G/AG/N/USA/110  
 
19 January 2017  
(17-0360) Page: 1/9 
Committee on Agriculture  Original: English  
 
NOTIFICATION  
The following submission, dated 2 January 201 7, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of the  United States of America . The notification concerns new or modified domestic 
support measures exempt from reduction ( Table DS:2 ). 
_____ __________  
 G/AG/N/USA/110  
 
- 2 - 
 
  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: UNITED STATES  OF AMERICA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
(1) Full title of measure: Title I – Dairy Product Donation Program  
(2) Domestic le gislation: Public Law 113 -79, Agricultural Act of 2014 ( 7 February 2014).  
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria:  
Provisions are consistent with criteria in Annex 2, paragraph 4.  
Outlays under the programme meet the general criteria of Annex 2, paragraph 1 (support 
is provided through a publicly -funded government programme and does not involve 
transfers from consumers, and there is no price support to producers; additionally, there 
are no trade -distorting effects or effects on production ). In addition, the measure meets 
the general criteria in paragraph 4 for the provision of domestic food aid to sections of the 
population in need. Eligibility to receive the food aid is subject to clearly defined criteria 
related to nutritional objectives  and the aid is in the form of direct provision of food to 
those concerned at market or subsidized prices (in this case, at no cost). Food purchases 
are made at current market prices and the financing and administration of the aid is 
transparent.  
The Dairy  Product Donation Program (DPDP) is implemented by the Farm Service Agency 
(FSA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The programme is triggered to last 
for one month following a period of two consecutive months during which the dairy margin 
(the difference between milk price and feed costs as determined by FSA) falls below 
$4.00  per hundredweight. During that period, FSA is to purchase dairy products at current 
market prices in types and quantities determined in consultation with the USDA Food and  
Nutrition Service (FNS) and public and private non -profit organizations serving low -income 
populations.  
(4) Cost of measure: Costs of purchasing and distributing dairy products will vary based on 
domestic food assistance requirements and market prices during periods when the 
programme is triggered.  
(5) Date of entry into effect:  7 February 2014 . 
(6) Period of application: 1 September 2014  – 31 December 2018 . 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s) ): Dairy products in types 
and quantities as deter mined in consultation with public and private non -profit 
organizations that provide nutrition assistance to low -income populations.  G/AG/N/USA/110  
 
- 3 - 
 
  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: UNITED STATES  OF AMERICA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified dom estic support measures exempt from reduction  
(1) Full title of measure: Title I – Cotton Transition Assistance  Program  
(2) Domestic legislation: Public Law 113 -79, Agricultural Act of 2014 ( 7 February 2014).  
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criter ia: 
Provisions are consistent with criteria in Annex 2, paragraph 6. 
Outlays under the programme meet the general criteria of Annex 2, paragraph 1 (support 
is provided through a publicly -funded government programme and does not involve 
transfers from consu mers, and there is no price support to producers; additionally, there 
are no trade -distorting effects or effects on production). In addition, the outlays meet the 
general criteria in paragraph 6 that eligibility for such payments shall be determined by 
clearly defined criteria such as production level in a defined and fixed base period and no 
production is required in order to receive such payments . 
The Cotton Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) is implemented by the Farm Service 
Agency (FSA) of the U.S. D epartment of Agriculture (USDA).  CTAP provides assistance to 
producers on a farm for which cotton base acres were in existence for the 2013 crop year. 
Payments are not made on current production and no production is required to receive a 
payment.  
Payments  for crop year 2014 were made on 60 % of 2013 cotton base acres, multiplied by 
the cotton payment yield that had been established under the 2008 Farm Act. For crop 
year 2015, payments were to be provided only in counties where the Stacked Income 
Protection Plan (STAX) has not yet been implemented and to be based on 36.5 % of 2013 
cotton base acres. However, in crop year 2015, the STAX program had been implemented 
in all counties with cotton base acres and no payments were made in that year.  
No additional paym ents will be made under this measure.  
(4) Cost of measure: USD 490 million.  
(5) Date of entry into effect:  7 February 2014 . 
(6) Period of application: Crop year 2014 ( 1 August 2014  – 31 July 2015) . 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s) ): Will n ot benefit 
individual products.  G/AG/N/USA/110  
 
- 4 - 
 
  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: UNITED STATES  OF AMERICA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
(1) Full title of measure: Title I I – Agriculture Conservat ion Easements Program  
(2) Domestic legislation: Public Law 113 -79, Agricultural Act of 2014 ( 7 February 2014).  
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria:  
Provisions are consistent with criteria in Annex 2, paragraph 12. 
Outlays meet the genera l criteria of Annex 2, paragraph 1 (support is provided through a 
publicly -funded government program me and does not involve transfers from consumers, 
and there is no price support to producers; additionally, there are no trade -distorting 
effects or effects  on production). In addition, the outlays meet the general criteria in 
paragraph  12 that eligibility for such payments is determined as part of a clearly defined 
government environmental or conservation programme and is dependent on fulfilment of 
specific conditions under the programme, and that payments are limited to the extra costs 
or loss of income involved in complying with the government programme.  
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) is implemented by the Natural 
Resources Conservati on Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and 
provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands 
and their related benefits. Under the Agricultural Land Easements component, NRCS helps 
Native A merican tribes, state and local governments and non -governmental organizations 
protect working agricultural lands.  NRCS may contribute up to 50 % of the fair market 
value of the agricul tural land easement or up to 75%  for easements that will protect 
grassla nds of special significance. Under the Wetlands Reserve Easements component, 
NRCS helps to restore, protect and enhance enrolled wetlands. NRCS pays 50 -100% of the 
purchase value and between 50 -100% of restoration costs, depending on the length of the 
easement contract.  
ACEP combines the functions of the former Wetlands Reserve Program, the Grassland 
Reserve Program (easement portion), and the Farm  and Ranch Lands Protection Program . 
(4) Cost of measure: Projected to total USD 852 million . 
(5) Date of entry into ef fect: 7 February 2014 . 
(6) Period of application: Program sign -up began 1 May 2014; funding for new contracts is 
authorized through fiscal year 2018, but existing contracts and easements continue until 
their expiration.  
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s) ): Will not benefit 
individual products.  G/AG/N/USA/110  
 
- 5 - 
 
  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: UNITED STATES  OF AMERICA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
(1) Full title of measure: Title II – Regional Conservation Partnership Program  
(2) Domestic legislation: Public Law 113 -79, Agricultural Act of 2014 ( 7 February 2014).  
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria:  
Provisions are consistent with criteria in Annex 2, paragrap h 12. 
Outlays meet the general criteria of Annex 2, paragraph 1 (support is provided through a 
publicly -funded government program me and does not involve transfers from consumers, 
and there is no price support to producers; additionally, there are no trade -distorting 
effects or effects on production). In addition, the outlays meet the general criteria in 
paragraph 12 that eligibility for such payments is determined as part of a clearly defined 
government environmental or conservation programme and is depende nt on fulfilment of 
specific conditions under the programme, and that payments are limited to the extra costs 
or loss of income involved in complying with the government programme.  
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is implemented by the Natural 
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and 
promotes coordination between NRCS and its partners to deliver conservation assistance to 
producers and landowners on a regional or watershed scale. NRCS provide s assistance to 
producers through partnership agreements and through program contracts or easement 
agreements. Eligible partners include producer associations, State and local governments, 
Native American tribes, farmer cooperatives, water districts, munic ipal waste or 
wastewater treatments entities, higher education institutions, organizations with a history 
of working cooperatively with producers, including non -profit organizations. Assistance is 
coordinated through RCPP but provided largely through the E nvironmental Quality 
Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the Agricultural 
Conservation Easements Program (ACEP), and the Healthy Forests Reserve Program 
(HFRP); and in certain areas, the Watershed Operations and Flood Pre vention Program.  
RCPP combines the authorities of four former conservation program mes — the Agricultural 
Water Enhancement program, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program, the Cooperative 
Conservation Partnership Initiative, and the Great Lakes Basin Program . 
(4) Cost of measure: Projected to total USD 100 million . 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  7 February 2014 . 
(6) Period of application: Program me sign-up began 27 May 2014; funding for new 
contracts is authorized through fiscal year 2018, but existing contracts and ease ments 
continue until their expiration.  
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s) ): Will not benefit 
individual products.  G/AG/N/USA/110  
 
- 6 - 
 
  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: UNITED STATES  OF AMERICA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or mod ified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
(1) Full title of measure: Title I I – Environmental Quality Incentives  Program  (modified)  
(2) Domestic legislation: Public Law 113 -79, Agricultural Act of 2014 ( 7 February 2014).  
(3) Detailed description of measur e with reference to criteria:  
Provisions are consistent with criteria in Annex 2, paragraph 12. 
Outlays meet the general criteria of Annex 2, paragraph 1 (support is provided through a 
publicly -funded government program me and does not involve transfers fro m consumers, 
and there is no price support to producers; additionally, there are no trade -distorting 
effects or effects on production). In addition, the outlays meet the general criteria in 
paragraph 12 that eligibility for such payments is determined as p art of a clearly defined 
government environmental or conservation programme and is dependent on fulfilment of 
specific conditions under the programme, and that payments are limited to the extra costs 
or loss of income involved in complying with the governm ent programme.  
The Agricultural Act of 2014 revises the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) 
to incorporate the functions and funding of the repealed Wildlife Habitat Incentive 
Program, with at least 5 % of programme funding targeted to practices  benefitting wildlife 
habitat.  EQIP is implemented by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture and continues to provide financial assistance to producers 
to install and maintain conservation practices on eligi ble agricultural and forest land.  
(4) Cost of measure: Projected to total USD 1.6 billion . 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  7 February 2014 . 
(6) Period of application: New provisions took effect with repeal of WHIP on 
7 February  2014; funding for new contracts is author ized through fiscal year 2018, but 
existing contracts continue until their expiration.  
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s) ): Will not benefit 
individual products.  G/AG/N/USA/110  
 
- 7 - 
 
  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: UNITED STATES  OF AMERICA  
Notification  under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
(1) Full title of measure: Title VII – Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research  
(2) Domestic legislation: Public Law 113 -79, Agricultural Act of 2014 ( 7 Febru ary 2014).  
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria:  
Provisions are consistent with criteria in Annex 2, paragraph 2. 
Outlays meet the general criteria of Annex 2, paragraph 1 (support is provided through a 
publicly -funded government prog ramme and does not involve transfers from consumers, 
and there is no price support to producers; additionally, there are no trade -distorting 
effects or effects on production). In addition, the outlays meet the general criteria in 
paragraph 2, expenditures (or revenues foregone) in relation to program mes which provide 
services or benefits to agriculture or the rural community and that do not involve direct 
payments or processors, specifically subparagraph (a) research, including general 
research, research in  connection with environmental programmes, and research 
program mes relating to particular products.  
The Agricultural Act of 2014 established the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research 
as a non -profit corporation to advance the research mission of the  U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) by supporting agricultural research activities focused on key problems 
of national and international significance, and to foster collaboration with agricultural 
researchers from the Federal Government, State governmen ts, institutions of higher 
education, industry, and non -profit organizations. Key areas of research include plant and 
animal health; food safety, nutrition, and health; renewable energy, natural resources and 
the environment; agricultural and food security ; agriculture systems and technology, and 
agriculture e conomics and rural communities.  
The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, who are nominated by the National 
Academy of Sciences and Industry and appointed by an ex -officio Board that includes  the 
Secretary of Agriculture, the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, the 
Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, the Director of the National Institute of 
Food and Agriculture, and the Director of the National Science Foun dation.  
(4) Cost of measure: USD 200 million, to remain available until expended and released only 
to the extent that the Foundation secures an equal amount of non -Federal matching funds 
for each expenditure . 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  7 February 2014 . 
(6) Period of application: Established 23 July 2014; no end date specified in legislation . 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s) ): Will not benefit 
individual products.  G/AG/N/USA/110  
 
- 8 - 
 
  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: UNITED STATES  OF AMERICA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
(1) Full title of measure: Title X – National Organic Certification Cost -Share Program  
(2) Domestic legislation: Public Law 113 -79, Agricultural Act of 2014 ( 7 February 2014).  
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria:  
Provisions are consistent with criteria in Annex 2, paragraph 12. 
Outlays meet the general criteria of Annex 2, paragraph 1 (support is provided through a 
publicly -funded government program  and does not involve transfers from consumers, and 
there is no price support to producers; additionally, there are no trade -distorting effects or 
effects on production). In addition, the outlays meet the general criteria in paragraph 12 
that eligibility f or such payments is determined as part of a clearly defined government 
environmental or conservation programme and is dependent on fulfilment of specific 
conditions under the programme, and that payments are limited to the extra costs or loss 
of income inv olved in complying with the government programme.  
The National Organic Certification Cost -Share Program is implemented by the Agricultural 
Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through two 
programs, the Agricultural Managemen t Assistance (AMA) Organic Certification Cost Share 
Program and the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP). 
AMA cost-share is available to USDA certified organic crop and livestock operators in the 
16 states covered by AMA. NOCCSP is av ailable to producers and handlers in all states and 
territories. Both program mes assist certified organic operations in defraying the costs 
associated with organic certification. Organic operations may receive up to 75 % of their 
certification costs.  
(4) Cost o f measure: Authorized up to a total of USD 57.5 million, USD 11.5 million each for 
fiscal years 2014 -2018, to remain available until expended . 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  7 February 2014 . 
(6) Period of application: Fiscal years 2014 -2018. 
(7) Products to principall y benefit (if any individual product(s) ): Will not benefit 
individual products.  G/AG/N/USA/110  
 
- 9 - 
 
  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: UNITED STATES  OF AMERICA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
(1) Full ti tle of measure: Title XII – Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (modified)  
(2) Domestic legislation: Public Law 113 -79, Agricultural Act of 2014 ( 7 February 2014).  
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria:  
Provisions are consistent w ith criteria in Annex 2, paragraph 8. 
Outlays meet the general criteria of Annex 2, paragraph 1 (support is provided through a 
publicly -funded government program me and does not involve transfers from consumers, 
and there is no price support to producers; a dditionally, there are no trade -distorting 
effects or effects on production). In addition, the outlays meet the general criteria in 
paragraph 8 that payments are made by way of government participation in a crop 
insurance scheme; eligibility arises followi ng a formal recognition that a natural or like 
disaster has occurred and is determined by a production loss which exceeds 30 % of the 
average production; payments are applied only in respect of losses of income and 
compensate for not more than the total cos t of replacing such losses and do not require or 
specify the type or quantity of future production . 
The Agricultural Act of 2014 revises the Non -insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program 
(NAP) to allow eligible producers to purchase coverage for their crop above the 
catastrophic level (50 % yield loss at 55 % of the average market price) provided under the 
programme. For a premium beyond the base administrative fee, producers may now 
purchase coverage for up to 65 % of losses at 100 % of the average market price . NAP is 
implemented by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) . The programme continues to provide catastrophic level coverage for producers 
who do not wish to purchase additional "buy-up" coverage . NAP is available for crops that 
are not insurable under the Federal Crop insurance programme.  
The Agricultural Act of 2014 also authorized retroactive assistance at additional coverage 
levels under the 2012 NAP to producers of eligible non -insurable fruit crops grown on a 
tree or bush when low yields occurred due to a natural disaster  
(4) Cost of measure: Projected to total USD 864 million . 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  7 February 2014 . 
(6) Period of application: Crop years 2015 -2018 (plus retroactive crop year 2012 assistance) . 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s): Crops not insurable 
under the Federal crop insurance program suffering yield losses of 35 % or greater.  
__________