(B) by amending subparagraph (A) to read 
as follows: 
‘‘(A) review, with respect to each State, 
the actual practice costs and rates of payments 
(or, where actual practice costs and rates of 
payments are not available, estimates of such 
practice costs and rates) made to producers 
pursuant to programs under this title for prac-
tices on eligible land; and’’; and 
(C) in subparagraph (B)— 
(i) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(ii) by redesignating clause (iii) as 
clause (iv); 
(iii) by inserting after clause (ii) the 
following: 
‘‘(iii) accounts for the variability in 
costs of implementing practices on eligible 
land under this title; and’’; and 
(iv) in clause (iv), as so redesignated, 
by striking ‘‘regional, State, and’’ and in-
serting ‘‘State and’’. 
(2) GUIDANCE; REVIEW.—Section 1244(j)(2) of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3844(j)(2)) is amended— 
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(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘esti-
mates for’’; and 
(B) in subparagraph (B)— 
(i) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(ii) by redesignating clause (ii) as 
clause (iii); 
(iii) by inserting after clause (i) the 
following: 
‘‘(ii) monitoring for and identifying 
significant variability in practice costs in 
each year; and’’; and 
(iv) in clause (iii), as so redesignated, 
by inserting ‘‘and, when appropriate, 
adopting any recommendations made by 
such State technical committee’’ after 
‘‘that State’’. 
(3) EFFECT
ON
EXISTING
CONTRACTS.—Sec-
tion 1244(j) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3844(j)) is amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘(3) EFFECT
ON
EXISTING
CONTRACTS.—In 
order to provide rates of payments that are commen-
surate with the costs of implementing practices pur-
suant to programs under this title, the Secretary 
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shall establish processes and procedures for updating 
rates of payments under a contract or agreement in 
effect under this title to reflect the appropriate prac-
tice costs and rates of payments determined under 
paragraph (2)(B) for the year in which the practice 
is implemented.’’. 
(d) SOURCE WATER PROTECTION THROUGH TAR-
GETING OF AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES.—Section 1244(n) 
of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(n)) 
is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (2)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A)— 
(i) by redesignating clause (ii) as 
clause (iii); 
(ii) in clause (i), by striking the 
‘‘and’’ at the end; and 
(iii) by inserting after clause (i) the 
following: 
‘‘(ii) identify in each State a source 
water protection coordinator who shall be 
responsible for coordinating such collabora-
tion with community water systems under 
this subsection; and’’; and 
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(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
‘‘under subparagraph (A)(ii)’’ and inserting 
‘‘under subparagraph (A)(iii)’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(4) PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION.—Be-
ginning on the date of enactment of the Farm, 
Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Sec-
retary, acting through the Chief of the Natural Re-
sources Conservation Service, shall make publicly 
available— 
‘‘(A) an annual report that details— 
‘‘(i) for each local priority area identi-
fied under paragraph (2)(A)(i)— 
‘‘(I) the conservation programs 
under which assistance is provided 
pursuant to paragraph (1); 
‘‘(II) the practices implemented 
pursuant to paragraph (1); and 
‘‘(III) the number of contracts 
and acres devoted to such practices; 
‘‘(ii) for each conservation program 
administered by the Secretary— 
‘‘(I) the amount of funds obli-
gated and expended for practices im-
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plemented pursuant to paragraph (1); 
and 
‘‘(II) information regarding the 
status of compliance with paragraph 
(3); and 
‘‘(iii) the practices, by State, that are 
receiving increased incentives and higher 
payment rates under paragraph (2)(A)(iii); 
and 
‘‘(B) through an interactive map, aggre-
gated data detailed under subparagraph (A).’’. 
(e) ENCOURAGEMENT OF HABITAT CONNECTIVITY 
AND WILDLIFE CORRIDORS.—Section 1244 of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) is amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(q) ENCOURAGEMENT OF HABITAT CONNECTIVITY 
AND WILDLIFE CORRIDORS.—In carrying out any con-
servation program administered by the Secretary, the Sec-
retary may, as appropriate, encourage the use of conserva-
tion practices that support the development, restoration, 
and maintenance of habitat connectivity and wildlife cor-
ridors.’’. 
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Subtitle G—Agricultural 
Conservation Easement Program 
SEC. 2601. DEFINITIONS. 
Section 1265A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3865a) is amended— 
(1) by striking paragraph (2); 
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through 
(7) as paragraphs (2) through (6), respectively; and 
(3) in paragraph (3)(A), as so redesignated, by 
amending clause (i) to read as follows: 
‘‘(i) that is subject to a pending offer 
for purchase of an agricultural land ease-
ment from an eligible entity;’’. 
SEC. 2602. AGRICULTURAL LAND EASEMENTS. 
(a) 
AVAILABILITY
OF
ASSISTANCE.—Section 
1265B(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3865b) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘in eligible 
land;’’ and inserting ‘‘on eligible land; and’’; 
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘(iv); and’’ 
and inserting ‘‘(iii).’’; and 
(3) by striking paragraph (3). 
(b) COST-SHARE ASSISTANCE.— 
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(1) SCOPE OF ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE.—Sec-
tion 1265B(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(2)) is amended— 
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read 
as follows: 
‘‘(A) FEDERAL SHARE.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—An agreement de-
scribed in paragraph (4) shall provide for 
a Federal share determined by the Sec-
retary of an amount not to exceed 65 per-
cent of the fair market value of the agri-
cultural land easement, as determined by 
the Secretary using— 
‘‘(I) the Uniform Standards of 
Professional Appraisal Practice; 
‘‘(II) an areawide market anal-
ysis or survey; or 
‘‘(III) another industry-approved 
method. 
‘‘(ii) 
SOCIALLY
DISADVANTAGED 
FARMERS AND RANCHERS EXCEPTION.—In 
the case of eligible land with respect to 
which a socially disadvantaged farmer or 
rancher holds an ownership interest of not 
less than 50 percent, the Secretary may 
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provide an amount not to exceed 90 per-
cent of the fair market value of the agri-
cultural land easement. 
‘‘(iii) GRASSLANDS
EXCEPTION.—In 
the case of grassland of special environ-
mental significance, as determined by the 
Secretary, the Secretary may provide an 
amount not to exceed 75 percent of the 
fair market value of the agricultural land 
easement.’’; 
(B) in subparagraph (B)— 
(i) by amending clause (i) to read as 
follows: 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Under the agree-
ment, the eligible entity shall provide a 
non-Federal share that is equivalent to the 
remainder of the fair market value of the 
agricultural land easement not provided by 
the Secretary under subparagraph (A).’’; 
(ii) by striking clause (ii); 
(iii) by redesignating clause (iii) as 
clause (ii); and 
(iv) in clause (ii), as so redesignated, 
in the matter preceding subclause (I), by 
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striking ‘‘subparagraph’’ and inserting 
‘‘paragraph’’; and 
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) 
the following: 
‘‘(C) LOWER COST-SHARE OPTION.— 
‘‘(i) IN
GENERAL.—Notwithstanding 
paragraph (4)(C)(v), an eligible entity may 
elect to enter into an agreement under 
paragraph (4) in which the terms and con-
ditions of an agricultural land easement 
funded under the agreement do not include 
a right of enforcement for the Secretary if 
the eligible entity agrees to a Federal 
share that does not exceed 25 percent of 
the fair market value of the agricultural 
land easement, as determined by the Sec-
retary under subparagraph (A). 
‘‘(ii) MINIMUM
TERMS
AND
CONDI-
TIONS.—Under an agreement described in 
clause (i), an eligible entity shall be au-
thorized to use its own terms and condi-
tions for agricultural land easements so 
long as the Secretary determines such 
terms and conditions— 
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‘‘(I) are consistent with the pur-
poses of the program; and 
‘‘(II) permit effective enforce-
ment of the conservation purposes of 
such easements. 
‘‘(iii) ENTITY ENFORCEMENT.—Under 
an agreement described in clause (i), the 
Secretary shall require the terms and con-
ditions for the agricultural land easement 
to include a right of enforcement for the 
eligible entity. 
‘‘(iv) CASH
CONTRIBUTION.—Under 
an agreement described in clause (i), the 
eligible entity shall provide cash resources 
in an amount that is not less than 50 per-
cent of the fair market value of the agri-
cultural land easement, as determined by 
the Secretary under subparagraph (A).’’. 
(2) EVALUATION
AND
RANKING
OF
APPLICA-
TIONS.—Section 1265B(b)(3) of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(3)) is amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(F) POOLING
OF
APPLICATIONS.—The 
Secretary may evaluate and rank applications 
submitted by eligible entities for the purchase 
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of agricultural land easements from landowners 
who are socially disadvantaged farmers or 
ranchers separately from applications submitted 
for the purchase of agricultural land easements 
from other landowners.’’. 
(3) AGREEMENTS WITH ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.— 
Section 1265B(b)(4) of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (42 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(4)) is amended— 
(A) in subparagraph (C)— 
(i) by striking clause (iii); 
(ii) by redesignating clauses (iv) and 
(v) as clauses (iii) and (iv), respectively; 
(iii) in clause (iii), as so redesignated, 
by striking the ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(iv) in clause (iv), as so redesignated, 
by striking the period at the end and in-
serting ‘‘;’’; and 
(v) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(v) include a right of enforcement for 
the Secretary that— 
‘‘(I) may be used only if the 
terms and conditions of the easement 
are not enforced by the eligible entity; 
and 
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‘‘(II) does not extend to a right 
of inspection unless— 
‘‘(aa)(AA) the holder of the 
easement fails to provide moni-
toring reports in a timely man-
ner; or 
‘‘(BB) the Secretary has a 
reasonable and articulable belief 
that the terms and conditions of 
the easement have been violated; 
and 
‘‘(bb) prior to the inspection, 
the Secretary notifies the eligible 
entity and the landowner of the 
inspection and provides a reason-
able opportunity for the eligible 
entity and the landowner to par-
ticipate in the inspection; and 
‘‘(vi) include a right of the Secretary 
to require the transfer of the easement to 
a different eligible entity if the eligible en-
tity that holds the easement ceases to exist 
or is no longer eligible to participate in the 
program, as determined by the Secretary.’’; 
and 
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(B) in subparagraph (D)— 
(i) in clause (ii)— 
(I) in subclause (I)(ff), by strik-
ing ‘‘(v)’’ and inserting ‘‘(iv)’’; and 
(II) in subclause (II), by striking 
the ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(ii) in subclause (iii), by striking the 
period at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; 
and 
(iii) by inserting at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(iv) do not conflict with any min-
imum terms or conditions under subpara-
graph (C) that may be required.’’. 
(4) CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.— 
Section 1265B(b)(5) of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(5)) is amended— 
(A) in subparagraph (A)— 
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), 
by striking ‘‘under which the Secretary 
may’’ and inserting ‘‘, to minimize admin-
istrative burdens on the Secretary and rec-
ognize the ability of experienced eligible 
entities to administer easements with mini-
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100 
mal oversight by the Secretary, under 
which the Secretary shall’’; and 
(ii) in clause (iv), by inserting ‘‘, and 
modify,’’ after ‘‘entity to use’’; 
(B) in subparagraph (B)— 
(i) in clause (ii)— 
(I) in subclause (II), by striking 
‘‘10’’ and inserting ‘‘5’’; and 
(II) in subclause (III), by strik-
ing the ‘‘or’’ at the end; 
(ii) in clause (iii)— 
(I) in subclause (I), by striking 
‘‘10’’ and inserting ‘‘5’’; and 
(II) in subclause (II), by striking 
the period at the end and inserting ‘‘; 
or’’; 
(iii) by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(iv) is an eligible entity not described 
in clause (ii) or (iii) that has— 
‘‘(I) acquired not fewer than 10 
agricultural land easements under the 
program or any predecessor program; 
and 
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101 
‘‘(II) successfully met the respon-
sibilities of the eligible entity under 
the applicable agreements with the 
Secretary, as determined by the Sec-
retary, relating to agricultural land 
easements that the eligible entity has 
acquired under the program or any 
predecessor program.’’; and 
(C) in subparagraph (C)— 
(i) in the header, by striking ‘‘REVIEW 
AND
REVISION’’ and inserting ‘‘REVIEW 
AND REVOCATION’’; 
(ii) in the header of clause (i) by 
striking ‘‘REVIEW’’ and inserting ‘‘CER-
TIFIED ENTITY REVIEW’’; and 
(iii) by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(iii) EASEMENT REVIEW.—The Sec-
retary shall establish and conduct an an-
nual quality review process to— 
‘‘(I) review a sample set of ease-
ments acquired by certified eligible en-
tities; 
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102 
‘‘(II) ensure the integrity of the 
easement acquisition process under 
this section; 
‘‘(III) establish and enforce a 
process for corrective actions; and 
‘‘(IV) provide for a waiver of suc-
cessive easement reviews based on 
demonstrated compliance.’’. 
SEC. 2603. WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENTS. 
(a) EASEMENTS.—Section 1265C(b) of the Food Se-
curity Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c(b)) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)(D), by striking ‘‘tribes’’ 
and inserting ‘‘Tribes and landowners who are so-
cially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers’’; and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3)(C) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(D) POOLING
OF
APPLICATIONS.—The 
Secretary may evaluate and rank offers from 
landowners who are socially disadvantaged 
farmers or ranchers separately from offers from 
other landowners.’’. 
(b) EASEMENT RESTORATION.—Section 1265C(c)(1) 
of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c(c)(1)) 
is amended by striking ‘‘subsection (f)’’ and inserting 
‘‘subsection (g)’’. 
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103 
(c) EASEMENT STEWARDSHIP.—Section 1265C of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c) is 
amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) 
as subsections (e) through (h), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (c), the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(d) EASEMENT STEWARDSHIP.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall provide 
financial assistance to owners of eligible land en-
rolled under this section for the repair, necessary 
maintenance, and enhancement activities described 
in the wetland reserve easement plan developed for 
the eligible land under subsection (g)(1). 
‘‘(2) EVALUATION OF STEWARDSHIP NEED.— 
The Secretary shall— 
‘‘(A) regularly assess land enrolled under 
this section to identify maintenance and man-
agement needs, including any needed repair or 
enhancement of existing structural practices, in 
accordance with the applicable wetland reserve 
easement plan; 
‘‘(B) consistent with the purposes of the 
program, create, execute, and update as nec-
essary based on the assessments carried out 
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104 
under subparagraph (A), a stewardship strategy 
for— 
‘‘(i) prioritizing and addressing the 
needs identified under subparagraph (A); 
and 
‘‘(ii) projecting the amount of annual 
funding needed for financial and technical 
assistance to address such needs; and 
‘‘(C) establish a 5-year schedule to address 
such needs. 
‘‘(3) PAYMENTS.—In carrying out paragraph 
(1), the Secretary shall make payments in an 
amount that is not more than 100 percent of the eli-
gible costs, as determined by the Secretary. 
‘‘(4) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National 
Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nu-
trition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that in-
cludes— 
‘‘(A) an inventory of the existing steward-
ship needs of all wetland reserve easements, 
based on the assessments carried out under 
paragraph (2); 
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105 
‘‘(B) the stewardship strategy created 
under paragraph (2)(B); 
‘‘(C) the amounts the Secretary plans to 
allocate to address such stewardship needs, 
based on projections made pursuant to para-
graph (2)(B)(ii); and 
‘‘(D) the planned use of compatible uses 
under subsection (b)(5)(C), contracts or agree-
ments under subsection (e)(2), or wetland re-
serve easement plans under subsection (g)(1) to 
ensure that each such stewardship need is ad-
dressed.’’. 
(d) ASSISTANCE.—Subsection (e) of section 1265C of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c), as so 
redesignated, is amended— 
(1) in the header, by striking ‘‘TECHNICAL AS-
SISTANCE’’ and inserting ‘‘ASSISTANCE’’; and 
(2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(2) CONTRACTS OR AGREEMENTS.—The Sec-
retary may enter into 1 or more contracts or agree-
ments with a Federal, State, or local agency, a non-
governmental organization, an Indian Tribe, or a 
private entity to carry out necessary restoration, en-
hancement, maintenance, repair, assessment, or 
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106 
monitoring of a wetland reserve easement if the Sec-
retary determines that the contract or agreement 
will advance the purposes of the program.’’. 
(e) WETLAND RESERVE ENHANCEMENT OPTION.— 
Subsection (f) of section 1265C of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c), as so redesignated, is amend-
ed— 
(1) by striking ‘‘The Secretary’’ and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(2) FUNDING.—Of the funds made available 
to carry out this section, the Secretary shall reserve 
not less than 15 percent to carry out this sub-
section.’’. 
SEC. 2604. ADMINISTRATION. 
(a) SUBORDINATION, EXCHANGE, MODIFICATION, 
AND TERMINATION.—Section 1265D(c) of the Food Secu-
rity Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865d(c)) is amended— 
(1) by amending paragraph (2) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(2) MODIFICATION AND EXCHANGE OF INTER-
EST IN LAND.— 
‘‘(A) MODIFICATION.— 
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107 
‘‘(i) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary may 
approve a modification of any interest in 
land, or portion of such interest, adminis-
tered by the Secretary, either directly or 
on behalf of the Commodity Credit Cor-
poration, under the program if the Sec-
retary determines that the modification— 
‘‘(I) will support the long-term 
agricultural viability of the applicable 
farm or ranch operation and the con-
servation values of the applicable 
easement; 
‘‘(II) will result in equal or in-
creased conservation values; 
‘‘(III) is consistent with the origi-
nal intent of the easement; 
‘‘(IV) is consistent with the pur-
poses of the program; and 
‘‘(V) is in the public interest or 
furthers the practical administration 
of the program, including correcting 
errors, exercising reserved rights, and 
increasing 
flexibility 
to 
recognize 
changes in water availability or ad-
ministration. 
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108 
‘‘(ii) LIMITATION.—In modifying an 
interest in land, or portion of such inter-
est, under this subparagraph, the Sec-
retary may not, except in the case of a 
modification that includes a change to an 
easement to add acreage, increase any pay-
ment to an eligible entity. 
‘‘(iii) NEPA COMPLIANCE.—An action 
taken pursuant to this subparagraph may 
not be considered a major Federal action 
under section 102(2)(C) of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). 
‘‘(B) EXCHANGE.— 
‘‘(i) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary may 
approve an exchange of any interest in 
land, or portion of such interest, adminis-
tered by the Secretary, either directly or 
on behalf of the Commodity Credit Cor-
poration, under the program if the Sec-
retary determines that— 
‘‘(I) no reasonable alternative ex-
ists and the effect on the interest in 
land is avoided or minimized to the 
extent practicable; and 
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‘‘(II) the exchange— 
‘‘(aa) results in equal or in-
creased conservation values; 
‘‘(bb) results in equal or 
greater economic value to the 
United States; 
‘‘(cc) is consistent with the 
original intent of the easement; 
‘‘(dd) is consistent with the 
purposes of the program; and 
‘‘(ee) is in the public inter-
est or furthers the practical ad-
ministration of the program. 
‘‘(ii) LIMITATION.—In exchanging an 
interest in land, or portion of such inter-
est, under this subparagraph, the Sec-
retary may not increase any payment to an 
eligible entity.’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(6) DE MINIMIS ADJUSTMENTS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—An eligible entity may 
make de minimis adjustments to any interest in 
land, or a portion of such interest, administered 
by the Secretary, directly or on behalf of the 
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Commodity Credit Corporation, under the pro-
gram if the adjustment— 
‘‘(i) furthers the practical administra-
tion of the program; and 
‘‘(ii) is not a subordination, modifica-
tion, exchange, or termination, as deter-
mined by the Secretary. 
‘‘(B) TYPES
OF
DE
MINIMIS
ADJUST-
MENTS.—De minimis adjustments made under 
this paragraph may include title corrections and 
other minor adjustments, including— 
‘‘(i) typographical error corrections; 
‘‘(ii) minor changes in legal descrip-
tions as a result of survey or mapping er-
rors; 
‘‘(iii) the transfer of an interest of an 
eligible entity to another eligible entity; 
‘‘(iv) changes to a building envelope 
boundary; 
‘‘(v) relocation of easement access; 
‘‘(vi) authorization of temporary work 
areas not associated with other easement 
administration actions; and 
‘‘(vii) other adjustments determined 
appropriate by the Secretary. 
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‘‘(7) MODIFICATION
OF
ELIGIBLE
ENTITY 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS.—An eligible entity shall be 
authorized to modify a term or condition of an agri-
cultural land easement that is the subject of an 
agreement 
entered 
into 
under 
section 
1265B(b)(4)(A) if such modification does not con-
flict with any minimum term or condition required 
by the Secretary under such section.’’. 
(b) ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME.— 
(1) EXEMPTION.—Section 1265D of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865D) is amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(f) ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME EXEMPTION.—The 
adjusted gross income limitation described in section 
1001D(b)(1) shall not apply to any payment or other as-
sistance under this subtitle.’’. 
(2) CALCULATION.—Section 1001D(b) of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)) is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(5) EXCEPTION FOR COMPENSATION UNDER 
ACEP.—For purposes of this subsection, the ad-
justed gross income of a person or legal entity that 
is a landowner of eligible land (as defined in section 
1265A) shall not include any income received as 
compensation for the acquisition of an agricultural 
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land easement or a wetland reserve easement on that 
eligible land under subtitle H of title XII.’’. 
Subtitle H—Forest Conservation 
Easement Program 
SEC. 2701. FOREST CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM. 
Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3801 et seq.) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subtitle I (16 U.S.C. 3871 
et seq.) as subtitle J; and 
(2) by inserting after subtitle H (16 U.S.C. 
3865 et seq.) the following: 
‘‘Subtitle I—Forest Conservation 
Easement Program 
‘‘SEC. 1267. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES. 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall estab-
lish a forest conservation easement program for the con-
servation and restoration of eligible land and natural re-
sources through the acquisition of conservation easements 
or other interests in land. 
‘‘(b) PURPOSES.—The purposes of the program 
are— 
‘‘(1) to protect the viability and sustainability 
of working forest land, and related conservation val-
ues of eligible land, by limiting the negative effects 
of nonforest land uses of such land; 
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‘‘(2) to protect and enhance forest ecosystem 
and landscape functions and values; 
‘‘(3) to promote the restoration, protection, and 
improvement of habitat of species that are threat-
ened, endangered, or otherwise at risk; and 
‘‘(4) to carry out the purposes and functions of 
the healthy forests reserve program established 
under title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act 
of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.), as in effect on the 
day before the date of enactment of this section. 
‘‘SEC. 1267A. DEFINITIONS. 
‘‘In this subtitle: 
‘‘(1) ACREAGE OWNED BY AN INDIAN TRIBE.— 
The term ‘acreage owned by an Indian Tribe’ 
means— 
‘‘(A) land that is held in trust by the 
United States for Indian Tribes or individual 
Indians; 
‘‘(B) land, the title to which is held by In-
dian Tribes or individual Indians subject to 
Federal restrictions against alienation or en-
cumbrance; 
‘‘(C) land that is subject to rights of use, 
occupancy, and benefit of certain Indian Tribes; 
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‘‘(D) land that is held in fee title by an In-
dian Tribe; 
‘‘(E) land that is owned by a native cor-
poration formed under— 
‘‘(i) section 17 of the Act of June 18, 
1934 (commonly known as the ‘Indian Re-
organization Act’) (25 U.S.C. 5124); or 
‘‘(ii) section 8 of the Alaska Native 
Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1607); 
and 
‘‘(F) a combination of 1 or more types of 
land described in subparagraphs (A) through 
(E). 
‘‘(2) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘eligible en-
tity’ means— 
‘‘(A) an agency of State or local govern-
ment or an Indian Tribe (including a land re-
source council established under State law); or 
‘‘(B) an organization that is— 
‘‘(i) organized for, and at all times 
since the formation of the organization has 
been operated principally for, 1 or more of 
the conservation purposes specified in 
clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of section 
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170(h)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code 
of 1986; 
‘‘(ii) an organization described in sec-
tion 501(c)(3) of that Code that is exempt 
from taxation under section 501(a) of that 
Code; or 
‘‘(iii) described in— 
‘‘(I) paragraph (1) or (2) of sec-
tion 509(a) of that Code; or 
‘‘(II) section 509(a)(3) of that 
Code and is controlled by an organiza-
tion described in section 509(a)(2) of 
that Code. 
‘‘(3) ELIGIBLE LAND.—The term ‘eligible land’ 
means private land or acreage owned by an Indian 
Tribe— 
‘‘(A) that is— 
‘‘(i) forest land; or 
‘‘(ii) being restored to forest land; 
‘‘(B) in the case of a forest land ease-
ment— 
‘‘(i) the enrollment of which would 
protect working forests and related con-
servation values by conserving land; or 
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‘‘(ii) the protection of which will fur-
ther a State or local policy consistent with 
the purposes of the program; and 
‘‘(C) in the case of a forest reserve ease-
ment, the enrollment of which will maintain, re-
store, enhance, or otherwise measurably— 
‘‘(i) increase the likelihood of recovery 
of a species that is listed as endangered or 
threatened under section 4 of the Endan-
gered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
1533); or 
‘‘(ii) improve the well-being of a spe-
cies that is— 
‘‘(I) not listed as endangered or 
threatened under that section; and 
‘‘(II)(aa) a candidate for that 
listing, a State-listed species, or a spe-
cial concern species; or 
‘‘(bb) designated as a species of 
greatest conservation need by a State 
wildlife action plan. 
‘‘(4) FOREST LAND EASEMENT.—The term ‘for-
est land easement’ means an easement or other in-
terest in eligible land that— 
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‘‘(A) is conveyed to an eligible entity for 
the purpose of protecting natural resources and 
the forest nature of the eligible land; and 
‘‘(B) permits the landowner the right to 
continue working forest production and related 
uses, consistent with an applicable forest man-
agement plan. 
‘‘(5) FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN.—The term 
‘forest management plan’ means— 
‘‘(A) a forest stewardship plan described in 
section 5(f) of the Cooperative Forestry Assist-
ance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103a(f)); 
‘‘(B) another plan approved by the applica-
ble State forester or State forestry agency; 
‘‘(C) a plan developed under a third-party 
certification system determined appropriate by 
the Secretary; or 
‘‘(D) another plan determined appropriate 
by the Secretary. 
‘‘(6) FOREST RESERVE EASEMENT.—The term 
‘forest reserve easement’ means an easement or 
other interest in eligible land that— 
‘‘(A) is conveyed to the Secretary for the 
purpose of protecting natural resources and the 
forest nature of the eligible land; and 
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‘‘(B) permits the landowner the right to 
continue working forest production and related 
uses consistent with the applicable forest re-
serve easement plan developed under section 
1267C(c)(1)(A). 
‘‘(7) PROGRAM.—The term ‘program’ means 
the forest conservation easement program estab-
lished under this subtitle. 
‘‘(8) SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FOREST LAND-
OWNER.—The term ‘socially disadvantaged forest 
landowner’ means a forest landowner who is a mem-
ber of a socially disadvantaged group (as defined in 
section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conserva-
tion, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))). 
‘‘SEC. 1267B. FOREST LAND EASEMENTS. 
‘‘(a) AVAILABILITY OF ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary 
shall facilitate and provide funding for— 
‘‘(1) the purchase by eligible entities of forest 
land easements on eligible land; 
‘‘(2) the development of a forest management 
plan; and 
‘‘(3) technical assistance to implement this sec-
tion. 
‘‘(b) COST-SHARE ASSISTANCE.— 
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‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall protect 
working forests, and related conservation values of 
eligible land, through cost-share assistance to eligible 
entities for purchasing forest land easements. 
‘‘(2) SCOPE OF ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE.— 
‘‘(A) FEDERAL SHARE.— 
‘‘(i) IN
GENERAL.—Except as pro-
vided in clause (ii), an agreement described 
in paragraph (4) shall provide for a Fed-
eral share of 50 percent of the fair market 
value of the forest land easement, as deter-
mined by the Secretary. 
‘‘(ii) EXCEPTION.—An agreement de-
scribed in paragraph (4) may provide for a 
Federal share of not more than 75 percent 
of the fair market value of a forest land 
easement in the case of eligible land that 
is— 
‘‘(I) a forest of special environ-
mental significance, as determined by 
the Secretary; or 
‘‘(II) owned by a socially dis-
advantaged forest landowner. 
‘‘(B) NON-FEDERAL SHARE.— 
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‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Under an agree-
ment described in paragraph (4), the eligi-
ble entity shall provide a non-Federal 
share that is equivalent to the remainder 
of the fair market value of the forest land 
easement not provided by the Secretary 
under subparagraph (A). 
‘‘(ii) PERMISSIBLE FORMS.—The non- 
Federal share provided by an eligible entity 
under this paragraph may comprise— 
‘‘(I) cash resources; 
‘‘(II) a charitable donation or 
qualified conservation contribution (as 
defined in section 170(h) of the Inter-
nal Revenue Code of 1986) from the 
private forest landowner from which 
the forest land easement will be pur-
chased; 
‘‘(III) costs associated with se-
curing a deed to the forest land ease-
ment, including the cost of appraisal, 
survey, inspection, and title; and 
‘‘(IV) other costs, as determined 
by the Secretary. 
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‘‘(C) DETERMINATION
OF
FAIR
MARKET 
VALUE.—For purposes of this paragraph, the 
Secretary shall determine the fair market value 
of a forest land easement using— 
‘‘(i) the Uniform Standards of Profes-
sional Appraisal Practice; 
‘‘(ii) an areawide market analysis or 
survey; or 
‘‘(iii) another industry-approved meth-
od. 
‘‘(3) EVALUATION AND RANKING OF APPLICA-
TIONS.— 
‘‘(A) CRITERIA.—The Secretary shall es-
tablish evaluation and ranking criteria to maxi-
mize the benefit of Federal investment under 
the program. 
‘‘(B) PRIORITY.—In evaluating applica-
tions under the program, the Secretary shall 
give priority to an application for the purchase 
of a forest land easement— 
‘‘(i) that maintains the viability of a 
working forest, as determined by the Sec-
retary; and 
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‘‘(ii) on eligible land for which a forest 
management plan has been developed at 
the time of application. 
‘‘(C) CONSIDERATIONS.—In establishing 
the criteria under subparagraph (A), the Sec-
retary shall emphasize support for— 
‘‘(i) protecting working forests and re-
lated conservation values of eligible land; 
‘‘(ii) reducing fragmentation of forest 
land; and 
‘‘(iii) maximizing the areas protected 
from conversion to nonforest uses. 
‘‘(4) AGREEMENTS WITH ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary shall 
enter into agreements with eligible entities to 
stipulate the terms and conditions under which 
the eligible entity is permitted to use cost-share 
assistance provided under this section. 
‘‘(B) 
LENGTH
OF
AGREEMENTS.—An 
agreement under subparagraph (A) shall be for 
a term that is not less than 3, but not more 
than 5, years, unless the Secretary determines 
that a longer term is justified. 
‘‘(C) MINIMUM TERMS AND CONDITIONS.— 
An eligible entity shall be authorized to use its 
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own terms and conditions for forest land ease-
ments so long as the Secretary determines such 
terms and conditions— 
‘‘(i) are consistent with— 
‘‘(I) the purposes of the program; 
and 
‘‘(II) the forestry activities to be 
conducted on the eligible land; 
‘‘(ii) permit effective enforcement of 
the conservation purposes of the forest 
land easements; 
‘‘(iii) include a requirement to imple-
ment a forest management plan on eligible 
land subject to a forest land easement; 
‘‘(iv) include a limit on the impervious 
surfaces to be allowed that is consistent 
with the forestry activities to be conducted; 
and 
‘‘(v) include a right of enforcement for 
the Secretary that— 
‘‘(I) may be used only if the 
terms and conditions of the forest 
land easement are not enforced by the 
eligible entity; and 
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‘‘(II) does not extend to a right 
of inspection unless— 
‘‘(aa)(AA) the holder of the 
forest land easement fails to pro-
vide monitoring reports in a 
timely manner; or 
‘‘(BB) the Secretary has a 
reasonable and articulable belief 
that the terms and conditions of 
the forest land easement have 
been violated; and 
‘‘(bb) prior to the inspection, 
the Secretary notifies the eligible 
entity and the landowner of the 
inspection and provides a reason-
able opportunity for the eligible 
entity and the landowner to par-
ticipate in the inspection. 
‘‘(D) ADDITIONAL PERMITTED TERMS AND 
CONDITIONS.—An eligible entity may include 
terms and conditions for a forest land easement 
that— 
‘‘(i) are intended to keep the eligible 
land subject to the forest land easement in 
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active forest management, as determined 
by the Secretary; 
‘‘(ii) allow subsurface mineral develop-
ment on the eligible land subject to the 
forest land easement and in accordance 
with applicable State law if, as determined 
by the Secretary— 
‘‘(I) the subsurface mineral de-
velopment— 
‘‘(aa) has a limited and lo-
calized impact; 
‘‘(bb) does not harm the for-
est use and conservation values 
of the eligible land subject to the 
forest land easement; 
‘‘(cc) does not materially 
alter or affect the existing topog-
raphy; 
‘‘(dd) complies with a sub-
surface mineral development plan 
that— 
‘‘(AA) includes a plan 
for the remediation of im-
pacts to the forest use and 
conservation values of the el-
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igible land subject to the 
forest land easement; and 
‘‘(BB) is approved by 
the Secretary prior to the 
initiation of mineral develop-
ment activity; 
‘‘(ee) is not accomplished by 
any surface mining method; 
‘‘(ff) is within the imper-
vious surface limits of the forest 
land easement under subpara-
graph (C)(iv); and 
‘‘(gg) uses practices and 
technologies that minimize the 
duration and intensity of impacts 
to the forest use and conserva-
tion values of the eligible land 
subject to the forest land ease-
ment; and 
‘‘(II) each area impacted by the 
subsurface mineral development is re-
claimed and restored by the holder of 
the mineral rights at cessation of op-
eration; and 
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‘‘(iii) include other relevant activities 
relating to the forest land easement, as de-
termined by the Secretary. 
‘‘(E) 
SUBSTITUTION
OF
QUALIFIED 
PROJECTS.—An agreement under subparagraph 
(A) shall allow, upon mutual agreement of the 
parties, substitution of qualified projects that 
are identified at the time of the proposed sub-
stitution. 
‘‘(F) EFFECT OF VIOLATION.—If a viola-
tion of a term or condition of an agreement 
under subparagraph (A) occurs— 
‘‘(i) the Secretary may terminate the 
agreement; and 
‘‘(ii) the Secretary may require the el-
igible entity to refund all or part of any 
payments received by the eligible entity 
under the program, with interest on the 
payments as determined appropriate by the 
Secretary. 
‘‘(5) FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—If the eligible land 
does not have a forest management plan at the 
time of application, prior to the acquisition of 
the forest land easement the landowner shall 
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develop, in partnership with the eligible entity, 
a forest management plan for the land subject 
to the forest land easement. 
‘‘(B) REIMBURSEMENT.—The Secretary 
may reimburse the landowner for the cost of 
the development of a forest management plan 
for eligible land enrolled under this section. 
‘‘(c) METHOD
OF ENROLLMENT.—The Secretary 
shall enroll eligible land under this section through the use 
of— 
‘‘(1) permanent easements; or 
‘‘(2) easements for the maximum duration al-
lowed under applicable State laws. 
‘‘(d) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary may 
provide technical assistance, on request, to assist in com-
pliance with the terms and conditions of forest land ease-
ments. 
‘‘SEC. 1267C. FOREST RESERVE EASEMENTS. 
‘‘(a) AVAILABILITY OF ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary 
shall provide assistance to owners of eligible land to re-
store, protect, and enhance eligible land through— 
‘‘(1) forest reserve easements and related forest 
reserve easement plans; and 
‘‘(2) technical assistance to implement this sec-
tion. 
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‘‘(b) EASEMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) METHOD OF ENROLLMENT.— 
‘‘(A) AUTHORIZED
METHODS.—The Sec-
retary shall enroll eligible land under this sec-
tion— 
‘‘(i) through the use of— 
‘‘(I) permanent easements; 
‘‘(II) 30-year easements; and 
‘‘(III) easements for the max-
imum duration allowed under applica-
ble State laws; and 
‘‘(ii) in the case of acreage owned by 
an Indian Tribe, through the use of— 
‘‘(I) 30-year contracts (the com-
pensation for which shall be equiva-
lent to the compensation for 30-year 
easements); or 
‘‘(II) permanent easements. 
‘‘(B) LIMITATION.—Not more than 10 per-
cent of amounts made available to carry out 
this section in a fiscal year may be used for 30- 
year easements under this section. 
‘‘(2) EVALUATION AND RANKING OF OFFERS.— 
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‘‘(A) CRITERIA.—The Secretary shall es-
tablish evaluation and ranking criteria for of-
fers from landowners under this section. 
‘‘(B) PRIORITY.—The Secretary shall give 
priority to the enrollment of eligible land under 
this section that provides the greatest conserva-
tion benefit to— 
‘‘(i) primarily, species listed as endan-
gered or threatened under section 4 of the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 
U.S.C. 1533); and 
‘‘(ii) secondarily, species that are— 
‘‘(I) not listed as endangered or 
threatened under that section; and 
‘‘(II)(aa) candidates for that list-
ing, State-listed species, or special 
concern species; or 
‘‘(bb) designated as species of 
greatest conservation need by a State 
wildlife action plan. 
‘‘(C) OTHER CONSIDERATIONS.—The Sec-
retary may give additional consideration to eli-
gible land the enrollment under this section of 
which will— 
‘‘(i) improve biological diversity; 
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‘‘(ii) restore native forest ecosystems; 
‘‘(iii) conserve forest land that pro-
vides habitat for species described in sub-
paragraph (B); 
‘‘(iv) reduce fragmentation of forest 
land; and 
‘‘(v) increase carbon sequestration. 
‘‘(3) TERMS
AND
CONDITIONS
OF
EASE-
MENTS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A forest reserve ease-
ment shall include terms and conditions that— 
‘‘(i) are consistent with the purposes 
of the program and the forestry activities 
to be conducted on the eligible land; 
‘‘(ii) are consistent with the manage-
ment objectives of the owner of the eligible 
land and the implementation of the forest 
reserve easement plan developed under 
subsection (c)(1)(A); 
‘‘(iii) permit effective enforcement of 
the conservation purposes of the forest re-
serve easements; 
‘‘(iv) provide for the efficient and ef-
fective establishment or enhancement of 
forest ecosystem functions and values; and 
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‘‘(v) include such additional provisions 
as the Secretary determines are desirable 
to carry out the program or facilitate the 
practical administration of the program. 
‘‘(B) REQUESTED
TERMS
AND
CONDI-
TIONS.—An owner of eligible land may request 
that a term or condition be included in a forest 
reserve easement, and the Secretary may in-
clude such term or condition, if it— 
‘‘(i) is consistent with the manage-
ment objectives of the owner of the eligible 
land and the implementation of the forest 
reserve easement plan developed under 
subsection (c)(1)(A); and 
‘‘(ii) does not conflict with any terms 
or conditions included under subparagraph 
(A). 
‘‘(4) COMPENSATION.— 
‘‘(A) PERMANENT
EASEMENTS.—In the 
case of eligible land enrolled in a permanent 
easement under this section, the Secretary shall 
pay the owner of the eligible land an amount 
equal to the difference between, as determined 
by the Secretary— 
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‘‘(i) the fair market value of the eligi-
ble land before the enrollment in the per-
manent easement; and 
‘‘(ii) the fair market value of the eligi-
ble land as encumbered by the permanent 
easement. 
‘‘(B) OTHER.—The Secretary shall pay the 
owner of eligible land enrolled under this sec-
tion in a 30-year contract, a 30-year easement, 
or an easement for the maximum duration al-
lowed under applicable State laws, not less than 
50 percent, and not more than 75 percent, of 
the compensation that would be paid under sub-
paragraph (A) if the land were being enrolled in 
a permanent easement. 
‘‘(C) DETERMINATION
OF
FAIR
MARKET 
VALUE.—The Secretary shall determine the fair 
market value of eligible land for purposes of 
this paragraph using the Uniform Standards of 
Professional Appraisal Practice or another in-
dustry-approved method. 
‘‘(c) 
EASEMENT
RESTORATION
AND
MANAGE-
MENT.— 
‘‘(1) FOREST RESERVE EASEMENT PLAN.— 
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‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Land enrolled in a 
forest reserve easement shall be subject to a 
forest reserve easement plan, to be developed 
jointly by the landowner and the Secretary, that 
describes such activities to be carried out on the 
land as are necessary to restore, maintain, and 
enhance habitat for species described in sub-
section (b)(2)(B). 
‘‘(B) PRACTICES AND MEASURES.—A for-
est reserve easement plan developed under sub-
paragraph (A) shall require implementation of 
such practices and measures as are necessary to 
accomplish the activities described in the plan 
under such subparagraph, which may include— 
‘‘(i) 
vegetative 
management 
and 
silviculture practices; 
‘‘(ii) structural practices and meas-
ures; 
‘‘(iii) practices to increase carbon se-
questration; 
‘‘(iv) practices to improve biological 
diversity; and 
‘‘(v) other practices and measures, as 
determined by the Secretary. 
‘‘(2) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.— 
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‘‘(C) ELIGIBLE COSTS.—Costs eligible for 
payments under this paragraph are the costs of 
activities, practices, and measures referred to in 
subparagraph (A) that are associated with the 
restoration or enhancement of the habitat con-
ditions specified for the applicable species in the 
forest reserve easement plan. 
‘‘(D) TIMING
OF
PAYMENTS.—Payments 
under this paragraph shall be made— 
‘‘(i) only on a determination by the 
Secretary that an activity, practice, or 
measure described in subparagraph (C) 
has been established in compliance with 
appropriate standards and specifications, 
which determination shall be made as soon 
as practicable after establishment; and 
‘‘(ii) as soon as possible after such de-
termination is made. 
‘‘(E) LIMITATIONS.—Financial assistance 
provided by the Secretary under this paragraph 
to an owner of eligible land may not exceed 
$500,000 per easement or contract. 
‘‘(d) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.— 
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‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall provide 
to owners of eligible land technical assistance to as-
sist the owners in— 
‘‘(A) developing a forest reserve easement 
plan; and 
‘‘(B) complying with the terms and condi-
tions of a forest reserve easement, including the 
implementation of a forest reserve easement 
plan. 
‘‘(2) CONTRACTS OR AGREEMENTS.—The Sec-
retary may enter into 1 or more contracts with pri-
vate entities or agreements with a State, nongovern-
mental organization, or Indian Tribe to provide tech-
nical assistance described in paragraph (1), if the 
Secretary determines that the contract or agreement 
will advance the purposes of the program. 
‘‘(e) PROTECTIONS AND MEASURES.— 
‘‘(1) PROTECTIONS.—In the case of a land-
owner who enrolls eligible land in a forest reserve 
easement, and whose conservation activities under 
the forest reserve easement plan developed for such 
land result in a net conservation benefit for a species 
described in subsection (b)(2)(B), the Secretary shall 
make available to the landowner safe harbor or simi-
lar assurances and protection under— 
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‘‘(A) section 7(b)(4) of the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(b)(4)); or 
‘‘(B) section 10(a)(1) of that Act (16 
U.S.C. 1539(a)(1)). 
‘‘(2) MEASURES.—If protection under para-
graph (1) requires the taking of measures that are 
in addition to the measures covered by the forest re-
serve easement plan developed for the eligible land, 
the cost of the additional measures, and the cost of 
any permit, shall be considered costs eligible for pay-
ments under subsection (c)(2). 
‘‘(f) ADMINISTRATION.— 
‘‘(1) DELEGATION OF EASEMENT ADMINISTRA-
TION.— 
‘‘(A) FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES.— 
The Secretary may delegate any of the manage-
ment, monitoring, and enforcement responsibil-
ities of the Secretary under this section to other 
Federal or State agencies that have the appro-
priate authority, expertise, and resources nec-
essary to carry out those delegated responsibil-
ities. 
‘‘(B) CONSERVATION
ORGANIZATIONS.— 
The Secretary may delegate any of the manage-
ment responsibilities of the Secretary under this 
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section to a nonprofit conservation organization 
if the Secretary determines the organization has 
the appropriate expertise and resources nec-
essary to carry out those delegated responsibil-
ities. 
‘‘(2) INVOLVEMENT BY OTHER AGENCIES AND 
ORGANIZATIONS.—In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary may consult with— 
‘‘(A) private forest landowners; 
‘‘(B) other Federal agencies; 
‘‘(C) State forestry agencies; 
‘‘(D) State fish and wildlife agencies; 
‘‘(E) State environmental quality agencies; 
‘‘(F) other State conservation agencies; 
and 
‘‘(G) nonprofit conservation organizations. 
‘‘SEC. 1267D. ADMINISTRATION. 
‘‘(a) INELIGIBLE LAND.—The Secretary shall not use 
amounts made available to carry out the program for the 
purposes of acquiring an easement on— 
‘‘(1) land owned by a Federal agency, other 
than such land that is acreage owned by an Indian 
Tribe; 
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‘‘(2) land owned in fee title by a State, includ-
ing an agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit 
of local government; 
‘‘(3) land subject to an easement or deed re-
striction that, as determined by the Secretary, pro-
vides similar protection as would be provided by en-
rollment in the program; or 
‘‘(4) land the enrollment in the program of 
which would undermine the purposes of the program 
due to on-site or off-site conditions, such as risk of 
hazardous substances, permitted or existing rights of 
way, infrastructure development, or adjacent land 
uses. 
‘‘(b) SUBORDINATION, EXCHANGE, MODIFICATION, 
AND TERMINATION.— 
‘‘(1) SUBORDINATION.—The Secretary may 
subordinate any interest in eligible land, or portion 
of such an interest, administered by the Secretary 
(including for the purposes of utilities and energy 
transmission services) directly or on behalf of the 
Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if 
the Secretary determines that the subordination— 
‘‘(A) increases conservation values or has a 
limited negative effect on conservation values; 
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‘‘(B) minimally affects the acreage subject 
to the interest in eligible land; and 
‘‘(C) is in the public interest or furthers 
the practical administration of the program. 
‘‘(2) MODIFICATION AND EXCHANGE OF INTER-
EST IN LAND.— 
‘‘(A) MODIFICATION.— 
‘‘(i) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary may 
approve a modification of any interest in 
land, or portion of such interest, adminis-
tered by the Secretary, either directly or 
on behalf of the Commodity Credit Cor-
poration, under the program if the Sec-
retary determines that the modification— 
‘‘(I) will support the viability and 
sustainability of working forests and 
the conservation values of the applica-
ble easement; 
‘‘(II) will result in equal or in-
creased conservation values; 
‘‘(III) is consistent with the origi-
nal intent of the easement; 
‘‘(IV) is consistent with the pur-
poses of the program; and 
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‘‘(V) is in the public interest or 
furthers the practical administration 
of the program, including correcting 
errors and exercising reserved rights. 
‘‘(ii) LIMITATION.—In modifying an 
interest in land, or portion of such inter-
est, under this subparagraph, the Sec-
retary may not, except in the case of a 
modification that includes a change to an 
easement to add acreage, increase any pay-
ment to an eligible entity. 
‘‘(B) EXCHANGE.— 
‘‘(i) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary may 
approve an exchange of any interest in 
land, or portion of such interest, adminis-
tered by the Secretary, either directly or 
on behalf of the Commodity Credit Cor-
poration, under the program if the Sec-
retary determines that— 
‘‘(I) no reasonable alternative ex-
ists and the effect on the interest in 
land is avoided or minimized to the 
extent practicable; and 
‘‘(II) the exchange— 
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‘‘(aa) results in equal or in-
creased conservation values; 
‘‘(bb) results in equal or 
greater economic value to the 
United States; 
‘‘(cc) is consistent with the 
original intent of the easement; 
‘‘(dd) is consistent with the 
purposes of the program; and 
‘‘(ee) is in the public inter-
est or furthers the practical ad-
ministration of the program. 
‘‘(ii) LIMITATION.—In exchanging an 
interest in land, or portion of such inter-
est, under this subparagraph, the Sec-
retary may not increase any payment to an 
eligible entity. 
‘‘(3) TERMINATION.—The Secretary may ap-
prove a termination of any interest in eligible land, 
or portion of such an interest, administered by the 
Secretary, directly or on behalf of the Commodity 
Credit Corporation under the program if the Sec-
retary determines that— 
‘‘(A) termination is in the interest of the 
Federal Government; 
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‘‘(B) the United States will be fully com-
pensated for— 
‘‘(i) the value of the interest in the 
land, as determined by the Secretary; 
‘‘(ii) any costs relating to the termi-
nation; and 
‘‘(iii) any damages determined appro-
priate by the Secretary; and 
‘‘(C) the termination will— 
‘‘(i) address a compelling public need 
for which there is no practicable alter-
native even with avoidance and minimiza-
tion; and 
‘‘(ii) further the practical administra-
tion of the program. 
‘‘(4) CONSENT.—The Secretary shall obtain 
consent from the landowner and eligible entity, if ap-
plicable, for any subordination, exchange, modifica-
tion, or termination of an interest in eligible land, or 
portion of such an interest, under this subsection. 
‘‘(5) NOTICE.—Not fewer than 90 days before 
taking any termination action described in para-
graph (3), the Secretary shall provide written notice 
of that action to the Committee on Agriculture of 
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the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. 
‘‘(c) LAND ENROLLED IN OTHER PROGRAMS.—In 
accordance with the provisions of section 2702 of the 
Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, land en-
rolled in the healthy forests reserve program established 
under title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 
2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) on the day before the date 
of enactment of this section shall be considered enrolled 
in the program.’’. 
SEC. 2702. HEALTHY FORESTS RESERVE PROGRAM. 
(a) REPEAL.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Title V of the Healthy For-
ests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et 
seq.) is repealed. 
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of 
contents in section 1(b) of the Healthy Forests Res-
toration Act of 2003 (Public Law 108–148; 117 
Stat. 1887) is amended by striking the items relat-
ing to title V. 
(b) TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS.— 
(1) EFFECT ON EXISTING CONTRACTS, AGREE-
MENTS, AND EASEMENTS.—The repeal made by sub-
section (a) shall not affect the validity or terms of 
any contract, agreement, or easement entered into 
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by the Secretary under title V of the Healthy For-
ests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et 
seq.) before the date of enactment of this Act, or 
any payments or technical assistance required to be 
made in connection with the contract, agreement, or 
easement. 
(2) FUNDING.— 
(A) USE
OF
PRIOR
YEAR
FUNDS.—Not-
withstanding the repeal made by subsection (a), 
any funds made available from the Commodity 
Credit Corporation to carry out the healthy for-
ests reserve program established under title V 
of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 
(16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) (as in effect on the 
day before the date of enactment of this Act) 
for any of fiscal years 2019 through 2025 shall 
be made available to carry out contracts, agree-
ments, or easements referred to in paragraph 
(1), subject to the condition that no such con-
tract, agreement, or easement may be modified 
so as to increase the amount of any payment 
received. 
(B) OTHER.—The Secretary may use 
funds made available to carry out the forest 
conservation easement program established 
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under subtitle I of the Food Security Act of 
1985 to continue to carry out contracts, agree-
ments, or easements referred to in paragraph 
(1) using the provisions of law (including regu-
lations) applicable to those contracts, agree-
ments, and easements as in existence on the 
day before the date of enactment of this Act. 
Subtitle I—Regional Conservation 
Partnership Program 
SEC. 2801. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES. 
Section 1271(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3871(b)(2)) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(2) To address natural resource concerns on 
eligible land on a regional or watershed scale, includ-
ing through— 
‘‘(A) the conservation, protection, restora-
tion, and sustainable use of soil; 
‘‘(B) the conservation and protection of 
water, including sources of drinking water and 
groundwater; 
‘‘(C) the prevention and mitigation of the 
effects of flooding and drought, and the im-
provement or expansion of flood resiliency; and 
‘‘(D) the conservation of wildlife, agricul-
tural land, and related natural resources.’’. 
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SEC. 2802. DEFINITIONS. 
Section 1271A(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3871a(1)) is amended by striking subpara-
graph (D) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(D) The forest conservation easement 
program established under subtitle I.’’. 
SEC. 2803. REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS. 
(a) PARTNERSHIP
AGREEMENTS
AUTHORIZED.— 
Section 1271B(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3871b(a)) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS AUTHORIZED.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may enter 
into a partnership agreement with an eligible part-
ner to implement a project that will assist producers 
with installing and maintaining an eligible activity 
on eligible land. 
‘‘(2) STREAMLINING
REQUIRED.—The Sec-
retary shall ensure that a partnership agreement 
under paragraph (1)— 
‘‘(A) is entered into not later than 180 
days after the date on which an application is 
selected under subsection (e); and 
‘‘(B) contains only— 
‘‘(i) the information, described under 
subsection (e)(3), necessary to fund and 
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initiate the project to be implemented 
under the partnership agreement; and 
‘‘(ii) any adjustments to the require-
ments of a covered program determined 
necessary by the Secretary under para-
graph (2) of section 1271E(f), and any 
waiver provided under paragraph (3) of 
such section. 
‘‘(3) PROCESS FOR REQUESTING WAIVERS AND 
ADJUSTMENTS.—The Secretary shall make available 
information on the process for requesting a waiver 
or an adjustment to the requirements of a covered 
program pursuant to section 1271E(f).’’. 
(b) DUTIES OF SECRETARY.—Section 1271B(d) of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(d)) is 
amended— 
(1) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ‘‘how the 
Secretary used amounts reserved by the Secretary 
for that year for technical assistance under section 
1271D(f); and’’ and inserting ‘‘the use of funds for 
technical assistance under section 1271D(c);’’; 
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at 
the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
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‘‘(6) ensure payments to eligible partners under 
a partnership agreement are made not later than 30 
days after the date on which the eligible partner 
submits to the Secretary a request for payment.’’. 
(c) APPLICATIONS.—Section 1271B(e)(3) of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(e)(3)) is 
amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as sub-
paragraph (F); and 
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(E) any requests by an eligible partner 
for a waiver or an adjustment to the require-
ments of a covered program pursuant to section 
1271E(f); and’’. 
SEC. 2804. ASSISTANCE TO PRODUCERS. 
Section 1271C(d)(3) of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871c(d)(3)) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as sub-
paragraph (C); 
(2) in subparagraph (A)(iv), by striking the 
‘‘and’’ at the end; and 
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(3) by inserting after subparagraph (A)(iv) the 
following: 
‘‘(B) provide, under section 1271B(c)(2), 
not less than 50 percent of the overall costs of 
the scope of the project that is the subject of 
a partnership agreement funded pursuant to 
paragraph (1) in direct funding; and’’. 
SEC. 2805. FUNDING. 
(a) ALLOCATION OF FUNDING.—Section 1271D of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d) is 
amended— 
(1) by striking subsections (a) and (b); 
(2) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and 
(e) as subsections (a), (b), and (c), respectively; and 
(3) in subsection (a), as so redesignated, by 
striking ‘‘subsection (a)’’ and inserting ‘‘section 
1241(a)(6)’’. 
(b) LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.— 
Subsection (b) of section 1271D of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d), as so redesignated, is amend-
ed to read as follows: 
‘‘(b) LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Of the funds made avail-
able to implement a project under a partnership 
agreement, the Secretary may use not more than ten 
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percent to reimburse the eligible partner for admin-
istrative expenses relating to the project. 
‘‘(2) CONSIDERATION.—Any amounts expended 
by an eligible partner for administrative expenses 
that are not reimbursed under paragraph (1) may be 
considered to be a part of the contribution of the eli-
gible partner under section 1271B(c)(2).’’. 
(c) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—Subsection (c) of sec-
tion 1271D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3871d), as so redesignated, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(c) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.— 
‘‘(1) 
IN
GENERAL.—The 
Secretary 
shall, 
through a partnership agreement, identify— 
‘‘(A) the total amount of funds that will be 
used for technical assistance; and 
‘‘(B) the share of such funds that will be 
provided to eligible partners under paragraph 
(2). 
‘‘(2) PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE.— 
‘‘(A) REIMBURSEMENT.—Under a partner-
ship agreement that is not funded through an 
alternative funding arrangement or grant agree-
ment under section 1271C(d), the Secretary 
may reimburse eligible partners for the costs of 
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technical assistance provided through such part-
nership agreement, including— 
‘‘(i) the costs of technical assistance 
needed to facilitate the maximum conserva-
tion benefit of the applicable project; 
‘‘(ii) the costs of providing outreach 
and education to producers for potential 
participation in the applicable project; 
‘‘(iii) the costs of establishing baseline 
metrics to support the development of the 
assessment 
required 
under 
section 
1271B(c)(1)(E); and 
‘‘(iv) other costs necessary to support 
the implementation of eligible activities, as 
determined by the Secretary. 
‘‘(B) ADVANCEMENT
OF
FUNDS.—The 
Secretary may advance to eligible partners rea-
sonable amounts of funds for costs that may be 
reimbursed under subparagraph (A), as deter-
mined by the Secretary. 
‘‘(3) LIMITATION.—The Secretary shall limit 
costs of the Secretary for technical assistance to 
costs necessary to carry out the objectives of the 
program. 
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‘‘(4) REDUCTION
OF
ADMINISTRATIVE
BAR-
RIERS.—The Secretary shall provide a single, sim-
plified process for reimbursements or advancements 
to eligible partners for the costs of technical assist-
ance under this subsection. 
‘‘(5) THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS.—The Secretary 
shall develop and implement strategies to encourage 
third-party technical service providers to provide 
technical assistance to eligible partners pursuant to 
a partnership agreement.’’. 
SEC. 2806. ADMINISTRATION. 
(a) REPORTING.—Section 1271E(b) of the Food Se-
curity Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871e(b)) is amended in 
the matter preceding paragraph (1) by inserting ‘‘make 
publicly available and’’ after ‘‘the Secretary shall’’. 
(b) 
CONSISTENCY
WITH
COVERED
PROGRAM 
RULES.—Section 1271E of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3871e) is amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘(f) CONSISTENCY WITH COVERED PROGRAM RE-
QUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in this 
subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that the terms 
and conditions of a program contract are consistent 
with the requirements of the applicable covered pro-
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gram to be used as part of the applicable partner-
ship agreement. 
‘‘(2) ADJUSTMENTS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may, if 
the Secretary determines necessary, adjust a 
regulatory requirement of a covered program to 
be used as a part of a partnership agreement, 
or related guidance, as it applies to an eligible 
activity carried out under a program contract 
entered into pursuant to the partnership agree-
ment— 
‘‘(i) to provide a simplified process; or 
‘‘(ii) to better reflect unique local cir-
cumstances. 
‘‘(B) LIMITATION.—The Secretary shall 
not adjust the application of statutory require-
ments for a covered program to be used as a 
part of a partnership agreement, including re-
quirements governing appeals, payment limits, 
and conservation compliance. 
‘‘(3) WAIVER.—With respect to a program con-
tract for an eligible activity under the agricultural 
conservation easement program, the Secretary may, 
in the applicable partnership agreement, waive the 
application of clauses (ii) or (iii)(III) of section 
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1265A(4)(A) for purposes of determining the eligi-
bility of land. 
‘‘(4) CERTIFICATION APPLICABILITY.—With re-
spect to a partnership agreement entered into for ac-
quisition of easements, the Secretary shall apply the 
authorities applicable to the eligible partner under 
section 1265B(b)(5)(A) if the eligible partner is an 
eligible entity certified under such section. 
‘‘(5) EXEMPTION.—With respect to a program 
contract that includes an eligible activity under the 
environmental quality incentives program to be in-
stalled and maintained in a State in which irrigation 
has not been used significantly for agricultural pur-
poses, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary 
may not consider prior irrigation history when deter-
mining the eligibility of land. 
‘‘(6) APPLICATION.—Paragraph (1) shall not 
apply to partnership agreements funded pursuant to 
section 1271C(d).’’. 
SEC. 2807. CRITICAL CONSERVATION AREAS. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—Section 1271F(a)(2)(C) of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871f(a)(2)(C)) is 
amended by inserting ‘‘, including restoration and en-
hancement of wildlife habitat connectivity and wildlife mi-
gration corridors’’ before the semicolon at the end. 
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(b) APPLICATIONS.—Section 1271F(b) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871f(b)) is amended 
by striking ‘‘funds under section 1271D(d)(2)’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘funds allocated under section 1271D(a)(2)’’. 
TITLE III—TRADE 
Subtitle A—Food for Peace Act 
SEC. 3101. TRANSFER OF AUTHORITIES TO THE SECRETARY 
OF AGRICULTURE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 201 of the Food for Peace 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1721) is amended by striking ‘‘(to be imple-
mented by the Administrator)’’ and inserting ‘‘(to be im-
plemented by the Secretary)’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) EMERGENCY
AND
PRIVATE
ASSISTANCE 
PROGRAMS.—Sections 202, 203, 205, 207, and 208 
of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722, 1723, 
1725, 1726a, and 1726b) are each amended by 
striking ‘‘Administrator’’ each place it appears and 
inserting ‘‘Secretary’’. 
(2) FOOD FOR DEVELOPMENT.—Title III of the 
Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1727 et seq.) is 
amended by striking ‘‘Administrator’’ each place it 
appears and inserting ‘‘Secretary’’. 
(3) DEFINITIONS.—Section 402 of the Food for 
Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1732) is amended— 
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(A) by striking paragraph (1); and 
(B) 
by 
redesignating 
paragraphs 
(2) 
through (9) as paragraphs (1) through (8), re-
spectively. 
(4) GENERAL PROVISIONS.—Sections 403 and 
404 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733 and 
1734) are each amended— 
(A) by striking ‘‘or the Administrator, as 
appropriate,’’ each place it appears; 
(B) in section 403(h), by striking ‘‘or Ad-
ministrator’’; and 
(C) in section 404(d), by striking ‘‘or the 
Administrator’’. 
(5) CONSULTATION.—Section 405 of the Food 
for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1735) is repealed. 
(c) TRANSFER OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES.—The 
Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.) is amended 
by adding at the end the following new title: 
‘‘TITLE VII—TRANSFER 
PROVISIONS 
‘‘SEC. 701. TRANSFER OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FROM 
USAID TO SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. 
‘‘On and after the date of the enactment of this title, 
the assets, liabilities, orders, determinations, permits, 
grants, loans, contracts, agreements, certificates, and li-
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censes of the Administrator of the United States Agency 
for International Development, pursuant to any authority 
under this Act on or after January 1, 2026, shall be trans-
ferred to the Secretary of Agriculture. 
‘‘SEC. 702. TRANSFER OF OTHER AUTHORITIES. 
‘‘On and after the date of the enactment of this title, 
any authority or responsibility provided by any other pro-
vision of law that was or could have been used by the Ad-
ministrator of the United States Agency for International 
Development, prior to such date of enactment to carry out 
any function, duty, or responsibility under this Act may 
be exercised by the Secretary of Agriculture. A reference 
to such Administrator or to such Agency in any provision 
of law or regulation relating to any authority or responsi-
bility described in the preceding sentence shall be deemed 
to be a reference to the Secretary of Agriculture or the 
Department of Agriculture, respectively. 
‘‘SEC. 703. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 
‘‘Beginning on the date of the enactment of this title, 
the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate or amend 
such rules and regulations (including by issuing or re- 
issuing interim final rules) as the Secretary may deter-
mine appropriate, including by amending such rules and 
regulations issued by the Administrator of the United 
States Agency for International Development with respect 
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to the authorities and responsibilities provided by this Act 
and as in effect on the day before such date of enactment, 
in order to effectuate and complete the transfer of all 
functions and duties previously carried out by that Admin-
istrator to the Secretary. 
‘‘SEC. 704. CONSULTATION. 
‘‘The Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the 
Secretary of State from time to time in carrying out the 
authorities under this Act.’’. 
SEC. 3102. FOOD AID QUALITY ASSURANCE. 
Section 202 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1722), as amended by section 3101(b)(1), is further 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘any other 
provision of law’’ and inserting ‘‘any other provision 
of this Act’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ‘‘assist-
ance, including in the form of’’ before ‘‘agricultural 
commodities’’; 
(3) in subsection (b)(2)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
‘‘Agency for International Development’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Department of Agriculture’’; and 
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
‘‘Agency’’ and inserting ‘‘Department’’; 
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(4) in subsection (d)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘or’’ at 
the end; 
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the pe-
riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
‘‘(3) a nongovernmental organization, as deter-
mined by the Secretary.’’; 
(5) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the 
following new paragraph: 
‘‘(5) LIMITATION ON DIVERSION OF FUNDS.— 
Of the funds made available in each fiscal year 
under this title to the Secretary, not more than 50 
percent may be made available for expenses other 
than the procurement of United States-grown agri-
cultural commodities and ocean transportation of 
such commodities.’’; and 
(6) in subsection (h)(3), by striking ‘‘2023’’ 
and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 3103. REPEAL OF MINIMUM LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE. 
Section 204 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1724) is repealed. 
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SEC. 3104. FOOD AID CONSULTATIVE GROUP. 
Section 205 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1725), as amended by section 3101(b)(1), is further 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ‘‘the Agen-
cy for International Development’’ and inserting 
‘‘the Department of Agriculture’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)(4), by striking ‘‘Agency’’ 
and inserting ‘‘Secretary’’; 
(3) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by striking paragraph (2); and 
(B) 
by 
redesignating 
paragraphs 
(3) 
through (8), as amended, as paragraphs (2) 
through (7), respectively; and 
(4) in subsection (f), by striking ‘‘December 31, 
2023’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2031’’. 
SEC. 3105. ISSUANCE OF REGULATIONS; OVERSIGHT, MONI-
TORING, AND EVALUATION. 
Section 207 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1726a), as amended by section 3101(b)(1), is further 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ‘‘the Agri-
culture Improvement Act of 2018’’ and inserting 
‘‘the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 
2026’’; 
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(2) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘, in consulta-
tion with the Secretary,’’; and 
(3) in subsection (f)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘, in con-
sultation with the Secretary,’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘2023’’ 
each place it appears and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 3106. INTERNATIONAL FOOD RELIEF PARTNERSHIP. 
Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1726b(f)) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(f) AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATIONS.—In addi-
tion to amounts otherwise made available to carry out this 
section, of the funds made available in each fiscal year 
under this title to the Secretary, not less than 
$15,000,000 shall be made available in each of fiscal years 
2027 through 2031 to carry out this section, to remain 
available until expended.’’. 
SEC. 3107. USE OF COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION. 
Subsection (b) of section 406 of the Food for Peace 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1736) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(b) INCLUDED EXPENSES.—With respect to com-
modities made available under titles II and III, the Com-
modity Credit Corporation may pay all associated and in-
cidental costs of such commodities.’’. 
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SEC. 3108. PRE-POSITIONING OF AGRICULTURAL COMMOD-
ITIES AND ANNUAL REPORT REGARDING 
FOOD AID PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES. 
Section 407 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1736a) is amended— 
(1) by amending subsection (c)(1) to read as 
follows: 
‘‘(1) ACQUISITION.—The Secretary shall trans-
fer, arrange for the transportation, and take other 
steps necessary to make available agricultural com-
modities to be provided under title II and title III.’’; 
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ‘‘Adminis-
trator’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary’’; 
(3) in subsection (c)(3), by striking ‘‘Agency for 
International Development’’ and inserting ‘‘Sec-
retary’’; 
(4) in subsection (c)(4)(A), by striking ‘‘2023’’ 
each place it appears and inserting ‘‘2031’’; 
(5) in subsection (c)(4), by striking ‘‘Adminis-
trator’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘Sec-
retary’’; 
(6) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding 
paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘or the Administrator, as 
appropriate,’’; 
(7) by amending subsection (f)(1) to read as 
follows: 
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‘‘(1) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than April 1 
of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report regard-
ing each program and activity carried out under this 
Act during the prior fiscal year.’’; 
(8) in subsection (f)(2)— 
(A) by striking subparagraph (I); 
(B) by amending subparagraph (H) to 
read as follows: 
‘‘(H) A statement of the amount of funds 
provided to each eligible organization that re-
ceived assistance under this Act and the man-
ner in which those funds were used, including 
whether such use was for commodity transpor-
tation or administrative costs.’’; 
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) 
through (H) (as amended) as subparagraphs 
(F) through (I), respectively; and 
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (D) 
the following new subparagraph: 
‘‘(E) An assessment of activities specifi-
cally targeting women and girls and the impact 
of those activities in addressing the unique 
needs of women and girls.’’; and 
(9) by striking subsection (f)(3). 
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SEC. 3109. DEADLINE FOR AGREEMENTS TO FINANCE 
SALES OR TO PROVIDE OTHER ASSISTANCE. 
Section 408 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1736b) is amended by striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting 
‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 3110. MINIMUM LEVEL OF NONEMERGENCY FOOD AS-
SISTANCE. 
Section 412 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1736f) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ‘‘2023’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2031’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(f) MINIMUM LEVELS OF FUNDING TO ADDRESS 
CHILD WASTING.— 
‘‘(1) MINIMUM
LEVEL.—For each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031, in addition to amounts 
otherwise 
made 
available, 
not 
less 
than 
$200,000,000 of the amounts made available to 
carry out emergency food assistance programs under 
title II shall be expended for the procurement and 
distribution of ready-to-use therapeutic foods. 
‘‘(2) APPLICABILITY.—The minimum expendi-
ture requirement under paragraph (1) shall only 
apply with respect to a fiscal year if— 
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‘‘(A) the most recent Joint Child Malnutri-
tion Estimates, published annually by the 
World Health Organization, the World Bank, 
and the United Nations Children’s Fund, report 
a rate of children under 5 years of age affected 
by child wasting above 5 percent for the year 
covered by such report; and 
‘‘(B) the total amount made available to 
carry out programs under title II in the fiscal 
year is greater than $1,200,000,000. 
‘‘(3) RULE
OF
CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in 
this subsection may be construed to limit on the au-
thority of the Secretary to purchase or distribute 
ready-to-use therapeutic foods in a fiscal year.’’. 
SEC. 3111. TERMINATION DATE FOR MICRONUTRIENT FOR-
TIFICATION PROGRAMS. 
Section 415 of the Food for Peace Act (7 
U.S.C.1736g–2) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘Administrator, in con-
sultation with the’’; and 
(B) by striking the comma after ‘‘Sec-
retary’’; and 
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘2023’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
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SEC. 3112. JOHN OGONOWSKI AND DOUG BEREUTER FARM-
ER-TO-FARMER PROGRAM. 
Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1737) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘2023’’ each place it appears 
and inserting ‘‘2031’’; and 
(2) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ‘‘Adminis-
trator of the Agency for International Development’’ 
and inserting ‘‘Secretary’’. 
SEC. 3113. FOOD FOR PEACE ACT ADMINISTRATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—During fiscal years 2026 through 
2031, the Secretary may use funds made available for the 
salaries and expenses of the Foreign Agricultural Service 
under an appropriations Act or any other provision of law, 
including such funds otherwise obligated as of the date 
of the enactment of this Act, to pay the administrative 
expenses of the Department of Agriculture in the imple-
mentation of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1691 et 
seq.), as amended by this subtitle. 
(b) CARRYOVER.—For fiscal years 2026 through 
2031, the balance of any funds provided to carry out sub-
section (a) for a fiscal year that remains unexpended at 
the end of that fiscal year may be carried over for use 
during the following fiscal year. 
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Subtitle B—Agricultural Trade Act 
of 1978 
SEC. 3201. AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROMOTION AND FA-
CILITATION. 
(a) MODIFICATION TO FOREIGN MARKET DEVELOP-
MENT COOPERATOR PROGRAM.—Section 203(c) of the 
Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623(c)) is 
amended by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(4) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO IMPROVE IN-
FRASTRUCTURE IN FOREIGN MARKETS FOR UNITED 
STATES AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—As part of the pro-
gram established under this subsection, the Sec-
retary shall enter into contracts or other agree-
ments, with eligible trade organizations or with 
non-profit organizations with expertise in sup-
ply chain infrastructure, to provide needs as-
sessments, training, and other technical assist-
ance to enhance the capabilities of infrastruc-
ture in new and developing foreign markets, in-
cluding infrastructure relating to cold chain ca-
pacity, port improvements, and other develop-
ments, to ensure that United States agricul-
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tural commodities are not damaged or lost due 
to deficiencies of such infrastructure. 
‘‘(B) LIMITATION.—Of the amounts made 
available to carry out the program established 
under 
this 
subsection, 
not 
more 
than 
$1,500,000 for fiscal year 2027 and not more 
than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2028 and each 
fiscal year thereafter may be made available to 
carry out this paragraph.’’. 
(b) REPORT
ON
COMPETITIVENESS
OF
UNITED 
STATES SPECIALTY CROPS.—Section 203(e)(7) of the Ag-
ricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623(e)(7)) is 
amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(7) BIENNIAL REPORT.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in con-
sultation with the United States Trade Rep-
resentative, shall submit every two years to the 
appropriate congressional committees a report 
detailing the competitiveness of United States 
specialty crops. 
‘‘(B) ELEMENTS.—The report required by 
subparagraph (A) shall— 
‘‘(i) identify and analyze acts, policies, 
or practices of foreign countries that con-
stitute significant barriers to, or distor-
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171 
tions of, United States exports of specialty 
crops, including the imposition of— 
‘‘(I) tariffs (including retaliatory 
tariffs) or quotas (including tariff-rate 
quotas); and 
‘‘(II) non-tariff barriers, includ-
ing technical barriers to trade, sani-
tary and phytosanitary measures, im-
port licensing procedures, and sub-
sidies; 
‘‘(ii) identify and analyze acts, poli-
cies, or practices of foreign countries that 
enhance the competitiveness of imported 
specialty crops with domestic specialty crop 
producers, including— 
‘‘(I) the subsidization of exports 
from the producing country; and 
‘‘(II) the impact of any lack or 
circumvention of labor and environ-
mental laws in the producing country; 
‘‘(iii) identify and analyze any dif-
ferences in applicable food safety regula-
tions of foreign countries that may result 
in imported specialty crops posing a risk to 
United States consumers; 
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‘‘(iv) make an estimate of the impacts 
on the competitiveness of United States 
specialty crops of any act, policy, or prac-
tice identified under clauses (i) and (ii); 
‘‘(v) assess the extent to which each 
act, policy, or practice identified under 
clauses (i) and (ii) are subject to inter-
national agreements to which the United 
States is a party; 
‘‘(vi) include information with respect 
to any action taken by the executive or leg-
islative branches during the two years pre-
ceding submission of the report, or ex-
pected to be taken after submission of the 
report, to eliminate any act, policy, or 
practice identified under clauses (i) and 
(ii), including— 
‘‘(I) any action under section 
301; 
‘‘(II) negotiations or consulta-
tions with foreign governments, which 
may include engagement through the 
standing committee on sanitary and 
phytosanitary 
matters 
established 
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under a free trade agreement to which 
the United States is a party; and 
‘‘(III) action at the World Trade 
Organization, including dispute settle-
ment actions, consultations, or nego-
tiations; and 
‘‘(vii) a description of— 
‘‘(I) any funds provided under 
subsection (f)(3)(A)(iv) that were not 
obligated in the fiscal year preceding 
submission of the report; and 
‘‘(II) the reason such funds were 
not obligated. 
‘‘(C) COMMENT PERIOD.—In preparing the 
report required by subparagraph (A), the Sec-
retary, in coordination with the United States 
Trade Representative, shall seek and consider 
comments from the public and from the Agri-
cultural Technical Advisory Committee for 
Trade in Fruits and Vegetables. 
‘‘(D) FORM OF REPORT.—The report re-
quired by subparagraph (A) shall be made 
available to the public in machine-readable for-
mat. 
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‘‘(E) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COM-
MITTEES
DEFINED.—In this paragraph, the 
term ‘appropriate congressional committees’ 
means— 
‘‘(i) the Committee on Agriculture 
and the Committee on Ways and Means of 
the House of Representatives; and 
‘‘(ii) the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry and the Com-
mittee on Finance of the Senate.’’. 
(c) MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF FUNDING.— 
Section 203(f) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 
U.S.C. 5623(f)) is amended— 
(1) by amending paragraph (2) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(2) FUNDING AMOUNT.—Of the funds of, or 
an equal value of commodities owned by, the Com-
modity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use 
to carry out this section the following amounts, to 
remain available until expended: 
‘‘(A) For fiscal year 2026, $255,000,000. 
‘‘(B) For fiscal year 2027, $500,000,000. 
‘‘(C) For each of fiscal years 2028 through 
2031, $533,000,000.’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (3)— 
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(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
(A)(i), by striking ‘‘For each of fiscal years 
2019 through 2023, the Secretary’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘The Secretary’’; 
(B) in subparagraph (A)— 
(i) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘not less 
than’’ and all that follows through the end 
and inserting: ‘‘not less than— 
‘‘(I) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 
2026; 
‘‘(II) $400,000,000 for fiscal 
year 2027; and 
‘‘(III) $410,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2028 through 2031.’’; 
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘not less 
than’’ and all that follows through the end 
and inserting: ‘‘not less than— 
‘‘(I) $34,500,000 for fiscal year 
2026; 
‘‘(II) $70,500,000 for fiscal year 
2027; and 
‘‘(III) $82,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2028 through 2031.’’; 
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(iii) in clause (iii), by striking ‘‘not 
more than’’ and all that follows through 
the end and inserting: ‘‘not more than— 
‘‘(I) $8,000,000 for each of fiscal 
year 2026 and 2027; and 
‘‘(II) $16,000,000 for each of fis-
cal years 2028 through 2031.’’; 
(iv) in clause (iv), by striking ‘‘Cor-
poration’’ and all that follows through the 
end and inserting: ‘‘Corporation— 
‘‘(I) $9,000,000 for fiscal year 
2026; and 
‘‘(II) $18,000,000 for each of fis-
cal years 2027 through 2031.’’; and 
(v) in clause (v)(I), by striking ‘‘com-
modities,’’ and all that follows through the 
end 
and 
inserting 
‘‘commodities, 
$3,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 
and 2027 and $7,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2028 through 2031’’. 
(d) REPEALS.—The following provisions of law are 
repealed: 
(1) Section 718 of title VII of the Agriculture, 
Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, 
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (as 
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enacted by section 101(a) of division A of Public 
Law 105–277; 7 U.S.C. 5623 note). 
(2) Section 10602 of Public Law 119–21 (7 
U.S.C. 5623a). 
SEC. 3202. PRESERVING FOREIGN MARKETS FOR GOODS 
USING COMMON NAMES. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—Section 102 of the Agricultural 
Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5602) is amended— 
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by 
striking ‘‘As used in this Act—’’ and inserting ‘‘In 
this Act:’’; 
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through 
(8) as paragraphs (3), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and 
(4), respectively, and reordering such paragraphs in 
numerical sequence; 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(2) COMMON NAME.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The term ‘common 
name’ means a name that, as determined by the 
Secretary— 
‘‘(i) is ordinarily or customarily used 
for an agricultural commodity or food 
product; 
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‘‘(ii) is typically placed on the pack-
aging and product label of the agricultural 
commodity or food product; 
‘‘(iii) with respect to wine— 
‘‘(I) is— 
‘‘(aa) ordinarily or custom-
arily used for a wine grape vari-
etal name; or 
‘‘(bb) a traditional term or 
expression that is typically placed 
on the packaging and label of the 
wine; and 
‘‘(II) does not mean any appella-
tion of origin for wine listed in sub-
part C of part 9 of title 27, Code of 
Federal Regulations (or successor reg-
ulations); and 
‘‘(iv) the use of which is consistent 
with standards of the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission. 
‘‘(B) EXAMPLES.—The following names, 
among others, shall be considered as common 
names as such term is defined for purposes of 
carrying out subparagraph (A): 
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‘‘(i) With respect to food products: 
american, asiago, basmati, black forest 
ham, blue, blue vein, bologna, bologne, 
bratwurst, 
brie, 
burrata, 
camembert, 
capicola and capocollo, cheddar, chevre, 
chorizo, colby, cottage cheese, coulommiers, 
cream cheese, danbo, edam, emmental, 
feta, fontina, gorgonzola, gouda, grana, 
gruyere, havarti, kielbasa, limburger and 
limburgo, 
mascarpone, 
monterey 
jack, 
mortadella, munster and muenster, neuf-
chatel, parmesan, pancetta, pecorino, pep-
per jack, prosciutto, provolone, ricotta, ro-
mano, saint-paulin, salame, salami, samso, 
and swiss, tilsiter, and tomme. 
‘‘(ii) With respect to wine: 
‘‘(I) The list of grape varietal 
terms in section 4.91 of title 27, Code 
of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
regulation). 
‘‘(II) The grape variety designa-
tions administratively approved by the 
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade 
Bureau. 
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‘‘(III) The following nonvarietal 
descriptors: 
chateau, 
classic, 
clos, 
cream, crusted and crusting, noble, 
ruby, sur lie, tawny, vintage, and vin-
tage character. 
‘‘(iii) With respect to beer: bitter, pale 
ale, india pale ale, mild, porter, stout, 
barleywine, dubbel, quadrupel, witbier, 
saison, biere de garde, oud red, altbier, 
weisse, gose, hefeweizen, dunkel, helles, 
rauchbier, pilsener, maerzen, schwarzbier, 
doppelbock, bock, kellerbier, munchener 
and munich style, oktoberfest, dortmunder, 
kolsch and koelsch, cream, grodziskie, 
lager. 
‘‘(C) CONSIDERATIONS.—In making a de-
termination under subparagraph (A), the Sec-
retary may take into account— 
‘‘(i) competent sources, such as dic-
tionaries, newspapers, professional journals 
and literature, and information posted on 
websites that are determined by the Sec-
retary to be reliable in reporting market 
information; 
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‘‘(ii) the use of the common name in 
a domestic, regional, or international prod-
uct standard, including a standard promul-
gated by the Codex Alimentarius Commis-
sion, for the agricultural commodity or 
food product; and 
‘‘(iii) the ordinary and customary use 
of the common name in the production or 
marketing of the agricultural commodity or 
food product in the United States or in 
other countries. 
‘‘(D) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—The enu-
meration of certain names under subparagraph 
(B) may not be construed to limit or restrict 
the ability of the Secretary to determine, con-
sistent with subparagraph (A), that any other 
name is a common name for purposes of this 
section.’’; and 
(4) in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (7) (as 
so redesignated)— 
(A) in clause (v), by striking ‘‘; or’’ at the 
end and inserting a semicolon; 
(B) in clause (vi), by striking the period at 
the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
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‘‘(vii) prohibits or disallows the use of 
a name determined or considered to be a 
common name pursuant to paragraph 
(2).’’. 
(b) NEGOTIATIONS TO DEFEND USE OF COMMON 
NAMES.—Title III of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 
(7 U.S.C. 5652 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
the following: 
‘‘SEC. 303. NEGOTIATIONS TO DEFEND THE USE OF COM-
MON NAMES. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall coordinate 
efforts with the United States Trade Representative to se-
cure the right of United States agricultural producers, 
processors, and exporters to use common names for agri-
cultural commodities or food products in foreign markets 
through the negotiation of bilateral, plurilateral, or multi-
lateral agreements, memoranda of understanding, or ex-
changes of letters that assure the current and future use 
of each common name identified by the Secretary in con-
nection with United States agricultural commodities or 
food products. 
‘‘(b) BRIEFING.—The Secretary and the United 
States Trade Representative shall jointly provide to the 
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representa-
tives, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and For-
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estry of the Senate, the Committee on Ways and Means 
of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on 
Finance of the Senate, a briefing, twice annually, on ef-
forts and successes in carrying out subsection (a).’’. 
SEC. 3203. INTERAGENCY SEASONAL AND PERISHABLE 
FRUITS AND VEGETABLE WORKING GROUP. 
Subtitle B of title IV of the Agricultural Trade Act 
of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5671 et seq.) is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘SEC. 418. INTERAGENCY SEASONAL AND PERISHABLE 
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES WORKING GROUP. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary (acting through 
the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign 
Agricultural Affairs), the United States Trade Represent-
ative, the Secretary of Commerce, and the heads of other 
Federal agencies or entities as determined to be appro-
priate by the Secretary, shall jointly establish an inter-
agency working group (referred to in this section as the 
‘working group’) composed of representatives from each 
agency to monitor and assess, on an ongoing basis, sea-
sonal and perishable fruits and vegetables trade data and 
related information. 
‘‘(b) CONSULTATION.—The working group shall con-
sult with the Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee, rel-
evant seasonal or perishable agricultural producers, and 
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other relevant trade associations to identify threats that 
imports pose to domestic producers of seasonal and perish-
able fruits and vegetables. 
‘‘(c) TRADE ACTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS.—The 
working group shall coordinate as appropriate regarding 
potential additional trade actions and investigations with 
respect to any seasonal or perishable fruits and vegetables, 
as determined to be advisable by the working group. 
‘‘(d) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE SECRETARY.—The 
working group shall recommend programs or assistance 
that the Secretary could provide to producers of seasonal 
and perishable fruits and vegetables to address market im-
pacts.’’. 
Subtitle C—Other Agricultural 
Trade Laws 
SEC. 3301. GROWING AMERICAN FOOD EXPORTS. 
Section 1543A of the Food, Agriculture, Conserva-
tion, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5679) is amended 
in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting 
‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 3302. FOOD FOR PROGRESS ACT OF 1985. 
Section 1110 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (com-
monly referred to as the ‘‘Food for Progress Act of 1985’’; 
7 U.S.C. 1736o) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (c)— 
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(A) by striking ‘‘enter into’’ and inserting 
‘‘annually enter into two or more’’; and 
(B) by inserting ‘‘two or more’’ before ‘‘eli-
gible entities’’; 
(2) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ‘‘2023’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2031’’; 
(3) in subsection (g), by striking ‘‘2023’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2031’’; 
(4) in subsection (k), by striking ‘‘2023’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2031’’; 
(5) in subsection (l)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘2023’’ 
and inserting ‘‘2031’’; and 
(B) in the heading of paragraph (4), by 
striking ‘‘HUMANITARIAN OR’’; 
(6) in subsection (m)(2), by striking ‘‘humani-
tarian and’’; and 
(7) in subsection (n)(2)(C), by striking ‘‘Com-
mittee on International Relations’’ and inserting 
‘‘Committee on Foreign Affairs’’. 
SEC. 3303. BILL EMERSON HUMANITARIAN TRUST ACT. 
Section 302 of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f–1) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)(2)(B)(i), by striking 
‘‘2023’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘2031’’; 
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(2) in subsection (c)(1)(C), by striking ‘‘the Ad-
ministrator’’ and inserting ‘‘the Secretary’’; 
(3) by striking subsection (c)(1)(D); 
(4) in subsection (f)(2)(A), by inserting ‘‘by the 
Secretary’’ after ‘‘reimbursed’’; and 
(5) in subsection (h), 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘2023’’ 
and inserting ‘‘2031’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘2026’’ 
and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 3304. PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO 
EMERGING MARKETS. 
Section 1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conserva-
tion, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5622 note; Public 
Law 101–624) is amended by striking ‘‘2023’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 3305. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION 
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM. 
Section 3307 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
2018 (7 U.S.C. 3295) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ‘‘2019 
through 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2027 through 2031’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsection (g) as sub-
section (h); and 
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(3) by inserting after subsection (f) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(g) PROGRAM
CONTINUITY.—To assist eligible 
countries in the long-term development of enduring, 
school-based agricultural education and youth extension 
programs, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent 
practicable— 
‘‘(1) implement the fellowship program in each 
participating host country for not fewer than 3 con-
secutive years; and 
‘‘(2) ensure that contracts awarded to outside 
organizations are multi-year.’’. 
SEC. 3306. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE CULTURAL IM-
MERSION AND EXCHANGE PROGRAM. 
Title III of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 
(Public Law 115–334) is amended by adding at the end 
the following new section: 
‘‘SEC. 3313. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE CULTURAL IM-
MERSION AND EXCHANGE PROGRAM. 
‘‘(a) DEFINITION.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) ELIGIBLE CANDIDATE.—The term ‘eligible 
candidate’ means an individual that— 
‘‘(A) is between the ages of 19 and 30 
years; 
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‘‘(B) has demonstrated experience in agri-
cultural sciences, food systems, and food and 
nutrition education; 
‘‘(C) is prepared to live in 1 or more host 
countries for at least 2 months or up to 6 
months; and 
‘‘(D) is a resident of the United States. 
‘‘(2) ELIGIBLE COUNTRY.—The term ‘eligible 
country’ means a country that has agricultural trade 
relations with the United States, as recognized by 
the Foreign Agriculture Service. 
‘‘(3) PROGRAM.—The term ‘Program’ means 
the International Agriculture Cultural Immersion 
and Exchange Program established under subsection 
(b). 
‘‘(4) SECRETARY.—The term ‘Secretary’ means 
the Secretary of Agriculture. 
‘‘(b) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall estab-
lish an international cultural immersion and exchange pro-
gram, to be known as the ‘International Agriculture Cul-
tural Immersion and Exchange Program’, under which the 
Secretary shall— 
‘‘(1) provide eligible candidates with inter-
national cultural exchange and immersion experi-
ences focused on agricultural sciences, food systems, 
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and food and nutrition education through placement 
with host families in eligible countries; and 
‘‘(2) place in the United States with host fami-
lies individuals that meet the requirement of sub-
section (a)(1)(A) and are residents of eligible coun-
tries to experience United States agriculture, trade 
relations, and culture. 
‘‘(c) PURPOSES.—The purposes of the Program 
are— 
‘‘(1) to develop globally minded citizens of the 
United States; and 
‘‘(2) to strengthen and enhance trade between 
eligible countries and the United States in agricul-
tural, food, nutrition, and environmental industries. 
‘‘(d) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—To administer the Pro-
gram, the Secretary shall enter into a cooperative 
agreement with a nonprofit organization that has ex-
perience in implementing international cultural ex-
change programs focused on agricultural sciences, 
food and nutrition education, and cultural under-
standing through placement with host families. 
‘‘(2) PRIORITY.—In carrying out paragraph (1), 
the Secretary shall give priority to a nonprofit orga-
nization with which the Secretary has a memo-
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randum of understanding dated not earlier than 
January 1, 2019. 
‘‘(3) MATCHING FUNDS.—As a condition of en-
tering into a cooperative agreement under this sub-
section, a nonprofit organization shall provide equal 
matching funds from non-Federal sources. 
‘‘(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this section.’’. 
SEC. 3307. INTERNATIONAL FOOD SECURITY TECHNICAL 
ASSISTANCE. 
Section 1543B(f) of the Food, Agriculture, Conserva-
tion, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended by striking 
‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 3308. MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR 
EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION PRO-
GRAM. 
Section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Invest-
ment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o–1) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(ii), by inserting ‘‘or 
lower-middle’’ before ‘‘income’’; 
(2) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ‘‘Com-
mittee on International Relations’’ and inserting 
‘‘Committee on Foreign Affairs’’; 
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(3) in subsection (l)(2), by striking ‘‘2023’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2031’’; and 
(4) in subsection (l)(4), by striking ‘‘not more 
than 10 percent’’ and inserting ‘‘not less than 8 per-
cent, but not more than 15 percent’’. 
SEC. 3309. GLOBAL CROP DIVERSITY TRUST. 
Section 3202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008 (22 U.S.C. 2220a note; Public Law 110–246) 
is amended— 
(1) by amending subsection (b)(1) to read as 
follows: 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—For the period of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031, the aggregate contribu-
tions of funds of the Federal Government provided 
to the Trust under this section shall not exceed 33 
percent of the total amount of funds contributed to 
the Trust from all sources and for all purposes.’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)(2)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘under this section’’ after 
‘‘Trust’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting 
‘‘2031’’; and 
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘2023’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
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SEC. 3310. LOCAL AND REGIONAL FOOD AID PROCURE-
MENT PROJECTS. 
Section 3206(e)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 1726c(e)(1)) is amended 
by striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 3311. AGRICULTURAL TRADE ENFORCEMENT TASK 
FORCE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 30 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall 
establish a joint task force, to be known as the ‘‘Agricul-
tural Trade Enforcement Task Force’’ (referred to in this 
section as the ‘‘Task Force’’). 
(b) DUTIES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Task Force shall— 
(A) identify trade barriers to United States 
agricultural exports that are vulnerable to dis-
pute settlement under the World Trade Organi-
zation (‘‘WTO’’) or other trade agreements; 
(B) develop and implement a strategy for 
enforcing violations of trade agreements related 
to these trade barriers; 
(C) identify like-minded trading partners 
for specific trade barriers that could act as co- 
complainants or primary complainants on dis-
putes that are systemically or economically im-
portant to the United States; and 
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(D) report quarterly to Congress on 
progress towards resolving cases or filing dis-
putes. 
(2) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out its duties 
under this subsection, the Task Force shall regularly 
consult, to the extent necessary and appropriate, 
with the following: 
(A) Relevant stakeholders in the private 
sector, including the agricultural trade advisory 
committees. 
(B) Federal departments and agencies that 
are not represented on the Task Force. 
(C) Like-minded trading partners that are 
similarly concerned with trade barriers and are 
potential participants in the dispute settlement 
process. 
(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Task Force shall be 
comprised of the following members: 
(A) One or more employees of the Foreign 
Agricultural Service, who shall be appointed by 
the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Ag-
ricultural Affairs. 
(B) One of more employees of the Office of 
the United States Trade Representative, who 
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shall be appointed jointly by the General Coun-
sel for the Office of the United States Trade 
Representative and the Chief Agricultural Ne-
gotiator. 
(C) One or more employees of other Fed-
eral agencies as needed, who shall be appointed 
jointly by the officials specified in subpara-
graphs (A) and (B). 
(2) QUALIFICATION.—Employees of the Federal 
agencies specified in subparagraphs (A), (B), and 
(C) of paragraph (1) may be appointed as members 
of the Task Force only if such employees have ap-
propriate expertise in agricultural trade policy and 
trade enforcement. 
(d) REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, and on a quar-
terly basis thereafter, the Task Force shall submit 
to Congress a report on its progress in identifying 
and addressing trade barriers to United States agri-
cultural exports. 
(2) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.—The report 
required by this subsection shall include the fol-
lowing: 
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(A) A description of the systemic and eco-
nomically significant trade barriers that have 
been identified. 
(B) A justification for including the identi-
fied trade barriers. 
(C) A description of the progress that has 
been made in developing dispute settlement 
cases and further information that is required. 
(D) The current status of ongoing disputes 
at the WTO and implementation of panel, arbi-
tration, or Appellate Body decisions. 
(3) ADDITIONAL MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED IN 
INITIAL REPORT.—The initial report required by this 
subsection shall, in addition to the matters described 
in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of para-
graph (2), include a plan to file a request under the 
WTO dispute settlement process for consultations to 
address India’s minimum price supports. The plan 
shall include— 
(A) an identification of like-minded trading 
partners that could act as co-complainants or 
primary complainants with respect to the re-
quest; 
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(B) a description of specific claims the 
United States intends to make with respect to 
the request; and 
(C) a timeline to— 
(i) request consultations; and 
(ii) request the establishment of a 
panel not later than 60 days after the date 
of the request for consultations if India 
does not provide assurances that it will ad-
dress its minimum price supports. 
(e) CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFINGS.—The United States 
Trade Representative and the Secretary of Agriculture 
shall provide briefings on the Task Force to appropriate 
Members of Congress and congressional staff. 
SEC. 3312. REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL SHRIMP TRADE. 
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller 
General of the United States shall submit to the appro-
priate congressional committees a report that examines 
policy options available to the Secretary of Agriculture to 
boost the competitiveness of domestic shrimp in global and 
domestic markets. 
(b) CONTENTS.—The report required by subsection 
(a) shall— 
(1) include an analysis of— 
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(A) the Secretary’s authority with regard 
to shrimp and other seafood products; 
(B) domestic shrimp and other seafood 
producers’ access to financial support pro-
grams; and 
(C) ways to facilitate interagency coordina-
tion under existing authorities around common 
goals for shrimp and other seafood commodities 
with respect to tariffs, market access policies, 
and other nontariff barriers; and 
(2) identify trade or other legal barriers to 
United States shrimp and seafood production that 
are vulnerable to dispute settlement through the 
World Trade Organization or otherwise under bilat-
eral or multilateral trade agreements. 
(c) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.— 
In this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional com-
mittees’’ means— 
(1) the Committee on Agriculture of the House 
of Representatives; and 
(2) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
and Forestry of the Senate. 
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TITLE IV—NUTRITION 
Subtitle A—Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program 
SEC. 4101. DECLARATION OF POLICY. 
Section 2 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 2011) is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(a)’’ before ‘‘It’’, and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) Congress recognizes the supplemental nutrition 
assistance program allows low-income households to ob-
tain supplemental food for an active, healthy life that sup-
ports the prevention of— 
‘‘(1) diet-related chronic disease, including— 
‘‘(A) obesity; 
‘‘(B) diabetes; 
‘‘(C) hypertension; 
‘‘(D) heart disease; and 
‘‘(E) cancer; 
‘‘(2) disability; 
‘‘(3) premature death; 
‘‘(4) unsustainable health care costs; and 
‘‘(5) undermining of military readiness. 
‘‘(c) Accordingly, it is also the policy of the Congress 
that the Secretary should administer the supplemental nu-
trition assistance program in a manner that will provide 
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participants, especially children, access to a variety of 
foods essential to optimal health and well-being.’’. 
SEC. 4102. PROHIBITED FEES. 
Section 7(h)(13)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act 
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(13)(B)) is amended by striking 
‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 4103. SNAP STAFFING FLEXIBILITY. 
Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act (7 U.S.C. 
2020) is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(y) SNAP STAFFING FLEXIBILITY.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—Notwithstanding section 
11(e)(6)(B), a State agency (as defined in section 3 
of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008) may, by 
contract with the State agency at a reasonable cost 
in accordance with the State agency’s standard con-
tracting rules, hire a contractor to undertake supple-
mental nutrition assistance program certification or 
carry out any other function of the State agency 
under such program so long as— 
‘‘(A) the contract does not provide incen-
tives for the agency or contractor to delay eligi-
bility determinations or to deny eligibility for 
individuals otherwise eligible for supplemental 
nutrition assistance program benefits; and 
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‘‘(B) the contractor has no direct or indi-
rect financial interest in an approved retail 
store. 
‘‘(2) USE.—A State agency may use the au-
thority provided in paragraph (1) when— 
‘‘(A) the State experiences an inability to 
timely process supplemental nutrition assistance 
program applications from causes that include 
but are not limited to— 
‘‘(i) pandemics and other health emer-
gencies; 
‘‘(ii) seasonal workforce cycles; 
‘‘(iii) temporary staffing shortages; 
and 
‘‘(iv) weather or other natural disas-
ters; 
‘‘(B) the State’s payment error rate, as de-
fined in section 16, is greater than or equal to 
6 percent based on the most recent available 
Department of Agriculture data; or 
‘‘(C) the State experiences an increase in 
supplemental nutrition assistance program ap-
plications. 
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‘‘(3) REQUIREMENTS.—A State agency that 
hires a contractor under paragraph (1) shall ensure 
such action— 
‘‘(A) is consistent with all principles under 
section 900.603 of title 5 of the Code of Fed-
eral Regulations; and 
‘‘(B) is part of a blended workforce and 
does not supplant existing merit-based per-
sonnel in the State. 
‘‘(4) NOTIFICATION.—A State agency shall no-
tify the Secretary of its intent to use the authority 
provided in this section and shall provide any infor-
mation or data supporting State agency increases in 
supplemental nutrition assistance program applica-
tions or any inability to timely process such applica-
tions. 
‘‘(5) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—Not later than 10 
days after the date of the receipt of a notification 
submitted by a State agency under paragraph (4), 
the Secretary shall make publicly available on the 
website of the Department of Agriculture the notifi-
cation submitted by such State agency and any ac-
companying information or data supporting such no-
tification so submitted. 
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‘‘(6) PROGRAM DESIGN.—Any action taken by a 
State agency under paragraph (1) shall not be— 
‘‘(A) considered to be a major change in 
the operations of such State agency for pur-
poses of section 11(a)(4) of this Act, or 
‘‘(B) subject to any requirement specified 
in such section. 
‘‘(7) ANNUAL
REPORT.—The Secretary shall 
submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Ag-
riculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, an 
annual report that contains— 
‘‘(A) a description of measures taken to 
address increases in supplemental nutrition as-
sistance program applications and any inability 
to timely process such applications; 
‘‘(B) information or data supporting State 
agency notifications provided pursuant to para-
graph (4); and 
‘‘(C) recommendations for changes to the 
Secretary’s authority under this Act to assist 
the Secretary, States, and local governments of 
States in preparing for any future increases in 
supplemental nutrition assistance program ap-
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plications or inability to timely process such ap-
plications. 
‘‘(8) TEMPORARY
STAFFING
SHORTAGES.—In 
cases of temporary staffing shortages, the authority 
provided to State agencies under paragraph (1) 
shall— 
‘‘(A) expire when the backlog of supple-
mental nutrition assistance program applica-
tions has been eliminated; 
‘‘(B) not override any collective bargaining 
agreement or memorandum of understanding in 
effect between the State and employees of the 
State or of a local government of such State; 
and 
‘‘(C) expire when the error rate, as defined 
in section 16, is less than 6 percent.’’. 
SEC. 4104. UPDATES TO ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSES FOR 
SNAP RETAILERS. 
The 2d sentence of section 9(d) of the Food and Nu-
trition Act is amended by inserting ″, on two consecutive 
occasions within a 3 year period,″ after ″does not meet″. 
SEC. 4105. REPORT ON ALL IDENTIFIED PAYMENT ERRORS. 
Section 16(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
(7 U.S.C. 2025(c)) is amended— 
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(1) by redesignating paragraph (9) as para-
graph (10); and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (8) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(9) REPORT
ON
ALL
IDENTIFIED
PAYMENT 
ERRORS.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary shall 
include all identified payment errors, including 
small errors under paragraph (1)(A)(ii), regard-
less of dollar amount, in a supplemental section 
of the annual payment error rate measurement 
report for the supplemental nutrition assistance 
program. 
‘‘(B) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—The in-
formation reported under subparagraph (A) 
shall not alter, modify, or affect the calculation 
of the tolerance level for excluding small errors 
under paragraph (1)(A)(ii).’’. 
SEC. 4106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
The 1st sentence of section 18(a)(1) of the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2027(a)(1)) is amended 
by striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting ″‘‘2031’’. 
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SEC. 4107. RETAIL FOOD STORE AND RECIPIENT TRAF-
FICKING. 
Section 29(c)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036b) is amended by striking ‘‘2023’’ 
and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 4108. EBT CARD SECURITY REGULATIONS. 
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate, 
in the form of a proposed rule, regulations through notice 
and comment rulemaking to enhance EBT Card (as de-
fined in section 3(i) of the Food and Nutrition Act; 7 
U.S.C. 2012(i)) security measures. 
SEC. 4109. REPORT ON SNAP ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. 
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House 
of Representatives, and the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, a report that— 
(1) examines the causes of State variation in 
supplemental nutrition assistance program adminis-
trative costs and identifies the factors most likely to 
contribute to an increase in these costs; and 
(2) provides recommendations on how the De-
partment of Agriculture and Congress can improve 
oversight of administrative costs in the program. 
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SEC. 4110. ANIMAL PROTEIN AN ELIGIBLE INCENTIVE 
FOOD. 
Section 9(j)(1)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2018(j)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting 
‘‘animal protein,’’ after ‘‘whole grain,’’. 
SEC. 4111. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL 
NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ONLINE 
PURCHASING. 
Section 7 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 2016) is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(l) ONLINE PURCHASING PROGRAM.— 
‘‘(1) PERMANENT AUTHORITY.—Not later than 
120 days after the effective date of this subsection, 
the Secretary shall begin transitioning the supple-
mental nutrition assistance program online pur-
chasing initiative from pilot or demonstration status 
to permanent nationwide program operations, with 
the completion of the regulations marking the end of 
the transition. 
‘‘(2) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary shall issue 
such regulations and guidance as may be necessary 
to carry out paragraph (1), including provisions re-
lated to program integrity, consumer protections, 
and equitable access in rural areas. Such regulations 
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shall be issued not later than 1 year after the effec-
tive date of this subsection. 
‘‘(3) STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION.—The Sec-
retary shall establish a formal process for consulta-
tion with State agencies, authorized retailers, elec-
tronic benefit transfer processors, consumer advo-
cates, and other relevant stakeholders to incorporate 
lessons learned from online purchasing operations 
during the period of 2014 through 2025. 
‘‘(4) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 
120 days after the effective date of this subsection, 
the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Ag-
riculture of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
of the Senate a report describing the consultation 
process and recommendations received.’’. 
SEC. 4112. EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. 
(a) EMERGENCY FOOD PROGRAM INFRASTRUCTURE 
GRANTS.—Section 209(d) of the Emergency Food Assist-
ance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7511a(d)) is amended by 
striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
(b) AVAILABILITY OF COMMODITIES FOR THE EMER-
GENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.—Section 27(a)(1) 
of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
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2036(a)(1)) is amended by striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting 
‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 4113. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RES-
ERVATIONS. 
Section 4(b)(6)(E) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)(6)(E)) is amended by striking 
‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
Subtitle B—Commodity 
Distribution Programs 
SEC. 4201. COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM. 
(a) EXPANSION OF THE SENIORS FARMERS’ MARKET 
NUTRITION PROGRAM.—Section 4402 of the Farm Secu-
rity and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007) 
is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘2008 through 
2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2027 through 2031’’; and 
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ‘‘and 
herbs’’ and inserting ‘‘herbs, maple syrup, and tree 
nuts (including shelled tree nuts)’’. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—The 1st 
sentence of section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer 
Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note) is amended 
by striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
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SEC. 4202. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM. 
Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protec-
tion Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93– 
86) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘2023’’ 
and inserting ‘‘2031’’, and 
(B) in paragraph (2)(B), in the matter 
preceding clause (i), by striking ‘‘2023’’ and in-
serting ‘‘2031’’, 
(2) in subsection (d)(2), in the 1st sentence, by 
striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2031’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(n) COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM 
DELIVERY PILOT PROGRAM.— 
‘‘(1) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this subsection 
is to award grants for the operation of projects that 
increase the access of low-income elderly persons to 
commodities through home delivery or other means 
and to evaluate such projects. 
‘‘(2) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall award, 
on a competitive basis, grants directly to State agen-
cies, or to State agencies on behalf of eligible enti-
ties, to carry out the activities described in para-
graph (5). 
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‘‘(3) 
MAXIMUM
GRANT
AWARD.—A 
grant 
awarded to a State agency under this subsection 
shall not exceed— 
‘‘(A) the greater of— 
‘‘(i) the State’s commodity supple-
mental food program caseload at time of 
application multiplied by 60; or 
‘‘(ii) $10,000; or 
‘‘(B) $4,000,000; 
whichever is less. 
‘‘(4) APPLICATION.—A State agency seeking a 
grant under this subsection shall submit to the Sec-
retary an application in such form, at such time, 
and containing such information as the Secretary 
may require. 
‘‘(5) GRANT USES.—A State agency awarded a 
grant under this subsection shall distribute grant 
funds to eligible entities to operate projects that fa-
cilitate delivery of commodities to participants in the 
commodity supplemental food program, including 
with respect to costs associated with— 
‘‘(A) transportation and distribution of 
commodities to participants in the commodity 
supplemental food program, including transpor-
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tation and distribution services provided by a 
third party; 
‘‘(B) staffing required to operate delivery 
services; and 
‘‘(C) outreach to participants or potential 
participants in the commodity supplemental 
food program with respect to home delivery. 
‘‘(6) PRIORITY.—A State agency awarded a 
grant under this subsection must prioritize eligible 
entities that serve participants in the commodity 
supplemental food program who reside in a rural 
area. 
‘‘(7) REPORT TO THE SECRETARY.—Not later 
than 180 days after the end of the fiscal year in 
which a State agency is awarded a grant under this 
subsection and has distributed grant funds to eligi-
ble entities, and in each succeeding fiscal year until 
grant funds are expended, a State agency shall sub-
mit a report to the Secretary that includes— 
‘‘(A) a summary of the activities carried 
out under the project, including the quantity of 
commodities delivered, number of participants 
in the commodity supplemental food program 
served, and total number of deliveries; 
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‘‘(B) an assessment of the effectiveness of 
the project, including a calculation of the aver-
age cost per delivery, and an evaluation of any 
services provided by a third party; and 
‘‘(C) best practices regarding use of home 
delivery to improve the effectiveness of the com-
modity supplemental food program. 
‘‘(8) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: 
‘‘(A) TERMS IN REGULATIONS.—The term 
‘State agency’, ‘local agency’, and ‘subdistrib-
uting agency’ have the meanings given such 
terms in section 247.1 of title 7 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (or any successor regula-
tions). 
‘‘(B) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘eligi-
ble entity’ means— 
‘‘(i) a local agency; 
‘‘(ii) a subdistributing agency; 
‘‘(C) RURAL AREA.—The term ‘rural area’ 
has the meaning given such term in section 
343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)). 
‘‘(9) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.— 
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
this subsection $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
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2027 through 2031 to remain available until ex-
pended.’’. 
SEC. 4203. DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS COMMODITIES TO 
SPECIAL NUTRITION PROJECTS. 
Section 1114(a)(2)(A) of the Agriculture and Food 
Act of 1981 (7 U.S.C. 1431e(2)(A)) is amended by strik-
ing ‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 4204. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM 
DEMONSTRATION PROJECT FOR TRIBAL OR-
GANIZATIONS. 
(a) DEMONSTRATION PROJECT FOR TRIBAL ORGANI-
ZATIONS.— 
(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: 
(A) DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.—The term 
‘‘demonstration project’’ means the demonstra-
tion project established under paragraph (2). 
(B) FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM.—The 
term ‘‘food distribution program’’ means the 
commodity supplemental food program identi-
fied in section 4 of the Agriculture and Con-
sumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c 
note; Public Law 93–86). 
(C) INDIAN RESERVATION.—The term ‘‘In-
dian reservation’’ has the meaning given the 
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term ‘‘reservation’’ in section 3 of the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012). 
(D) INDIAN
TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian 
Tribe’’ has the meaning given the term in sec-
tion 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). 
(E) SELF-DETERMINATION
CONTRACT.— 
The term ‘‘self-determination contract’’ has the 
meaning given the term in section 4 of the In-
dian Self-Determination and Education Assist-
ance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304) with modification as 
determined by the Secretary. 
(F) TRIBAL
ORGANIZATION.—The term 
‘‘Tribal organization’’ has the meaning given 
the term in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition 
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012). 
(2) ESTABLISHMENT.—Subject to the avail-
ability of appropriations, the Secretary shall estab-
lish a demonstration project under which 1 or more 
Tribal organizations may enter into self-determina-
tion contracts to purchase agricultural commodities 
under the food distribution program for the Indian 
reservation of that Tribal organization. 
(3) ELIGIBILITY.— 
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(A) CONSULTATION.—The Secretary shall 
consult with Indian Tribes to determine the 
process and criteria under which a Tribal orga-
nization may participate in the demonstration 
project. 
(B) CRITERIA.—The Secretary shall select 
for participation in the demonstration project 
Tribal organizations that— 
(i) are successfully administering the 
food distribution program of the Tribal or-
ganization under section 4(b)(2)(B) of the 
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2013(b)(2)(B)); 
(ii) have the capacity to purchase ag-
ricultural commodities in accordance with 
paragraph (4) for the food distribution 
program of the Tribal organization; and 
(iii) meet any other criteria deter-
mined by the Secretary, in consultation 
with the Secretary of the Interior and In-
dian tribes. 
(4) PROCUREMENT
OF
AGRICULTURAL
COM-
MODITIES.—Any agricultural commodities purchased 
by a Tribal organization under the demonstration 
project shall— 
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(A) be domestically produced; 
(B) not result in a material increase in the 
amount of food in the food package of that 
Tribal organization compared to the amount of 
food that the Secretary authorized to be pro-
vided through the Commodity Supplemental 
Food Program Guide Rate; 
(C) be of similar or higher nutritional 
value as the type of agricultural commodities 
that would be supplanted in the existing food 
package for that Tribal organization or be an 
agricultural commodity with Tribal significance 
to that Indian Tribe; and 
(D) meet any other criteria determined by 
the Secretary. 
(5) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date on which funds are appropriated under para-
graph (6) and annually thereafter, the Secretary 
shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Ag-
riculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
report describing the activities carried out under the 
demonstration project during the preceding year. 
(6) FUNDING.— 
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(A) 
AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIA-
TIONS.—There is authorized to be appropriated 
to carry out this subsection $1,000,000, to re-
main available until expended. 
(B) APPROPRIATIONS IN ADVANCE.—Only 
funds appropriated under subparagraph (A) in 
advance specifically to carry out this subsection 
shall be available to carry out this subsection. 
(b) ADMINISTRATION OF TRIBAL SELF-DETERMINA-
TION CONTRACTS.— 
(1) ADMINISTRATION.—The Secretary shall ap-
point an existing office of the United States Depart-
ment of Agriculture to administer Tribal self-deter-
mination contracts to include but not limited to: 
(A) awarding of Food and Nutrition Serv-
ice nutrition program self-determination con-
tracts to selected Tribal organizations; and 
(B) hiring contract officers and program 
staff in order to manage the selection of Tribal 
organizations and execution of self-determina-
tion contracts. 
(2) STAFFING
MINIMUM
FUNDING.—Notwith-
standing any other provision of law, there is author-
ized to be appropriated $1,200,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031 for the payment of De-
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partment contract officers and program staff sala-
ries and benefits. 
Subtitle C—Miscellaneous 
SEC. 4301. PURCHASE OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES 
FOR DISTRIBUTION TO SCHOOLS AND SERV-
ICE INSTITUTIONS. 
Section 10603(b) of the Farm Security and Rural In-
vestment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 612c-4(b)) is amended 
by striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 4302. BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN 
SCHOOL MEALS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 12(n)(2)(A) of the Rich-
ard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 
1760(n)(2)(A)) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(A) REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(i) PURCHASE
EXPENDITURES
BY 
CATEGORY.—Subject to clause (ii) and 
subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall re-
quire that a school food authority pur-
chase, with respect to each food purchase 
category designated by the Agricultural 
Marketing Service, at least 95 percent do-
mestic products and commodities in each 
such category. 
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‘‘(ii) DOMESTICALLY
UNAVAILABLE 
PRODUCTS
AND
COMMODITIES.—Domesti-
cally unavailable products and commodities 
included on a list issued pursuant to clause 
(iii) with respect to a school year and pur-
chased by a school food authority during 
such school year shall not be used to cal-
culate whether such school food authority 
meets the requirements under clause (i). 
‘‘(iii) UPDATED LIST.—Not later than 
6 months after the date of the enactment 
of this subparagraph, and every 2 years 
thereafter, the Secretary shall make avail-
able to school food authorities a list of do-
mestically unavailable products and com-
modities. 
‘‘(iv) LIMITED WAIVER AUTHORITY.— 
Except with respect to a domestically un-
available product or commodity included on 
a list pursuant to clause (iii), the Secretary 
may not waive or make accommodations 
for any of the requirements of this sub-
paragraph. 
‘‘(v) PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN PROD-
UCTS FROM CHINA OR RUSSIA.—The Sec-
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220 
retary shall prohibit school food authorities 
from purchasing raw or processed poultry 
products or seafood imported into the 
United States from the People’s Republic 
of China or the Russian Federation.’’. 
(b) APPLICATION.—The amendments made by sub-
section (a) shall apply to school food authorities beginning 
on the first day of the first school year that begins after 
the date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 4303. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE GUS SCHUMACHER 
NUTRITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM. 
Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7517) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by amending sub-
paragraph (C) to read as follows: 
‘‘(C) FEDERAL SHARE.— 
‘‘(i) IN
GENERAL.—Except as pro-
vided in clause (ii) and subparagraph 
(D)(iii), the Federal share of the cost of 
carrying out an activity under this sub-
section shall not exceed 50 percent of the 
total cost of the activity. 
‘‘(ii) WAIVER FOR PERSISTENT POV-
ERTY
AREAS.—The Secretary may waive 
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the application of clause (i) in the case of 
an activity carried out— 
‘‘(I) in a county that, during the 
preceding 30-year period has had a 
population of which greater than or 
equal to 20 percent of such population 
are living in poverty (as measured by 
the most recent decennial censuses 
and most recent Small Area Income 
and Poverty Estimates of the Bureau 
of the Census); or 
‘‘(II) in a census tract with a 
poverty rate of at least 20 percent 
during the preceding 30-year period, 
as measured by the most recent 5- 
year data series available from the 
American Community Survey of the 
Bureau of the Census.’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (2)(B)— 
(i) by redesignating clauses (ix) and 
(x) as clauses (x) and (xi); and 
(ii) by inserting after clause (viii) the 
following: 
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‘‘(ix) increase year-round availability 
of incentives by offering all forms of fruits 
or vegetables;’’; 
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘fresh fruits 
and vegetables’’ and inserting ‘‘all forms of fruits, 
vegetables, and legumes’’ each place it appears; and 
(3) in subsection (f)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘2023’’ 
and inserting ‘‘2031’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘2023’’ 
each place it appears and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 4304. FOOD LOSS AND WASTE REDUCTION LIAISON AN-
NUAL REPORT. 
Section 224(e)(2) of the Department of Agriculture 
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6924(e)(2)) is 
amended— 
(1) in the heading, by inserting ‘‘ANNUAL’’ be-
fore ‘‘REPORT’’; 
(2) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), 
by inserting ‘‘and annually thereafter,’’ before ‘‘the 
Secretary shall’’; 
(3) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(4) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period 
at the end and inserting a semicolon; and 
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(5) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(C) a general description of each project 
and activity implemented pursuant to this sec-
tion; 
‘‘(D) a summary of the cooperative agree-
ments entered into pursuant to subsection (c); 
‘‘(E) a detailed account of how the Sec-
retary avoided, managed, or will manage mar-
ket disruption; and 
‘‘(F) a summary of coordinated activities 
with the Administrator of the Environmental 
Protection Agency and the Commissioner of the 
Food and Drug Administration, including inter-
agency communication and coordination related 
to the promotion or exclusion of practices and 
technologies to limit food waste.’’. 
SEC. 4305. DAIRY NUTRITION INCENTIVES PROJECTS. 
Section 4208 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
2018 (7 U.S.C. 2026a) is amended— 
(1) in the section heading, by striking 
‘‘HEALTHY FLUID MILK’’ and inserting ‘‘DAIRY 
NUTRITION’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘healthy fluid milk’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘dairy nutrition’’ each place it appears; 
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(3) by amending subsection (a) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) COVERED
DAIRY
PRODUCTS.—The term 
‘covered dairy products’ means cheese (including 
non-standardized cheese) that is— 
‘‘(A) made from pasteurized cow’s milk; 
‘‘(B) a good source of protein, as deter-
mined by the Secretary; and 
‘‘(C) sold as a block, chunk, shred, slice, 
stick, string, or in snack-size form. 
‘‘(2) FLUID
MILK.—The term ‘fluid milk’ 
means all varieties of pasteurized cow’s milk that— 
‘‘(A) is packaged in liquid form; and 
‘‘(B) contains vitamins A and D at levels 
consistent with the Food and Drug Administra-
tion, State, and local standards for fluid milk.’’; 
(4) in subsection (b), by inserting ‘‘and covered 
dairy products’’ after ‘‘of fluid milk’’ each place it 
appears; 
(5) in subsection (c)(3), by inserting ‘‘and cov-
ered dairy products’’ after ‘‘purchase of fluid milk’’; 
and 
(6) 
in 
subsection 
(e)(1), 
by 
striking 
‘‘$20,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$50,000,000’’. 
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SEC. 4306. LOCAL FARMERS FEEDING OUR COMMUNITIES 
PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
establish a program under which the Secretary will enter 
into cooperative agreements (on a noncompetitive basis) 
with eligible entities— 
(1) to help support covered local producers 
through building and expanding economic opportuni-
ties; 
(2) to establish and broaden partnerships with 
such covered local producers and the food distribu-
tion community to ensure distribution of fresh (in-
cluding fresh frozen) and nutritious foods; and 
(3) to strengthen such entity’s local and re-
gional food security and systems. 
(b) USE OF FUNDS.—An eligible entity selected to 
enter into a cooperative agreement under this section shall 
use funds received through such agreement— 
(1) to purchase unprocessed or minimally proc-
essed local foods (including seafood, meat, milk and 
dairy products, eggs, produce, and poultry) from 
covered producers; 
(2) to ensure that at least 25 percent of the 
total annual value of products purchased by the eli-
gible entity comprises purchases from small-size pro-
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ducers, mid-size producers, beginning farmers or 
ranchers, or veteran farmers or ranchers; 
(3) to provide technical assistance supporting— 
(A) covered local producers, including in 
obtaining food safety training and certifications; 
and 
(B) efforts to grow the local agricultural 
value chain; 
(4) to distribute such local foods to organiza-
tions, including nonprofit organizations, that have 
experience in food distribution to improve access to 
healthy and nutritious food; and 
(5) to build and expand economic opportunity 
for covered local producers. 
(c) LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Of the amount made avail-
able to an eligible entity through a cooperative 
agreement under this section, an eligible entity may 
use not more than 15 percent of such amount— 
(A) to cover administrative expenses; and 
(B) to provide technical assistance de-
scribed in subsection (b)(3); 
(2) ALLOCATION
FOR
TECHNICAL
ASSIST-
ANCE.—Of the amount described in paragraph (1), 
an eligible entity shall use not less than 50 percent 
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to provide technical assistance described in sub-
section (b)(3). 
(d) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
TO ELIGIBLE ENTI-
TIES.—The Secretary shall provide to eligible entities en-
tering into a cooperative agreement under this section 
guidance, technical assistance, instruction, and monitoring 
throughout the life cycle of the cooperative agreement. 
(e) AMOUNT
OF ALLOCATION.—Of the amounts 
made available to carry out this section for each fiscal 
year, the Secretary shall— 
(1) allocate 10 percent to Tribal governments, 
to be allocated using a funding formula determined 
by the Secretary; and 
(2) of the amounts remaining after making the 
allocation under paragraph (1), allocate 1 percent to 
each State (other than Tribal governments); and 
(3) after making the allocations under para-
graphs (1) and (2), allocate the remaining amounts 
to each eligible entity (other than Tribal govern-
ments) by applying the formula described in section 
214 of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 
(7 U.S.C. 7515). 
(f) FUNDING.—There is authorized to be appro-
priated to carry out this section $200,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2027 through 2031. 
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(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) BEGINNING
FARMER
OR
RANCHER; VET-
ERAN FARMER OR RANCHER.—The terms ‘‘beginning 
farmer or rancher’’ and ‘‘veteran farmer or rancher’’ 
have the meanings given such terms in section 2501 
of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279). 
(2) COVERED PRODUCER.—The term ‘‘covered 
producer’’ means a fisherman, farmer, producer, 
rancher, processor, or cooperative processor that 
is— 
(A) within the geographic boundaries of 
the eligible entity in which the food will be de-
livered; or 
(B) not more than 400 miles from the de-
livery destination of the food. 
(3) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘‘eligible enti-
ty’’ means a State agency, commission, or depart-
ment that is responsible for agriculture, procure-
ment, food distribution, emergency response, or 
other similar activities within the State. 
(4) MID-SIZE PRODUCER.—The term ‘‘medium- 
sized producer’’ means an individual whose annual 
gross cash farm income is equal to or exceeds 
$350,000 and is less than $999,999. 
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(5) SMALL-SIZE PRODUCER.—The term ‘‘small- 
sized producer’’ means one whose annual gross cash 
farm income is less than $350,000. 
(6) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means each of 
the several States, the District of Columbia, each 
territory or possession of the United States, and 
each federally recognized Indian Tribe. 
(7) UNPROCESSED OR MINIMALLY PROCESSED 
LOCAL
FOODS.—The term ‘‘unprocessed or mini-
mally processed local foods’’ means food products 
means only those agricultural products that retain 
their inherent character. Such term includes— 
(A) fruits and vegetables (including 100 
percent juices); 
(B) grain products, such as pastas and 
rice; 
(C) meats (including whole carcasses, 
pieces thereof, or ground meat); 
(D) protein sources that are meat alter-
natives (such as beans or legumes) and fluid 
milk and other dairy foods (such as cheese and 
yogurt); and 
(E) foods in a wide variety of minimal 
processing states (such as whole, cut, or pu-
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reed) or forms (such as fresh, frozen, canned, 
or dried). 
SEC. 4307. HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE. 
Section 243(d) of the Department of Agriculture Re-
organization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6953(d)) is amended 
by 
striking 
‘‘$125,000,000’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘$135,000,000’’. 
SEC. 4308. DIETARY GUIDELINES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 301(a) of the National 
Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 
(7 U.S.C. 5341(a)) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘At least every five years’’ 
and inserting ‘‘Beginning with the 2030 report 
and at least every 10 years thereafter,’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘Rulemaking requirements under section 553 of 
title 5, United States Code, shall apply to the 
development of each report under this para-
graph.’’; 
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘shall be 
based on the preponderance of the scientific and 
medical knowledge which is current at the time the 
report is prepared.’’ and inserting ‘‘shall— 
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‘‘(A) be based on significant scientific 
agreement that is determined by evidence-based 
review (as defined in paragraph (8)(A)); 
‘‘(B) be current at the time the report is 
prepared; 
‘‘(C) be derived from questions generated 
under paragraph (5)(E); 
‘‘(D) address high-priority areas of concern 
to advance health outcomes; 
‘‘(E) be designed to achieve nutritional 
adequacy and promote health, as specified by 
the Food and Nutrition Board of the National 
Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medi-
cine, from the consumption of food, including 
nutrients and bioactive food components occur-
ring naturally and in fortified foods; 
‘‘(F) include nutritional and dietary infor-
mation relevant to individuals with nutrition-re-
lated common chronic diseases, as defined by 
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 
and 
‘‘(G) include recommendations that are af-
fordable, available, and accessible for the gen-
eral population.’’; 
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(3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as para-
graph (7); 
(4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(3) FREQUENCY.—The Secretaries may pub-
lish the report required under paragraph (1) more 
frequently than required under that paragraph if the 
Secretaries determine that more frequent publication 
is necessary to promote health, based on the updated 
dietary reference intake values specified by— 
‘‘(A) the Food and Nutrition Board of the 
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering 
and Medicine; and 
‘‘(B) other relevant scientific advancements 
based on continuous monitoring of the totality 
of publicly available scientific evidence. 
‘‘(4) NOTIFICATION OF UPDATE.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 90 
days before the Secretaries plan to update a re-
port under paragraph (1), the Secretaries shall 
submit notification of that plan, in writing, to 
the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
Forestry and Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions of the Senate and the Committees on 
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Agriculture and Energy and Commerce of the 
House of Representatives. 
‘‘(B) 
JUSTIFICATION.—The 
notification 
under subparagraph (A) shall include a jus-
tification for updating the report. 
‘‘(5) INDEPENDENT ADVISORY BOARD.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 90 
days after the Secretaries submit a notification 
under paragraph (4)(A), the Secretaries shall 
establish an Independent Advisory Board (re-
ferred to in this paragraph as the ‘Board’). 
‘‘(B) MEMBERS.—The Board shall be com-
prised of at least 4 members and not more than 
8 members, of which— 
‘‘(i) 4 shall be appointed by the Secre-
taries, 2 of whom shall not be Federal em-
ployees; and 
‘‘(ii) 1 may be appointed by each of 
the highest-ranking Member of Congress 
on each Committee described in paragraph 
(4)(A) of the opposite political party of the 
President of the United States at the time 
of the appointment. 
‘‘(C) 
EXPERTISE.—Each 
member 
ap-
pointed to the Board shall have expertise in nu-
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trition science or food science, including aca-
demic and applied experience. 
‘‘(D) MEETINGS.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The first meeting 
of the Board— 
‘‘(I) may only take place on or 
after the date that 4 members are ap-
pointed to the Board under subpara-
graph (B); and 
‘‘(II) shall take place on or after 
the date that is 90 days after the Sec-
retaries submit a notification under 
paragraph (4)(A). 
‘‘(ii) QUORUM.—A majority of the 
members shall constitute a quorum for the 
transaction of the business of the Board. 
‘‘(E) DUTIES.—Not later than 1 year after 
the establishment of the Board, the Board shall 
submit to the Secretaries and the Committees 
described in paragraph (4)(A) a list of scientific 
questions relating to the report for purposes of 
paragraph (2)(C). 
‘‘(F) TERMINATION.—The authority of the 
Board shall terminate, and the Board shall dis-
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band, immediately after carrying out subpara-
graph (E). 
‘‘(6) EXCLUSION.—The information and guide-
lines contained in each report required under para-
graph (1) shall not be based on or include topics 
that are not relevant to dietary guidance, as deter-
mined by the Secretaries, in consultation with the 
Independent Advisory Board established under para-
graph (5), including taxation, social welfare policies, 
purchases under Federal feeding programs, food and 
agricultural production practices, food labeling, so-
cioeconomic status, race, religion, ethnicity, culture, 
or regulations relating to nutrition.’’; and 
(5) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(8) EVIDENCE BASED REVIEW.— 
‘‘(A) DEFINITION.—In this paragraph, the 
term ‘evidence-based review’ means a process 
under which— 
‘‘(i) the totality of the scientific evi-
dence relevant to a question of interest is 
collected, analyzed, and evaluated; 
‘‘(ii) scientific studies, conclusions, 
and recommendations are rated, adhering 
strictly to standardized, generally accepted 
evidence-based review methods; and 
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‘‘(iii) external peer review is con-
ducted by non-government experts with 
recognized expertise in quality of evidence 
evaluation. 
‘‘(B) STRENGTH
OF
EVIDENCE.—Each 
guideline contained in a report published under 
paragraph (1) shall be assigned a rating by the 
Secretaries for the strength of evidence used, 
including to the extent by which the guideline 
will improve the Healthy Eating Index. 
‘‘(9) TRANSPARENCY.— 
‘‘(A) DISCLOSURE.—Any individual ap-
pointed to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory 
Committee or an Independent Advisory Board 
established under paragraph (5) shall— 
‘‘(i) be appointed as a special govern-
ment employee; 
‘‘(ii) comply with financial disclosure 
requirements applicable to such a special 
government employee under subpart I of 
part 2634 of title 5, Code of Federal Regu-
lations (or successor regulations), including 
the requirement to file the Office of Gov-
ernment Ethics Form 450 (or successor 
Form); and 
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‘‘(iii) prior to such an appointment, 
provide a report to the Secretaries regard-
ing, for the 10-year period preceding such 
report, any research funding or profes-
sional affiliation relating to a report under 
paragraph (1). 
‘‘(B) PUBLICATION.—Notwithstanding any 
other provision of law, not later than 30 days 
after the date on which a Dietary Guidelines 
Advisory Committee or an Independent Advi-
sory Board is established, the Secretaries shall 
make publicly available— 
‘‘(i) a summary of the financial disclo-
sures reported by members of such Com-
mittee or Board; 
‘‘(ii) the research funding and profes-
sional affiliations reported by such mem-
bers under subparagraph (A)(iii), cat-
egorized by the name of the individual; and 
‘‘(iii) a detailed plan for managing 
any disclosed conflicts of interest, includ-
ing financial or ethical conflicts of interest, 
preferences, values, and beliefs.’’. 
(b) CONTROLLING
REPORT.—The 2025 Dietary 
Guidelines for Americans published by the Secretaries 
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under subsection (a)(1) of section 301 of the National Nu-
trition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 
U.S.C. 5341(a)(1)) shall be controlling and considered to 
be the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans until 
the publication of the first report under such subsection 
in accordance with the amendments made to such section 
by this Act. 
TITLE V—CREDIT 
Subtitle A—Farm Ownership Loans 
SEC. 5101. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR REAL ESTATE LOANS. 
Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(a)) is amended— 
(1) in the 2nd sentence of paragraph (1), by 
striking ‘‘a majority’’ each place it appears and in-
serting ‘‘at least a 50 percent’’; 
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs 
(A) and (B) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(A) ELIGIBILITY OF QUALIFIED OPERA-
TORS.—Qualified operators, as defined by the 
Secretary, shall be considered to meet the oper-
ator requirement of paragraph (1). 
‘‘(B) ELIGIBILITY
OF
CERTAIN
OPER-
ATING-ONLY ENTITIES.— An applicant that is 
or will become only the operator of farm real 
estate acquired, improved, or supported with 
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funds under this subtitle shall be considered to 
meet the owner-operator requirements of para-
graph (1) if 1 or more of the individuals who 
is an owner of the farm real estate owns at 
least 50 percent (or such other percentage as 
the Secretary determines is appropriate) of the 
applicant. 
‘‘(C) ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN EMBEDDED 
ENTITIES.—An entity that is an owner-operator 
described in paragraph (1), or an operator de-
scribed in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph 
that is owned, in whole or in part, by 1 or more 
other entities, shall be considered to meet the 
direct ownership requirement imposed under 
paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the total 
ownership interests of the embedded entity, or 
of the other entities, is owned, directly or indi-
rectly, by qualified operators of the farm ac-
quired, improved, or supported with funds 
under this subtitle.’’. 
SEC. 5102. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS. 
Section 302(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(b)) is amended— 
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(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding 
subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘3 years’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘2 years’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (4)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A)— 
(i) in the matter preceding clause 
(i)— 
(I) by striking ‘‘3-year’’ and in-
serting ‘‘2-year’’; and 
(II) by striking ‘‘1 or 2 years’’ 
and inserting ‘‘1 year’’; 
(ii) in clause (iii), by inserting ‘‘or 
operational’’ before ‘‘responsibilities’’; 
(iii) in clause (vii), by striking ‘‘or’’; 
and 
(iv) by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(ix) met any other criteria estab-
lished by the Secretary; or’’; and 
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘3- 
year’’ and inserting ‘‘2- year’’. 
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SEC. 5103. REFINANCING OF INDEBTEDNESS INTO DIRECT 
LOANS. 
Section 303 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural De-
velopment Act (7 U.S.C. 1923) is amended by adding at 
the end the following: 
‘‘(d) REFINANCING OF GUARANTEED LOANS INTO 
DIRECT LOANS.—Within 1 year after the date of the en-
actment of this subsection, the Secretary, acting through 
the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency (referred 
to in this section as the ‘Secretary’), shall promulgate reg-
ulations allowing certain loans guaranteed by the Farm 
Service Agency to be refinanced into direct loans issued 
by the Farm Service Agency, in accordance with this sub-
section. 
‘‘(1) REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—A guaranteed loan 
may be refinanced into a direct loan pursuant 
to this subsection only if the Secretary deter-
mines that— 
‘‘(i) the guaranteed loan is distressed 
due to its status as a non-performing loan 
that does not have a positive cash flow at 
rates and terms available from the lender; 
‘‘(ii) the borrower on the guaranteed 
loan is in monetary default and subject to 
liquidation or foreclosure action; 
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‘‘(iii) a reasonable chance for the suc-
cess of the operation financed by the guar-
anteed loan exists; and 
‘‘(iv) all other criteria established by 
the Secretary for purposes of this sub-
section to protect taxpayer funds and the 
loan programs of the Farm Service Agency 
have been satisfied. 
‘‘(B) REASONABLE
CHANCE
OF
SUC-
CESS.—For purposes of subparagraph (A)(iii), 
the Secretary may determine that a reasonable 
chance for the success of an operation exists if 
the Secretary determines that— 
‘‘(i) all relevant problems with the op-
eration financed by the guaranteed loan— 
‘‘(I) have been identified; and 
‘‘(II) can be corrected; and 
‘‘(ii) on correction of the problems, 
the operation can achieve, or be returned 
to, a sound financial basis. 
‘‘(2) LOAN PROGRAMS.—In making direct loans 
pursuant to the regulations promulgated under this 
subsection, the Secretary may refinance a loan guar-
anteed under 1 program of the Farm Service Agency 
into a direct loan issued under another program of 
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the Farm Service Agency, as the Secretary deter-
mines to be appropriate and in accordance with the 
laws applicable to the program under which the di-
rect loan is issued. 
‘‘(3) REFINANCED GUARANTEED LOANS.—A di-
rect loan issued by the Farm Service Agency pursu-
ant to the regulations promulgated under subsection 
(a) of this section shall be subject to any otherwise 
applicable limitation on the maximum amount of a 
direct loan issued by the Farm Service Agency, in-
cluding, if applicable, the limitations described in 
sections 305 and 313.’’. 
SEC. 5104. CONSERVATION LOAN AND LOAN GUARANTEE 
PROGRAM. 
Section 304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural De-
velopment Act (7 U.S.C. 1924) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (d)— 
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘1985.’’ 
and inserting ‘‘1985 (16 U.S.C. 3812); and’’; 
and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(4) producers who use the loans to adopt pre-
cision agriculture practices or acquire precision agri-
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culture technologies, including adoption or acquisi-
tion for the purpose of participating in the environ-
mental quality incentives program under subchapter 
A of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.).’’; 
and 
(2) in subsection (h), by striking ‘‘2023’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
SEC. 5105. LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT OF FARM OWNERSHIP 
LOANS. 
Section 305(a)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1925(a)(2)) is amended 
by striking ‘‘$600,000, or, in the case of a loan guaranteed 
by the Secretary, $1,750,000 (increased, beginning with 
fiscal year 2019’’ and inserting ‘‘$850,000, or, in the case 
of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $3,500,000 (in-
creased, beginning with fiscal year 2026’’. 
SEC. 5106. INFLATION PERCENTAGE. 
Section 305(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1925(c)) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘of the Prices 
Paid By Farmers Index (as compiled by the Na-
tional Agricultural Statistics Service of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture) for the 12-month period ending 
on July 31 of the immediately preceding fiscal year’’ 
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and inserting ‘‘of the per acre average United States 
farm real estate value, the per acre average United 
States cropland value, and the per acre average 
United States pasture value for the preceding year 
(as published in the applicable Agricultural Land 
Values report of the National Agricultural Statistics 
Service of the Department of Agriculture), weighted 
equally’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘of such index 
(as so defined) for the 12-month period that imme-
diately precedes the 12-month period described in 
paragraph (1)’’ and inserting ‘‘of the per acre aver-
age United States farm real estate value, the per 
acre average United States cropland value, and the 
per acre average United States pasture value for the 
year immediately preceding the year described in 
paragraph (1) (as so published), weighted equally’’. 
SEC. 5107. AUTHORITY OF FARM CREDIT SYSTEM INSTITU-
TIONS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR 
ESSENTIAL RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES 
PROJECTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Farm Credit Act of 1971 is 
amended by inserting after section 4.18A (12 U.S.C. 
2206a) the following: 
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‘‘SEC. 4.18B. ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—A Farm Credit Bank, direct 
lender association, or bank for cooperatives chartered 
under this Act may, for the purpose of making available 
capital to develop, build, maintain, improve, or provide re-
lated equipment or other support for essential community 
facilities in rural areas, make and participate in loans and 
commitments, and extend other technical and financial as-
sistance for projects for essential community facilities eli-
gible for financing under section 306(a) of the Consoli-
dated Farm and Rural Development Act. 
‘‘(b) ELIGIBILITY.—Only an entity eligible for financ-
ing under section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act may receive financing or any other 
assistance under subsection (a) of this section. 
‘‘(c) LIMITATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) FINANCING.—A Farm Credit System insti-
tution described in subsection (a) shall not provide 
financing or assistance under this section in an ag-
gregate amount that exceeds 15 percent of the total 
of all outstanding loans of the institution. 
‘‘(2) OFFER REQUIREMENT.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A Farm Credit Sys-
tem institution shall not provide financing or 
assistance under this section unless the institu-
tion— 
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‘‘(i) has offered, under reasonable 
terms and conditions acceptable to the bor-
rower involved, an interest in the financing 
to at least 1 domestic lending institution 
not referred to in subsection (a) other than 
the Department of Agriculture; and 
‘‘(ii) has reported the offer to the 
Farm Credit Administration. 
‘‘(B) 
RURAL
COMMUNITY
BANK
PRI-
ORITY.—In offering an interest in a financing 
to a domestic lending institution described in 
subparagraph (A)(i), the Farm Credit System 
institution shall give priority to community 
banks located in the service area of the essen-
tial community facility being financed. 
‘‘(d) ANNUAL REPORT
TO CONGRESS.—Within 1 
year after the date of the enactment of this section and 
annually thereafter, the Farm Credit Administration shall 
provide a report to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Agri-
culture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on the ac-
tivities undertaken pursuant to this section by Farm Cred-
it System institutions during the period covered by the re-
port, including through partnerships between such an in-
stitution and other lending institutions, which shall also 
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be posted on the website of the Farm Credit Administra-
tion.’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by 
subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2026. 
SEC. 5108. DOWN PAYMENT LOAN PROGRAM. 
Section 310E(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1935(b)(1)) is amend-
ed— 
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), 
by striking ‘‘exceed 45 percent of the least’’ and in-
serting ‘‘exceed, subject to section 305(a), 45 per-
cent of the lesser’’; 
(2) in subparagraph (A), by adding ‘‘or’’ after 
the semicolon; 
(3) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘; or’’ and 
inserting a period; and 
(4) by striking subparagraph (C). 
SEC. 5109. HEIRS PROPERTY. 
(a) REAUTHORIZATION OF THE HEIRS PROPERTY 
INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM.—Section 310I(g) 
of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1936c(g)) is amended by striking ‘‘2023’’ and in-
serting ‘‘2031’’. 
(b) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS FOR HEIRS PROP-
ERTY RESOLUTION THROUGH DIRECT PUBLIC INTEREST 
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LEGAL SERVICES.—Section 310I of such Act (7 U.S.C. 
1936c) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as 
subsections (g) and (h), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (e) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(f) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS FOR HEIRS PROP-
ERTY RESOLUTION THROUGH DIRECT PUBLIC INTEREST 
LEGAL SERVICES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall enter 
into cooperative agreements with eligible entities to 
provide legal or accounting services to underserved 
heirs, at no cost to the underserved heirs, to assist 
in resolving undivided ownership interests on farm-
land or forest land, or land transitioning to farmland 
or forest land, that has multiple owners. Such a co-
operative agreement must be for any of the following 
purposes: 
‘‘(A) To assist with transitioning land to 
agricultural production. 
‘‘(B) To maintain land in agricultural pro-
duction. 
‘‘(C) To increase access to programs ad-
ministered by the Secretary through the resolu-
tion of real property claims in order to allow 
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real property owners to meet land ownership 
eligibility requirements for participation in a 
program administered by the Secretary. 
‘‘(2) 
ADMINISTRATION
OF
COOPERATIVE 
AGREEMENTS.— 
‘‘(A) DURATION.— 
‘‘(i) IN
GENERAL.—A cooperative 
agreement under paragraph (1) shall be in 
effect for not more than 4 years, subject to 
clause (ii). 
‘‘(ii) SPECIAL RULE.—The Secretary 
may extend a cooperative agreement or re- 
enter into a cooperative agreement with 
the same or a different eligible entity to 
provide continued services for heirs if— 
‘‘(I) property ownership is not re-
solved within the initial term of the 
original cooperative agreement; and 
‘‘(II) the entity certifies that the 
entity understands that the coopera-
tive agreement is not guaranteed to be 
funded for more than 4 years after 
the commencement of the original co-
operative agreement. 
‘‘(B) MANAGEMENT OF PERFORMANCE.— 
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‘‘(i) ANNUAL
REPORTS.—An eligible 
entity must provide annual reports to the 
Secretary summarizing the progress made 
during each fiscal year towards achieving 
the goals of the cooperative agreement for 
the heirs for whom services are provided 
under the cooperative agreement. 
‘‘(ii) INFORMATION AND DATA.—The 
Secretary may require an eligible entity to 
provide the Secretary with such informa-
tion or data as the Secretary deems nec-
essary to determine that the eligible entity 
is making acceptable progress. The data 
may not include personally identifiable in-
formation. 
‘‘(iii) EFFECT OF FAILURE TO DEM-
ONSTRATE SUCCESS.—If an eligible entity 
providing services under such a cooperative 
agreement does not demonstrate success, 
as determined by the Secretary, in resolv-
ing or reasonably attempting to resolve the 
property claims of an heir, the Secretary 
may terminate the agreement. 
‘‘(C) IMPLEMENTATION.—The Secretary 
may utilize requests for public input or the for-
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mal rulemaking process to effectuate this sub-
section. At a minimum, the Secretary shall 
make publicly available the criteria for selecting 
an eligible entity to enter into an agreement to 
provide services, the administrative and per-
formance requirements for cooperative agree-
ments under this subsection, as well as codify 
within its internal policy its implementation 
process. 
‘‘(D) HEIRS
PROPERTY
NOT
IN
FARM-
ING.—On a limited basis, and when determined 
by the Secretary to meet the purposes of a pro-
gram administered by the Secretary and to ex-
pand access to such a program, the Secretary 
may allow an eligible entity to provide services 
at no cost to an heir who is not an underserved 
heir if— 
‘‘(i) the land with respect to which the 
services are to be provided is not farmland 
or in agricultural production, but could be 
viably productive for agricultural, con-
servation, or forestry purposes; 
‘‘(ii) the heir satisfies all other re-
quirements of the definition of ‘under-
served heir’; 
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‘‘(iii) the heir can provide proof to 
substantiate that the heir is in control of 
the real property; and 
‘‘(iv) the heir certifies to the Secretary 
that the heir intends to apply for, and 
make a good faith effort to enroll the land 
in, a program administered by the Sec-
retary once property claims to the land are 
resolved through services provided under a 
cooperative agreement entered into under 
this subsection. 
‘‘(3) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: 
‘‘(A) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘eligi-
ble entity’ means a nonprofit organization 
that— 
‘‘(i) provides legal or accounting serv-
ices to an underserved heir at no cost to 
the underserved heir to resolve property 
ownership issues; and 
‘‘(ii) has demonstrated experience in 
resolving issues related to ownership and 
succession on farmland or forest land that 
has multiple owners. 
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‘‘(B) LIMITED RESOURCE HEIR.—An heir 
shall be considered a limited resource heir for 
purposes of this subsection if— 
‘‘(i) the total household income of the 
heir is at or below the national poverty 
level for a family of 4, or less than 50 per-
cent of the county median household in-
come for the 2 immediately preceding cal-
endar years, as determined annually using 
data of the Department of Commerce; or 
‘‘(ii) the property of the heir for which 
legal services are provided pursuant to a 
cooperative agreement entered into under 
this subsection is in a persistent poverty 
community, as determined annually on the 
basis of data from the Department of 
Commerce, or a socially vulnerable area, as 
designated by the Centers on Disease Con-
trol and Prevention. 
‘‘(C) UNDERSERVED HEIR.—The term ‘un-
derserved heir’ means an heir with an undivided 
ownership interest in farmland or forest land 
that has multiple owners, who is— 
‘‘(i) a limited resource heir; 
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‘‘(ii) a member of a socially disadvan-
taged group (as defined in section 2501(a) 
of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, 
and Trade Act of 1990); or 
‘‘(iii) a veteran (as defined in section 
101(2) of title 38, United States Code). 
‘‘(4) ANNUAL REPORTS TO CONGRESS.—Within 
1 year after the date of the enactment of this sub-
section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall 
prepare, make public, and submit to the Committee 
on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and For-
estry of the Senate a written report on the activities 
carried out under this subsection in the year covered 
by the report. 
‘‘(5) LIMITATIONS ON AUTHORIZATION OF AP-
PROPRIATIONS.—To carry out this subsection, there 
is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary 
$60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 
2031.’’. 
(c) ANNUAL REPORT ON OPERATIONS AND OUT-
COMES UNDER THE RELENDING PROGRAM TO RESOLVE 
OWNERSHIP AND SUCCESSION ON FARMLAND.—Section 
310I(g) of such Act, as so redesignated by subsection (b) 
of this section, is amended by striking ‘‘Not later than 
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1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Sec-
retary shall’’ and inserting ‘‘The Secretary shall annu-
ally’’. 
SEC. 5110. PROMPT APPROVAL OF LOANS AND LOAN GUAR-
ANTEES. 
Section 333A of the of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (g)— 
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and insert-
ing the following: 
‘‘(1) REAL ESTATE AND OPERATING GUARAN-
TEED LOANS.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary shall 
provide to lenders a short, simplified application 
form for real estate and operating guaranteed 
loans under this title, for loans of not more 
than $1,000,000. 
‘‘(B) NOTICE.—Within 5 business days 
after receipt of a complete application to guar-
antee a farm ownership or operating loan that 
meets the requirements under subparagraph 
(A) originated by a Preferred Certified Lender 
or Certified Lender, the Secretary shall notify 
the lender as to whether the application is ap-
proved or disapproved. 
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‘‘(C) MAXIMUM
GUARANTEE.—Notwith-
standing any other provision of this Act, the 
percentage of the principal amount of a loan 
which may be guaranteed pursuant to this 
paragraph shall not exceed— 
‘‘(i) 90 percent, in the case of a loan 
not exceeding $125,000; 
‘‘(ii) 75 percent, in the case of a loan 
of more than $125,000 and not more than 
$500,000; or 
‘‘(iii) 50 percent, in the case of a loan 
of more than $500,000 and not more than 
$1,000,000.’’; and 
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and 
(3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively, and 
inserting after paragraph (1) the following: 
‘‘(2) BUSINESS
AND
INDUSTRY
GUARANTEED 
LOANS TO ASSIST RURAL ENTITIES.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary shall 
develop an application process that accelerates, 
to the maximum extent practicable, the proc-
essing of applications for business and industry 
guaranteed loans to assist rural entities, as de-
scribed under section 310B(a)(2)(A), for loans 
not exceeding $400,000. 
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258 
‘‘(B) EXCEPTION.—The accelerated appli-
cation process, as provided under subparagraph 
(A), shall apply to loans not exceeding 
$600,000 if there is not a significant increased 
risk of a default on the loan, as determined by 
the Secretary.’’; and 
(2) by striking subsection (h). 
SEC. 5111. EXPEDITED APPROVAL PILOT PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subtitle D of the Consolidated 
Farm and Rural Development Act is amended by inserting 
after section 333D (7 U.S.C. 1983d) the following: 
‘‘SEC. 333E. EXPEDITED APPROVAL PILOT PROGRAM. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Beginning not later than 1 year 
after the date of the enactment of this section, the Sec-
retary shall carry out a pilot program to establish an expe-
dited qualification and approval process for borrowers 
seeking— 
‘‘(1) a direct farm ownership loan under this 
Act; or 
‘‘(2) a bridge loan guaranteed by the Secretary 
under this Act that is serviced by a Preferred Cer-
tified Lender under section 339(d) and provided to 
a creditworthy borrower, as determined by the Pre-
ferred Certified Lender. 
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259 
‘‘(b) LOAN ASSESSMENTS.—In carrying out this sec-
tion, the Secretary shall consider streamlining the process 
for making— 
‘‘(1) determinations necessary to make the cer-
tifications and assessments referred to in section 
339(c)(5); and 
‘‘(2) determinations under section 360(b). 
‘‘(c) RULE OF INTERPRETATION.—This section shall 
not be interpreted to authorize the waiver or modification 
of any requirement, other than an application process tim-
ing requirement, imposed by or under this Act. 
‘‘(d) REPORT.—Within 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the 
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a re-
port examining the actions undertaken under, and the re-
sults of, the pilot program. 
‘‘(e) TERMINATION OF EFFECTIVENESS.—The au-
thority provided by this section shall terminate effective 
September 30, 2031.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 346(b)(2) 
of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)) is amended— 
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260 
(1) in subparagraph (A)(i)(II), by inserting ‘‘, 
to the extent practicable’’ after ‘‘April 1 of the fiscal 
year’’; 
(2) in subparagraph (A)(iii), by inserting ‘‘,to 
the extent practicable’’ after ‘‘September 1 of the 
fiscal year’’; and 
(3) in subparagraph (B)(iii), in the text, by in-
serting ‘‘, to the extent practicable’’ after ‘‘April 1 
of the fiscal year’’. 
Subtitle B—Operating Loans 
SEC. 5201. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR OPERATING LOANS. 
Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(a)) is amended— 
(1) in the 2nd sentence of paragraph (1), by 
striking ‘‘a majority’’ each place it appears and in-
serting ‘‘at least a 50 percent’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (2)— 
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking 
‘‘(2) SPECIAL RULE.—An entity’’ and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘(2) SPECIAL RULES.— 
‘‘(A) ELIGIBILITY OF QUALIFIED OPERA-
TORS.—Qualified operators, as defined by the 
Secretary, shall be considered to meet the oper-
ator requirement of paragraph (1). 
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‘‘(B) ELIGIBILITY
OF
CERTAIN
OPER-
ATING-ONLY ENTITIES.—An entity’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘ownership interests of 
each embedded entity of the entity is owned di-
rectly or indirectly by the individuals that own 
the family farm’’ and inserting ‘‘total ownership 
interests of the embedded entity, or of the other 
entities, is owned, directly or indirectly, by 
qualified operators of the farm improved or 
supported with funds under this subtitle’’. 
SEC. 5202. LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT OF OPERATING 
LOANS. 
Section 313(a)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(a)(1)) is amended 
by striking ‘‘$400,000, or, in the case of a loan guaranteed 
by the Secretary, $1,750,000 (increased, beginning with 
fiscal year 2019’’ and inserting ‘‘$750,000, or, in the case 
of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $3,000,000 (in-
creased, beginning with fiscal year 2026’’. 
SEC. 5203. LIMITATION ON MICROLOAN AMOUNTS. 
Section 313(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(2)) is amended 
by striking ‘‘$50,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$100,000’’. 
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SEC. 5204. COOPERATIVE LENDING PILOT PROJECTS. 
Section 313(c)(4)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(4)(A)) is 
amended by striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2031’’. 
Subtitle C—Emergency Loans 
SEC. 5301. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR EMERGENCY LOANS. 
Section 321 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural De-
velopment Act (7 U.S.C. 1961) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in the 1st sentence— 
(i) by striking ‘‘(A)’’ and inserting 
‘‘(i)’’; 
(ii) by striking ‘‘(B)’’ and inserting 
‘‘(ii)’’; 
(iii) by striking ‘‘(1)’’ and inserting 
‘‘(A)’’; 
(iv) by striking ‘‘(2)’’ and inserting 
‘‘(B)’’; and 
(v) by striking ‘‘a majority’’ each 
place it appears and inserting ‘‘at least a 
50 percent’’; 
(B) in the 2nd sentence, by striking ‘‘this 
subsection’’ and inserting ‘‘this paragraph’’; 
(C) by striking the 5th sentence; and 
(D) by adding after and below the end the 
following: 
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‘‘(2) SPECIAL RULES.— 
‘‘(A) ELIGIBILITY OF QUALIFIED OPERA-
TORS.—Qualified operators, as defined by the 
Secretary, shall be considered to meet the oper-
ator requirement of paragraph (1). 
‘‘(B) ELIGIBILITY
OF
CERTAIN
OPER-
ATING-ONLY ENTITIES.— An applicant that is 
or will become only the operator of farm real 
estate acquired, improved, or supported with 
funds under this subtitle shall be considered to 
meet the owner-operator requirements of para-
graph (1) if 1 or more of the individuals who 
is an owner of the real estate owns at least 50 
percent (or such other percentage as the Sec-
retary determines is appropriate) of the appli-
cant. 
‘‘(C) ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN EMBEDDED 
ENTITIES.—An entity that is an owner-operator 
described in paragraph (1), or an operator de-
scribed in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph 
that is owned, in whole or in part, by 1 or more 
other entities, shall be considered to meet the 
direct ownership requirement imposed under 
paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the total 
ownership interests of the embedded entity, or 
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