230 
HR 2419 PCS
in land purchased using funds provided under 
the program; and 
‘‘(C) the eligible entity requires use of a 
conservation plan for any highly erodible crop-
land for which a conservation easement or other 
interest in land has been purchased using funds 
provided under the program. 
‘‘(e) FEDERAL CONTINGENT RIGHT OF ENFORCE-
MENT.—The Secretary may require the inclusion of a Fed-
eral contingent right of enforcement or executory limita-
tion in a conservation easement or other interest in land 
for conservation purposes purchased with Federal funds 
provided under the program, in order to enforce the ease-
ment as a party of last resort. The inclusion of such a 
right or interest shall not be considered to be the Federal 
acquisition of real property and the Federal standards and 
procedures for land acquisition shall not apply to the in-
clusion of the right or interest. 
‘‘(f) REVIEW; REVOCATION.— 
‘‘(1) REVIEW.—Every 3 years, the Secretary 
shall review the certification of States under sub-
section (c) and the performance of eligible entities in 
meeting the terms and conditions of an agreement 
under subsection (d). 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00230
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
231 
HR 2419 PCS
‘‘(2) REVOCATION.—If, in the determination of 
the Secretary, a State no longer meets the qualifica-
tions described in subsection (c)(2) or an eligible en-
tity is not meeting the terms and conditions of an 
agreement under subsection (d), the Secretary 
may— 
‘‘(A) revoke the certification of the State 
or terminate the agreement with the eligible en-
tity; or 
‘‘(B) allow the State or eligible entity a 
specified period of time in which to take such 
actions as may be necessary to retain its certifi-
cation or to meet the terms and conditions of 
the agreement, as the case may be. 
‘‘(g) CONSERVATION PLAN.—Any highly erodible 
cropland for which a conservation easement or other inter-
est is purchased under this subchapter shall be subject to 
the requirements of a conservation plan. In the case of 
an easement or other interest in land that is perpetual 
in duration, the Secretary may not require the conversion 
of the cropland to less intensive uses if, under such plan, 
soil erosion can be reduced to ‘T’ or below. 
‘‘(h) COST SHARING.—The share of the cost provided 
under this section for purchasing a conservation easement 
or other interest in land shall not exceed 50 percent of 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00231
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
232 
HR 2419 PCS
the appraised fair market value of the conservation ease-
ment or other interest in eligible land. Fair market value 
shall be determined on the basis of an appraisal of the 
conservation easement or other interest in eligible land 
using an industry-approved methodology determined by 
the entity.’’. 
SEC. 2111. FARM VIABILITY PROGRAM. 
Section 1238J(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3838j(b)) is amended by striking ‘‘2007’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2012’’. 
SEC. 2112. WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVE PROGRAM. 
(a) REAUTHORIZATION.—Section 1240N of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1) is amended 
by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(d) DURATION OF PROGRAM.—Using funds made 
available under section 1241(a)(7), the Secretary shall 
carry out the program during fiscal years 2008 through 
2012.’’. 
(b) COST SHARE
FOR LONG-TERM AGREEMENTS 
AND
IMPACT
ON
SCOPE
OF
OPERATIONS.—Section 
1240N(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3839bb–1(b)(2)) is amended— 
(1) in the paragraph heading by inserting ‘‘AND 
IMPACT ON SCOPE OF OPERATIONS’’ after ‘‘AGREE-
MENTS’’; 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00232
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
233 
HR 2419 PCS
(2) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘years,’’ 
and inserting ‘‘years, or that will assist producers in 
meeting a regulatory requirement imposed on lands 
in agriculture production that reduces the economic 
scope of the producer’s operation,’’; and 
(3) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘15 per-
cent’’ and inserting ‘‘25 percent’’. 
Subtitle B—Conservation Programs 
Under Other Laws 
SEC. 2201. AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE 
PROGRAM. 
(a) ELIGIBLE STATES.—Section 524(b)(1) of the 
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(1)) is 
amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘Hawaii,’’ after ‘‘Delaware,’’; 
and 
(2) by inserting ‘‘Virginia,’’ after ‘‘Vermont,’’. 
(b) 
TECHNICAL
CORRECTION.—Section 
524(b)(4)(B)(i) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(B)(i)) is amended by striking ‘‘Except 
as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii), the’’ and inserting 
‘‘The’’. 
(c) CERTAIN USES.—Section 524(b)(4) of the Fed-
eral Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(B)) is 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00233
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
234 
HR 2419 PCS
amended by adding at the end the following new subpara-
graph: 
‘‘(C) CERTAIN
USES.—Of the amounts 
made available to carry out this subsection for 
a fiscal year, the Commodity Credit Corpora-
tion shall use not less than— 
‘‘(i) 50 percent to carry out subpara-
graphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (2) 
through the Natural Resources Conserva-
tion Service; 
‘‘(ii) 10 percent to provide organic 
certification cost share assistance through 
the Agricultural Marketing Service; and 
‘‘(iii) 40 percent to conduct activities 
to carry out subparagraph (F) of para-
graph (2) through the Risk Management 
Agency.’’. 
SEC. 2202. RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT 
PROGRAM. 
(a) LOCALLY LED PLANNING PROCESS.—Section 
1528 of the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 
3451) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘planning 
process’’ in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) 
and inserting ‘‘locally led planning process’’; and 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00234
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
235 
HR 2419 PCS
(2) in paragraph (9), by striking ‘‘council’’ and 
inserting ‘‘locally led council’’. 
(b) AUTHORIZED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—Section 
1528(13) of the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (16 
U.S.C. 3451(13)) is amended by striking subparagraphs 
(C) and (D) and inserting the following new subpara-
graphs: 
‘‘(C) providing assistance for the imple-
mentation of area plans and projects; and 
‘‘(D) providing services which bring to 
bear the resources of Department of Agri-
culture programs in a local community, as de-
fined in the locally led planning process.’’. 
(c) IMPROVED PROVISION OF TECHNICAL ASSIST-
ANCE.—Section 1531 of the Agriculture and Food Act of 
1981 (16 U.S.C. 3454) is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—’’ before 
‘‘In carrying’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(b) COORDINATOR.—To improve the provision of 
technical assistance to councils under this subtitle, the 
Secretary shall designate an individual, to be known as 
the ‘Coordinator’, for each council. The Coordinator shall 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00235
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
236 
HR 2419 PCS
be directly responsible for the provision of technical assist-
ance to the council.’’. 
(d) PROGRAM EVALUATION.—Section 1534 of the 
Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3457) is 
repealed. 
SEC. 2203. SMALL WATERSHED REHABILITATION PRO-
GRAM. 
(a) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—Section 14(h)(1) of 
the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 
U.S.C. 1012(h)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subparagraph: 
‘‘(G) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2009 through 2012.’’. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Section 
14(h)(2)(E) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Pre-
vention Act (16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E)) is amended by 
striking ‘‘fiscal year 2007’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal 
years 2007 through 2012’’. 
Subtitle C—Additional 
Conservation Programs 
SEC. 2301. CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM FOR NUTRIENT RE-
DUCTION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL. 
Chapter 5 of subtitle D of the Food Security Act of 
1985 is amended by inserting after section 1240P (16 
U.S.C. 3839bb–3) the following new section: 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00236
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
237 
HR 2419 PCS
‘‘SEC. 1240Q. RIVER RESTORATION IN THE CHESAPEAKE 
BAY WATERSHED. 
‘‘(a) CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED DEFINED.—In 
this section, the term ‘Chesapeake Bay watershed’ means 
all tributaries, backwaters, and side channels, including 
their watersheds, draining into the Chesapeake Bay. 
‘‘(b) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR CHESAPEAKE BAY 
WATERSHED.— 
‘‘(1) DEVELOPMENT.—The Secretary of Agri-
culture shall develop, as expeditiously as practicable, 
a proposed comprehensive plan for the purpose of 
restoring, preserving, and protecting the Chesapeake 
bay watershed. 
‘‘(2) PROVEN TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIVE 
APPROACHES.—The comprehensive plan shall pro-
vide for the development of new technologies and in-
novative approaches to advance the following goals: 
‘‘(A) Improvement of water quality and 
quantity within the Chesapeake Bay. 
‘‘(B) Restoration, enhancement, and pres-
ervation of habitat for plants and wildlife. 
‘‘(C) Increase economic opportunity for 
producers and rural communities. 
‘‘(3) SPECIFIC COMPONENTS.—The comprehen-
sive plan shall include such features as are necessary 
to provide for— 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00237
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
238 
HR 2419 PCS
‘‘(A) the development and implementation 
of a program for erosion prevention and con-
trol, sediment control and sediment removal, 
and reduction of nutrient loads; 
‘‘(B) the development and implementation 
of a program for— 
‘‘(i) the planning, conservation, eval-
uation, and construction of measures for 
fish and wildlife habitat conservation and 
rehabilitation; and 
‘‘(ii) stabilization and enhancement of 
land and water resources; and 
‘‘(C) the development and implementation 
of a long-term resource monitoring program. 
‘‘(4) CONSULTATION.—The comprehensive plan 
shall be developed by the Secretary in consultation 
with appropriate Federal and State agencies. 
‘‘(c) SUBMISSION OF PLAN.— 
‘‘(1) SUBMISSION.—Not later than 2 years 
after the date of enactment of the Farm, Nutrition, 
and Bioenergy Act of 2007, the Secretary shall 
transmit to Congress a report containing the com-
prehensive plan. 
‘‘(2) ADDITIONAL STUDIES AND ANALYSES.— 
After submission of the report required by para-
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00238
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
239 
HR 2419 PCS
graph (1), the Secretary shall continue to conduct 
such studies and analyses related to the comprehen-
sive plan as are necessary, consistent with this sub-
section. 
‘‘(d) RESTORATION ENHANCEMENT AND PRESERVA-
TION PROJECTS.— 
‘‘(1) PROJECT
AUTHORITY.—In cooperation 
with appropriate Federal and State agencies, the 
Secretary shall carry out restoration enhancement 
and preservation projects for the Chesapeake Bay 
watershed to address the goals specified in sub-
section (b)(2). To achieve the restoration, preserva-
tion, and protection benefits of a project, the Sec-
retary shall proceed expeditiously with the imple-
mentation of the project consistent with the com-
prehensive plan. 
‘‘(2) CRITICAL PROJECTS.—In carrying out this 
subsection, the Secretary shall begin with the Sus-
quehanna River, the Shenandoah River, the Potomac 
River, and the Patuxent River. 
‘‘(3) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—Of the funds 
of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary 
shall use to carry out projects under this subsection 
the following amounts: 
‘‘(A) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008. 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00239
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
240 
HR 2419 PCS
‘‘(B) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2009. 
‘‘(C) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2010. 
‘‘(D) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2011. 
‘‘(E) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2012. 
‘‘(4) FEDERAL SHARE.—The Federal share of 
the cost of carrying out any individual project under 
this subsection shall not exceed $5,000,000. 
‘‘(e) GENERAL PROVISIONS.— 
‘‘(1) 
WATER
QUALITY.—In 
carrying 
out 
projects and activities under this section, the Sec-
retary shall take into account the protection of water 
quality by considering applicable State water quality 
standards. 
‘‘(2) PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION.—In developing 
the comprehensive plan under subsection (b) and 
carrying out projects under subsection (d), the Sec-
retary shall implement procedures to facilitate public 
participation, including providing advance notice of 
meetings, providing adequate opportunity for public 
input 
and 
comment, 
maintaining 
appropriate 
records, and making a record of the proceeding of 
meetings available for public inspection. 
‘‘(f) COORDINATION.—The Secretary shall integrate 
and coordinate projects and activities carried out under 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00240
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
241 
HR 2419 PCS
this section with other Federal and State programs, 
projects, and activities. 
‘‘(g) COST SHARING.— 
‘‘(1) NON-FEDERAL
SHARE.—Subject to sub-
section (d)(4), the non-Federal share of the cost of 
projects and activities carried out under this section 
shall be not less than 35 percent. 
‘‘(2) OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, REHABILITA-
TION, AND REPLACEMENT.—The operation, mainte-
nance, rehabilitation, and replacement of projects 
carried out under this section shall be a non-Federal 
responsibility. 
‘‘(h) SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING CHESAPEAKE 
BAY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.— 
‘‘(1) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
‘‘(A) One of the stated goals of the Chesa-
peake Bay Agreement is to ‘develop, promote, 
and achieve sound land use practices which pro-
tect and restore watershed resources and water 
quality, maintain reduced pollutant loadings for 
the Bay and its tributaries, and restore and 
preserve aquatic living resources’. 
‘‘(B) Department of Agriculture conserva-
tion programs are integral to the restoration of 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00241
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
242 
HR 2419 PCS
the Chesapeake Bay and achieving the water 
quality goals for the Chesapeake Bay program. 
‘‘(2) SENSE
OF
CONGRESS.—In light of the 
findings specified in paragraph (1), it is the sense of 
Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture should be 
a member of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council, 
and is authorized to do so under section 1(3) of the 
Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16 
U.S.C. 590a(3)).’’. 
SEC. 2302. VOLUNTARY PUBLIC ACCESS AND HABITAT IN-
CENTIVE PROGRAM. 
Chapter 5 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Secu-
rity Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after section 
1240Q, as added by section 2301, the following new sec-
tion: 
‘‘SEC. 1240R. VOLUNTARY PUBLIC ACCESS AND HABITAT IN-
CENTIVE PROGRAM. 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall estab-
lish a voluntary public access program under which States 
and tribal governments may apply for grants to encourage 
owners and operators of privately-held farm, ranch, and 
forest land to voluntarily make that land available for ac-
cess by the public for wildlife-dependent recreation, includ-
ing hunting or fishing, under programs administered by 
the States and tribal governments. 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00242
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
243 
HR 2419 PCS
‘‘(b) APPLICATIONS.—In submitting applications for 
a grant under the program, a State or tribal government 
shall describe— 
‘‘(1) the benefits that the State or tribal gov-
ernment intends to achieve by encouraging public ac-
cess to private farm and ranch land for— 
‘‘(A) hunting and fishing; and 
‘‘(B) to the maximum extent practicable, 
other recreational purposes; and 
‘‘(2) the methods that will be used to achieve 
those benefits. 
‘‘(c) PRIORITY.—In approving applications and 
awarding grants under the program, the Secretary shall 
give priority to States and tribal governments that— 
‘‘(1) have consistent opening dates for migra-
tory bird hunting for both residents and non-resi-
dents; 
‘‘(2) propose to maximize participation by offer-
ing a program the terms of which are likely to meet 
with widespread acceptance among landowners; 
‘‘(3) propose to ensure that land enrolled under 
the State or tribal government program has appro-
priate wildlife habitat; 
‘‘(4) propose to strengthen wildlife habitat im-
provement efforts on land enrolled in a special con-
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00243
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
244 
HR 2419 PCS
servation reserve enhancement program described in 
1234(f)(4) by providing incentives to increase public 
hunting and other recreational access on that land; 
and 
‘‘(5) propose to use additional Federal, State, 
tribal government, or private resources in carrying 
out the program. 
‘‘(d) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS.—Nothing in 
this section preempts a State or tribal government law, 
including any State or tribal government liability law. 
‘‘(e) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary shall promulgate 
such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section. 
‘‘(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary 
$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 
to carry out this section.’’. 
SEC. 2303. MUCK SOILS CONSERVATION. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.—The Secretary 
of Agriculture shall carry out a conservation program 
under which the Secretary makes payments to assist own-
ers and operators of eligible land specified in subsection 
(b) to conserve and improve the soil, water, and wildlife 
resources of such land. 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00244
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
245 
HR 2419 PCS
(b) ELIGIBLE LAND.—To be eligible for inclusion in 
the program established under this section, the land 
must— 
(1) be comprised of soil that qualifies as muck, 
as determined by the Secretary; 
(2) be used for production of an agricultural 
crop; 
(3) have a spring cover crop planted in conjunc-
tion with the primary agricultural crop referred to in 
paragraph (2); 
(4) have a winter crop planted; and 
(5) have ditch banks seeded with grass that is 
maintained on a year-round basis. 
(c) PAYMENT AMOUNTS.—The Secretary may pro-
vide payments of not less than $300, but not more than 
$500, per acre per year under the program. 
(d) AUTHORIZATION
OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry 
out the program $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 
through 2012. 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00245
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
246 
HR 2419 PCS
Subtitle D—Administration and 
Funding 
SEC. 2401. FUNDING OF CONSERVATION PROGRAMS UNDER 
FOOD SECURITY ACT OF 1985. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1241(a) of the Food Se-
curity Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) is amended in the 
matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘2007’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2012’’. 
(b) CONSERVATION
SECURITY
PROGRAM.—Para-
graph (3) of section 1241(a) of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(3) The conservation security program under 
subchapter A of chapter 2, using, to the maximum 
extent practicable— 
‘‘(A) in the case of conservation security 
contracts entered into before October 1, 2007, 
under such subchapter, as in effect on the day 
before the date of the enactment of the Farm, 
Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007— 
‘‘(i) $1,454,000,000 for the period of 
fiscal years 2007 through 2012; and 
‘‘(ii) $1,927,000,000 for the period of 
fiscal years 2007 through 2017; and 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00246
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
247 
HR 2419 PCS
‘‘(B) in the case of conservation security 
contracts entered into on or after October 1, 
2011, under such subchapter— 
‘‘(i) $501,000,000 for fiscal year 
2012; and 
‘‘(ii) $4,646,000,000 for the period of 
fiscal years 2012 through 2017.’’. 
(c) FARM
AND
RANCHLAND
PROTECTION
PRO-
GRAM.—Paragraph (4) of section 1241(a) of the Food Se-
curity Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) is amended to 
read as follows: 
‘‘(4) The farm and ranchland protection pro-
gram under subchapter B of chapter 2, using, to the 
maximum extent practicable— 
‘‘(A) $125,000,000 in fiscal year 2008; 
‘‘(B) $150,000,000 in fiscal year 2009; 
‘‘(C) $200,000,000 in fiscal year 2010; 
‘‘(D) $240,000,000 in fiscal year 2011; 
and 
‘‘(E) $280,000,000 in fiscal year 2012.’’. 
(d) ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PRO-
GRAM.—Paragraph (6) of section 1241(a) of the Food Se-
curity Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) is amended to 
read as follows: 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00247
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
248 
HR 2419 PCS
‘‘(6) The environmental quality incentives pro-
gram under chapter 4, using, to the maximum ex-
tent practicable— 
‘‘(A) $1,250,000,000 in fiscal year 2008; 
‘‘(B) $1,600,000,000 in fiscal year 2009; 
‘‘(C) $1,700,000,000 in fiscal year 2010; 
‘‘(D) $1,800,000,000 in fiscal year 2011; 
and 
‘‘(E) $2,000,000,000 in fiscal year 2012.’’. 
(e) WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVES PROGRAM.— 
Paragraph (7)(D) of section 1241(a) of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) is amended by striking 
‘‘2007’’ and inserting ‘‘2012’’. 
SEC. 2402. IMPROVED PROVISION OF TECHNICAL ASSIST-
ANCE UNDER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS. 
Section 1242 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3842) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘or’’ at the end of para-
graph (1); and 
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and insert-
ing the following new paragraphs: 
‘‘(2) through a contract with an approved third 
party, if available; or 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00248
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
249 
HR 2419 PCS
‘‘(3) at the option of the producer, through a 
payment as determined by the Secretary, directly to 
an approved third party, if available, or to the pro-
ducer for an approved third party, if available.’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘technical assistance’’ each 
place it appears and inserting ‘‘technical serv-
ices’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ‘‘that 
assistance’’ and inserting ‘‘those technical serv-
ices’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new sub-
sections: 
‘‘(c) PAYMENT AMOUNTS.— 
‘‘(1) USE
OF
PREVAILING
MARKET
RATES.— 
The Secretary shall set the amounts of payments 
under subsection (b)(1)(B) for technical services at 
levels not less than prevailing private market rates. 
‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—Paragraph (1) shall not 
apply in instances where personnel of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture are immediately available to 
provide comparable technical services to eligible pro-
ducers. 
‘‘(d) REVIEW AND EXPEDITED APPROVAL OF TECH-
NICAL ASSISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS.— 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00249
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
250 
HR 2419 PCS
‘‘(1) REVIEW OF EXISTING TECHNICAL ASSIST-
ANCE SPECIFICATIONS.— 
‘‘(A) REVIEW
OF
SPECIFICATIONS.—The 
Secretary shall direct each State to review and 
ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, the 
completeness and relevance of technical assist-
ance specifications in effect as of the date of 
the enactment of the Farm, Nutrition, and Bio-
energy Act of 2007. 
‘‘(B) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the 
assessment under subparagraph (A), a State 
shall consult with specialty crop producers, crop 
consultants, cooperative extension and land- 
grant universities, nongovernmental organiza-
tions, and other qualified entities. 
‘‘(C) EXPEDITED REVISION OF SPECIFICA-
TIONS.—If a State determines under subpara-
graph (A) that revisions to its technical assist-
ance specifications are necessary, the State 
shall establish an administrative process for ex-
pediting the revisions. 
‘‘(2) ADDRESSING
CONCERNS
OF
SPECIALTY 
CROP PRODUCERS.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary shall 
direct each State to fully incorporate into its 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00250
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
251 
HR 2419 PCS
technical assistance specifications and provide 
for the appropriate range of conservation prac-
tices and resource mitigation measures available 
to specialty crop producers. 
‘‘(B) AVAILABILITY OF ADEQUATE TECH-
NICAL
ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary shall en-
sure that adequate technical assistance is avail-
able for the implementation of conservation 
practices by specialty crop producers through 
Federal conservation programs. In carrying out 
this requirement, the Secretary shall develop— 
‘‘(i) programs that meet specific needs 
of specialty crop producers through cooper-
ative agreements with other agencies and 
nongovernmental organizations; and 
‘‘(ii) program specifications that allow 
for innovative approaches that engage local 
resources in providing technical assistance 
for planning and implementation of con-
servation practices. 
‘‘(e) NON-FEDERAL ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary 
may request the services of, and enter into cooperative 
agreements or contracts with, non-Federal entities to as-
sist the Secretary in providing technical assistance nec-
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00251
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
252 
HR 2419 PCS
essary to develop and implement conservation programs 
under this title.’’. 
SEC. 2403. COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP 
INITIATIVE. 
(a) TRANSFER
OF EXISTING PROVISIONS.—Sub-
sections (b), (c), and (d) of section 1243 of the Food Secu-
rity Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3843) are— 
(1) redesignated as subsections (c), (d), and (e), 
respectively; and 
(2) transferred to appear at the end of section 
1244 of such Act (16 U.S.C. 3844). 
(b) ESTABLISHMENT
OF
PARTNERSHIP
INITIA-
TIVE.—Section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3843), as amended by subsection (a), is 
amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 1243. COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP 
INITIATIVE. 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF INITIATIVE.— 
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall es-
tablish a cooperative conservation partnership initia-
tive (in this section referred to as the ‘Partnership’) 
within each program described in subsection (b) to 
address conservation issues involving production ag-
riculture on local, regional, or State levels. 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00252
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
253 
HR 2419 PCS
‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATION.—The Secretary shall 
carry out the Partnership— 
‘‘(A) by selecting proposals for grants and 
agreements by eligible entities described in sub-
section (c) through a competitive selection proc-
ess; 
‘‘(B) by making grants to, and entering 
into agreements with, with eligible entities de-
scribed in subsection (c) for not less than 2 
years, but not more than 5 years, in duration; 
and 
‘‘(C) by providing producers that are par-
ticipating in a special project and initiative of 
an eligible entity preferential enrollment into 1 
or more of the programs described in subsection 
(b). 
‘‘(3) PURPOSES.—The purposes of the Partner-
ship are to carry out special projects and initia-
tives— 
‘‘(A) to address conservation issues involv-
ing production agriculture on local, regional, or 
State levels through producers and eligible enti-
ties; 
‘‘(B) to address community and economic 
development needs and opportunities; and 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00253
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
254 
HR 2419 PCS
‘‘(C) to increase access to, and participa-
tion in, the programs described in subsection 
(b) by producers of specialty crops (as defined 
in section 3 of the Specialty Crops Competitive-
ness Act of 2004, Pub. L. 108–465 (7 U.S.C. 
1621 note). 
‘‘(b) COVERED PROGRAMS.—The conservation pro-
grams covered by this section are the following: 
‘‘(1) Conservation security program. 
‘‘(2) Environmental quality incentives program. 
‘‘(3) Wildlife habitat incentive program. 
‘‘(c) ELIGIBLE PARTNERS.—Grants may be made or 
agreements may be entered into under this section with 
any of the following (or a combination thereof): 
‘‘(1) States and agencies of States. 
‘‘(2) Political subdivisions of States, including 
counties and State- or county-sponsored conserva-
tion districts. 
‘‘(3) Indian tribes. 
‘‘(4) Nongovernmental organizations and asso-
ciations, including producer associations, farmer co-
operatives, extension associations, and conservation 
organizations with a history of working cooperatively 
with producers to effectively address resource con-
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00254
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
255 
HR 2419 PCS
cerns related to agricultural production, as deter-
mined by the Secretary. 
‘‘(5) A combination of partners specified in a 
preceding paragraph. 
‘‘(d) APPLICATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) COMPETITIVE
PROCESS.—The Secretary 
shall establish a competitive process for considering 
applications for grants or agreements under this sec-
tion consistent with the evaluation criteria listed in 
subsection (e). 
‘‘(2) 
PROGRAM
ALLOCATION.—Applications 
shall include— 
‘‘(A) specification of the amount of fund-
ing or acres, or both, of 1 or more covered pro-
grams specified in subsection (b) proposed to be 
allocated to carry out the special project or ini-
tiative; and 
‘‘(B) a schedule for utilization of funding 
or acres over the life of the proposed project or 
initiative. 
‘‘(e) EVALUATION CRITERIA.—In evaluating applica-
tions for grants or agreements under this section the Sec-
retary shall consider the extent to which— 
‘‘(1) preferential enrollment in the covered pro-
grams specified in the application will effectively ad-
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00255
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
256 
HR 2419 PCS
dress the environmental objectives established for 
the special project or initiative; and 
‘‘(2) the special project or initiative covered by 
the application— 
‘‘(A) enjoys local and regional support 
from producers and other interested persons, 
including governmental and nongovernmental 
organizations with appropriate expertise on the 
issues the project or initiative seeks to address; 
‘‘(B) includes clear environmental objec-
tives; 
‘‘(C) includes a well defined project or ini-
tiative plan that identifies sensitive areas re-
quiring treatment and prioritizes conservation 
practices and activities needed to achieve envi-
ronmental objectives; 
‘‘(D) promises adequate and coordinated 
participation to achieve the objectives of the 
project or initiative; 
‘‘(E) coordinates integration of local, 
State, and Federal efforts to make the best use 
of available resources and maximize cost-effec-
tive investments; 
‘‘(F) leverages financial and technical re-
sources from sources other than the programs 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00256
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
257 
HR 2419 PCS
authorized by this subtitle, including financial 
and technical resources provided by Federal 
and State agencies, local governments, non-
governmental organizations and associations, 
and other private sector entities; 
‘‘(G) describes how all necessary technical 
assistance will be provided to each producer 
participating in the project or initiative, includ-
ing cost estimates for technical assistance and 
whether such assistance will be provided by 
technical service providers; 
‘‘(H) describes how the administrative 
costs of the project or initiative will be mini-
mized; 
‘‘(I) addresses a local, State, regional, or 
national environmental priority or priorities, 
with particular emphasis on any priority for 
which there is an existing State or federally ap-
proved plan in place for addressing that pri-
ority; 
‘‘(J) includes a plan to evaluate progress, 
measure results, and meet the purposes of the 
agreement; 
‘‘(K) clearly demonstrates that enrollment 
of producers in covered programs will be con-
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00257
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS
258 
HR 2419 PCS
sistent with the purposes and policies of each 
individual program, as established in statute, 
rules and regulations, and program guidance 
promulgated by implementing agencies; 
‘‘(L) links resource and environmental ob-
jectives 
with 
community 
development 
or 
agritourism objectives that can be improved as 
a result of addressing the resources of concern; 
‘‘(M) demonstrates innovation in linking 
environmental and community development ob-
jectives; and 
‘‘(N) addresses the needs of beginning 
farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged 
farmers and ranchers, and limited resource 
farmers and ranchers. 
‘‘(f) PRIORITIES.—To the maximum extent prac-
ticable, consistent with the requirements of subsection (d), 
the Secretary shall ensure that, each fiscal year, grants 
are awarded and agreements are entered into under this 
section to support projects and initiatives that collectively 
address the resource concerns facing producers, ranchers, 
and nonindustrial private forest landowners, including 
specifically projects and initiatives that are designed— 
‘‘(1) to achieve improvements in water quality 
in watersheds impacted by agriculture, particularly 
VerDate Aug 31 2005 
00:40 Sep 06, 2007
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00258
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2419.PCS
H2419
bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with BILLS