the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Transfers administrative jurisdiction over the Monument from the Secretary to the Secretary of the Interior. Establishes the Giant Sequoia National Monument Advisory Board. Adds specified parts of Sequoia National Forest that are not included in the Monument to: (1) Sierra National Forest; and (2) Inyo National Forest.

To amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reauthorize the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize appropriations through FY2012 for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Specifies Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) fund amounts to be used for the Program in each of FY2008-FY2012. Makes the Secretary of Agriculture responsible for specified program administration provisions currently delegated to the President.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that public policy should continue to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Expresses the sense of Congress that public policy should continue to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts to: (1) improve their income from the marketplace and their economic well-being; (2) capitalize on new market opportunities; and (3) help meet the food and fiber needs of consumers, provide for increased energy production, promote rural development, maintain and create needed jobs, and contribute to a growing U.S. economy.

American Competitiveness and Adjustment Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

American Competitiveness and Adjustment Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to: (1) trade adjustment assistance; (2) data collection; (3) industry-wide certifications; (4) trade assistance for farmers; (5) trade adjustment assistance for firms; and (6) trade adjustment assistance for service workers and firms and industries. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise and increase the health care tax credit. Establishes in the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce an Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance.

ABC Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Access to Books for Children Act, or the ABC Act - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to local agencies to provide vouchers to women participating in the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) for the purchase of educational books for their infants and children. Limits to one $5 voucher the maximum amount any one woman may receive, regardless of the number of her infants or children.

EAT Healthy America Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act or the EAT Healthy America Act - Amends provisions with respect to: (1) specialty crops; (2) the tree assistance program; (3) the conservation reserve program; (4) the wetlands reserve program; (5) the farmland protection program; (6) the grassland reserve program; (7) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (8) the environmental qualities incentives program; (9) air quality improvement; (10) integrated pest management initiative; (11) native plant habitat restoration; (12) agricultural trade; (13) invasive pests and diseases; (14) nutrition; (15) agricultural research; and (16) renewable energy, including crop biomass waste.

Expressing the sense of Congress that public policy should continue to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

Expresses the sense of Congress that public policy should continue to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts to: (1) improve their income from the marketplace and their economic well-being; (2) capitalize on new market opportunities; and (3) help meet the food and fiber needs of consumers, provide for increased energy production, promote rural development, maintain and create needed jobs, and contribute to a growing U.S. economy.

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2006

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 - Makes continuing appropriations for FY2007. Appropriates amounts for continuing operations, projects or activities which were conducted in FY2006 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be made available in the: (1) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007; (2) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House of Representatives) or the Energy and Water Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); (3) Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); (4) Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007; (5) Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007; (6) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007; (7) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2007; (8) Military Construction, Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); (9) Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); and (10) Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate), and the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate). Provides funding under this resolution until the earliest of: (1) enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution; (2) enactment of the applicable appropriations Act by both Houses without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) November 17, 2006. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including activities for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such date.

A resolution recognizing the importance of pollinators to ecosystem health and agriculture in the United States and the value of partnership efforts to increase awareness about pollinators and support for protecting and sustaining pollinators by designating June 24 through June 30, 2007, as "National Pollinator Week".

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Recognizes the partnership role that pollinators play in agriculture and healthy ecosystems. Applauds the collaborative efforts of participants in the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign to increase awareness about pollinators and to build support for protecting and sustaining pollinators. Designates June 24-30, 2007, as National Pollinator Week.

New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review each state's meat and poultry inspection program, which shall include: (1) a determination of plan effectiveness; and (2) identification of changes necessary for future transition to a state program as provided for by this Act. Rewrites and renames title III (currently titled,"Federal and State Cooperation") of the Federal Meat Inspection Act as "State Meat Inspection Programs." Authorizes the Secretary to approve a qualifying state meat inspection program and allow the shipment in commerce of carcasses, parts of carcasses, meat, and meat food products so inspected. Requires the Secretary to review approved plans annually. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into a cooperative agreement to establish the relationship between a state program and the Secretary; (2) provide partial reimbursement for state costs to meet federal requirements; and (3) appoint advisory committees. Prohibits from state inspection plan participation establishments that have more than 50 employees, except for those subject to state inspection as of 90 days after the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to temporarily suspend or take over a noncomplying state program (or an establishment). States that: (1) an establishment in a state with an approved state program may apply for either state or federal inspection; and (2) a state or local government shall not prohibit or restrict the movement or sale of meat or meat food products that have been inspected and passed in accordance with this Act for interstate commerce. Exempts from such inspection provisions retail stores and restaurants (including specified central kitchen facilities) if the operations are conducted for sale of such prepared articles in normal retail quantities or for service of the articles to consumers at such establishment. Makes similar amendments to the Poultry Products Inspection Act.

Recognizing the contributions of the Christmas tree industry to the United States economy.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006

Recognizes the important contributions to the U.S. economy of the live-cut Christmas tree industry, Christmas tree growers, and persons employed in the Christmas tree industry. Urges the Secretary of Agriculture to establish programs to raise awareness of the live-cut Christmas tree industry's importance.

Wheat Counter-Cyclical Payments Enhancement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

Wheat Counter-Cyclical Payments Enhancement Act of 2006 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to consider national average market price variations for different classes of wheat (including soft white wheat) when determining wheat producer eligibility for 2005-2007 counter-cyclical payments. States that in calculating a separate effective price for a class of wheat the effective price shall equal the sum of: (1) the higher of the national average market price received by producers during the 12-month marketing year, or the national average loan rate during that period; and (2) the direct wheat payment rate.

Recognizing the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation on the occasion of its 70th anniversary, and saluting the outstanding service of its members and staff on behalf of agriculture and the people of North Carolina.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

Recognizes the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation on the occasion of its 70th anniversary, and salutes the outstanding service of its members and staff on behalf of agriculture and the people of North Carolina.

Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006

Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2006 - Extends: (1) the conservation reserve program; (2) the wetlands reserve program; (3) the conservation security program; (4) the grassland reserve program; (5) the environmental quality incentives program; (6) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (7) the agricultural management assistance program; and (8) the organic agriculture research and extension initiative. Establishes: (1) the cooperative conservation partnership initiative; (2) the suburban and community forestry and open space program; (3) an integrated pest management initiative; and (4) a conservation initiative for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Revises: (1) the farmland protection program; (2) funding for the healthy forests reserve program; and (3) the national organic certification and transition cost share program. Makes permanent funding available for: (1) the education grant program for Hispanic-serving institutions; and (2) the fresh fruit and vegetable program. Revises and extends the biorefinery development program. Extends: (1) the energy audit and renewable energy development program; (2) the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program; (3) the Department of Agriculture bioenergy program; (4) biomass research and development; and (5) carbon cycle research. Extends: (1) the community food project grant program; (2) the farm-to-cafeteria program; (3) WIC farmers' market nutrition program; (4) the senior farmers' market nutrition program; and (5) farmers' market promotion program.

THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IFAD) AND THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL POVERTY REDUCTION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 September 2006

Rural Energy for America Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2006

Rural Energy for America Act of 2006 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to rename the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program as the rural energy for America program (REAP). Makes rural school districts eligible for REAP. Authorizes: (1) production-based incentives in lieu of grants for electricity production from renewable energy systems contingent upon third-party sales; and (2) matching assistance for feasibility studies. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to eligible entities to provide rebates for farmers, ranchers, rural school districts, and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Defines eligible entities as: (1) a state energy or agriculture office; (2) a nonprofit state-based energy efficiency or renewable energy organization that uses public funds provided directly or under contract with a state agency; (3) any other nonprofit organization with a demonstrated ability to administer a statewide energy efficiency or renewable energy rebate program; or (4) a consortium of such entities. Limits rebates to the lower of $10,000 or 50% of the cost to purchase a renewable energy system or an energy efficiency improvement. Extends REAP funding through FY 2012 with set-asides for the rebate program. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary should implement a direct loan program to complement REAP grants.

A bill to amend the Animal Health Protection Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from implementing or carrying out a National Animal Identification System or similar requirement, to prohibit the use of Federal funds to carry out such a requirement, and to require the Secretary to protect information obtained as part of any voluntary animal identification system.

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006

Amends the Animal Health Protection Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from implementing or carrying out (and prohibits use of federal funds to implement or carry out) a National Animal Identification System or similar requirement that mandates the participation of livestock owners. Sets forth requirements governing disclosure of information obtained through a voluntary animal identification system established by the Secretary to identify and trace animals.

To amend the Animal Health Protection Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from implementing or carrying out a National Animal Identification System or similar requirement and to require the Secretary to protect information obtained as part of any voluntary animal identification system.

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006

Amends the Animal Health Protection Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from implementing or carrying out (and prohibits use of federal funds to implement or carry out) a National Animal Identification System or similar requirement that mandates the participation of livestock owners. Sets forth requirements governing disclosure of information obtained through a voluntary animal identification system established by the Secretary to identify and trace animals.

Recognizing the contributions of the Christmas tree industry to the United States economy and urging the Secretary of Agriculture to establish programs to raise awareness of the importance of the Christmas tree industry.

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006

Recognizes the important contributions to the U.S. economy of the Christmas tree industry, Christmas tree growers, and persons employed in the Christmas tree industry. Urges the Secretary of Agriculture to establish programs to raise awareness of the Christmas tree industry's importance.

Emergency Farm Relief Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006

Emergency Farm Relief Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance for: (1) crop disaster assistance for qualifying quantity or quality losses for the 2005 or 2006 crop due to weather or related conditions (including disease, insects, and delayed harvest; (2) livestock assistance for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses; (3) livestock indemnity payments for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses (including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and anthrax); (4) ewe lamb replacement and retention; (5) sugar beet disaster assistance for crop year 2005; (6) sugarcane growers in Hawaii through a payment to an agricultural transportation cooperative in Hawaii; (7) flooded crop and grazing land in the Devils Lake basin, the McHugh, Lake Laretta, and Rose Lake closed drainage areas, North Dakota; and (8) bovine tuberculosis indemnification. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance for: (1) state grants to promote agriculture; and (2) grants for value of production. Requires a recipient state to give priority for livestock and specialty crops. Directs the Secretary to make supplemental economic loss payments to: (1) producers on a farm who received a crop year 2005 direct payment; and (2) dairy producers eligible to receive a 2005 national dairy market loss payment. Directs the Secretary to make grants to state agriculture departments or comparable agencies in qualified states for direct economic loss payments to eligible small businesses. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to: (1) carry out emergency measures under the emergency watershed protection and emergency conservation programs; and (2) hire additional state and county Farm Service Agency personnel to expedite the delivery of agricultural disaster and economic assistance.

Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006

Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Act of 2006 - Designates specified wilderness additions in Oregon as wilderness areas and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary concerned) to construct a system of defensible fuel profile zones between the wilderness boundary and community boundary around Cascade Locks and Government Camp. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to provide grants to communities that are gateways to Mount Hood Wilderness areas. Directs the Secretary concerned to: (1) carry out the Palmateer Trail restoration project; and (2) conduct a study of the appropriate public use of Cool Creek Trail 794. Directs such Secretaries to identify Oregon and California railroad land within the boundary of Clackamas Wilderness subject to provisions governing the annual distribution of moneys from the Oregon and California land-grant fund. Designates the Richard L. Kohnstamm Memorial Area as the "Richard L. Kohnstamm Wilderness." Designates specified segments of creeks and rivers in Mount Hood National Forest as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. Provides for the designation of the Mount Hood National Recreation Area. Directs the Secretary concerned to: (1) collaborate with the State of Oregon to develop an integrated, multimodal transportation plan for the Mount Hood Region; and (2) conduct a study regarding a specified gondola connection and intermodal transportation center. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to provide specified amounts to: (1) Cascade Locks and Hood River County to bury ground power lines adjacent to or within Mount Hood Wilderness areas; and (2) Clackamas County to replace or remove culverts on the wild and scenic river segments in that County. Excludes any part of any state highway from wilderness under this Act. Requires separate land exchanges: (1) involving specified Cooper Spur and Government Camp land; (2) regarding the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail; and (3) regarding Hunchback Mountain land. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) prepare a specified forest stewardship assessment; and (2) conduct a study to assess the amount of sustainable biomass available in Mount Hood. Authorizes such Secretary to complete memoranda of understanding that outline watershed management goals. Requires the establishment of: (1) a Crystal Springs watershed special resources management unit; and (2) priority-use areas in Mount Hood for the gathering of first foods by Indian tribe members. Authorizes such Secretary to use funds received from the special account established by this Act to support recreation purposes related to Mount Hood. Directs such Secretary to establish the Mount Hood National Forest Recreational Working Group. Sets forth provisions for the consideration of forest road conversion. Authorizes the construction of a trail in Mount Hood suitable for use by persons with disabilities.

Emergency Wildfire and Farm Relief Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006

Emergency Wildfire and Farm Relief Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use specified additional funds for emergency measures under: (1) the emergency conservation program, with a set-aside for wildfire control in Montana; (2) the environmental quality incentives program, with a set-aside for wildfire control in Montana; and (3) the livestock assistance grant program, with eligibility for counties adversely impacted by wildfires. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance for: (1) crop disaster assistance for qualifying quantity or quality losses for the 2005 or 2006 crop due to weather or related conditions (including disease, insects, and delayed harvest; (2) livestock assistance for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses; (3) livestock indemnity payments for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses (including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and anthrax); (4) ewe lamb replacement and retention; (5) sugar beet disaster assistance for crop year 2005; and (6) bovine tuberculosis indemnification. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance for: (1) state grants to promote agriculture; and (2) grants for value of production. Requires a recipient state to give priority for livestock and specialty crops. Directs the Secretary to make supplemental economic loss payments to: (1) producers on a farm who received a crop year 2005 direct payment; and (2) dairy producers eligible to receive a 2005 national dairy market loss payment. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to: (1) carry out emergency measures under the emergency watershed protection program; and (2) hire additional state and county Farm Service Agency personnel to expedite the delivery of agricultural disaster and economic assistance.

To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the village of Santa Clara, the city of Bayard, or the county of Grant, in the State of New Mexico, in tracts of not less than 40 acres, at market price at its present state of use as agricultural grazing lands as determined by the Secretary, for business and community development, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey specified lands formerly part of the Fort Bayard Military Reservation, Grant County, New Mexico, to the Village of Santa Clara, the City of Bayard, and Grant County, New Mexico, in tracts of not less than 40 acres, for business and community development. Requires approval of all parties for any such conveyance. Provides that the Secretary shall be responsible for the costs and recovery of any historic or prehistoric cultural properties located on such lands.

Biofuels Investment Trust Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2006

Biofuels Investment Trust Fund Act - Establishes a Biofuels Investment Trust Fund consisting of transferred amounts received in the U.S. Treasury from duties collected on imports of ethyl alcohol or any mixture containing ethyl alcohol that is to be used as a fuel or in producing a mixture of gasoline and alcohol, a mixture of a special fuel and alcohol, or any other mixture to be used as a fuel (including motor fuel). Directs the Secretary of Energy to use amounts in the Trust Fund to: (1) provide assistance to farmers, producers, biorefiners, researchers, universities, and other persons or entities involved in the research, development, and deployment, or production of biofuels, especially for cellulosic ethanol production; or (2) advance research, development, and deployment of biofuels, especially cellulosic ethanol produced from biomass feedstocks.

White Pine County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2006

White Pine County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to conduct sales of certain Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in White Pine County, Nevada. Pam White Wilderness Act of 2006 - Designates certain federal land in Nevada as wilderness components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Transfers administrative jurisdiction over: (1) certain land from BLM to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for inclusion in Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge; and (2) specified National Forest Service (Department of Agriculture) land to BLM (Department of the Interior). Directs the Secretary to convey: (1) specified land to the state of Nevada if the state and the county concerned enter into an agreement supporting such conveyance; and (2) certain land to White Pine County, Nevada, to be used for the expansion of White Pine County airport and White Pine County Industrial Park. Directs the Secretary to study and designate the preferred route for the Silver State Off-Highway Vehicle Trail. Transfers certain land to the Ely Shoshone Indian Tribe. Directs such Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior to carry out the Eastern Nevada Landscape Restoration Project to: (1) implement the Great Basin Restoration Initiative; and (2) restore native rangelands and woodland in White Pine and Lincoln Counties in Nevada. Makes conforming amendments to the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998. Great Basin National Heritage Route Act - Establishes the Great Basin National Heritage Route to provide public access to certain resources in White Pine County, Nevada, Millard County, Utah, and the Duckwater Shoshone Reservation in Nevada.

Senior Nutrition Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

Senior Nutrition Act of 2006 - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to make a person who is at least 60 years old eligible for the commodity supplemental food program if such person: (1) is eligible for the food stamp program; or (2) has a household income that is not more than 185 percent of federal poverty income guidelines. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such program and prohibits using such funds to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for commodities donated to such program.

Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Act of 2005 - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate specified segments of Fossil Creek, a tributary to the Verde River in Arizona, as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to submit a river management plan for the designated segments.

To prohibit the injection of carbon monoxide in meat products.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to prohibit the use of carbon monoxide in any meat or meat food product or the packaging of any meat or meat food product.

To revise the Farmland Protection Program of the Department of Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise the farmland protection program. Includes as eligible program land woodlots, wooded corners, and forested riparian areas that comprise up to 50% of the offered acreage. Gives priority to farm and ranchland: (1) with prime, unique, or other productive soils at risk of nonagricultural development; (2) that will stay in production agriculture; (3) in rural communities that face intense pressure for conversion to nonagricultural use; or (4) in areas that have locally-led land-use planning and zoning strategies. Provides for: (1) grants to eligible entities to protect agricultural production capacity by limiting incompatible nonagricultural land use; and (2) grant agreements with eligible entities to purchase conservation easements using a combination of their own funds and grant funds. Sets forth reversionary interest and cost-sharing provisions.