Agricultural Act of 2014

Bill: 113-hr-2642
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3]
Introduced: 2013-07-10
Policy area: Agriculture and Food
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures

Administrative remedies

Agricultural conservation and pollution

Agricultural education

Agricultural marketing and promotion

Agricultural practices and innovations

Agricultural prices, subsidies, credit

Agricultural research

Agricultural trade

Alternative and renewable resources

Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration

Animal and plant health

Aquaculture

Atmospheric science and weather

Aviation and airports

Bank accounts, deposits, capital

Birds

Business investment and capital

Business records

Canada

Cemeteries and funerals

Chesapeake Bay

Competitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficits

Congressional oversight

Consumer affairs

Dams and canals

Delta Regional Authority

Department of Agriculture

Disaster relief and insurance

Ecology

Economic development

Economic performance and conditions

Education programs funding

Educational technology and distance education

Electric power generation and transmission

Emergency communications systems

Endangered and threatened species

Energy efficiency and conservation

Energy research

Environmental assessment, monitoring, research

Environmental regulatory procedures

Farmland

Federal officials

Fires

Fishes

Food assistance and relief

Food industry and services

Food supply, safety, and labeling

Foreign aid and international relief

Forests, forestry, trees

Fraud offenses and financial crimes

Free trade and trade barriers

Fruit and vegetables

General agriculture matters

Government buildings, facilities, and property

Government information and archives

Government lending and loan guarantees

Government studies and investigations

Grain

Great Lakes

Hazardous wastes and toxic substances

Health technology, devices, supplies

Higher education

Horticulture and plants

Indian lands and resources rights

Infrastructure development

International organizations and cooperation

Internet and video services

Internet, web applications, social media

Labor standards

Land transfers

Land use and conservation

Licensing and registrations

Lighting, heating, cooling

Livestock

Marine and inland water transportation

Meat

Medical research

Migrant, seasonal, agricultural labor

Minority and disadvantaged businesses

Minority education

Nutrition and diet

Oil and gas

Performance measurement

Pest management

Public contracts and procurement

Public participation and lobbying

Research administration and funding

Research and development

Residential rehabilitation and home repair

Roads and highways

Rural conditions and development

Seafood

Small business

Solid waste and recycling

Technology transfer and commercialization

Telephone and wireless communication

Texas

Trade agreements and negotiations

User charges and fees

Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation

Veterinary medicine and animal diseases

Virginia

Water quality

Water use and supply

Watersheds

Wetlands

Wildlife conservation and habitat protection
Latest action: action_date: 2014-02-07
text: Became Public Law No: 113-79.

Summaries:
action_date: 2013-07-10
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>Federal Agriculture Reform and and Risk Management Act of 2013 - <strong>Title I: Commodities - Subtitle A: Repeals and Reforms</strong> - Repeals, but continues for crop year 2013: (1) direct payments, (2) countercyclical payments, and (3) the average crop revenue election (ACRE) program.</p> <p>Provides for crop years beginning with crop year 2014 either: (1) price loss coverage if a covered commodity's effective price is less than its reference price; or (2) alternative revenue loss coverage, as a permanent one-time election, if a covered commodity's county revenue is less than the county revenue loss coverage trigger. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle B: Marketing Loans </strong>- Authorizes: (1) nonrecourse marketing assistance loans beginning with crop year 2014, (2) loan deficiency payments beginning with crop year 2014, (3) payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage beginning with crop year 2014, (4) programs for upland cotton and extra long staple cotton, (5) assistance for peanuts, and (6) recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton beginning with crop year 2014. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle C: Sugar</strong> - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to make nonrecourse loans to processors of domestically grown sugarcane and domestically grown sugar beets. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to make sugarcane and sugar beet quantity estimates for: (1) human consumption, (2) carryover stocks, (3) carry-in stocks, (4) domestic processing, and (5) imports. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle D: Dairy - </strong>Establishes a dairy production margin insurance program under which participating dairy operations are paid: (1) basic production margin protection program payments when production margins are less than threshold levels, and (2) supplemental production margin protection program payments if purchased by a participating dairy operation. Provides for program retroactivity. </p> <p>Repeals: (1) the dairy products price support program, (2) the milk income loss contract program, and (3) the dairy export incentive program. </p> <p>Extends: (1) the dairy indemnity program, (2) the dairy forward pricing program, and (3) the dairy promotion and research program. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle E: Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs </strong>- Provides livestock indemnity payments to eligible producers on farms that have incurred excess livestock death losses due to: (1) attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law, or (2) adverse weather. </p> <p>Provides compensation to eligible livestock producers for grazing losses caused by drought or fire. </p> <p>Provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease or adverse weather. </p> <p>Provides assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that planted trees for commercial purposes but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, and to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that have a production history for commercial purposes on planted or existing trees but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster. </p> <p>Establishes in the Office of the Secretary the National Drought Council.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle F: Administration</strong> - Directs the Secretary to use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds, facilities, and authorities to carry out this title. </p> <p>Repeals specified permanent price support authority provisions under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 and the Agricultural Act of 1949. </p> <p>Revises specified payment limitation provisions beginning with crop year 2014.</p> <p>Prohibits a person or legal entity from receiving specified agricultural benefits during a crop, fiscal, or program year if the average adjusted gross income of such person or entity exceeds $950,000. </p> <p>Makes permanent specified direct reimbursement payments for geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to preclude issuance of agricultural payments to, and on behalf of, deceased individuals that were not eligible for payments. </p> <p>Makes $100 million available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title. </p> <p>Provides for the protection of producer information. </p> <p>Repeals authority to convert highly erodible cropland under the conservation reserve program (CRP) to other specified conservation uses.</p> <p><strong>Title II: Conservation - Subtitle A: Conservation Reserve Program</strong> - Extends CRP and the farmable wetland program through FY2018. </p> <p>Sets forth maximum CRP acreage enrollments for FY2014-FY2018. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle B: Conservation Stewardship Program</strong> - Revises, and extends through FY2018, the conservation stewardship program. </p> <p>Limits aggregate payments to a person or entity to $200,000 during FY2014-FY2018, excluding funding arrangements with Indian tribes. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle C: Environmental Quality Incentives Program </strong>- Extends the environmental quality incentives program through FY2018.</p> <p>Requires that 60% of FY2014-FY2018 program funds be used for livestock production practices, and that 7.5% of such funds be used for wildlife habitat practices. </p> <p>Provides payments for wildlife habitat development. </p> <p>Applies program limitations to the period FY2014-FY2018.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle D: Agricultural Conservation Easement Program</strong> - Establishes the agricultural conservation easement program for the conservation of eligible land and natural resources through easements or other interests in land. (Combines the purposes and absorbs the functions of the wetlands reserve program, the grassland reserve program, and the farmland protection program.) </p> <p>Sets forth agricultural land and wetland easement provisions. </p><p><strong>Subtitle E: Regional Conservation Partnership Program</strong> - Establishes a regional conservation partnership program to: (1) accomplish purposes similar to the agricultural water enhancement program, the Chesapeake Bay watershed program, the cooperative conservation partnership initiative, and the Great Lakes basin program; (2) further the conservation use of natural resources on a regional or watershed scale; and (3) encourage partners to cooperate with producers in meeting or avoiding the need for regulatory requirements related to production on eligible land and implementing projects that affect multiple agricultural or nonindustrial private forest operations on a local, state, or regional basis. </p> <p>Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a partnership agreement for up to 5 years, with a one-time extension for up to 12 months. </p> <p>Provides program funding for FY2014-FY2018. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle F: Other Conservation Programs</strong> - Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) the conservation of private grazing land program, (2) the grass roots source water protection program, (3) the voluntary public access and habitat incentive program, and (4) the small watershed rehabilitation program. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle G: Funding and Administration</strong> - Authorizes the use of CCC funds through FY2018 for: (1) the conservation reserve program, including specified amounts for transferring contract land from retiring owners and operators to beginning and disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; (2) the agricultural conservation easement program; (3) the conservation security program; (4) the conservation stewardship program; and (5) the environmental quality incentives program. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle H: Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments </strong>- Repeals: (1) the conservation enhancement program, (2) the emergency forestry conservation reserve program, (3) the wetlands reserve program, (4) the farmland protection program, (5) the grassland reserve program, (6) the agricultural water enhancement program, (7) the wildlife habitat incentive program, (8) the Great Lakes Basin program, (9) the Chesapeake Bay watershed program, (10) the cooperative conservation partnership initiative, and (11) the environmental easement program. </p> <p><strong>Title III: Trade - Subtitle A: Food for Peace Act</strong> - Extends specified programs and authorizations of appropriations under the Food for Peace Act through FY2018. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle B: Agricultural Trade Act of 1978</strong> - Extends through FY2018: (1) export credit guarantee programs, (2) the market access program, and (3) the foreign market cooperator program. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle C: Other Agricultural Trade Laws </strong>- Extends through FY2018: (1) the food for progress program, (2) the Bill Emerson humanitarian trust, (3) the McGovern-Dole international food for education and child nutrition program, (4) technical assistance for specialty crops, and (5) the Global Crop Diversity Trust. </p> <p>Authorizes the Secretary to establish the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services. </p> <p><strong>Title IV: Credit - Subtitle A: Farm Ownership Loans</strong> - Allows: (1) additional legal entities to qualify for farm ownership loans, and (2) other acceptable experiences to qualify for the three-year farming eligibility requirement for direct loans. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the conservation loan and loan guarantee program. </p> <p>Increases maximum down payment loan program amounts. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle B: Operating Loans</strong> - Allows additional legal entities to qualify for farm operating loans. </p> <p>Authorizes the Secretary to waive the personal liability of a youth borrower if a loan default was due to circumstances beyond the borrower's control. </p> <p>Authorizes a micro loan program for direct or guaranteed loans (maximum micro loan of $35,000 with a total micro loan indebtedness of $70,000 per borrower). </p> <p><strong>Subtitle C: Emergency Loans </strong>- Allows additional legal entities to qualify for emergency loans. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions</strong> - Extends the beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program through FY2018.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle E: State Agricultural Mediation Programs</strong> - Extends state agricultural mediation programs through FY2018.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle F: Loans to Purchasers of Highly Fractionated Land</strong> - Amends the loan and loan guarantee program for Indian tribes and tribal corporations to purchase highly fractioned land within the reservation to permit loans to intermediaries to establish revolving loan funds for such purchases. </p> <p><strong>Title V: Rural Development - Subtitle A: Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act </strong>- Extends through FY2018: (1) water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants; (2) rural business opportunity grants; (3) funding for the federal share of developing tribal college or university essential community facilities; (4) emergency and imminent community water assistance grants; (5) grants to nonprofit organizations for water well system servicing for low- and moderate income households; (6) rural cooperative development grants; (7) loans to enterprises that process, store, and market locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (8) the intermediary relending program to finance rural business facilities and community development projects; (9) grants for the federal share of acquiring radio transmitters to increase rural coverage by the weather radio broadcast system of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); (10) the rural micro enterprise assistance program; (11) the Delta Regional Authority; (12) the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority; and (13) the rural business investment program. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations for the rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to develop a rural college strategy.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle B: Rural Electrification Act of 1936 </strong>- Extends through FY2018: (1) guarantee authority for rural electrification or telephone bonds and notes, (2) expansion of 911 access, and (3) loan guarantees for rural broadband telecommunications infrastructure. </p> <p>Gives loan priority to applicants that offer to provide broadband service to the greatest proportion of households that had no incumbent service provider. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle C: Miscellaneous</strong> - Extends through FY2018: (1) the distance learning and telemedicine program, (2) value-added agricultural producer grants, and (3) the agriculture innovation center demonstration program. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the: (1) Northern Border Regional Commission, (2) Southwest Border Regional Commission, and (3) Southeast Crescent Regional Commission.</p> <p> <strong>Title VI: Research, Extension, and Related Matters - Subtitle A: National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977</strong> - Extends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board until September 30, 2018. </p> <p>Establishes a veterinary services grant program. Authorizes appropriations. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for agricultural and food policy research centers.</p> <p>Repeals: (1) the human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program, (2) appropriations for research on national or regional problems, (3) the pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research, (4) research equipment grants, and (5) the national and regional animal health and disease research program. </p> <p>Extends through FY2018: (1) grants and fellowships for food and agricultural sciences education, (2) the nutrition education program, (3) animal health and disease research programs, (4) grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges and at land grant colleges in insular areas, (5) grants for Hispanic-serving institutions, (6) grants for international agricultural science and education, (7) assistance for extension programs, (8) assistance for university agricultural research, (9) assistance for supplemental and alternative crops, (10) aquaculture assistance programs, (11) rangeland research programs, and (12) biosecurity planning. </p> <p>Establishes a grant program for training Hispanic agricultural workers and youth in the food and agricultural sciences.</p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for distance education and resident instruction at insular-area institutions of higher education. </p> <p>Requires the recipient of a competitive grant that involves applied research or extension and that is commodity- or state-specific to provide matching funds or in-kind contributions. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 to carry out this subtitle.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle B: Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990</strong> - Extends through FY2018 programs and assistance under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977. </p> <p>Repeals: (1) the national agricultural weather information system, (2) the agricultural genome initiative, (3) the electronic commerce extension program, (4) the nutrient management research and extension initiative, and (5) the agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative. </p> <p>Extends through FY2018: (1) integrated management systems, (2) Extension Service agent training, (3) sustainable agriculture technology, (4) organic agriculture research, (5) farm business management, (6) assistive technology for farmers with disabilities, (7) the national rural information center clearinghouse, (8) high-priority research and extension initiatives, and (9) the genetics resources program.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle C: Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 </strong>- Extends through FY2018: (1) integrated management systems programs; (2) research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale, and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum or by Tilletia indica; (3) grants for youth organizations; (4) the specialty crop research initiative; (5) the food animal residue avoidance database program; and (6) the Office of Pest Management Policy. </p> <p>Repeals: (1) the program to improve the viability of small and medium dairy, livestock, and poultry operations; (2) Johne's (livestock) disease control program; and (3) the national swine research center.</p> <p>Expresses the sense of Congress regarding expansion of the land grant program to include increased funding and additional institutions. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle D: Other Laws </strong>- Extends through FY2018 programs and assistance under: (1) the Critical Agricultural Materials Act, (2) the Research Facilities Act, (3) the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978, and (4) the National Aquaculture Act of 1980. </p> <p>Revises &quot;1994 Institutions&quot; (Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994) provisions. </p> <p>Extends the beginning farmer and rancher development program through FY2018. </p> <p>Makes beginning farmers and ranchers who are veterans eligible for program set-asides. </p> <p>Extends coverage under the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle E: Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 </strong>- Extends through FY2018: (1) the Agricultural Biosecurity Communication Center, (2) research and development of agricultural countermeasures, (3) training for agricultural biosecurity planning and response for food science professionals and veterinarians, and (4) the agricultural biosecurity grant program. </p> <p>Extends the period prohibiting federal land and facilities at El Reno, Oklahoma, from being declared to be surplus federal property or otherwise be conveyed. </p> <p>Revises budget submission and funding provisions. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.</p> <p>Extends through FY2018: (1) the natural products research program, and (2) the sun grant program. </p> <p>Repeals: (1) the farm and ranch stress assistance network, (2) the seed distribution program, and (3) the rural transportation research program. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle F: Miscellaneous Provisions -</strong> Authorizes the Secretary to negotiate concession agreements at the National Arboretum with nonprofit organizations that support the Arboretum.</p> <p>Authorizes a non-federal entity to construct, at no cost to the government, a facility for use by the Agricultural Research Service on land owned by the Agricultural Research Service and managed by the Secretary. (Prohibits the Secretary from accepting the completed facility as a gift if its fair market value exceeds $5 million.)</p> <p><strong>Title VII: Forestry - Subtitle A: Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs </strong>- Repeals: (1) the forest land enhancement program, (2) the watershed forestry assistance program, (3) the Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land leadership program, and (4) the tribal watershed forestry assistance program. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle B: Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Programs </strong>- Extends the forest legacy program and the community forest and open space conservation program through FY2018. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle C: Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws</strong> - Extends the rural revitalization technologies program and the Office of International Forestry through FY2018. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle D: National Forest Critical Area Response</strong> - Directs the Secretary to designate critical areas within the National Forest System to address: (1) deteriorating forest health conditions due to insect infestation, drought, disease, or storm damage; and (2) the future risk of insect infestations or disease outbreaks through preventative treatments. </p> <p>Allows the use of expedited environmental, administrative, and judicial procedures to be used for such areas. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle E: Miscellaneous Provisions</strong> - Directs the Secretary to revise the forest inventory strategic plan. </p> <p>Authorizes a state to provide reimbursement through the Secretary for wildfire suppression costs expended on its behalf by another state.</p> <p>Authorizes the Secretary, through the Forest Service, to establish a large air tanker and aerial asset lease program. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to convey for consideration a parcel of National Forest System land in the Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia, to the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery Association of Pound, Virginia. </p> <p><strong>Title VIII: Energy </strong>- Extends through FY2018: (1) the biobased marketing program, (2) biorefinery assistance, (3) the bioenergy program for advanced biofuels, (4) the biodiesel fuel education program, (5) the repowering assistance program to reduce or eliminate biorefinery fossil fuel use, (6) the rural energy for America program, (7) biomass research and development, (8) the feedstock flexibility program for bioenergy producers, (9) the biomass crop assistance program, and (10) the community wood energy program. </p> <p><strong>Title IX: Horticulture</strong> - Extends through FY2018: (1) the specialty crop market news program, (2) the farmers market and local food promotion program, (3) organic production and market initiatives, (4) food safety initiatives, and (5) specialty crop block grants. </p> <p>Repeals the specialty crop movement-to-market program. </p> <p>Sets forth investigatory and enforcement provisions under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Labor regarding the restraining or confiscation of agricultural commodity shipments for actual or suspected labor law violations in order to consider: (1) the perishable nature of such commodities, (2) the impact of such actions on the economic viability of farming operations, and (3) the competitiveness of specialty crops. </p> <p>Exempts the bulk bin shipment of apples to Canada from specified Apple Export Act requirements. </p> <p>Repeals the coordinated plant management program and establishes the national clean plant network for diagnostic and pathogen elimination services to: (1) produce clean propagative plant material, and (2) maintain blocks of pathogen-tested plant material in sites throughout the United States. Makes funding available through FY2018.</p> <p>Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2013 - Prohibits, with specified exceptions, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state from requiring a permit under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. </p> <p>States that, for purposes of notifications of arrival upon importation, seed, including treated seed, shall not be considered a pesticide or device.</p> <p><strong>Title X: Crop Insurance</strong> - Makes available to crop producers a supplemental coverage option (based on area yield and loss) to cover part of a crop insurance policy deductible. </p> <p>Triggers such option only if area losses exceed 10% of normal levels. </p> <p>Provides for: (1) 65% premium coverage by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), and (2) coverage to begin no later than crop year 2014.</p> <p>Makes permanent the pilot program under which FCIC pays a portion of the premiums for insurance plans or policies for which the insurable unit is defined as a whole farm or enterprise unit. </p> <p>Makes separate enterprise units available for irrigated and non-irrigated acreages of crops beginning with crop year 2014.</p> <p>Revises the adjustment in actual production history used to establish insurable yields. </p> <p>Requires FCIC to: (1) review any policy or pilot program to carry out research and development for new crop insurance policies, and submit it to the Board of Directors if it will likely result in a marketable policy and improved coverage; and (2) make an additional annual reimbursement through reinsurance year 2015 to insurance companies selling specialty crop policies. </p> <p>Provides crop insurance premiums at 50 percentage points less than the otherwise applicable subsidy for the first four crop years of planting on native sod acreage in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area. </p> <p>Defines &quot;beginning farmer or rancher&quot; as a farmer or rancher who has not actively operated and managed a farm or ranch with a bona fide insurable interest in a crop or livestock as an owner-operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper for more than five crop years. </p> <p>Requires FCIC, beginning not later than the 2014 upland cotton crop, to make available to producers of maximum eligible acres of upland cotton an additional policy (the Stacked Income Protection Plan). </p> <p>States that Plan coverage shall be in addition to all other coverages available to upland cotton producers. </p> <p>Requires FCIC and the Risk Management Agency, beginning with the 2014 crop, to make available a revenue crop insurance program for peanuts based on a price equal to the Rotterdam price index for peanuts, as adjusted to reflect the farmer stock price of peanuts in the United States. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain and upgrade FCIC information management systems used in the administration and enforcement of this title, (2) implement an acreage reporting streamlining initiative to permit producers to report acreage and other information directly to USDA, and (3) provide advance public notice of crop insurance policy and plan changes. </p> <p>Requires FCIC to: (1) contract for research and development for insuring producers of freshwater-reared catfish against reduction in the margin between market value and selected production costs; (2) contract to determine the feasibility of insuring commercial poultry production against business disruptions caused by integrator bankruptcy, and for a study to determine the feasibility of insuring poultry producers for a catastrophic event; (3) contract for research and development of insuring biomass and sweet sorghum grown to produce feedstocks for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity, or biobased products; (4) contract for a feasibility study of insuring swine producers for a catastrophic event; (5) develop a whole farm risk management insurance plan (with liability of up to $1.25 million); and (6) contract for a study of food safety insurance.</p> <p><strong>Title XI: Miscellaneous - Subtitle A: Livestock</strong> - Extends the national aquatic animal health plan and the trichinae certification program through FY2018.</p> <p> Repeals authority for the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary, through the Office of the Chief Economist, to conduct an economic analysis of the USDA's proposed rule &quot;Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Goat Meat, Wild and Farm-raised Fish and Shellfish, Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts, Pecans, Ginseng and Macadamia Nuts.&quot; </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements with eligible laboratories to: (1) enhance USDA's capability to detect and respond to animal health threats and to support the protection of public health, the environment, and the agricultural economy; (2) coordinate enhancement of national veterinary diagnostic laboratory capabilities; and (3) provide for standardized laboratory biosafety and biosecurity levels. Authorizes appropriations through FY2018.</p> <p>Requires USDA to continue to administer the diagnostic surveillance program for H5/H7 low pathogenic avian influenza with respect to commercial poultry without amending specified federal regulations. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle B: Socially Disadvantaged Producers and Limited Resource Producers</strong> - Provides funding through FY2018 for: (1) outreach and assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (including veteran farmers and ranchers in the program), and (2) the Office of Advocacy and Outreach.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to award a grant to an 1890 land grant college or university, including Tuskegee University, to establish the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle C: Other Miscellaneous Provisions </strong>- Provides funding through FY2018 for grants to improve the supply, stability, safety, and training of the agricultural labor force. </p> <p>Establishes: (1) an Office of Tribal Relations within the Office of the Secretary; and (2) a USDA position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison to provide information to returning military veterans on beginning farmer training, agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs. </p> <p>Provides coverages based on individual yields (other than for value-loss crops) under the noninsured crop disaster assistance program equivalent to: (1) catastrophic risk protection, or (2) specified additional coverage. Reduces the premium for additional coverage by 50% for limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers. Begins such coverage in crop year 2015.</p> <p>Requires each federal agency to have guidelines in effect for ensuring the quality of scientific information by January 1, 2014.</p> <p>Prohibits USDA from closing or relocating a Farm Service Agency county or field office that has a high workload compared with other offices in the state.</p> <p>Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to states, tribal governments, and research institutions to promote the domestic maple syrup industry.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to review publications that may give notice that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is preparing any guidance, policy, or regulation that may significantly impact a substantial number of agricultural entities. </p> <p> Prohibits any person from knowingly attending an animal fighting venture or causing a minor to attend such a venture. </p> <p>Prohibits any state or local government from imposing standards or conditions on the production or manufacture of agricultural products sold in interstate commerce if: (1) the production or manufacture occurs in another state, and (2) the standard or condition is in addition to the standards and conditions applicable pursuant to federal law and the laws of the state and locality in which such production or manufacture occurs. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to act to: (1) increase flood protection for farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests in the Missouri River Basin, and around the Wallkill River and the Black Dirt region of New York/New Jersey; (2) protect honey bees and other pollinators; and (3) coordinate urban agriculture.</p> <p>Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from enforcing any regulations promulgated under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act until the Secretary publishes in the Federal Register an analysis of the scientific information used in the final rule to implement such Act.</p> <p>States that the EPA shall not require a permit or otherwise require any state to require a permit for a discharge of storm water runoff resulting from specified silviculture activities.</p> <p>Prohibits the EPA, except in certain circumstances, from making public the information of any owner, operator, or employee of an agricultural operation provided to EPA by a farmer, rancher, livestock producer, or a state agency that has been obtained in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or any other law.</p> <p>Requires a report to Congress on national ocean policy by the USDA Inspector General.</p> <p>States that in each fiscal year the Secretary may not carry out any program: (1) for which an authorization of appropriations is established or extended under this Act, and (2) that is funded by discretionary appropriations.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle D: Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery -</strong> Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2013 - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit to Congress a financial report containing: (1) an interagency budget for restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; (2) an accounting of funds received and obligated by all federal agencies for restoration activities; (3) an accounting from each state of all funds received and obligated from a federal agency for restoration activities; and (4) a description of each of the proposed federal and state restoration activities.</p>

action_date: 2014-02-07
action_desc: Public Law
text: <p>Agricultural Act of 2014 - <strong>Title I: Commodities - Subtitle A: Repeals and Reforms</strong><b> - Part I: Repeals -</b> (Sec. 1101) Repeals: (1) direct payments under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008; and (2) countercyclical payments and the average crop revenue election program (ACRE) under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. Continues countercyclical payments and ACRE, however, for crop year 2013.</p> <p><b>Part II: Commodity Policy -</b> (Sec. 1111) Includes peanuts as a covered commodity.</p> <p>(Sec. 1112) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) (the Secretary in this bill unless otherwise indicated) to notify farm owners regarding their opportunity to elect to: </p> <ul> <li> retain base acres, including generic base acres; or </li> <li> reallocate any base acres other than generic base acres for covered commodities, as in effect on September 30, 2013, among covered commodities planted on the farm during the 2009-2012 crop years.</li> </ul> <p>Deems a non-electing farm owner to have elected to retain base acres, including generic acres.</p> <p>Applies such election, or deemed election, to all covered commodities on a farm.</p> Sets forth the reallocation formula. <p>Directs the Secretary to provide for a farm's base acreage adjustment for covered commodities if: (1) a conservation reserve contract expires or is voluntarily terminated, (2) cropland is released from conservation reserve contract coverage, or (3) the producer has eligible oilseed acreage.</p> <p> Requires a farm owner, for the crop year in which a base acres adjustment is first made, to elect to receive either price loss coverage (PLC) or agriculture risk coverage (ARC) for the acreage added to the farm, or a prorated payment under the conservation reserve contract.</p> <p>Requires the Secretary to reduce the base acres for one or more covered commodities on a farm if the sum of the base acres and certain other conservation and oilseed acreage exceeds the farm's actual cropland acreage. Exempts double-cropped acreage from such requirement. Permits the farm owner to select the base acres to be reduced. </p> <p>Authorizes a farm owner to reduce the base acres for any covered commodity, whose reduction shall be permanent.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to reduce a farm's base acres for land that has been subdivided and developed for multiple residential units or other nonfarming uses if the size of the tracts and the density of the subdivision is such that the land is unlikely to return to the previous agricultural use, unless it: (1) remains devoted to commercial agricultural production, or (2) is likely to be returned to the previous agricultural use.</p> <p>(Sec. 1113) Directs the Secretary to establish a yield for each farm for any designated oilseed for which a payment yield was not established. </p> <p>Sets forth payment yield determination requirements, including the use of county average yields. </p> <p>Grants a farm owner a one-time opportunity to update, on a commodity-by-commodity basis, the payment yield used in calculating the price loss coverage payment for each covered commodity for which the election is made.</p> <p>(Sec. 1114) Declares that the payment acres: </p> <ul> <li>for each covered commodity, for PLC and ARC purposes, shall be 85% of the base acres when county coverage has been selected, and </li> <li>shall be 65% of the base acres for all of the farm's covered commodities, for ARC purposes, when individual coverage has been selected.</li> </ul> <p>Requires reduction of payment acres in any crop year in which fruits, vegetables (other than mung beans and pulse crops), or wild rice have been planted on base acres.</p> <p>Prohibits PLC or ARC payments to a producer whose farm's base acres is 10 acres or less unless the producer is a socially disadvantaged or limited resource farmer or rancher. </p> <p>Prohibits payment acre reductions if: </p> <ul> <li>cover crops, fruits, vegetables, or wild rice are grown for conservation purposes and not harvested for use or sale; or </li> <li> in any region with a history of double-cropping covered commodities with fruits, vegetables, or wild rice such crops were double-cropped.</li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 1115) Requires all producers on a farm to make a one-time, irrevocable election for crop years 2014-2018 to obtain: </p> <ul> <li>PLC on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis, or </li> <li>ARC on either a county or individual basis.</li> </ul> <p>Declares that if all producers on a farm fail to make a unanimous election for crop year 2014: </p> <ul> <li> the Secretary shall not make PLC or ARC payments for crop year 2014, and </li> <li> the producers shall be deemed to have PLC for all covered commodities for crop years 2015-2018.</li> </ul> <p>Directs the Secretary to ensure that producers on a farm do not reconstitute the farm to void or change an election or selection made under this section.</p> <p>(Sec. 1116) Directs the Secretary to make PLC payments to producers on a farm on a commodity-by-commodity basis if for any of crop years 2014-2018 the covered commodity's effective price is less than its reference price. </p> <p>Sets forth effective price, payment rate, and payment amount requirements. </p> <p>(Sec. 1117) Directs the Secretary to make ARC payments to producers on a farm on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis if for any of crop years 2014-2018 the actual crop revenue is less than the ARC guarantee.</p> <p>Sets forth actual crop revenue requirements for county and individual coverages.</p> <p>Sets the agriculture risk coverage guarantee for a crop year for a covered commodity at 86% of the benchmark revenue.</p> <p>Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) benchmark revenue for county and individual coverages, and (2) payment rate and payment amounts.</p> <p>(Sec. 1118) Requires producers to comply with specified conservation requirements in order to qualify for payments under this subtitle.</p> <p>Requires termination of payments upon a change in the interest of the producer unless the transferee assumes such obligations.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary provide adequate safeguards for tenants and sharecroppers.</p> <p>(Sec. 1119) Directs the Secretary to provide transition assistance to producers for the 2014 crop of upland cotton on a farm for which cotton base acres were in existence for crop year 2013. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to provide transition assistance to producers for the 2015 crop of upland cotton on a farm:</p> <ul> <li> for which cotton base acres were in existence for crop year 2013, and </li> <li> in a county in which the Stacked Income Protection Plan is not available to producers of upland cotton for crop year 2015. </li> </ul> <p>Prescribes requirements for transition assistance rate, transition assistance amounts, and payment limitations.</p> <p><b>Subtitle B: Marketing Loans - </b>(Sec. 1201) Defines &quot;loan commodity&quot; as wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, peanuts, soybeans, other oilseeds, graded wool, nongraded wool, mohair, honey, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas.</p> <p>Authorizes nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities through crop year 2018, with special rules for peanuts.</p> <p>Requires compliance with specified conservation and wetland requirements.</p> <p>(Sec. 1202) Authorizes nonrecourse marketing assistance loans through crop year 2018 for: </p> <ul> <li>wheat at $2.94 per bushel; </li> <li> corn at $1.95 per bushel;</li> <li>grain sorghum at $1.95 per bushel; </li> <li>barley at $1.95 per bushel; </li> <li>oats at $1.39 per bushel; </li> <li>base quality upland cotton at the average of the adjusted prevailing world price for the two preceding marketing years, but not less than $0.45 per pound or more than $0.52 per pound; </li> <li>extra long staple cotton at $0.7977 per pound; </li> <li>long grain rice at $6.50 per hundredweight; </li> <li>medium grain rice at $6.50 per hundredweight; </li> <li>soybeans at $5.00 per bushel; </li> <li>sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, crambe, and sesame seed (other oilseeds) at $10.09 per hundredweight; </li> <li>dry peas at $5.40 per hundredweight; </li> <li>lentils at $11.28 per hundredweight; </li> <li>small chickpeas at $7.43 per hundredweight; </li> <li>large chickpeas at $11.28 per hundredweight; </li> <li>graded wool at $1.15 per pound;</li> <li>nongraded wool at $0.40 per pound; </li> <li>mohair at $4.20 per pound; </li> <li>honey at $0.69 per pound; and </li> <li>peanuts at $355 per ton.</li> </ul> <p>Establishes a single loan rate in each county for each kind of other oilseed.</p> <p>(Sec. 1203) Establishes a nine-month marketing assistance loan term, with extensions prohibited.</p> <p>(Sec. 1204) Authorizes producers to repay a marketing assistance loan for a commodity (other than upland cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, extra long staple cotton, peanuts and confectionery and each other kind of non-oil sunflower seed) at a rate that is the lesser of: </p> <ul> <li>the loan rate for the commodity plus interest; </li> <li>a rate that is based on average market prices for the commodity during the preceding 30-day period that will minimize benefit discrepancies across state and county boundaries; or </li> <li>a rate that will minimize loan forfeitures, minimize accumulated federal commodity stocks and related storage costs, allow the commodity to be freely marketed domestically and internationally, and minimize benefit discrepancies across state and county boundaries. </li> </ul> <p>Authorizes producers to repay a marketing assistance loan for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice at a rate that is the lesser of: (1) the loan rate established for the commodity plus interest, or (2) the prevailing world market price for the commodity. </p> <p>Authorizes producers to repay a marketing assistance loan for extra long staple cotton at a rate established for the commodity plus interest.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to prescribe formulas to determine the prevailing world market price for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to adjust prevailing world market prices for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice to U.S. quality and location. </p> <p>Authorizes producers to repay a marketing assistance loan for confectionery and each other kind of non-oil sunflower seed at a rate that is the lesser of: (1) the loan rate established for the commodity plus interest, or (2) the repayment rate for oil sunflower seed. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to make cotton storage payments for the 2014-2018 crop years in the same manner and at the same rates as made available for the 2006 crop of cotton, except with the rates reduced by 10%. </p> <p>Authorizes producers to repay a marketing assistance loan for peanuts at a rate that is the lesser of: </p> <ul> <li>the loan rate established for peanuts plus interest; or </li> <li>a rate that will minimize loan forfeitures, minimize accumulated federal commodity stocks and related storage costs, and allow the commodity to be freely marketed domestically and internationally. </li> </ul> <p>Authorizes temporary repayment rate adjustments in the event of severe marketing, transportation, or infrastructure disruptions. </p> <p>(Sec. 1205) Authorizes the Secretary to make loan deficiency payments to: </p> <ul> <li>producers that, although eligible to obtain a marketing assistance loan for a loan commodity, forgo the loan in return for loan deficiency payments; and </li> <li>producers of unshorn pelts, hay, and silage even though they are not eligible for marketing assistance loans. </li> </ul> <p>Establishes the loan deficiency payment computation as the payment rate for the commodity multiplied by the quantity of the commodity produced. </p> <p>Sets forth payment rate computations for unshorn pelts and for hay and silage. </p> <p>Excludes extra long staple cotton from loan deficiency payments. </p> <p>(Sec. 1206) Directs the Secretary to make payments in lieu of deficiency payments to producers electing to use wheat, barley, or oat acreage for livestock grazing through crop year 2018. </p> <p>Makes payments through crop year 2018 available to producers of triticale acreage used for grazing if such producers forgo any other triticale harvesting on such acreage. </p> <p>Makes such acreage ineligible for crop insurance indemnity or non-insured crop assistance coverage.</p> <p>(Sec. 1207) Directs the President to carry out a special import quota program for upland cotton beginning on August 1, 2014, and a limited global import quota program for it based upon specified price conditions. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to make monthly adjustment assistance payments of 3 cents per pound beginning on August 1, 2013, to domestic users of upland cotton during the previous monthly period regardless of the cotton's origin. Requires that such assistance be used for acquisition, construction, installation, modernization, conversion, or expansion of land, plant, buildings, equipment, facilities, or machinery. </p> <p>(Sec. 1208) Directs the Secretary to make payments through July 31, 2019, to domestic users and exporters of U.S.-produced extra long staple cotton to expand its domestic use and exports. Requires payments to be made when: </p> <ul> <li>for a consecutive four-week period the world market price for the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton is below the prevailing U.S. price for a competing growth of extra long staple cotton; and </li> <li>the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton is less than 134% of the loan rate for extra long staple cotton. </li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 1209) Makes recourse loans available through crop year 2018 for: (1) high moisture feed grains (corn and grain sorghum with high moisture content), and (2) seed cotton.</p> <p>(Sec. 1210) Authorizes the Secretary to make loan rate adjustments for: (1) any loan commodity (other than cotton) for differences in grade, type, quality, and location; (2) cotton for differences in quality; and (3) long grain rice and medium grain rice for differences in grade and quality. </p> <p><b>Subtitle C: Sugar - </b>(Sec. 1301) Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary to make nonrecourse loans through crop year 2018 to processors of domestically grown sugarcane at $0.1875 per pound and sugar beets at $0.2409 per pound. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to make sugarcane and sugar beet quantity estimates through crop year 2018 for: (1) human consumption, (2) carryover stocks, (3) carry-in stocks, (4) domestic processing, and (5) imports.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle D: Dairy - Part I: Margin Protection Program for Dairy </strong><b> Producers -</b> (Sec. 1402) Directs the Secretary to calculate: (1) the national average feed cost for each month using specified data, and (2) the actual dairy production margin for each consecutive two-month period by subtracting the average feed cost from the all-milk price.</p> <p>(Sec. 1403) Directs the Secretary to establish a margin protection program by September 1, 2014, under which participating dairy operations are paid a margin protection payment when actual dairy production margins are less than specified threshold levels.</p> <p>(Sec. 1404) Makes all participating dairy producers eligible to participate in the margin protection program.</p> <p>States that if:</p> <ul> <li>a participating dairy operation is operated by more than one producer all of the producers shall be treated as a single dairy operation for purposes of program participation, and </li> <li>a dairy producer operates two or more dairy operations each operation shall register separately to participate in the program. </li> </ul> <p> Establishes an annual $100 program fee.</p> <p>States that a dairy operation may participate in either the margin protection program or the livestock gross margin for dairy program (under the Federal Crop Insurance Act). </p> <p>(Sec. 1405) Establishes a participating dairy operation's production history as its highest annual milk marketings during any one of 2011, 2012, or 2013. </p> <p>Establishes the production history for a participating dairy operation that has been in operation for less than a year as either: </p> <ul> <li> the volume of the actual milk marketings for the months it has been in operation extrapolated to a yearly amount, or </li> <li>an estimate of actual milk marketings based on its herd size relative to the national rolling herd average. </li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 1406) Provides a participating dairy operation with a margin protection payment whenever the average actual dairy production margin for a consecutive two-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the participating dairy operation. </p> <p>(Sec. 1407) Sets forth program premium requirements.</p> <p>(Sec. 1408) States that a participating dairy operation that fails to pay the annual administrative fee or is in arrears on premium payments: (1) remains legally obligated to pay the fee or premiums, and (2) may not receive margin protection payments until they are paid.</p> <p>(Sec. 1409) Terminates the program on December 31, 2018.</p>  <p><b>Part II: Repeal or Reauthorization of Other Dairy-Related requirements </b>- (Sec. 1421) Repeals: (1) the dairy products price support program, (2) the dairy export incentive program, and (3) the Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission.</p> <p>(Sec. 1422) Terminates the milk income loss contract program on the earlier of: (1) the date that the margin protection program becomes operational, or (2) September 1, 2014.</p> <p>(Sec. 1424) Extends through FY2018: (1) the dairy forward pricing program, (2) the dairy indemnity program, and (3) the dairy promotion and research program. </p> <p><b>Part III: Dairy Product Donation Program </b>- (Sec. 1431) Directs the Secretary to establish a dairy product donation program to: </p> <ul> <li>address low operating margins experienced by participating dairy operations, and </li> <li>provide nutrition assistance to low-income individuals. </li> </ul> <p>Requires dairy product program purchases whenever the actual dairy production margin is $4.00/per hundredweight of milk or less for each of the immediately preceding 2 months.</p> <p>Sets forth program termination criteria.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to utilize public and private nonprofit organizations to distribute such products.</p> <p>Terminates the program on December 31, 2018.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle E: Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs </strong>- (Sec. 1501) Prescribes livestock indemnity payments to eligible producers on farms that have incurred excess livestock death losses due to: (1) attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law, or (2) adverse weather. </p> <p>Sets the payment rate at 75% of the market value of livestock.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to pay compensation under a livestock forage disaster program to eligible livestock producers for grazing losses caused by drought on land that is: (1) native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover, or (2) planted to a crop planted for the purpose of providing grazing for covered livestock.</p> <p>Allows compensation to eligible livestock producers for grazing losses caused by fire on land that is: (1) federally-managed rangeland, and (2) on which the producer is prohibited by a federal agency from grazing the normal permitted livestock due to fire.</p> <p>Sets forth payment rates for drought- and fire-caused grazing losses.</p> <p>Prohibits duplicative payments.</p> <p>Requires the Secrtary to pay emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease (including cattle tick fever), adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires.</p> <p>Requires payment of tree assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that: </p> <ul> <li> planted trees for commercial purposes but lost them due to a natural disaster, or </li> <li>have a production history for commercial purposes on planted or existing trees but also lost them due to a natural disaster. </li> </ul> <p>Limits assistance to those producers only with a tree mortality rate in excess of 15%, and for not more than 500 acres.</p> <p>Caps tree assistance payments to a person or legal entity (excluding joint ventures or general partnerships) for any crop year at $125,000 or an equivalent value in tree seedlings. </p> <p>Sets forth payment requirements.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle F: Administration</strong> - (Sec. 1601) Directs the Secretary to use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds, facilities, and authorities to carry out this title. </p> <p>(Sec. 1602) Suspends permanent price support authority under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 and the Agricultural Act of 1949 for covered commodities, cotton, and sugar through crop year 2018, and for milk through December 31, 2018.</p> <p>Suspends certain quota requirements for the 2014-2018 wheat crops.</p> <p>(Sec. 1603) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to set agriculture risk coverage, price loss coverage, marketing loan gains, and loan deficiency payments for: </p> <ul> <li>all covered commodities except peanuts at $125,000 per crop year, and </li> <li> peanuts at $125,000 per crop year.</li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 1604) Directs the Secretary by regulation to define &quot;significant contribution of active personal management &quot; for purposes of agriculture risk coverage, price loss coverage, marketing loan gains, and loan deficiency payments eligibility. Exempts family farms from such regulations.</p> <p>(Sec. 1605) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to prohibit a person or legal entity from receiving specified agricultural benefits during a crop, fiscal, or program year if the average adjusted gross income of such person or entity exceeds $900,000.</p> <p>(Sec. 1606) Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to extend specified direct reimbursement payments for geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. </p> <p>(Sec. 1607) Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to extend to loans made under this title the personal liability protection for a deficiency arising from the sale of collateral securing any nonrecourse loan.</p> <p>(Sec. 1608) Directs the Secretary to: (1) reconcile with the Social Security Administration (SSA) at least twice each year the Social Security numbers of all individuals who receive benefits under this title to determine if the individuals are alive, and (2) preclude the issuance of payments to, and on behalf of, deceased individuals not eligible for payments. </p> <p>(Sec. 1609) Makes specified technical corrections to to the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 and the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. </p> <p>(Sec. 1610) Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to extend and revise certain administrative and appeals requirements regarding the USDA National Appeals Division.</p> <p>(Sec. 1611) Requires that assignment of certain conservation and environmental payments be done in accordance with USDA regulations. </p> <p>(Sec. 1612) Authorizes the Secretary to track the benefits provided to individuals and entities under titles I and II of this Act. </p> <p>(Sec. 1613) Prohibits the Secretary, in carrying out this title and title II, from determining subsequently that a previously approved document is inadequate or invalid because of the lack of authority of any person signing the document on behalf of the applicant or any other individual, entity, general partnership, or joint venture, or because the documents relied upon were determined inadequate or invalid, unless the person signing the document knowingly falsified the evidence of signature authority or a signature.</p> <p>(Sec. 1614) Directs the Secretary to maintain, for each covered commodity and upland cotton, base acres and payment yields on a farm as in effect on September 30, 2013.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to: (1) reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and other administrative requirements; and (2) make $100 million available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title. Obligates specified funds from such amount for education and web-based decision aids for farmers and ranchers.</p> <p>(Sec. 1615) States that CCC funds disbursed pursuant to the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Brazil regarding a fund for technical assistance and capacity building with respect to dispute WT/DS 267 in the World Trade Organization may, upon resolution of the dispute, be used for research conducted in collaboration with USDA or with a college, university, or research foundation in the United States.</p> <p><strong>Title II: Conservation</strong> - <b>Subtitle A: Conservation Reserve Program -</b> (Sec. 2001) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend the conservation reserve program (CRP) through FY2018. </p> <p>Sets forth maximum CRP acreage enrollments for FY2014- FY2018. </p> <p>Makes grasslands eligible for CRP enrollment, but limits enrollment to 2 million acres at any one time during FY2014-FY2018. </p> <p>Revises contract duration requirements for land devoted to hardwood trees, shelter belts, windbreaks, or wildlife corridors. </p> <p>Eliminates designation of the Chesapeake Bay Region, the Great Lakes Region, and the Long Island Sound Region as watershed areas. </p> <p>(Sec. 2002) Extends the farmable wetland program through FY2018. Eliminates the program's pilot program designation. </p> <p>Reduces the acreage limitation from 1 million acres to 750,000 acres. </p> <p>(Secs. 2003-2004) Revises and sets forth CRP duties of owners and operators and the Secretary. </p> <p>(Sec. 2005) Authorizes limited incentive payments for thinning and other practices to improve the condition of land planted to trees, windbreaks, shelter belts, and wildlife corridors. </p> <p>Revises rental calculation requirements. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to make annual grassland payments in an amount that is not more than 75% of the land's grazing value. </p> <p>Eliminates payment-in-commodity authority. (Permits cash payments only.) </p> <p>(Sec. 2006) Authorizes producers with a CRP contract in place for five or more years to terminate the contract in FY2015. </p> <p>Expands the list of land that may not be subject to early termination, including farmable wetland and restored wetland as well as land: </p> <ul> <li>devoted to hardwood trees or wildlife habitat, </li> <li>containing erosion control or flood control structures, </li> <li>covered by a CRP easement, or </li> <li>enrolled under the conservation reserve enhancement program. </li> </ul> <p>Makes veteran farmers or ranchers eligible for the CRP transition option. </p> <p>Authorizes landowners to enroll in the conservation stewardship program (CSP) and conduct CSP activities in the final year of a CRP contract.</p> <p>Authorizes the Secretary to terminate or modify a CRP contract if the land is transferred into the agricultural conservation easement program. </p> <p>(Sec. 2007) Repeals authority for conversion of CRP land from vegetative cover to hardwood trees or restored wetlands. </p>  <p><b>Subtitle B: Conservation Stewardship Program -</b> (Sec. 2101) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise and extend the CSP through FY2018. </p> <p>Includes among program changes the following: </p> <ul> <li>revising program definitions, </li> <li>eliminating the 10% cap on enrollment of nonindustrial private forest land, </li> <li>requiring a producer contract to demonstrate that the producer is meeting the stewardship threshold for at least two priority resource concerns, </li> <li>including among contract ranking criteria the extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold, </li> <li>requiring a producer to have control of the land that is being enrolled in the program, </li> <li>revising the duties of the Secretary, </li> <li>requiring a renewing producer to meet the stewardship threshold for at least two additional priority resource concerns, </li> <li>establishing annual acreage enrollment limitations at 10 million acres through September 30, 2022, </li> <li>limiting aggregate payments to a person or entity to $200,000 during FY2014-FY2018, and </li> <li>providing outreach and technical assistance for specialty crop and organic producers. </li> </ul> <p>Limits aggregate payments to a person or entity to $200,000 during FY2014-FY2018. </p> <p><b>Subtitle C: Environmental Quality Incentives Program -</b> (Sec. 2201) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to include wildlife habitat development among the purposes of the environmental quality incentives program.</p> <p>(Sec. 2203) Extends the environmental quality incentives program through FY2018. </p> <p>Eliminates the minimum one-year contract requirement. </p> <p>Makes veteran farmers or ranchers eligible for increased program payments. </p> <p>Increases the amount of advanced payments available for limited resource, socially disadvantaged, beginning, or veteran farmers or ranchers. </p> <p>Requires that: (1) 60% of FY2014-FY2018 program funds be used for livestock production practices, and (2) 5% of such funds be used for wildlife habitat practices. </p> <p>Provides payments for wildlife habitat development. </p> <p>(Sec. 2206) Extends funding through FY2018 (with an aggregate $450,000 individual person/entity limit) for grants for innovative conservation approaches.</p> <p>(Sec. 2207) Provides funding through FY2018 for competitive grants for innovative conservation approaches. </p> <p>Permits grants to be made to facilitate: (1) on-farm conservation research and demonstration activities, and (2) pilot testing of new technologies or innovative conservation practices. </p>   <p><b>Subtitle D: Agricultural Conservation Easement Program -</b> (Sec. 2301) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to establish the agricultural conservation easement program for the conservation of eligible land and natural resources through easements or other interests in land. (Combines the purposes and coordinates the functions of the wetlands reserve program, the grassland reserve program, and the farmland protection program.) </p> <p>Sets forth agricultural land and wetland easement requirements. </p> <p><b>Subtitle E: Regional Conservation Partnership Program - </b>(Sec. 2401) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to establish a regional conservation partnership program to: </p> <ul> <li>accomplish purposes similar to the agricultural water enhancement program, the Chesapeake Bay watershed program, the cooperative conservation partnership initiative, and the Great Lakes basin program; </li> <li>further the conservation use of natural resources on a regional or watershed scale; and </li> <li>encourage partners to cooperate with producers in meeting or avoiding the need for regulatory requirements related to production on eligible land and implementing projects that affect multiple agricultural or nonindustrial private forest operations on a local, state, or regional basis. </li> </ul> <p>Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a partnership agreement (to assist producers with installing and maintaining an eligible activity on eligible land) for up to 5 years, with a one-time extension for up to 12 months. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance to producers: (1) participating in a project with an eligible partner, or (2) seeking to implement an eligible activity on eligible land independent of an eligible partner. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to designate up to eight critical conservation areas. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to give critical conservation area priority to a geographical area that: </p> <ul> <li>includes multiple states with significant agricultural production; </li> <li>is covered by an existing regional, state, binational, or multi state agreement; would benefit from water quality improvement; or </li> <li>has producers that need assistance in meeting or avoiding natural resource regulatory requirements that could negatively affect agricultural operations within the area. </li> </ul> <p>Provides CCC program funding for FY2014-FY2018. Reserves additional funds for FY2014-FY2018 from covered programs for such contracts. </p>  <p> <b>Subtitle F: Other Conservation Programs -</b> (Sec. 2501) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for the conservation of private grazing land program. </p> <p>(Sec. 2502) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the grass roots source water protection program. </p> <p>Makes specified CCC funds available for the program. </p> <p>(Sec. 2503) Requires CCC funding through FY2018 for the voluntary public access and habitat incentive program. </p>  <p>(Sec. 2504) Prohibits CRP funds from being used to carry out the agriculture conservation experienced services program. </p> <p>(Sec. 2505) Amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act with respect to the small watershed rehabilitation program to: (1) authorize appropriations through FY2018, and (2) require CCC funds for FY2014. </p> <p>(Sec. 2506) Amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary to modify and terminate floodplain easements if: (1) the current landowner agrees; and (2) the modification or termination addresses a compelling public need for which there is no practical alternative, and is in the public interest. </p> <p>(Sec. 2507) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to revise the water for at-risk desert terminal lakes program.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to: </p> <ul> <li>make grants for the purchase of eligible land impacted by a terminal lake, </li> <li>transfer funds to the Secretary of the Interior for terminal lakes to lease water, </li> <li>purchase land and carry out wildlife and plant research and conservation activities, and </li> <li>make grants available to states to purchase eligible land. </li> </ul> <p>Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from using such authority to deliver assistance to the Great Salt Lake in Utah, dry lakes, or other lakes that do not meet the purposes of this section. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations for land purchase grants. </p> <p>Requires CCC funding for water assistance. </p> <p>(Sec. 2508) Amends the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 to make Indian tribes eligible to cooperate with and participate in the soil and water conservation program. </p> <p><b>Subtitle G: Funding and Administration -</b> (Sec. 2601) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize the use of CCC funds through FY2018 for: </p> <ul> <li>the conservation reserve program, including specified amounts for transferring contract land from retiring owners and operators to beginning and disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and for thinning activities; </li> <li>the agricultural conservation easement program; </li> <li>the conservation security program; </li> <li>the conservation stewardship program; and </li> <li>the environmental quality incentives program. </li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 2602) Prohibits CCC funds for conservation programs from being used for CRP technical assistance. </p> <p>Gives priority to producers who request technical assistance in order to comply for the first time with the requirements of subtitle B and subtitle C of this title.</p>  <p>(Sec. 2603) Replaces priority funding requirements to provide regional equity for certain conservation program funding with one to ensure equitable program participation proportional to historical funding allocations and usage by all states. </p> <p>(Sec. 2604) Extends through FY2018 the annual set-aside in the environmental quality incentives program and the CSP for beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.</p> <p>Gives preference to such farmers or ranchers who are also veterans. </p> <p>(Sec. 2605) Revises specified reporting requirements. </p> <p>(Sec. 2606) Makes veteran farmers and ranchers eligible to receive conservation program incentives. </p> <p>States that any payment received by an owner or operator under this title shall be in addition to and not affect the total amount of payments that the owner or operator is eligible to receive under this Act, the Agricultural Act of 1949, the Agricultural Act of 2014, or any law succeeding such Acts. </p> <p>Authorizes the Secretary to enter into alternative funding arrangements with Indian tribes in carrying out the CSP and the environmental quality incentives program. </p> <p>(Secs. 2607-2608) Directs the Secretary to: (1) review and update standard operating procedures for state technical committees, and (2) promulgate regulations necessary to implement programs under this title. </p> <p>(Sec. 2609) Makes the wetland mitigation banking pilot program permanent. </p> <p>Requires CCC program funding.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to develop policy and criteria that will allow persons to access existing mitigation banks without requiring the Secretary to hold an easement in a mitigation bank. </p> <p>(Sec. 2610) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress regarding conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken. </p> <p>(Sec. 2611) Adds the federally funded portion of crop insurance premiums to the list of program benefits that could be lost by a producer who grows an agricultural commodity on certain converted wetlands or highly erodible land without an approved conservation plan or qualifying exemption. </p> <p>Applies such penalty to reinsurance years subsequent to the date of final determination of a violation. </p> <p><b>Subtitle H: Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments -</b> (Secs. 2701-2711) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to repeal (subject to specified transitional requirements): </p> <ul> <li>the conservation enhancement program, </li> <li>the emergency forestry conservation reserve program, </li> <li>the wetlands reserve program, </li> <li>the farmland protection program, </li> <li>the grassland reserve program, </li> <li>the agricultural water enhancement program, </li> <li>the wildlife habitat incentive program,</li> <li>the Great Lakes Basin program, </li> <li>the Chesapeake Bay watershed program, </li> <li>the cooperative conservation partnership initiative, and </li> <li>the environmental easement program. </li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 2712) Prescribes requirements for the temporary administration of conservation programs. </p> <p>Grants the Secretary 270 days to continue using existing regulations to implement new and amended programs in the absence of new regulations. </p>  <p><b>Title III: Trade - Subtitle A: Food for Peace Act</b> - (Sec. 3001) Amends the Food for Peace Act to state that title II emergency and nonemergency assistance is to be implemented by the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).</p> <p>(Sec. 3002) Increases funds available to eligible organizations for program, administrative, and distribution activities.</p> <p>Permits an eligible organization to invest such funds pending their use.</p> <p>(Sec. 3003) Includes among activities to ensure donated food quality:</p> <ul> <li>adoption of new or improved specifications for micronutrient fortified food aid products; </li> <li>development of new program guidance to improve matching of products to nutritional intent; </li> <li>development of improved guidance to address nutritional deficiencies among recipients for whom food assistance is the sole source of diet in certain emergency programs; and </li> <li> evaluation of specialized food products and program approaches to meet the nutritional needs of vulnerable groups, such as pregnant and lactating mothers and young children.</li> </ul> <p>Extends funding through FY2018 for food quality activities.</p> <p>(Sec. 3004) Extends annual minimum levels of assistance through FY2018 for title II assistance, including assistance for nonemergency programs.</p> <p>(Sec. 3005) Extends the Food Aid Consultative Group through December 31, 2018.</p> <p>Includes representatives from the U.S. agricultural processing sector in the Group. </p> <p>Requires the Administrator to consult with the Group before issuing implementation regulations, handbooks, and guidelines. </p> <p>(Sec. 3006) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for additional, discretionary monitoring of emergency food assistance, including amounts for upgraded information technology systems. </p> <p>Requires USAID to report to Congress regarding: (1) implementation of regulations and guidance; and (2) monitoring, reporting and audits of programs conducted by an eligible nonprofit organization and an eligible intergovernmental organization.</p> <p>(Sec. 3007) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods. </p> <p>(Sec. 3008) Directs the Secretary or the Administrator to seek information, as part of the regular proposal and submission process, from implementing agencies on the potential costs and benefits to the local economy of agricultural commodity sales within the recipient country.</p> <p>Directs the Administrator to report annually to Congress: (1) specifying the amount and use of funds provided to each recipient organization in the previous fiscal year, and (2) describing each commodity's actual rate of return. </p> <p>(Sec. 3009) Authorizes: </p> <ul> <li>the use of funds through FY2018 to procure, transport, and store agricultural commodities for prepositioning within the United States and in foreign countries; and </li> <li>the establishment of additional foreign prepositioning sites based on assessments of need, technology, feasibility, and cost.</li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 3010) Requires that the annual agricultural trade programs and activities report to Congress includes the McGovern-Dole international food for education and child nutrition program. </p> <p>(Sec. 3011) Extends authority to enter into agreements until December 31, 2018. </p> <p>(Sec. 3012) Requires that: (1) between 20% and 30% of title II funds be expended for nonemergency food assistance (under title II), and (2) the amount for such nonemergency food assistance programs be at least $350 million per fiscal year.</p> <p>(Sec. 3013) Extends micronutrient fortification program authority until September 30, 2018. </p> <p>(Sec. 3014) Requires that at least the greater of $15 million or 0.6% of available funds be used through FY2018 for the John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter farmer-to-farmer program. </p> <p>Extends the authorization of appropriations through FY2018 for programs in: (1) sub-Saharan African and Caribbean Basin countries, and (2) other developing or middle-income countries or emerging markets. </p> <p>Requires the Government Accountabiity Office (GAO) to review the John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter farmer-to-farmer program. </p> <p>(Sec. 3015) Eliminates language requiring a report on improved procurement planning. </p> <p><b>Subtitle B: Agricultural Trade Act of 1978</b> - (Sec. 3101) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to reduce the maximum CCC export loan guarantee term from 3 years to 24 months. </p> <p>Makes CCC credit guarantees of $5.5 billion available for each fiscal year.</p> <p>(Secs. 3102-3103) Makes CCC funds available through FY2018 for: (1) the market access program, and (2) the foreign market cooperator program.</p> <p><b>Subtitle C: Other Agricultural Trade Laws -</b> (Sec. 3201) Amends the Food for Progress Act of 1985 to make CCC funds available through FY2018 for the food for progress program.</p> <p>Extends the program through December 31, 2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 3202) Amends the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act to extend authority through FY2018 for stock replenishment of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust.</p> <p>Extends the Trust through September 30, 2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 3203) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to extend through FY2018: (1) CCC direct credits or export credit guarantees for exports to emerging markets, and (2) the E. (Kika) de la Garza Agricultural Fellowship Program.</p> <p>(Secs. 3204-3205) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to: (1) authorize appropriations through FY2018 for the McGovern-Dole international food for education and child nutrition program, and (2) provide CCC funding through FY2018 for specialty crop technical assistance. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to conduct an economic study of the U.S. market for U.S. Atlantic spiny dogfish. </p> <p>(Sec. 3206) Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for the Global Crop Diversity Trust.</p> <p>(Sec. 3207) Authorizes: (1) appropriations through FY2018 for local and regional food aid procurement projects; and (2) preference to be given to eligible organizations that have, or are working toward, projects under the McGovern-Dole international food for education and child nutrition program. </p> <p>(Sec. 3208) Authorizes the Secretary to establish the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services.</p> <p><strong>Title IV: Nutrition - Subtitle A: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</strong> - (Sec. 4001) Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to prohibit the payment of a deposit fee in excess of any state fee reimbursement to recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) for the return of empty bottles and cans used to contain food purchased with SNAP benefits. </p> <p>(Sec. 4002) Requires participating retail food stores to: (1) offer perishable goods in at least three staple food categories, and (2) provide adequate electronic benefit transfer (EBT) service.</p> <p>Requires participating retail food stores (including restaurants participating in a state option restaurant program intended to serve the elderly, disabled, and homeless), with certain exceptions, to pay 100% of the costs of acquiring and arranging for the implementation of EBT point-of-sale equipment and supplies. Exempts from such requirement farmers' markets and other direct-to-consumer markets, military commissaries, nonprofit food buying cooperatives, and certain establishments, organizations, programs, or group living arrangements. </p> <p>Prohibits a state from issuing manual vouchers unless the Secretary determines that they are necessary.</p> <p>Requires parties providing EBT transfer services to maintain a unique terminal identification number through the SNAP routing system.</p> <p>(Sec. 4003) Includes as eligible retailers governmental or nonprofit food purchasing delivery services that serve elderly or disabled individuals who are unable to shop for food. </p> <p>(Sec. 4004) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the Indian reservation food distribution program.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to determine the feasibility of tribal administration of federal food assistance programs in lieu of state or other administrating entities. Obligates specified FY2014 funds for such study.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to pilot a demonstration project by awarding a grant to one or more tribal organizations authorized to administer the food distribution program on Indian reservations to purchase traditional foods and foods produced locally by Indian producers for distribution to recipients of foods distributed under the Indian reservation food distribution program.</p> <p>(Sec. 4005) Excludes medical marijuana as an excess medical expense deduction. </p> <p>(Sec. 4006) Requires a household to receive a low-income heating and energy assistance program payment of $20 or more annually in order to receive the SNAP utility allowance deduction. </p> <p>Authorizes a state to delay implementation of this section for up to five months for households that currently receive such allowance. </p> <p>(Sec. 4007) Limits SNAP eligibility for post secondary students to students participating in career and technical training programs that may be completed in not more than four years, including remedial courses, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language. </p> <p>(Sec. 4008) Disqualifies from SNAP eligibility any person who: (1) has been convicted of certain felonies on or after enactment of this Act, and (2) is not in compliance with the terms of the sentence for such felonies. </p> <p>(Sec. 4009) Makes any household in which a member receives substantial lottery or gambling winnings ineligible for SNAP benefits until the household meets financial resources and income eligibility requirements.</p> <p>(Sec. 4010) States that, if a household makes excessive requests for replacement of its EBT card, the Secretary may require a state agency to decline to issue a replacement card unless the household explains the card's loss. Requires states in implementing this practice to protect vulnerable persons. </p> <p>(Sec. 4011) Requires pilot projects, which shall be completed by July 1, 2016, to test the feasibility of allowing qualifying retailers to accept SNAP benefits through mobile transactions and on-line transactions.</p> <p>Requires the Secretary, by January 1, 2017, to: (1) authorize implementation of such projects in all states unless the Secretary makes a finding that implementation is not in the best interest of SNAP, and (2) report to Congress regarding the basis for any finding to not authorize.</p> <p>(Sec. 4012) Authorizes the use of SNAP benefits for shares of community-supported agriculture. </p> <p>(Sec. 4013) Requires states at the time of certification to data-match with the National Directory of New Hires for eligibility and benefit calculation purposes.</p> <p>(Sec. 4014) Sets forth: (1) additional responsibilities for state agencies before restaurants may participate in a restaurant meals program, and (2) related reporting requirements.</p> <p>(Sec. 4015) Requires a state agency to use: (1) an income and eligibility verification system, and (2) an immigration status verification system. </p> <p>(Sec. 4016) Directs the Secretary to designate data exchange standards to govern: </p> <ul> <li>information categories that state agencies operating related programs are required to exchange electronically with another state agency, and </li> <li>required federal reporting and data exchange.</li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 4017) Requires the Secretary to carry out pilot projects to test innovative federal-state partnerships to reduce SNAP fraud by retail food stores and wholesale food concerns, including by allowing states to operate investigative programs. Requires at least one pilot project in a large urban area that administers its own SNAP program.</p> <p>(Sec. 4018) Prohibits: (1) the use of federal funds to recruit SNAP recipients, and (2) recruitment activities by entities that receive SNAP funds.</p> <p>(Sec. 4019) Sets: (1) $37 as the threshold level for reporting SNAP errors for FY2014, and (2) $37 adjusted for inflation (based on the growth of the cost of the thrifty food plan) in subsequent fiscal years.</p> <p>(Sec. 4020) Eliminates the Secretary's authority to waive a state agency's responsibility to pay all or any portion of the liability for a state with a high payment error rate. </p> <p>(Sec. 4021) Authorizes a state agency to use high performance bonus payments only to carry out SNAP, including investments in: (1) technology; (2) improvements in administration and distribution; and (3) actions to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.</p> <p>(Sec. 4022) Extends to 24 months the length of time that the Secretary shall reserve annual funding for state allocation for employment and training programs. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to establish up to 10 pilot projects to identify best practices for employment and training programs to increase the number of work registrants who obtain unsubsidized employment and reduce public assistance dependence. </p> <p>Provides FY2014-FY2015 funding (which shall be available through FY2018).</p> <p> Prescribes requirements for oversight and monitoring of employment and training activities.</p> <p>Requires each state agency to report annually to the Secretary on its employment and training program, including the numbers of SNAP participants who have gained employment skills, training, work, or experience. Authorizes the Secretary to require a state agency to modify its plan to improve outcomes. </p> <p>(Sec. 4023) Requires states, state agencies, local agencies, institutions, facilities such as data consortiums, and contractors participating in programs under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to cooperate with USDA officials and contractors in conducting evaluations and studies under this Act. </p> <p>(Sec. 4024) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for SNAP and related programs. </p> <p>(Sec. 4025) Directs the Secretary to review the provision of nutrition assistance in Puerto Rico in the form of cash benefits. Makes FY2014 funds available for such review and a report.</p> <p> Phases out Puerto Rico's cash practice during FY2017-FY2021. Permits approval, however, of any assistance plan exempting participants, or categories of them, if discontinuation of benefits in the form of cash is likely to have significant adverse effects.</p> <p>(Sec. 4026) Makes gleaners, public food program service providers, and tribal organizations eligible grantees to carry out community food projects.</p> <p>Increases fiscal year total grant amounts beginning in FY2015.</p> <p>Eliminates grants and contracts for: (1) the healthy urban food enterprise development center, and (2) innovative programs for addressing common community problems.</p> <p>(Sec. 4027) Extends commodity purchase authority through FY2018 for the emergency food assistance program. </p> <p>Makes annual commodity entitlement funding available for a two-fiscal year period.</p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for emergency food program infrastructure grants.</p> <p>(Sec. 4028) Includes promotion of physical activity as part of the nutrition education and obesity prevention program.</p> <p>(Sec. 4029) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018, and makes FY2014 funds available to supplement USDA retail food store and recipient program integrity activities and prevent store and recipient trafficking.</p>  <p>(Sec. 4031) Requires: (1) a study to assess the capabilities of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to operate the SNAP program in the same manner it is operated in the states, and alternative models that best meet CNMI needs; and (2) establishment of a pilot program if the study determines that it is feasible for the CNMI to operate a SNAP program as operated in the states. </p> <p>Provides: (1) FY2014-FY2015 funding for such study, and (2) FY2016-FY2018 funding for any pilot program that may be established.</p> <p>(Sec. 4032) Requires a state agency to report annually to the Secretary evidence that it has not issued SNAP benefits to: (1) a deceased individual, and (2) an individual who was permanently disqualified from receiving benefits. Reduces the federal share of administrative costs by up to 50% for noncompliance.</p> <p>Requires the Secretary, after completion of a multi-state pilot program to test the prevention of duplicate SNAP participation, to assess the feasibility of expanding such program nationwide. </p> <p>(Sec. 4033) Directs the Secretary and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) to allow the donation to and serving of traditional food through food service programs at public facilities and nonprofit facilities (including facilities operated by Indian tribes and tribal organizations) that primarily serve Indians, if the operator of the food service program meets specified conditions.</p> <p>Exempts the United States, an Indian tribe, and a tribal organization from civil liability for any damage, injury, or death caused by the donation to or serving of traditional foods through food service programs. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle B: Commodity Distribution Programs </strong>- (Sec. 4101) Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend the commodity distribution program through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 4102) Extends the commodity supplemental food program through FY2018.</p> <p>Limits commodity supplemental food program eligibility to low-income persons 60 years or older. Permits persons under 60 years old currently being served by the program to remain in the program until they no longer meet eligibility requirements.</p> <p> (Sec. 4103) Extends the distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects program through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 4104) Amends the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 to authorize the Secretary to retain title to commodities delivered to a processor until such time as end products containing the commodities are delivered to a state distributing agency or to a recipient agency.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle C: Miscellaneous</strong> - (Sec. 4201) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend through FY2018 the program for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables for schools and service institutions.</p> <p>(Sec. 4202) Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary to conduct a pilot project in not more than eight states participating in the national school lunch program to have additional flexibility by purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables from multiple suppliers and allowing for geographic preference.</p> <p>Requires that at least one project be located in a state in: </p> <ul> <li>the Pacific Northwest Region, </li> <li>the Northeast Region, </li> <li>the Western Region, </li> <li>the Midwest Region, and </li> <li>the Southern Region. </li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 4203) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to provide CCC funding through FY2018 for the senior farmers' market nutrition program.</p> <p>(Sec. 4204) Amends the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 to require the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, by the 2020 report and in each ensuing report, to include national nutritional and dietary information and guidelines for pregnant women and children from birth until the age of two.</p> <p>(Sec. 4205) Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to direct the Secretary to: (1) establish in the office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services a multiagency task force to coordinate commodity programs; and (2) report annually to Congress on task force recommendations and policies implemented to improve such programs.</p> <p>(Sec. 4206) Establishes a healthy food financing initiative to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, create quality jobs, and revitalize low-income communities by providing loans and grants to fresh food retailers to overcome higher entry costs in such areas. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations. </p> <p>(Sec. 4207) Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to: (1) provide for the increased purchase of Kosher and Halal food if such food is cost-neutral as compared to food that is not from food manufacturers with a Kosher or Halal certification, and (2) modify the labeling of the commodities list under the emergency food assistance program to enable Kosher and Halal food bank operators to identify which commodities to obtain from local food banks. </p> <p>(Sec. 4208) Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to replace the hunger-free communities collaborative grant program with the food insecurity nutrition incentive grant program.</p> <p>Limits federal cost share to 50%.</p> <p>Gives priority to projects that: </p> <ul> <li>maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participants, </li> <li>use direct-to-consumer sales marketing, </li> <li>demonstrate a track record of implementing successful nutrition incentive programs that connect low-income consumers and agricultural producers, </li> <li>provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables, or </li> <li>are located in underserved communities. </li> </ul> <p> States that such assistance shall not be considered part of a household's SNAP benefits.</p> <p>Authorizes appropriations, and provides CCC funding, through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 4209) Amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary, through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to administer a competitively awarded food and agriculture service learning grant program to increase knowledge of agriculture and improve the nutritional health of children.</p> <p>Authorizes appropriations. </p> <p>(Sec. 4210) Repeals the nutrition information and awareness pilot program. </p> <p>(Sec. 4211) Declares null and void, upon the enactment of this Act, the memorandum of understanding (the Partnership for Nutrition Assistance Initiative) entered into on July 22, 2004, by the Secretary and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Mexico.</p> <p>(Sec. 4212) Directs the Secretary to evaluate sole-source contracts in federal nutrition programs and the effects of these contracts on program participation, program goals, nonprogram consumers, retailers, and free market dynamics.</p> <p>(Sec. 4213) Directs the Secretary, in addition to the commodities delivered under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, to purchase eligible pulse crops (dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas) and pulse crop products for the school lunch and school breakfast programs. </p>  <p>Authorizes appropriations.</p> <p>(Sec. 4214) Directs the Secretary to: </p> <ul> <li>carry out a pilot project in schools participating in the fresh fruit and vegetable program in at least five states to evaluate the impact of allowing canned, frozen, or dried fruits and vegetables as part of the program; </li> <li> establish criteria, in accordance with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, for the conditions under which canned, frozen, or dried fruits and vegetables may be offered; and </li> <li>conduct related program evaluations. </li> </ul> <p>Requires specified funding.</p> <p><b>Title V: Credit - Subtitle A: Farm Ownership Loans</b> - (Sec. 5001) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to allow: (1) additional legal entities to qualify for farm ownership loans, and (2) other acceptable experiences to qualify for the three-year farming eligibility requirement for direct loans.</p> <p>Sets forth special owner-operator requirements for: (1) operating-only entities with at least 50% ownership, and (2) embedded entities with at least 75% family ownership.</p> <p>(Sec. 5002) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the conservation loan and loan guarantee program.</p> <p>Allows additional legal entities to qualify for the program.</p> <p>Increases loan guarantees to 80%. Provides a 90% guarantee for socially disadvantaged or beginning farmers or ranchers.</p> <p>(Sec. 5003) Revises the interest rate for joint financing arrangements to: (1) the difference between 2% and the interest rate for farm ownership loans, or (2) 2.5%.</p> <p>(Sec. 5004) Eliminates the appraisal requirement for inclusion of mineral rights in collateral for a farm ownership loan.</p> <p>(Sec. 5005) Increases the maximum down payment loan from 45% of $500,000 to 45% of $667,000.</p> <p><b>Subtitle B: Operating Loans </b>- (Sec. 5101) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to allow additional legal entities to qualify for farm operating loans.</p> <p>Sets forth special owner-operator requirements for embedded entities with at least 75% family ownership.</p> <p>(Sec. 5102) Eliminates the rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth. </p> <p>(Sec. 5103) Authorizes the Secretary to waive the personal liability of a youth borrower for a loan due to circumstances beyond the borrower's control.</p> <p>States that debt forgiveness does not affect eligibility for federal educational loans or other federal agency loans.</p> <p>(Sec. 5104) Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the impact of term limits on direct loan borrowers.</p> <p>(Sec. 5105) Directs the Secretary to develop ways to determine unit prices for crops and other agricultural products intended to be in locally or regionally produced agricultural food products in order to facilitate lending to local and regional food producers.</p> <p>(Sec. 5106) Authorizes a micro loan program for direct or guaranteed loans with a maximum micro loan of $50,000 per borrower.</p> <p>Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a FY2014-FY2018 pilot project for loans to community development financial institutions to: (1) make or guarantee microloans; and (2) provide microloan borrowers with business, financial, marketing, and credit management services. </p> <p>(Sec. 5107) Eliminates guaranteed farm operating loan term limits. </p> <p><b>Subtitle C: Emergency Loans</b> - (Sec. 5201) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to allow additional legal entities to qualify for emergency loans. </p> <p>Sets forth special owner-operator requirements for embedded entities with at least 75% family ownership. </p> <p><b>Subtitle D: Administrative requirements</b> - (Sec. 5301) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to extend the beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 5302) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct limited pilot projects to improve the programs carried out under this subtitle. </p> <p>(Sec. 5303) Revises the definition of "qualified beginning farmer or rancher."</p> <p> (Sec. 5304) Authorizes loan levels for direct and guaranteed farm ownership and farm operating loans through FY2018. </p> <p>(Sec. 5305) Obligates funds through FY2018 for direct operating loans for beginning farmers and ranchers. </p> <p><b>Subtitle E: State Agricultural Mediation Programs</b> - (Sec. 5401) Amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to extend state agricultural mediation programs through FY2018. </p> <p>(Sec. 5402) Amends the loan and loan guarantee program for Indian tribes and tribal corporations to purchase highly fractioned land within the reservation to permit loans to intermediaries to establish revolving loan funds for such purchases. </p> <p>(Sec. 5403) Limits to one the number of appraisals by the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior that borrowers who are Indian tribes, members of Indian tribes, or tribal corporations are required to obtain. </p> <p>(Sec. 5404) Requires the Farm Credit Administration to review its rules to reflect congressional intent that a primary responsibility of the boards of directors of Farm Credit System institutions is to oversee compensation practices. </p> <p><b>Title VI: Rural Development - Subtitle A: Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act</b> - (Sec. 6001) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants. </p> <p>(Sec. 6002) Eliminates the fund set-aside for child day care facilities. </p> <p>(Sec. 6003) Reduces the authorization of appropriations for the rural water and wastewater circuit rider program. </p> <p>(Sec. 6004) Directs the Secretary to consider the community benefits from using loan guarantees in carrying out the community facilities program. </p> <p>(Sec. 6005) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the federal share of developing specific Indian tribal college or university essential community facilities.</p> <p>(Sec. 6006) Authorizes the Secretary, with respect to the essential community facilities program, to make grants to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations to provide rural associations with technical assistance and training. </p> <p>Reserves between 3% and 5% of program appropriations for such grants. </p> <p>(Sec. 6007) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: </p> <ul> <li>emergency and imminent community water assistance grants; </li> <li>water systems for rural or Native villages in Alaska; </li> <li>household water well systems; </li> <li>solid waste management grants; </li> <li>rural cooperative development grants; </li> <li>loans to enterprises that process, store, and market locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; </li> <li>appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program; </li> <li>the intermediary relending program to finance rural business facilities and community development projects; </li> <li>rural cooperative development grants; </li> <li>the National Rural Development Partnership; </li> <li>grants for the federal share of acquiring radio transmitters to increase rural coverage by the weather radio broadcast system of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); </li> <li>the rural micro enterprise assistance program; </li> <li>health care grants in the Delta region; </li> <li>the Delta Regional Authority; </li> <li>the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority; and </li> <li>the rural business investment program. </li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 6009) Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to take a borrower's accounts receivable as security for a rural business and industry loan, and (2) a borrower to use accounts receivable as collateral to secure a loan or loan guarantee.</p> <p>(Sec. 6012) Replaces the rural business enterprise grant program with a rural business development grant program. </p> <p>Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to governmental entities, Indian tribes, and nonprofit entities for: </p> <ul> <li>business opportunity projects that identify business opportunities, assist in the establishment of new rural businesses and the maintenance of existing businesses, conduct regional, community, and local economic development planning, and establish centers for training, technology, and trade; and </li> <li>projects that support the development of small and emerging private business enterprise, the establishment of rural distance learning networks, and the provision of technical assistance and training to improve rural transportation services or facilities. </li> </ul> <p>Authorizes FY2014-FY2018 appropriations. </p> <p>(Sec. 6016) Authorizes the rural economic area partnership zone program through FY2018. </p> <p>(Sec. 6018) Directs the Secretary to develop a coordinated strategy for rural development programs when making investments in rural community colleges and technical colleges.</p> <p>(Sec. 6019) Encourages private or cooperative lenders to finance rural water and waste disposal facilities by: </p> <ul> <li>maximizing loan guarantees for projects in rural communities in which the population exceeds 5,500, </li> <li>maximizing direct loans if the impact on ratepayers will be material when compared to loan guarantee financing, </li> <li>requiring that projects that need interim financing in excess of $500,000 initially seek private or cooperative lender financing, </li> <li>and determining if an existing direct loan borrower can refinance with a private or cooperative lender before making a new direct loan. </li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 6020) Directs the Secretary to simplify the rural development loan application process.</p> <p>(Sec. 6025) Authorizes the Secretary to give rural development program priority to a project that will be carried out solely in a rural area and supports multi-jurisdictional community and economic development.</p> <p>(Sec. 6026) Terminates on October 1, 2018: (1) the Delta Regional Authority, and (2) the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority. </p> <p><b>Subtitle B: Rural Electrification Act of 1936</b> - (Sec. 6101) Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to direct the Secretary, at the request of a baseload generation loan guarantee borrower, to charge an up-front fee equal to the costs of the loan guarantee. </p> <p>Prohibits a borrower from using funds from a federal loan or other debt obligation to pay the fee. </p> <p>(Sec. 6102) Extends guarantee authority for rural electrification or telephone bonds and notes through September 30, 2018. </p> <p>(Sec. 6103) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for expansion of 911 access. </p> <p>(Sec. 6104) Revises the program of giving access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas, including priority and eligibility requirements.</p> <p>Requires: (1) at least two evaluation periods for each fiscal year to compare loan and loan guarantee applications and to prioritize loans and loan guarantees, and (2) a study of the ways that data collected under USDA broadband programs could be shared with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to support the development of the FCC National Broadband Map. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018. </p> <p>Extends loan and loan guarantee authority through September 30, 2018. </p> <p>(Sec. 6105) Directs the Secretary to establish the rural gigabit network pilot program to provide loans, loan guarantees, or grants for high-speed service to rural areas. </p> Authorizes FY2014-FY2018 appropriations. <p><b>Subtitle C: Miscellaneous</b> - (Sec. 6201) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for the distance learning and telemedicine program. </p> <p>(Sec. 6202) Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to replace the Interstate Commerce Commission with the Surface Transportation Board as entities with which the Secretary is authorized and directed to participate with to improve agricultural transportation services. </p> <p>(Sec. 6203) Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to include veteran farmers or ranchers as priority recipients for value-added agricultural product market development grants.</p> <p>Authorizes grant appropriations through FY2018. </p> <p>(Sec. 6204) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for the agriculture innovation center demonstration program. </p> <p>(Sec. 6205) Directs the Secretary to make interest-free loans to public power or utility districts or other Rural Utilities Service borrowers for loans to qualified consumers to implement energy efficiency measures.</p> <p>Authorizes FY2014-FY208 appropriations. </p> <p>(Sec. 6206) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to publish an updated version of a specified rural transportation study. </p> <p>(Sec. 6207) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the Northern Border Regional Commission, the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, and the Southwest Border Regional Commission for regional development.</p> <p>(Sec. 6208) Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to increase from 2,500 to 3,500 the maximum population of a rural area addressed by the Act. </p> <p>(Sec. 6209) Directs the Secretary to collect certain economic activity data created through grants and loans and measure the short- and long-term viability of award recipients and any entities to which those recipients provide assistance using award funds. </p> <p><b>Title VII: Research, Extension, and Related Matters - Subtitle A: National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977</b> - (Sec.7101)Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to allow through FY2018 a cooperating forestry school or a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university to opt out of its respective designation in order to qualify as a Non-Land-Grant College of Agriculture. </p> <p>(Sec. 7102) Extends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 7103) Directs the Secretary to establish a citrus crop subcommittee within the speciality crops committee. Terminates the subcommittee on September 30, 2018. </p> <p>(Sec. 7104) Directs the Secretary to establish a veterinary services grant program. Authorizes appropriations. </p> <p>(Sec. 7105) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for grants and fellowships for food and agricultural sciences education. </p> <p>(Sec. 7106) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for agricultural and food policy research centers. </p> <p>Changes the Secretary's authority to make competitive grants to agricultural and food policy research centers from discretionary to mandatory. Eliminates non-competitive grant authority. </p> <p>Gives preference to policy research centers that have: </p> <ul> <li>databases and experience in giving Congress agricultural market projections, and </li> <li>rural and agricultural policy analysis or information and research relating to drought mitigation. </li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 7107) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for competitive education grants to Alaska Native-serving institutions and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. Eliminates authority for non-competitive grants. </p> <p>(Secs. 7108-7109) Repeals: (1) the human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program, and (2) the pilot program to combine medical and agricultural research. </p> <p>(Sec. 7110) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the nutrition education program. </p> <p>(Sec. 7111) Revises and authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for animal health and disease research. </p> <p>Establishes a competitive grant program (in addition to the existing capacity and infrastructure program) for eligible entities to conduct research: (1) to promote food security, and (2) on the relationship between animal and human health. </p> <p>Sets forth funding apportionment requirements. </p> <p>(Sec. 7112) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. </p> <p>(Sec. 7113) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for grants to upgrade agriculture and food sciences facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions. </p> <p>Includes support of tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research, as a grant purpose. </p> <p>(Sec. 7114) Repeals authority for national research and training virtual centers. </p> <p>(Sec. 7115) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for Hispanic-serving institutions. </p> <p>(Sec. 7116) Expands the competitive grants program at Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities to include training of Hispanic agricultural workers and Hispanic youth working in the food and agricultural sciences. </p> <p>(Sec. 7117) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs. </p> <p>(Sec. 7118) Repeals research equipment grant authority. </p> <p>(Sec. 7119) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for agricultural research at universities and state agricultural experiment stations. </p> <p>(Sec. 7120) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for Cooperative Extension Service programs. </p> <p>(Sec. 7121) Directs the Secretary, for purposes of supporting ongoing research and information dissemination activities, to enter into grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements with former USDA agricultural research facilities. </p> <p>(Sec. 7122) Extends authority through September 30, 2018, for a supplemental and alternative crop research program. Permits only competitive grants to be awarded. </p> <p>Authorizes FY2014-FY2018 appropriations. </p> <p>(Sec. 7123) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for capacity building grants for non-land grant agricultural colleges. </p> <p>(Sec. 7124) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for aquaculture assistance programs. </p> <p>Requires that aquaculture cooperative research and extension grants be competitive grants. </p> <p>(Secs. 7125-7126) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) rangeland research programs, and (2) biosecurity planning and response.</p> <p> (Sec. 7127) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for distance food and agriculture education grants for insular areas. </p> <p>Eliminates noncompetitive program grants. </p> <p>(Sec. 7128) Requires, with certain exceptions, the recipient of a competitive grant that involves applied research or extension and that is commodity- or state-specific to provide matching funds or in-kind contributions. </p> <p>Provides a one-year matching fund waiver year for a competitive grant that involves research or extension priorities established by the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. </p> <p>(Sec. 7129) Designates Central State University (Ohio) as an 1890 land grant institution. </p> <p><b>Subtitle B: Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990</b> - (Secs. 7201-7204) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to replace the permanent authorization of appropriations with an authorization of appropriations through FY2018 for: </p> <ul> <li>research and extension projects that promote the best utilization of biological applications, </li> <li>integrated management and integrated crop research, </li> <li>the sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program, and </li> <li>the national training program. </li> </ul> <p>(Secs. 7205-7206) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) the national genetics resources program, and (2) the national agricultural weather information system. </p> <p>(Sec. 7207) Repeals the electronic commerce extension program. </p> <p>(Sec. 7208) Directs the Secretary encourage agricultural genome initiative awards to consortia of eligible entities. </p> <p>(Sec. 7209) Revises high-priority research and extension initiative requirements. </p> <p>Authorizes grants for: </p> <ul> <li>treatments to combat the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei); and </li> <li>research to improve the digestibility, nutritional value, and efficiency of the use of corn, soybean meal, cereal grains, and grain byproducts for the poultry and food animal production industries. </li> </ul> <p>Establishes a pulse crop (dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas) health research and extension initiative. </p> <p>Authorizes FY2014-FY2018 appropriations. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to make a competitive grant to, or enter into a contract or a cooperative agreement with, an eligible entity to establish the Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network to enhance U.S. food supply protection. </p> <p>Authorizes FY2014-FY2018 appropriations. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for pollinator protection research. </p> <p>(Sec. 7210) Repeals the nutrient management research and extension initiative. </p> <p>(Sec. 7211) Provides CCC funds through FY2018 for the organic agriculture research and extension initiative. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the initiative. </p> <p>(Sec. 7212) Repeals the agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative. </p> <p>(Sec. 7213) Replaces the permanent authorization of appropriations with an authorization of appropriations through FY2018 for the farm business management program. </p> <p>(Sec. 7214) Authorizes the Secretary to prioritize for funding purposes regional centers of excellence established for specific agricultural commodities. </p> Requires a regional center of excellence to be composed of one or more colleges and universities that support the regional center financially. <p>(Sec. 7215) Repeals authority for the red meat food safety research center. </p> <p>(Sec. 7216) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for an assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities. </p> <p>(Sec. 7217) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse. </p> <p><b>Subtitle C: Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998</b> - (Sec. 7301) Amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to include "relevance&quot; as a factor in evaluating applications for agricultural research grants. </p> <p>(Secs. 7302-7303) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) integrated management systems programs; and (2) research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale, and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum or by Tilletia indica. </p> <p>(Sec. 7304) Repeals the bovine Johne's (livestock) disease control program. </p> <p>(Sec. 7305) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for grants for youth organizations. </p> <p>(Sec. 7306) Revises specialty crop research initiative requirements. </p> <p>Requires peer review and consultation with the specialty crops committee before award of a grant. </p> <p>Provides permanent CCC funds for the initiative. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018. </p> <p>Establishes a program to combat citrus diseases under which the Secretary shall award competitive grants to eligible entities to: </p> <ul> <li>conduct scientific research and extension activities, technical assistance, and development activities to combat diseases and pests which pose imminent harm to U.S. citrus production and threaten the citrus industry, including <i>huanglongbing</i> and the Asian Citrus Psyllid; and </li> <li>support the dissemination and commercialization of discovered information, techniques, and technologies. </li> </ul> <p>Obligates specified CCC amounts through FY2018 for the citrus disease initiative. </p> <p>Authorizes FY2014-FY2018 appropriations. </p> <p>(Sec. 7307) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the food animal residue avoidance database program.</p> <p>(Sec. 7308) Repeals authority for the national swine research center.</p> <p>(Sec. 7309) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the Office of Pest Management Policy.</p> <p>(Sec. 7310) Directs the Secretary to establish a forestry and forestry products research and extension grant initiative to develop science-based tools that address the needs of the forestry sector, forest and timberland owners and managers, and forestry products manufacturing interests. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 7311) Repeals authority for certain studies of agricultural research, extension, and education. </p> <p><b>Subtitle D: Other Laws </b>- (Sec. 7401) Amends the Critical Agricultural Materials Act to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for critical agricultural materials activities. </p> <p>(Sec. 7402) Amends the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 to revise the list of "1994 Institutions" (specified tribally controlled community colleges and postsecondary vocational institutions, Bureau of Indian Affairs [BIA] postsecondary institutions, and the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts).</p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for: (1) 1994 Institutions, (2) capacity building grants, and (3) research grants. </p> <p>Revises research grant requirements. </p> <p>(Sec. 7403) Amends the Research Facilities Act to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for agricultural research facilities. </p> <p>(Sec. 7404) Amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for competitive, special, and facilities research grants. </p> <p>Includes among priority areas: (1) development of surveillance methods, vaccines, and diagnostic tests for pests and diseases; (2) identification and application of animal drugs; and (3) water quality improvement. </p> <p>Includes foundations among eligible grant entities. </p> <p>Requires a matching contribution for commodity promotion grants. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to prioritize pest management for minor agricultural use and specialty crop use. </p> <p>(Sec. 7405) Amends the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for educational and technical aid through state extension agencies and eligible universities and colleges.</p> <p>(Sec. 7406) Amends the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for aquaculture activities under USDA, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of the Interior. </p> <p>(Sec. 7407) Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to repeal authority for certain remote sensing data use. </p> <p>(Sec. 7408) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to repeal reporting requirements regarding producers and handlers of organic products and genetically modified pest-protected plants, as well as authority to study and evaluate nutrient banking. </p> <p>(Sec. 7409) Provides CCC funding and authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the beginning farmer and rancher development program. </p> <p>Revises the list of eligible programs and services. </p> <p>Reduces the set-asides for: (1) limited resource beginning farmers or ranchers, (2) socially disadvantaged beginning farmers or ranchers, and (3) farm workers desiring to become farmers or ranchers. </p> <p>Makes beginning farmers and ranchers who are veterans eligible for program set-asides. </p> <p>(Sec. 7410) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for construction, acquisition, and repair of buildings and other public improvements. </p> <p><b>Subtitle E: Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 - Part I: Agricultural Security</b> - (Secs. 7501-7504) Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for: </p> <ul> <li>the Agricultural Biosecurity Communication Center, </li> <li>grants for advanced training programs in agricultural biosecurity planning and response for food science professionals and veterinarians, </li> <li>the grant and low-interest loan assistance program to assist states in assessing agricultural disease response capability, </li> <li>research and development of agricultural countermeasures, and </li> <li>the agricultural biosecurity grant program. </li> </ul> <p><b>Part II: Miscellaneous requirements</b> - (Sec. 7511) Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to extend authority to lease property of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center or the National Agricultural Library through June 18, 2018. </p> <p>Revises related congressional reporting dates. </p> <p>(Sec. 7512) Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to extend for an additional five years the prohibition against declaring the Grazinglands Research Laboratory at El Reno, Oklahoma, excess or surplus federal property, or otherwise conveying or transferring it. </p> <p>(Sec. 7513) Revises budget submission and funding requirements. </p> <p>(Sec. 7514) Repeals the seed distribution program. </p> <p>(Sec. 7515) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the natural products research program. </p> <p>(Sec. 7516) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the sun grant program. </p> <p>Eliminates designation of certain universities as regional centers. </p> <p>Replaces authority for gasification research with that for bioproducts research. </p> <p>(Secs. 7517-7518) Repeals: (1) authority for the food desert study, and (2) the grant program for agricultural and rural transportation research and education activities. </p> <p><b>Subtitle F: Miscellaneous requirements</b> - (Sec. 7601) Directs the Secretary to establish the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research to make grants to: </p> <ul> <li>support agricultural research on problems of national and international significance; and </li> <li>foster collaboration with agricultural researchers from the federal and state governments, universities, industry, and nonprofits. </li> </ul> <p>Provides CCC funding, subject to a matching funds requirement. </p> <p>Sets forth Foundation requirements. </p> <p>(Sec. 7602) Authorizes the Secretary to negotiate concession agreements at the National Arboretum with nonprofit organizations that support the Arboretum. </p> <p>(Sec. 7603) Directs the Secretary, through the National Agricultural Library, to support the dissemination of objective and authoritative agricultural and food law research, legal tools, and information through cooperative agreements with institutions of higher education. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations. </p> <p>(Sec. 7604) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum race 4 (FOV Race 4) and its impact on cotton.</p> <p>(Sec. 7605) Makes technical amendments to the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. </p> <p>(Sec. 7606) Authorizes an institution of higher education or a state department of agriculture to cultivate industrial hemp if: </p> <ul> <li>cultivated for purposes of research under an agricultural pilot program or other agricultural or academic research, and </li> <li>allowed under the laws of the state in which the institution or department is located and the research occurs.</li> </ul> <p><b>Title VIII: Forestry - Subtitle A: Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs</b> - (Sec. 8001) Repeals:</p> <ul> <li>the forest land enhancement program,</li> <li>the watershed forestry assistance program,</li> <li>the Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land leadership program,</li> <li>the tribal watershed forestry assistance program, and</li> <li>the cooperative national forest products marketing program. </li> </ul> <p><b>Subtitle B: Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Programs</b> - (Sec. 8101) Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to include military installations among the coordinating agencies involved in developing a state-wide forest resource assessment and forest strategy. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018. </p> <p><b>Subtitle C: Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws</b> - (Sec. 8201) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for the rural revitalization technologies program. </p> <p>(Sec. 8202) Amends the Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for the Office of International Forestry. </p> <p>(Sec. 8203) Amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, with respect to the healthy forests reserve program, to: (1) define the meaning of acreage owned by Indian tribes, and (2) authorize appropriations through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 8204) Directs the Secretary, upon request by a state governor, to designate as part of an insect and disease treatment program one or more landscape-scale areas, such as subwatersheds, in at least one national forest in each state experiencing an insect or disease epidemic. Authorizes appropriations through FY2024.</p> <p>Prescribes requirements for a collaborative restoration project, which may be: (1) considered an action categorically excluded from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA); and (2) exempt from the special administrative review process.</p> <p>(A &quot;categorical exclusion&quot; under NEPA is a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and which have been found to have no such effect in procedures adopted by a federal agency in implementing environmental regulations and for which, therefore, neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact Statement is required.)</p> <p>(Sec. 8205) Authorizes the Chief of the Forest Service of the USDA and the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) of the Department of the Interior to enter into stewardship contracting projects with private persons or other public or private entities to perform services to achieve specified land management goals for the national forests and the public lands that meet local and rural community needs.</p> <p>Sets forth fire liability and administrative requirements. </p> <p>(Sec. 8206) Authorizes the Secretary, for National Forest System, and the Secretary of the Interior, for BLM land, to enter into a good neighbor agreement with a governor to carry out authorized similar and complementary forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services on both non-federal and federal land (National Wilderness Preservation System, wilderness study areas, and other federal land on which removal of vegetation is prohibited or restricted).</p> <p>Exempts agreements from certain timber sale requirements. </p> <p>Prohibits decisions required under NEPA from being delegated to a governor.</p> <p><b>Subtitle D: Miscellaneous requirements </b>- (Sec. 8301) Directs the Secretary to revise and submit to Congress the forest inventory strategic plan. </p> <p>(Sec. 8302) Directs the Secretary, through the Forest Service, to use funds from conservation-related programs on National Forest System land to utilize the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) program to provide technical services for such programs. </p> <p>(Sec. 8303) Amends the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary to designate National Forest System tree and forest products for harvest through description or prescription in addition to physically marking trees for harvest. </p> <p>(Sec. 8304) Authorizes the Secretary, if one state seeks reimbursement for resources and services provided to another state for wildfire management and suppression, to accept the reimbursement from the other state and pay it to the state seeking reimbursement. </p> <p>(Sec. 8305) Authorizes the Secretary, through the Forest Service, to establish a large airtanker and aerial asset (firefighting) lease program. </p> <p>(Sec. 8306) Directs the Secretary to convey to the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery Association of Pound, Virginia, specified National Forest System land in the Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia, which contains the Cemetery and an easement to provide access to such land. </p> <p>Requires the Association to pay the Secretary cash consideration equal to the land's market value, which shall be deposited into the Treasury for deficit reduction.</p> <p><b>Title IX: Energy </b>- (Sec. 9001) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to define: </p> <ul> <li>&quot;forest product&quot; as one made from materials derived from the practice of forestry or the management of growing timber; </li> <li>&quot;renewable chemical&quot; as a monomer, polymer, plastic, formulated product, or chemical substance produced from renewable biomass; and </li> <li>&quot;renewable energy system&quot; as a system that produces usable energy from a renewable energy source that may include distribution components necessary to move energy produced by such system to the initial sales point. </li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 9002) Revises the biobased markets program to require each procuring agency to establish a targeted biobased-only procurement requirement under which it shall issue a certain number of biobased-only contracts when purchasing products or services that include the use of products that are included in a biobased product category designated by the Secretary. </p>  <p>Directs the Secretary within one year to designate intermediate ingredients or feedstocks and assembled and finished biobased products for use in biobased procurement guidelines. </p> <p>Authorizes the Secretary to carry out related auditing and compliance activities. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to assess the economic impact of the biobased products industry. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary, acting through the Forest Products Laboratory, to provide technical and other assistance to the biobased markets program and applicants for forest products in determining whether such products are eligible for the USDA Certified Biobased Product label. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018.</p> <p>Requires specified CCC funding for the biobased markets program for FY2014-FY2018. </p> <p>(Sec. 9003) Includes renewable chemical and biobased product manufacturing in the biorefinery assistance program. </p> <p>Defines &quot;biobased product manufacturing&quot; as the development, construction, and retrofitting of technologically new commercial-scale processing and manufacturing equipment and required facilities to convert renewable chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries into commercial end-user products.</p> <p>Eliminates grants to assist in paying the costs of development and construction of demonstration-scale biorefineries to demonstrate the commercial viability of one or more processes for converting renewable biomass to advanced biofuels.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to ensure project diversity.</p> <p>Provides CCC program funding for biorefinery assistance for FY2014-FY2016. Limits to 15% the amount of such funds that may be used in FY2014-FY2015 for loan guarantees to promote biobased product manufacturing. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 9004) Provides CCC program funding for FY2014 for the repowering assistance program. </p> <p>Authorizes additional appropriations through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 9005) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the bioenergy program for advanced biofuels.</p> <p>Specifies CCC program funding for FY2014-FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 9006) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the biodiesel fuel education program.</p> <p>Specifies CCC program funding for FY2014-FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 9007) Revises the rural energy for America program to: </p> <ul> <li>make certain resource conservation councils eligible for grants to provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to become more energy efficient, and to use renewable energy technologies and resources; and </li> <li>provide a three-tiered application process with separate application processes for grants and loan guarantees based on project cost. </li> </ul> <p>Provides permanent CCC program funding beginning in FY2014. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018. </p> <p>(Sec. 9008) Authorizes appropriations through FY2018 for the biomass research and development program. </p> <p>Provides program funding for FY2014-FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 9009) Extends the feedstock flexibility program for bioenergy producers through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 9010) Revises the biomass crop assistance program to: </p> <ul> <li>include land enrolled in the agricultural conservation easement program;</li> <li>remove land enrolled in the wetlands reserve or the grassland reserve programs from the list of ineligible program land; </li> <li>redefine eligible material; </li> <li>set one-time establishment payments at not more than 50% of establishment cost, not to exceed $500 per acre ($750 per acre for socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers); and </li> <li>prohibit payments on land for which payments are received under the conservation reserve program or the agricultural conservation easement program.</li> </ul> <p>Provides CCC program funding for FY2014-FY2018.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary for each fiscal year to use between 10% and 50% of the amount of such funds for collection, harvest, transportation, and storage payments. States that such payments: (1) may not exceed $20 per dry ton, and (2) shall be available for a 2-year period.</p> <p>(Sec. 9011) Repeals the forest biomass for energy program.</p> <p>(Sec. 9012) Revises the community wood energy program to create grants to biomass consumer cooperatives to provide consumers with services or discounts for purchasing biomass heating systems, biomass heating products, or delivery and storage of biomass heating products. </p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 9013) Repeals the requirement to conduct the biofuels infrastructure study.</p> <p><strong>Title X: Horticulture</strong> - (Sec. 10001) Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for the collection and dissemination of specialty crop market news.</p> <p>(Sec. 10002) Repeals the specialty crop movement-to-market program.</p> <p>(Sec. 10003) Amends the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 to change the name of the farmers' market promotion program to the farmers' market and local food promotion program.</p> <p>Expands the program's purposes to include development of local food business enterprises.</p> <p>Gives program priority to projects that benefit underserved communities, including communities that: (1) are located in areas of concentrated poverty with limited access to fresh locally or regionally grown foods, and (2) have not received program benefits in the recent past.</p> <p>Provides CCC funding for FY2014-FY2018.</p> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 10004) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 regarding organic production and market data initiatives to: (1) require the Secretary to report to Congress annually, (2) provide additional funding, and (3) authorize appropriations through FY2018. </p> <p>Amends the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 regarding the national organic program to: (1) replace the permanent authorization of appropriations with one through FY2018, (2) modernize database and technology systems, and (3) make specified CCC funds available for FY2014.</p> <p>Provides CCC funding for the national organic certification cost-share program for FY2014-FY2018.</p> <p>Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to exempt from a commodity promotion assessment any person that produces, handles, markets, or imports any agricultural commodity certified as organic or 100% organic. </p> <p>Authorizes the Secretary to issue an organic commodity promotion order that includes any agricultural commodity that is: (1) produced, handled, and certified to be sold or labeled as organic or 100% organic; or (2) imported with a valid organic certificate. </p> <p>(Sec. 10005) Sets forth investigatory and enforcement requirements under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.</p> <p>(Sec. 10006) Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for food safety education initiatives. </p> <p>(Sec. 10007) Amends the Plant Protection Act to consolidate the plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention program and the National Clean Plant Network.</p> <p>Obligates specified CCC funding for the Network.</p> <p>Authorizes specified appropriations for: (1) FY2014-FY2017, and (2) FY2018 and subsequent fiscal years.</p> <p>(Sec. 10008) Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to eliminate the requirement that a person must notify EPA of the arrival of a plant-incorporated protectant contained in a seed if:</p> <ul> <li>the plant-incorporated protectant is registered,</li> <li>EPA has issued an experimental use permit for such plant-incorporated protectant, or</li> <li>the seed is covered by a permit. </li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 10009) Amends the Export Apple Act to exempt the bulk bin shipment of apples to Canada from specified Apple Export Act requirements. </p> <p>(Sec. 10010) Amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 to direct the Secretary to make grants to states through FY2018 to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. </p> <p>Authorizes specified appropriations for: (1) FY2014-FY2017, and (2) FY2018 and subsequent fiscal years.</p> <p>Bases grants on value and acreage instead of the value of production.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to issue guidance for making multi-state project grants involving food safety, plant pests and disease, and crop-specific projects addressing common issues. Authorizes funds through FY2018. </p> <p>(Sec. 10011) Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Labor (DOL), with regard to the restraining or confiscation of agricultural commodities by DOL for actual or suspected labor law violations, in order to consider: </p> <ul> <li>the perishable nature of the commodities, </li> <li>the impact of the restraining or confiscation on the economic viability of farming operations, and </li> <li>the competitiveness of specialty crops through state grants awarded under the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004.</li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 10012) Directs the Secretary to report to FDA on how a federal standard for honey would be in the interest of consumers, the honey industry, and U.S. agriculture. </p> <p>(Sec. 10013) Requires two reports to Congress on approaches and actions taken by EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Marine Fisheries Service to implement recommendations of the report &quot;Assessing Risks to Endangered and Threatened Species from Pesticides.&quot;</p> <p>(Sec. 10014) Directs the Secretary to lift the administrative stay imposed by a 2011 USDA rule establishing an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for fresh cut Christmas trees.</p> <p>(Sec. 10015) Directs EPA to exclude nonpesticidal sources of fluoride from aggregate exposure assessments required by the FFDCA when assessing tolerances associated with residues from the pesticide.</p> <p>(Sec. 10016) Directs the Secretary to: </p> <ul> <li>collect data on the production and marketing of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products, </li> <li>facilitate interagency collaboration and data sharing on programs related to local and regional food systems, and</li> <li>monitor the effectiveness of programs to expand or facilitate local food systems.</li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 10017) States that, in the case of a program established or amended by this title that is authorized or required to be carried out using CCC funds, the use of such funds for technical assistance shall not be considered a CCC allotment or fund transfer for purposes of the expenditure limit for technical assistance under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act. </p> <p><b>Title XI: Crop Insurance</b> - (Sec. 11001) Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to require the Farm Service Agency to give an agent or approved insurance provider with information to assist in insuring a producer. <br> <br> (Sec. 11002) Requires the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) to publish on its website information on violations of the prohibition on premium adjustments. <br> <br> (Sec. 11003) Makes available to crop producers a supplemental coverage option to cover part of a crop insurance policy deductible. <br> <br> Gives a producer the option of purchasing additional coverage based on an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis, in addition to: (1) an individual yield and loss basis, or (2) an area yield and loss basis. <br> <br> Triggers such option only if area losses exceed 14% of normal levels. <br> <br> States that: (1) coverage shall not exceed the difference between 86% and a policy's underlying coverage level, and (2) acres under ARC or the stacked income protection plan are ineligible for the supplemental coverage option.<br> <br> Requires the FCIC to cover 65% of the premium for supplemental coverage option, and begin coverage no later than crop year 2015. <br> <br> (Sec. 11004) Makes crop margin coverage available as a single policy or in combination with a yield or revenue loss policy. <br> <br> (Sec. 11005) Reduces the premium for each crop for which catastrophic risk protection is available by the percentage equal to the difference between the average loss ratio for the crop and 100%, plus a reasonable reserve. <br> <br> (Sec. 11006) Makes permanent the pilot program under which the FCIC pays a portion of the premiums for insurance plans or policies for which the insurable unit is defined as a whole farm or enterprise unit. <br> <br> (Sec. 11007) Makes separate enterprise units available for irrigated and non-irrigated acreages of crops beginning with crop year 2015. <br> <br> (Sec. 11008) Requires the FCIC, in determining yields, to use: (1) county data collected by the Risk Management Agency and/or the National Agricultural Statistics Service, or (2) other appropriate data if sufficient county data is not available. <br> <br> (Sec. 11009) Revises the adjustment in actual production history used to establish insurable yields. <br> <br> (Sec. 11010) Requires the FCIC to: (1) review and submit to the Board of Directors any policy or pilot program to carry out research and development for new crop insurance policies that will protect producers and result in a marketable policy and improved coverage, and (2) make an additional annual reimbursement through reinsurance year 2015 to insurance companies selling specialty crop policies.</p> <p>Authorizes the Board, if specified criteria are met by the insurance applicant, to approve: (1) up to 50% of the projected research and development costs in advance; and (2) an additional 25% advance payment if the intended insurance policy or plan will provide coverage for a region or crop that is underserved by the federal crop insurance program, including specialty crops.</p> <p>(Sec. 11011) Requires an applicant, as part of the development of a policy for fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops, to consult with producer groups in all major producing areas.</p> <p>(Sec. 11012) Requires, with respect to a renegotiated Standard Reinsurance Agreement, that: (1) any savings must be used for programs administered by the Risk Management Agency, and (2) the new Agreement be budget neutral to the extend practicable.<br> <br> (Sec. 11013) Requires FCIC to establish procedures to allow insured producers no more than 120 days to settle claims involving corn determined to have low test weight. <br> <br> (Sec. 11014) Revises the definition of "native sod," with respect to the requirement that the land has never been tilled, to include ground the producer cannot substantiate has ever been tilled.<br> <br> Reduces federal crop insurance and noninsured crop disaster assistance benefits for native sod acreage that has been planted to an annual crop during the first four crop years of its planting in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Nebraska. (Current law makes native sod acreage during the first five crop years of planting ineligible for benefits.) <br> <br> (Sec. 11015) Authorizes a producer that grows an agricultural commodity on both dry land and irrigated land to elect a different insurance coverage level for each production practice beginning with crop year 2015. <br> <br> (Sec. 11016) Defines "beginning farmer or rancher" as a farmer or rancher who has not actively operated and managed a farm or ranch with a bona fide insurable interest in a crop or livestock as an owner-operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper for more than five crop years. <br> <br> Requires an additional 10% of crop insurance premium assistance for a beginning farmer or rancher. <br> <br> (Sec. 11017) Requires the FCIC, beginning not later than the 2015 upland cotton crop, to make available to producers of maximum eligible acres of upland cotton an additional insurance policy (the stacked income protection plan) which may be purchased as a stand-alone policy or purchased in addition to any other individual or area policy. <br> <br> Requires coverage for revenue loss of between 10% and 30% of expected county revenue. <br> <br> Establishes an 80% premium subsidy. States that the plan is in addition to all other coverages available to upland cotton producers. <br> <br> (Sec. 11018) Requires the FCIC and the Risk Management Agency, beginning with the 2015 crop, to make available a revenue crop insurance program for peanuts based on a price equal to the Rotterdam price index for peanuts, as adjusted to reflect the farmer stock price of peanuts in the United States. <br> <br> (Sec. 11019) Requires the FCIC to allow insurance providers to correct certain unintentional errors in producer-provided information. <br> <br> (Sec. 11020) Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain and upgrade FCIC information management systems used in the administration and enforcement of this title, and (2) implement an acreage reporting streamlining initiative to permit producers to report acreage and other information directly to USDA. <br> <br> (Sec. 11021) Authorizes the FCIC to use certain funds beginning in FY2014 to: (1) reimburse expenses for the operations and review of policies and insurance plans, and (2) assist in maintaining program financial soundness. <br> <br> (Sec. 11022) Requires the FCIC to offer to enter or enter a contract for research and development for insuring:</p> <ul> <li>producers of freshwater-reared catfish against reduction in the margin between market value and selected production costs;</li> <li>biomass and sweet sorghum grown to produce feedstocks for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity, or biobased products;</li> <li>commercial poultry production against business disruptions caused by integrator bankruptcy; and</li> <li>alfalfa.</li> </ul> <p>Requires research and development also to develop a whole farm risk management insurance plan (with liability of up to $1.5 million).</p> <p>Directs the FCIC to contract for feasibility studies:</p> <ul> <li>on insuring swine producers and poultry producers for a catastrophic event; and</li> <li>whether offering policies covering specialty crops from food safety and contamination issues would benefit agricultural producers.</li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 11023) Requires FCIC to offer organic crop producers by the 2015 reinsurance year price elections for all organic crops produced in compliance with USDA standards that reflect actual retail or wholesale prices. <br> <br> (Sec. 11024) Authorizes the FCIC to enter into partnerships with public and private entities to increase risk management tools for producers or improve compliance. <br> <br> (Sec. 11025) Eliminates the requirement that the FCIC evaluate pilot programs. <br> <br> (Sec. 11026) Authorizes the FCIC to: (1) conduct two or more pilot programs to provide financial assistance for producers of under-served crops and livestock (including specialty crops) to purchase an index-based weather insurance product from a private insurance company, and (2) pay up to 60% of the premium for producers that purchase an approved insurance policy or plan from an approved provider. <br> <br> Prohibits an underserved crop insurance policy or plan from providing coverage substantially similar to privately available hail insurance. <br> <br> Requires the FCIC to use certain fund for FY2015-FY2018. <br> <br> (Sec. 11027) Defines "farm financial benchmarking" as: (1) the process of comparing the performance of an agricultural enterprise against the performance of other similar enterprises through the use of comparable data in order to identify business management strengths, weaknesses, and steps necessary to improve performance and profitability; and (2) benchmarking of the type conducted by farm management and producer associations pursuant to the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990.</p> <p>Authorizes the FCIC to enter into partnerships with public and private entities to provide producers with training and informational opportunities to be better able to use farm financial benchmarking.</p> <p>Requires grants from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to promote the education of agricultural producers about farm financial benchmarking.</p> <p>Requires crop insurance and risk management education programs to emphasize farm financial benchmarking as a risk management strategy.<br> <br> (Sec. 11028) Makes technical amendments.</p> <p><strong>Title XII: Miscellaneous - Subtitle A: Livestock</strong> - (Sec. 12101) Directs the Secretary to amend a specified rule under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 implementing the voluntary trichinae certification program to include a requirement to establish an alternative trichinae certification process based on surveillance or other methods consistent with international standards for categorizing compartments as having negligible trichinae risk.</p> <p>Amends the Animal Health Protection Act to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for the trichinae certification program.</p> <p>(Sec. 12102) Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to: (1) direct the Secretary, through the Agricultural Marketing Service, to establish a grant program to enhance the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the United States; and (2) fund the program through the CCC.</p> <p>(Sec. 12103) Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for the national aquatic animal health plan. </p> <p>(Sec. 12104) Directs the Secretary, through the Office of the Chief Economist, to conduct an economic analysis of the USDA's proposed rule &quot;Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Goat Meat, Wild and Farm-raised Fish and Shellfish, Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts, Pecans, Ginseng and Macadamia Nuts.&quot; </p> <p>Applies country of origin labeling requirements to venison.</p> <p>(Sec. 12105) Directs the Secretary to offer to enter into contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements with eligible laboratories to: </p> <ul> <li>enhance USDA capability to respond to bioterrorist threats to animal health;</li> <li> coordinate enhancement of national veterinary diagnostic laboratory capabilities; and </li> <li>provide the capacity for standardized test procedures, laboratory biosafety and biosecurity levels, and evaluation for emergency preparedness.</li> </ul> <p>Authorizes appropriations through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 12106) Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to: (1) define &quot;catfish&quot; as all fish of the order Siluriformes, and (2) require that inspections consider the conditions under which catfish are raised and transported to a processing establishment. </p> <p>Directs the Secretary to issue the final rule on catfish inspection within 60 days, and implement it within 1 year.</p> <p>Directs the Secretary to execute a memorandum of understanding with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) to: </p> <ul> <li>improve interagency cooperation on food safety and fraud prevention; and </li> <li>maximize the effectiveness of limited inspection personnel and resources, including by ensuring that USDA and FDA inspections of catfish shipments and processing facilities are not duplicative. </li> </ul> <p> States that this section shall take effect as if enacted as part of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. </p> <p>(Sec. 12107) Requires USDA to continue to administer the diagnostic surveillance program for H5/H7 low pathogenic avian influenza with respect to commercial poultry without amending certain regulations on the governance of the General Conference Committee. </p> <p>Maintains funding for the National Poultry Improvement Plan for Commercial Poultry at FY2013 levels.</p> <p>(Sec. 12108) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Secretary should recognize the threat feral swine pose to the domestic swine population and the entire agriculture industry, and (2) feral swine eradication is a high priority that should be carried out under the authorities of the Animal Health Protection Act.</p> <p><strong>Subtitle B: Socially Disadvantaged Producers and Limited Resource Producers</strong> - (Sec. 12201) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to require CCC funding through FY2018 for outreach and assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (includes veteran farmers and ranchers in the program).</p> <p>Defines &quot;veteran farmer or rancher&quot; as a farmer or rancher who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces and who: (1) has not operated a farm or ranch, or (2) has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 years.</p> <p>(Sec. 12202) Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for the Office of Advocacy and Outreach.</p> <p>(Sec. 12203) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary to award a grant to a college or university eligible to receive certain funds, including Tuskegee University, to establish the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center. </p> <p><strong>Subtitle C: Other Miscellaneous requirements </strong>- (Sec. 12301) Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to authorize appropriations through FY2018 for grants to improve the supply, stability, safety, and training of the agricultural labor force. </p> <p>(Sec. 12302) States that program benefits under this Act will not be denied to eligible individuals solely on the basis of participation in a one-time study of recharge potential for the Ogallala Aquifer in Texas. </p> <p>(Sec. 12303) Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish an Office of Tribal Relations within the Office of the Secretary.</p> <p> (Sec. 12304) Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish in USDA a position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison to inform returning veterans about beginning farmer training, agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs, and advocate on their behalf to USDA staff.</p> <p>(Sec. 12305) Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to provide coverages based on individual yields (other than for value-loss crops) under the noninsured crop disaster assistance program equivalent to: (1) catastrophic risk protection (as under current law), or (2) specified additional coverage. </p> <p>Includes sweet sorghum and biomass sorghum in the program.</p> <p>Increases the program payment limit to $125,000 per person per crop year. </p> <p>Makes assistance available to producers of an otherwise eligible crop that suffered losses: (1) to a 2012 annual fruit crop grown on a bush or tree, and (2) in a county covered by a USDA declaration of a natural disaster for production losses due to a freeze or frost.</p> <p>Reduces the premium for additional coverage by 50% for limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers.</p> <p>Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to exclude crops and grasses used for grazing from catastrophic risk protection coverage.</p> <p>(Sec. 12306) Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to make grants to state and tribal governments and research institutions to promote the domestic maple syrup industry, and (2) program appropriations through FY2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 12307) Amends the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to: </p> <ul> <li>direct the Administrator of EPA and the Science Advisory Board to establish a standing agriculture-related committee, and </li> <li>authorize the Administrator and the Board to establish additional agriculture-related committees and investigative panels as necessary to provide scientific and technical advice regarding farming- and agriculture-related industries.</li> </ul> <p>(Sec. 12308) Amends the Animal Welfare Act to exempt a dealer or exhibitor from licensing requirements under the Animal Welfare Act if the Secretary determines the business to be de minimus.</p> <p>Prohibits any person from knowingly attending an animal fighting venture or causing a person under 16 years old to attend one. Establishes federal criminal penalties for such violations.</p> <p>(Sec. 12309) Directs the Secretary to make available to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) technical assistance related to the identification of produce falsely represented as U.S.-grown.</p> <p>(Sec. 12310) Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to Congress on efforts by Mexico to meet its treaty deliveries of water to the Rio Grande in accordance with the Treaty between the United States and Mexico Respecting Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.</p> <p>(Sec. 12311) Requires FDA, when publishing its final rule ''Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption,&quot; to include an analysis of the scientific information used to promulgate the rule, as well as an economic impact analysis of it.</p> <p>(Sec. 12312) Extends through FY2014 funding for payments to local governments based on the presence of non-taxable federal entitlement lands.</p> <p>(Sec. 12313) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to exempt from national pollutant discharge elimination system permit requirements specified silviculture activities, including nursery operation, site preparation, reforestation and subsequent cultural treatment, thinning, prescribed burning, pest and fire control, harvesting operations, surface drainage, and road use, construction, and maintenance. </p> <p>States that this exemption does not apply to other Clean Water Act or other federal permitting requirements. </p> <p>(Sec. 12314) Establishes in the Treasury the Pima Agriculture Cotton Trust Fund. Requires CCC funding through calendar 2018.</p> <p>(Sec. 12315) Establishes in the Treasury the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund to reduce the injury to domestic manufacturers from wool fabric tariffs that are higher than tariffs on certain apparel articles made of wool fabric. Requires CCC funding through calendar 2019.</p> <p>(Sec. 12316) Requires FY2015-FY2019 funds from the CCC for grants for wool research and promotion grants. </p> <p><b>Subtitle D: Oilheat Efficiency, Renewable Fuel Research and Jobs Training -</b> Oilheat Efficiency, Renewable Fuel Research and Jobs Training Act of 2014 - (Sec. 12404) Amends the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 to: (1) require the National Oilheat Research Alliance to give the Secretary of Energy (DOE) with a list of qualified nominees for Alliance membership, and (2) revise membership criteria. </p> <p>(Sec. 12405) Includes among Alliance functions research to: (1) develop renewable fuels; and (2) examine the compatibility of different renewable fuels with oilheat fuel utilization equipment, with priority given to research on the development and use of advanced biofuels. </p> <p>Changes the Alliance's proposed budget from annual to biennial.</p> <p>(Sec. 12406) Establishes the assessment rate of 2/10 of 1 cent per gallon of oilheat fuel. (Currently such rate is 2/10 of 1 cent per gallon of No. 1 distillate and No. 2 dyed distillate.)</p> <p>Prohibits assessments from being passed through or otherwise required to be paid by residential consumers of oilheat fuel.</p> <p>Requires a qualified state association to deposit funds received under this Act in an account separate from its other funds. </p> <p>Directs the Alliance to ensure that at least 30% of assessments collected for each calendar year are used by qualified state associations or the Alliance to conduct research, development, and demonstration activities relating to oilheat fuel, including development of energy-efficient heating and the transition and facilitation of the entry of energy-efficient heating systems into the marketplace.</p> <p>Directs the Alliance to: </p> <ul> <li>prepare a report on the use of biofuels in oilheat fuel utilization equipment, </li> <li> develop consumer education materials, </li> <li>require that at least 50% of the demonstration cost or commercial application program be provided by a source other than the Alliance, and </li> <li>ensure that heating system conversion assistance is coordinated with administrators of a specified low-income home energy assistance program and with the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons. </li> </ul> <p><b>(</b>Sec. 12407) Repeals: (1) the requirement for an annual analysis of oilheat price changes relative to other energy sources (market survey); and (2) the restriction of Association activities to research and development, training, and safety matters if in any year the five-year average price composite index of consumer grade oilheat exceeds a certain amount. </p> <p>(Sec. 12408) Prohibits the use of funds derived from assessments collected by the Alliance for lobbying purposes. </p> <p>(Sec. 12409) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to notify Congress and the Alliance website in the event of any noncompliance with this Act by the Alliance, a qualified state association, or any other person or entity. </p> <p>(Sec. 12410) Extends the sunset date for the National Oilheat Research Alliance program from 9 to 18 years after the date on which it was established.</p>

tv_txt: 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H.R. 2642 In the Senate of the United States, July 18, 2013. Amendment:

That the bill from the House of Representatives (H.R. 2642) entitled An Act to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. , do pass with the following Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert: 1. Short title; table of contents (a) In general This Act may be cited as the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary. TITLE I—Commodity programs Subtitle A—Repeals and reforms Sec. 1101. Repeal of direct payments. Sec. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments. Sec. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program. Sec. 1104. Definitions. Sec. 1105. Base acres. Sec. 1106. Payment yields. Sec. 1107. Availability of adverse market payments. Sec. 1108. Agriculture risk coverage. Sec. 1109. Producer agreement required as condition of provision of payments. Sec. 1110. Period of effectiveness. Subtitle B—Marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments Sec. 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities. Sec. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans. Sec. 1203. Term of loans. Sec. 1204. Repayment of loans. Sec. 1205. Loan deficiency payments. Sec. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage. Sec. 1207. Economic adjustment assistance to users of upland cotton. Sec. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton. Sec. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton. Sec. 1210. Adjustments of loans. Subtitle C—Sugar Sec. 1301. Sugar program. Subtitle D—Dairy Part I—Dairy production margin protection and dairy market stabilization programs Sec. 1401. Definitions. Sec. 1402. Calculation of average feed cost and actual dairy production margins. SUBPART A—Dairy production margin protection program Sec. 1411. Establishment of dairy production margin protection program. Sec. 1412. Participation of dairy operations in production margin protection program. Sec. 1413. Production history of participating dairy operations. Sec. 1414. Basic production margin protection. Sec. 1415. Supplemental production margin protection. Sec. 1416. Effect of failure to pay administration fees or premiums. SUBPART B—Dairy market stabilization program Sec. 1431. Establishment of dairy market stabilization program. Sec. 1432. Threshold for implementation and reduction in dairy payments. Sec. 1433. Milk marketings information. Sec. 1434. Calculation and collection of reduced dairy operation payments. Sec. 1435. Remitting funds to the Secretary and use of funds. Sec. 1436. Suspension of reduced payment requirement. Sec. 1437. Enforcement. Sec. 1438. Audit requirements. Sec. 1439. Study; report. SUBPART C—Administration Sec. 1451. Duration. Sec. 1452. Administration and enforcement. Part II—Dairy market transparency Sec. 1461. Dairy product mandatory reporting. Sec. 1462. Federal milk marketing order program pre-hearing procedure for Class III pricing. Part III—Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-Related provisions Sec. 1471. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs. Sec. 1472. Repeal of dairy export incentive program. Sec. 1473. Extension of dairy forward pricing program. Sec. 1474. Extension of dairy indemnity program. Sec. 1475. Extension of dairy promotion and research program. Sec. 1476. Extension of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission. Part IV—Federal milk marketing order reform Sec. 1481. Federal milk marketing orders. Part V—Effective date Sec. 1491. Effective date. Subtitle E—Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance programs Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance programs. Subtitle F—Administration Sec. 1601. Administration generally. Sec. 1602. Suspension of permanent price support authority. Sec. 1603. Payment limitations. Sec. 1604. Payments limited to active farmers. Sec. 1605. Adjusted gross income limitation. Sec. 1606. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Sec. 1607. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies. Sec. 1608. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs. Sec. 1609. Appeals. Sec. 1610. Technical corrections. Sec. 1611. Assignment of payments. Sec. 1612. Tracking of benefits. Sec. 1613. Signature authority. Sec. 1614. Implementation. TITLE II—Conservation Subtitle A—Conservation Reserve Program Sec. 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program. Sec. 2002. Farmable wetland program. Sec. 2003. Duties of owners and operators. Sec. 2004. Duties of the Secretary. Sec. 2005. Payments. Sec. 2006. Contract requirements. Sec. 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses. Sec. 2008. Effective date. Subtitle B—Conservation Stewardship Program Sec. 2101. Conservation stewardship program. Subtitle C—Environmental Quality Incentives Program Sec. 2201. Purposes. Sec. 2202. Definitions. Sec. 2203. Establishment and administration. Sec. 2204. Evaluation of applications. Sec. 2205. Duties of producers. Sec. 2206. Limitation on payments. Sec. 2207. Conservation innovation grants and payments. Sec. 2208. Effective date. Subtitle D—Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Sec. 2301. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. Subtitle E—Regional Conservation Partnership Program Sec. 2401. Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Subtitle F—Other Conservation Programs Sec. 2501. Conservation of private grazing land. Sec. 2502. Grassroots source water protection program. Sec. 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program. Sec. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program. Sec. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program. Sec. 2506. Emergency watershed protection program. Sec. 2507. Terminal lakes assistance. Sec. 2508. Study of potential improvements to the wetland mitigation process. Sec. 2509. Soil and water resource conservation. Subtitle G—Funding and administration Sec. 2601. Funding. Sec. 2602. Technical assistance. Sec. 2603. Regional equity. Sec. 2604. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access. Sec. 2605. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance. Sec. 2606. Administrative requirements for conservation programs. Sec. 2607. Rulemaking authority. Sec. 2608. Standards for State technical committees. Sec. 2609. Highly erodible land and wetland conservation for crop insurance. Sec. 2610. Adjusted gross income limitation for conservation programs. Subtitle H—Repeal of superseded program authorities and transitional provisions Sec. 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program. Sec. 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program. Sec. 2703. Wetlands reserve program. Sec. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program. Sec. 2705. Grassland reserve program. Sec. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program. Sec. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program. Sec. 2708. Great Lakes basin program. Sec. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program. Sec. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative. Sec. 2711. Environmental easement program. Sec. 2712. Technical amendments. TITLE III—Trade Subtitle A—Food for Peace Act Sec. 3001. Set-aside for support for organizations through which nonemergency assistance is provided. Sec. 3002. Food aid quality. Sec. 3003. Minimum levels of assistance. Sec. 3004. Reauthorization of Food Aid Consultative Group. Sec. 3005. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of Food for Peace Act programs. Sec. 3006. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods. Sec. 3007. Limitation on total volume of commodities monetized. Sec. 3008. Flexibility. Sec. 3009. Procurement, transportation, testing, and storage of agricultural commodities for prepositioning in the United States and foreign countries. Sec. 3010. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance. Sec. 3011. Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance. Sec. 3012. Coordination of foreign assistance programs report. Sec. 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs. Sec. 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program. Sec. 3015. Prohibition on assistance for North Korea. Subtitle B—Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 Sec. 3101. Export credit guarantee programs. Sec. 3102. Funding for market access program. Sec. 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program. Subtitle C—Other Agricultural Trade Laws Sec. 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985. Sec. 3202. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust. Sec. 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets. Sec. 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Sec. 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops. Sec. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust. Sec. 3207. Local and regional food aid procurement projects. Sec. 3208. Donald Payne Horn of Africa food resilience program. Sec. 3209. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. TITLE IV—Nutrition Subtitle A—Supplemental nutrition assistance program Sec. 4001. Access to Grocery Delivery for Homebound Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities eligible for supplemental nutrition assistance benefits. Sec. 4002. Food distribution program on Indian reservations. Sec. 4003. Standard utility allowances based on the receipt of energy assistance payments. Sec. 4004. Eligibility disqualifications. Sec. 4005. Ending supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits for lottery or gambling winners. Sec. 4006. Retail food stores. Sec. 4007. Improving security of food assistance. Sec. 4008. Technology modernization for retail food stores. Sec. 4009. Use of benefits for purchase of community-supported agriculture share. Sec. 4010. Restaurant meals program. Sec. 4011. Quality control standards. Sec. 4012. Performance bonus payments. Sec. 4013. Funding of employment and training programs. Sec. 4014. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 4015 Assistance for community food projects. Sec. 4016. Emergency food assistance. Sec. 4017. Nutrition education. Sec. 4018. Retail food store and recipient trafficking. Sec. 4019. Technical and conforming amendments. Sec. 4020. Eligibility disqualifications for certain convicted felons. Subtitle B—Commodity distribution programs Sec. 4101. Commodity distribution program. Sec. 4102. Commodity supplemental food program. Sec. 4103. Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects. Sec. 4104. Processing of commodities. Subtitle C—Miscellaneous Sec. 4201. Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions. Sec. 4202. Seniors farmers' market nutrition program. Sec. 4203. Nutrition information and awareness pilot program. Sec. 4204. Hunger-free communities. Sec. 4205. Healthy Food Financing Initiative. Sec. 4206. Pulse crop products. Sec. 4207. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Sec. 4208. Purchases of locally produced foods. Sec. 4209. Multiagency task force. Sec. 4210. Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program. TITLE V—Credit Subtitle A—Farmer loans, servicing, and other assistance under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act Sec. 5001. Farmer loans, servicing, and other assistance under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Subtitle B—Miscellaneous Sec. 5101. State agricultural mediation programs. Sec. 5102. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land. Sec. 5103. Removal of duplicative appraisals. Sec. 5104. Compensation disclosure by Farm Credit System institutions. TITLE VI—Rural Development Subtitle A—Reorganization of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act Sec. 6001. Reorganization of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Sec. 6002. Conforming amendments. Subtitle B—Rural electrification Sec. 6101. Definition of rural area. Sec. 6102. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes. Sec. 6103. Expansion of 911 access. Sec. 6104. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas. Subtitle C—Miscellaneous Sec. 6201. Distance learning and telemedicine. Sec. 6202. Definition of rural area for purposes of the Housing Act of 1949. Sec. 6203. Rural energy savings program. Sec. 6204. Funding of pending rural development loan and grant applications. Sec. 6205. Study of rural transportation issues. Sec. 6206. Agricultural transportation policy. Sec. 6207. Value-added agricultural market development program grants. TITLE VII—Research, Extension, and Related Matters Subtitle A—National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 Sec. 7101. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. Sec. 7102. Specialty crop committee. Sec. 7103. Veterinary services grant program. Sec. 7104. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education. Sec. 7105. Agricultural and food policy research centers. Sec. 7106. Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and Native Hawaiian serving institutions. Sec. 7107. Nutrition education program. Sec. 7108. Continuing animal health and disease research programs. Sec. 7109. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Sec. 7110. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions. Sec. 7111. Hispanic-serving institutions. Sec. 7112. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs. Sec. 7113. University research. Sec. 7114. Extension service. Sec. 7115. Supplemental and alternative crops. Sec. 7116. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions. Sec. 7117. Aquaculture assistance programs. Sec. 7118. Rangeland research programs. Sec. 7119. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response. Sec. 7120. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education. Subtitle B—Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 Sec. 7201. Best utilization of biological applications. Sec. 7202. Integrated management systems. Sec. 7203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program. Sec. 7204. National Training Program. Sec. 7205. National Genetics Resources Program. Sec. 7206. National Agricultural Weather Information System. Sec. 7207. Agricultural Genome Initiative. Sec. 7208. High-priority research and extension initiatives. Sec. 7209. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative. Sec. 7210. Farm business management. Sec. 7211. Regional centers of excellence. Sec. 7212. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities. Sec. 7213. National rural information center clearinghouse. Subtitle C—Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 Sec. 7301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department. Sec. 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program. Sec. 7303. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale, and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum or by Tilletia indica. Sec. 7304. Grants for youth organizations. Sec. 7305. Specialty crop research initiative. Sec. 7306. Food animal residue avoidance database program. Sec. 7307. Office of pest management policy. Sec. 7308. Authorization of regional integrated pest management centers. Subtitle D—Other Laws Sec. 7401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act. Sec. 7402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 . Sec. 7403. Research Facilities Act. Sec. 7404. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act. Sec. 7405. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program under Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994. Sec. 7406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 . Sec. 7407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980 . Sec. 7408. Beginning farmer and rancher development program under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 . Subtitle E—Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 Part I—Agricultural Security Sec. 7501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center. Sec. 7502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response. Sec. 7503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures. Sec. 7504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program. Part II—Miscellaneous Sec. 7511. Grazinglands research laboratory. Sec. 7512. Budget submission and funding. Sec. 7513. Natural products research program. Sec. 7514. Sun grant program. Subtitle F—Miscellaneous Sec. 7601. Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. Sec. 7602. Agricultural and food law research, legal tools, and information. TITLE VIII—Forestry Subtitle A—Repeal of certain forestry programs Sec. 8001. Forest land enhancement program. Sec. 8002. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program. Sec. 8003. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program. Subtitle B—Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 programs Sec. 8101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources. Subtitle C—Reauthorization of other forestry-Related laws Sec. 8201. Rural revitalization technologies. Sec. 8202. Office of International Forestry. Sec. 8203. Insect and disease infestation. Sec. 8204. Stewardship end result contracting projects. Sec. 8205. Healthy forests reserve program. Subtitle D—Miscellaneous provisions Sec. 8301. McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act. Sec. 8302. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis. Sec. 8303. Reimbursement of fire funds. TITLE IX—Energy Sec. 9001. Definitions. Sec. 9002. Biobased markets program. Sec. 9003. Biorefinery, renewable chemical, and biobased product manufacturing assistance. Sec. 9004. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels. Sec. 9005. Biodiesel fuel education program. Sec. 9006. Rural Energy for America Program. Sec. 9007. Biomass research and development. Sec. 9008. Feedstock flexibility program for bioenergy producers. Sec. 9009. Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Sec. 9010. Repeal of forest biomass for energy. Sec. 9011. Community wood energy program. Sec. 9012. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study. TITLE X—Horticulture Sec. 10001. Specialty crops market news allocation. Sec. 10002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops. Sec. 10003. Farmers market and local food promotion program. Sec. 10004. Study on local food production and program evaluation. Sec. 10005. Organic agriculture. Sec. 10006. Food safety education initiatives. Sec. 10007. Coordinated plant management program. Sec. 10008. Specialty crop block grants. Sec. 10009. Recordkeeping, investigations, and enforcement. Sec. 10010. Report on honey. Sec. 10011. Removal of AMS inspection authority over apples in bulk bins. Sec. 10012. Organic product promotion orders. Sec. 10013. Effective date. TITLE XI—Crop insurance Sec. 11001. Supplemental coverage option. Sec. 11002. Crop margin coverage option. Sec. 11003. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection. Sec. 11004. Permanent enterprise unit. Sec. 11005. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops. Sec. 11006. Data collection. Sec. 11007. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields. Sec. 11008. Submission and review of policies. Sec. 11009. Board review and approval. Sec. 11010. Consultation. Sec. 11011. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the Standard Reinsurance Agreement. Sec. 11012. Test weight for corn. Sec. 11013. Stacked Income Protection Plan for producers of upland cotton. Sec. 11014. Peanut revenue crop insurance. Sec. 11015. Authority to correct errors. Sec. 11016. Implementation. Sec. 11017. Crop insurance fraud. Sec. 11018. Approval of costs for research and development. Sec. 11019. Whole farm risk management insurance. Sec. 11020. Study of food safety insurance. Sec. 11021. Crop insurance for livestock. Sec. 11022. Margin coverage for catfish. Sec. 11023. Poultry business disruption insurance policy. Sec. 11024. Study of crop insurance for seafood harvesters. Sec. 11025. Biomass and sweet sorghum energy crop insurance policies. Sec. 11026. Alfalfa crop insurance policy. Sec. 11027. Crop insurance for organic crops. Sec. 11028. Research and development. Sec. 11029. Pilot programs. Sec. 11030. Index-based weather insurance pilot program. Sec. 11031. Enhancing producer self-help through farm financial benchmarking. Sec. 11032. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions. Sec. 11033. Limitation on premium subsidy based on average adjusted gross income. Sec. 11034. Agricultural management assistance, risk management education, and organic certification cost share assistance. Sec. 11035. Crop production on native sod. Sec. 11036. Technical amendments. Sec. 11037. Greater accessibility for crop insurance. Sec. 11038. GAO crop insurance fraud report. TITLE XII—Miscellaneous Subtitle A—Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers Sec. 12001. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers. Sec. 12002. Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers policy research center. Sec. 12003. Office of Advocacy and Outreach. Subtitle B—Livestock Sec. 12101. Wildlife reservoir zoonotic disease initiative. Sec. 12102. Trichinae certification program. Sec. 12103. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan. Sec. 12104. Sheep production and marketing grant program. Sec. 12105. Feral swine eradication pilot program. Sec. 12106. National animal health laboratory network. Sec. 12107. National poultry improvement plan (NPIP). Subtitle C—Other miscellaneous provisions Sec. 12201. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. Sec. 12202. Information gathering. Sec. 12203. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force. Sec. 12204. Noninsured crop assistance program. Sec. 12205. Bioenergy coverage in noninsured crop assistance program. Sec. 12206. Regional economic and infrastructure development. Sec. 12207. Office of Tribal Relations. Sec. 12208. Acer access and development program. Sec. 12209. Prohibition on attending an animal fight or causing a minor to attend an animal fight; enforcement of animal fighting provisions. Sec. 12210. Pima cotton trust fund. Sec. 12211. Agriculture wool apparel manufacturers trust fund. Sec. 12212. Citrus disease research and development trust fund. 2. Definition of Secretary In this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. I Commodity programs A Repeals and reforms 1101. Repeal of direct payments (a) Repeal Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 , 8753) are repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 , 8753), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) (except pulse crops) and peanuts on a farm. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments (a) Repeal Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8714 , 8754) are repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8714 , 8754), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program (a) Repeal Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8715 ) is repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8715 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm for which the irrevocable election under section 1105 of that Act is made before the date of enactment of this Act. 1104. Definitions In this subtitle, subtitle B, and subtitle F: (1) Actual crop revenue The term actual crop revenue , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1108(c)(3). (2) Adverse market payment The term adverse market payment means a payment made to producers on a farm under section 1107. (3) Agriculture risk coverage guarantee The term agriculture risk coverage guarantee , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1108(c)(4). (4) Agriculture risk coverage payment The term agriculture risk coverage payment means a payment under section 1108(c). (5) Average individual yield The term average individual yield means the yield reported by a producer for purposes of subtitle A of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ), to the maximum extent practicable. (6) Base acres The term base acres , with respect to a covered commodity on a farm, means the number of acres established under section 1101 or 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 , 7952) as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, subject to any adjustment under section 1105 of this Act. (7) County coverage For the purposes of agriculture risk coverage under section 1108, the term county coverage means coverage determined using the total quantity of all acreage in a county of the covered commodity that is planted or prevented from being planted for harvest by a producer with the yield determined by the average county yield described in subsection (c) of that section. (8) Covered commodity (A) In general The term covered commodity means wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, long grain rice, medium grain rice, pulse crops, soybeans, other oilseeds, and peanuts. (B) Popcorn The Secretary— (i) shall study the feasibility of including popcorn as a covered commodity by 2014; and (ii) if the Secretary determines it to be feasible, shall designate popcorn as a covered commodity. (9) Eligible acres (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) through (D), the term eligible acres means all acres planted or prevented from being planted to all covered commodities on a farm in any crop year. (B) Maximum Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the total quantity of eligible acres on a farm determined under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed the average total acres planted or prevented from being planted to covered commodities and upland cotton on the farm for the 2009 through 2012 crop years, as determined by the Secretary. (C) Adjustment The Secretary shall provide for an adjustment, as appropriate, in the eligible acres for covered commodities for a farm if any of the following circumstances occurs: (i) If a conservation reserve contract for a farm in a county entered into under section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 ) expires or is voluntarily terminated or cropland is released from coverage under a conservation reserve contract, the Secretary shall provide for an adjustment, as appropriate, in the eligible acres for the farm to a total quantity that is the higher of— (I) the total base acreage for the farm, less any upland cotton base acreage, that was suspended during the conservation reserve contract; or (II) the product obtained by multiplying— (aa) the average proportion that— (AA) the total number of acres planted to covered commodities and upland cotton in the county for crop years 2009 through 2012; bears to (BB) the total number of all acres of covered commodities, grassland, and upland cotton acres in the county for the same crop years; by (bb) the total acres for which coverage has expired, voluntarily terminated, or been released under the conservation reserve contract. (ii) The producer has eligible oilseed acreage as the result of the Secretary designating additional oilseeds, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under section 1101(a)(1)(D) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8711(a)(1)(D)). (iii) The producer has any acreage not cropped during the 2009 through 2012 crop years, but placed into an established rotation practice for the purposes of enriching land or conserving moisture for subsequent crop years, including summer fallow, as determined by the Secretary. (D) Exclusion The term eligible acres does not include any crop subsequently planted during the same crop year on the same land for which the first crop is eligible for payments under this subtitle, unless the crop was planted in an area approved for double cropping, as determined by the Secretary. (10) Extra long staple cotton The term extra long staple cotton means cotton that— (A) is produced from pure strain varieties of the Barbadense species or any hybrid of the species, or other similar types of extra long staple cotton, designated by the Secretary, having characteristics needed for various end uses for which United States upland cotton is not suitable and grown in irrigated cotton-growing regions of the United States designated by the Secretary or other areas designated by the Secretary as suitable for the production of the varieties or types; and (B) is ginned on a roller-type gin or, if authorized by the Secretary, ginned on another type gin for experimental purposes. (11) Individual coverage For purposes of agriculture risk coverage under section 1108, the term individual coverage means coverage determined using the total quantity of all acreage in a county of the covered commodity that is planted or prevented from being planted for harvest by a producer with the yield determined by the average individual yield of the producer described in subsection (c) of that section. (12) Medium grain rice The term medium grain rice includes short grain rice. (13) Other oilseed The term other oilseed means a crop of sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, crambe, sesame seed, or any oilseed designated by the Secretary. (14) Payment acres The term payment acres means, in the case of adverse market payments, 85 percent of the base acres for a covered commodity on a farm on which adverse market payments are made. (15) Payment yield The term payment yield means the yield established for adverse market payments under section 1102 or 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7912 , 7952) as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, or under section 1106 of this Act, for a farm for a covered commodity. (16) Producer (A) In general The term producer means an owner, operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper that shares in the risk of producing a crop and is entitled to share in the crop available for marketing from the farm, or would have shared had the crop been produced. (B) Hybrid seed In determining whether a grower of hybrid seed is a producer, the Secretary shall— (i) not take into consideration the existence of a hybrid seed contract; and (ii) ensure that program requirements do not adversely affect the ability of the grower to receive a payment under this title. (17) Pulse crop The term pulse crop means dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas. (18) State The term State means— (A) a State; (B) the District of Columbia; (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (D) any other territory or possession of the United States. (19) Reference price The term reference price means the price per bushel, pound, or hundredweight (or other appropriate unit) of a covered commodity used to determine the payment rate for adverse market payments. (20) Transitional yield The term transitional yield has the meaning given the term in section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ). (21) United States The term United States , when used in a geographical sense, means all of the States. (22) United States premium factor The term United States Premium Factor means the percentage by which the difference in the United States loan schedule premiums for Strict Middling (SM) 1 1/8 -inch upland cotton and for Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch upland cotton exceeds the difference in the applicable premiums for comparable international qualities. 1105. Base acres (a) Adjustment of base acres (1) In general The Secretary shall provide for an adjustment, as appropriate, in the base acres for covered commodities for a farm whenever any of the following circumstances occurs: (A) A conservation reserve contract entered into under section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 ) with respect to the farm expires or is voluntarily terminated, or was terminated or expired during the period beginning on October 1, 2012, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act. (B) Cropland is released from coverage under a conservation reserve contract by the Secretary, or was released during the period beginning on October 1, 2012, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act. (C) The producer has eligible pulse crop acreage, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under section 1101(a)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911(a)(2) ). (D) The producer has eligible oilseed acreage as the result of the Secretary designating additional oilseeds, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under section 1101(a)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7911(a)(2)). (2) Special conservation reserve acreage payment rules For the crop year in which a base acres adjustment under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) is first made, the producer on the farm shall elect to receive either adverse market payments with respect to the acreage added to the farm under this subsection or a prorated payment under the conservation reserve contract, but not both. (3) Optional adjustment (A) Election (i) In general For the purpose of making adverse market payments, the Secretary shall give a producer on a farm a 1-time opportunity to adjust the peanut base acres on the farm. (ii) Notice As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide notice of the election described in clause (i) to producers on farms with peanut base acres, including— (I) the manner in which the election is to be transmitted to the Secretary; (II) a deadline for transmission; and (III) notification that the election is a 1-time opportunity. (iii) Effect of failure to make election If the producer on a farm fails to notify the Secretary of an election by the deadline described in clause (ii), the producer shall be considered to have not elected to update the peanut base acres on the farm. (B) Calculation (i) In general If the producer on a farm makes the election described in subparagraph (A), the base acres for peanuts on the farm established pursuant to section 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7952 ) shall be equal to the average acreage planted on the farm to peanuts for harvest or similar purposes for the 2009 through 2012 crop years, as determined by the Secretary. (ii) Inclusions In making the calculation described in clause (i), the Secretary shall include— (I) any acreage on the farm that the producer was prevented from planting to peanuts during the 2009 through 2012 crop years because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster, or other condition beyond the control of the producer; (II) any crop year in which peanuts were not planted on the farm; and (III) any adjustment, as appropriate, whenever either of the following occurs: (aa) A conservation reserve contract entered into under section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 ) with respect to the peanut base acres on the farm expires or is voluntarily terminated. (bb) Peanut cropland is released from coverage under a conservation reserve contract by the Secretary. (C) Limit (i) In general If the producer on a farm makes the election described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall ensure that the adjustment does not result in a net increase in the total base acres for the farm (including the upland cotton base acres described in subsection (e)). (ii) Reduction required If the adjustment in base acres made pursuant to an election described in subparagraph (A) results in a net increase in the total base acres of all covered commodities and upland cotton on the farm, the Secretary shall reduce the base acres on the farm for all covered commodities (other than peanuts) and upland cotton proportionately, as determined by the Secretary. (b) Prevention of excess base acres (1) Required reduction If the sum of the base acres for a farm, together with the acreage described in paragraph (2), exceeds the actual cropland acreage of the farm, the Secretary shall reduce the base acres for 1 or more covered commodities for the farm so that the sum of the base acres and acreage described in paragraph (2) does not exceed the actual cropland acreage of the farm. (2) Other acreage For purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include the following: (A) Any acreage on the farm enrolled in the conservation reserve program or agricultural conservation easement program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D and subtitle H, respectively, of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ). (B) Any other acreage on the farm enrolled in a Federal conservation program for which payments are made in exchange for not producing an agricultural commodity on the acreage. (C) Any eligible pulse crop acreage, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under section 1101(a)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7911(a)(2)). (D) If the Secretary designates additional oilseeds, any eligible oilseed acreage, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under section 1101(a)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911(a)(2) ). (3) Selection of acres The Secretary shall give the producer on the farm the opportunity to select the base acres for a covered commodity for the farm against which the reduction required by paragraph (1) will be made. (4) Exception for double-cropped acreage In applying paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make an exception in the case of double cropping, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Reduction in base acres (1) Reduction at option of producer (A) In general The producer on a farm may reduce, at any time, the base acres for any covered commodity for the farm. (B) Effect of reduction A reduction under subparagraph (A) shall be permanent and made in a manner prescribed by the Secretary. (2) Required action by Secretary (A) In general The Secretary shall proportionately reduce base acres on a farm for covered commodities for land that has been subdivided and developed for multiple residential units or other nonfarming uses if the size of the tracts and the density of the subdivision is such that the land is unlikely to return to the previous agricultural use, unless the producers on the farm demonstrate that the land— (i) remains devoted to commercial agricultural production; or (ii) is likely to be returned to the previous agricultural use. (B) Requirement The Secretary shall establish procedures to identify land described in subparagraph (A). (3) Review and report Each year, to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that payments are received only by producers, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that describes the results of the actions taken under paragraph (2). (d) Treatment of farms with limited base acres (1) Prohibition on payments Except as provided in paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a producer on a farm may not receive adverse market payments if the sum of the base acres of the farm is 10 acres or less, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Exceptions Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a farm owned or operated by— (A) a socially disadvantaged farmer (as defined in section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act); or (B) a limited resource farmer or rancher, as defined by the Secretary. (3) Data collection and publication The Secretary shall— (A) collect and publish segregated data and survey information about farm profiles, utilization of land, and crop production; and (B) perform an evaluation on the supply and price of fruits and vegetables based on the effects of suspension of base acres under this section. (e) Treatment of farms with upland cotton base acres The Secretary shall maintain a record of farms with upland cotton base acres in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act. 1106. Payment yields (a) Designated oilseed or eligible pulse crop (1) Adjustment For the purpose of making adverse market payments under this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide for the establishment of a yield for each farm for any designated oilseed or eligible pulse crop for which a payment yield was not established under section 1102 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7912 ) in accordance with this section. (2) Payment yields for designated oilseeds and eligible pulse crops (A) Determination of average yield In the case of designated oilseeds and eligible pulse crops, the Secretary shall determine the average yield per planted acre for the designated oilseed or pulse crop on a farm for the 1998 through 2001 crop years, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the designated oilseed or pulse crop was zero. (B) Adjustment for payment yield (i) In general The payment yield for a farm for a designated oilseed or eligible pulse crop shall be equal to the product of the following: (I) The average yield for the designated oilseed or pulse crop determined under subparagraph (A). (II) The ratio resulting from dividing the national average yield for the designated oilseed or pulse crop for the 1981 through 1985 crops by the national average yield for the designated oilseed or pulse crop for the 1998 through 2001 crops. (ii) No national average yield information available To the extent that national average yield information for a designated oilseed or pulse crop is not available, the Secretary shall use such information as the Secretary determines to be fair and equitable to establish a national average yield under this section. (C) Use of partial county average yield If the yield per planted acre for a crop of a designated oilseed or pulse crop for a farm for any of the 1998 through 2001 crop years was less than 75 percent of the county yield for that designated oilseed or pulse crop, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the county yield for the purpose of determining the average under subparagraph (A). (D) No historic yield data available In the case of establishing yields for designated oilseeds and eligible pulse crops, if historic yield data is not available, the Secretary shall use the ratio for dry peas calculated under subparagraph (B)(i)(II) in determining the yields for designated oilseeds and eligible pulse crops, as determined to be fair and equitable by the Secretary. (b) Rice (1) Adjustment For the purpose of making adverse market payments under this subtitle, the Secretary shall give a producer on a farm a 1-time opportunity to adjust the payment yield for base acres of rice on the farm that was established under section 1102 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7912 ). (2) Election (A) Notice As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide notice of the election described in paragraph (1) to producers on farms with rice base acres, including— (i) the manner in which the election is to be transmitted to the Secretary; (ii) a deadline for transmission; and (iii) notification that the election is a 1-time opportunity. (B) Effect of failure to make election If the producer on a farm fails to notify the Secretary of an election by the deadline described in subparagraph (A), the producer shall be considered to have not elected to update the payment yields for base acres of rice on the farm. (3) Calculation (A) In general If the producer on a farm makes the election described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall adjust the payment yields for the base acres of rice using an average yield described in subparagraph (B) and adjustment described in subparagraph (C). (B) Determination of average yield Subject to subparagraph (D), the Secretary shall determine the average yield per planted acre for the rice on the farm for the 2009 through 2012 crop years, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to rice was zero. (C) Determination of adjustment The Secretary shall adjust the payment yield for the base acres of rice on the farm that was established under section 1102 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7912 ) in accordance with the following: (i) In a case in which less than 50 percent of the rice base acres on the farm were planted to rice, on average, during the 2009 through 2012 crop years, the adjustment shall be equal to the sum obtained by adding to the payment yield— (I) the product obtained by multiplying— (aa) the difference between the average yield and the payment yield; by (bb) the percent of rice planted on the base acres of rice on the farm, on average. (ii) In a case in which more than 50 percent of the rice base acres on the farm were planted to rice, on average, during the 2009 through 2012 crop years, the payment yield shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (I) the average yield; by (II) 90 percent. (D) Use of partial county average yield If the yield per planted acre for a crop of rice for a farm for any of the 2009 through 2012 crop years was less than 75 percent of the county yield for that rice crop, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the county yield for purposes of determining the average under subparagraph (B). (c) Peanuts (1) Adjustment If the producer on a farm elects to adjust the peanut base acres for the farm pursuant to section 1105, the Secretary shall adjust the payment yields for the base acres of peanuts for purposes of making adverse market payments. (2) Calculation Notwithstanding the payment yields established under section 1102 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7912 ), the payment yield for the base acres of peanuts adjusted pursuant to section 1105 shall be the average yield per planted acre for such base acres for the 2009 through 2012 crop years, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to peanuts was zero. (3) Use of partial county average yield If the yield per planted acre for a crop of peanuts for a farm for any of the 2009 through 2012 crop years was less than 75 percent of the county yield for that peanut crop, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the county yield for purposes of determining the average under paragraph (2). 1107. Availability of adverse market payments (a) Payment required For each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years for each covered commodity, the Secretary shall make adverse market payments to producers on farms for which payment yields and base acres are established with respect to the covered commodity if the Secretary determines that the actual price for the covered commodity is less than the reference price for the covered commodity. (b) Actual price (1) Covered commodities other than rice Except as provided in paragraph (2), for purposes of subsection (a), the actual price for a covered commodity is equal to the higher of the following: (A) The national average market price received by producers during the 12-month marketing year for the covered commodity, as determined by the Secretary. (B) The national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for the applicable period under subtitle B. (2) Rice In the case of long grain rice and medium grain rice, for purposes of subsection (a), the actual price for each type or class of rice is equal to the higher of the following: (A) The national average market price received by producers during the 12-month marketing year for the type or class of rice, as determined by the Secretary. (B) The national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the type or class of rice in effect for the applicable period under subtitle B. (c) Reference price The reference price for a covered commodity shall be determined as follows: (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the reference price for a covered commodity shall be the product obtained by multiplying— (A) 55 percent; by (B) the average national marketing year average price for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest prices. (2) Alternative price for rice and peanuts In the case of long and medium grain rice and peanuts, the reference price shall be— (A) in the case of long and medium grain rice, $13.30 per hundredweight; and (B) in the case of peanuts, $523.77 per ton. (d) Payment rate The payment rate used to make adverse market payments with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year shall be equal to the amount that— (1) the reference price under subsection (c) for the covered commodity; exceeds (2) the actual price determined under subsection (b) for the covered commodity. (e) Payment amount If adverse market payments are required to be paid under this section for any of the 2014 through 2018 crop years of a covered commodity, the amount of the adverse market payment to be paid to the producers on a farm for that crop year shall be equal to the product of the following: (1) The payment rate specified in subsection (d). (2) The payment acres of the covered commodity on the farm. (3) The payment yield for the covered commodity for the farm. (f) Duties of the Secretary ln carrying out the calculations in subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall differentiate by type or class the national average price of— (1) sunflower seeds; (2) barley, using malting barley values; and (3) wheat. (g) Time for payments If the Secretary determines under subsection (a) that adverse market payments are required to be made under this section for the crop of a covered commodity, beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity, the Secretary shall make the adverse market payments for the crop. 1108. Agriculture risk coverage (a) Payments required If the Secretary determines that payments are required under subsection (c), the Secretary shall make payments for each covered commodity available to producers in accordance with this section. (b) Coverage election (1) In general For the period of crop years 2014 through 2018, the producers shall make a 1-time, irrevocable election to receive— (A) individual coverage under this section, as determined by the Secretary; or (B) in the case of a county with sufficient data (as determined by the Secretary), county coverage under this section. (2) Effect of election The election made under paragraph (1) shall be binding on the producers making the election, regardless of covered commodities planted, and applicable to all acres under the operational control of the producers, in a manner that— (A) acres brought under the operational control of the producers after the election are included; and (B) acres no longer under the operational control of the producers after the election are no longer subject to the election of the producers but become subject to the election of the subsequent producers. (3) Duties of the Secretary The Secretary shall ensure that producers are precluded from taking any action, including reconstitution, transfer, or other similar action, that would have the effect of altering or reversing the election made under paragraph (1). (c) Agriculture risk coverage (1) Payments The Secretary shall make agriculture risk coverage payments available under this subsection for each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years if the Secretary determines that— (A) the actual crop revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity; is less than (B) the agriculture risk coverage guarantee for the crop year for the covered commodity. (2) Time for payments If the Secretary determines under this subsection that agriculture risk coverage payments are required to be made for the covered commodity, beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity, the Secretary shall make the agriculture risk coverage payments. (3) Actual crop revenue The amount of the actual crop revenue for a crop year of a covered commodity shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) (i) in the case of individual coverage, the actual average individual yield for the covered commodity, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) in the case of county coverage, the actual average yield for the county for the covered commodity, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) the higher of— (i) the national average market price received by producers during the 12-month marketing year for the covered commodity, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) if applicable, the reference price for the covered commodity under section 1107. (4) Agriculture risk coverage guarantee (A) In general The agriculture risk coverage guarantee for a crop year for a covered commodity shall equal 88 percent of the benchmark revenue. (B) Benchmark revenue (i) In general The benchmark revenue shall be the product obtained by multiplying— (I) (aa) in the case of individual coverage, subject to clause (ii), the average individual yield, as determined by the Secretary, for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest yields; or (bb) in the case of county coverage, the average county yield, as determined by the Secretary, for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest yields; and (II) the average national marketing year average price for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest prices. (ii) Use of transitional yields If the yield determined under clause (i)(I)(aa)— (I) for the 2013 crop year or any prior crop year, is less than 60 percent of the applicable transitional yield, the Secretary shall use 60 percent of the applicable transitional yield for that crop year; and (II) for the 2014 crop year and any subsequent crop year, is less than 65 percent of the applicable transitional yield, the Secretary shall use 65 percent of the applicable transitional yield for that crop year. (5) Payment rate The payment rate for each covered commodity shall be equal to the lesser of— (A) the amount that— (i) the agriculture risk coverage guarantee for the covered commodity; exceeds (ii) the actual crop revenue for the crop year of the covered commodity; or (B) 10 percent of the benchmark revenue for the crop year of the covered commodity. (6) Payment amount If agriculture risk coverage payments under this subsection are required to be paid for any of the 2014 through 2018 crop years of a covered commodity, the amount of the agriculture risk coverage payment for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the payment rate under paragraph (5); and (B) (i) in the case of individual coverage the sum of— (I) 65 percent of the planted eligible acres of the covered commodity; and (II) 45 percent of the eligible acres that were prevented from being planted to the covered commodity; or (ii) in the case of county coverage— (I) 80 percent of the planted eligible acres of the covered commodity; and (II) 45 percent of the eligible acres that were prevented from being planted to the covered commodity. (7) Duties of the Secretary In carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) to the maximum extent practicable, use all available information and analysis to check for anomalies in the determination of payments under the program; (B) to the maximum extent practicable, calculate a separate actual crop revenue and agriculture risk coverage guarantee for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities; (C) differentiate by type or class the national average price of— (i) sunflower seeds; (ii) barley, using malting barley values; and (iii) wheat; and (D) assign a yield for each acre planted or prevented from being planted for the crop year for the covered commodity on the basis of the yield history of representative farms in the State, region, or crop reporting district, as determined by the Secretary, if the Secretary cannot establish the yield as determined under paragraph (3)(A)(ii) or (4)(B)(i) or if the yield determined under paragraph (3)(A)(ii) or (4) is an unrepresentative average yield for the covered commodity as determined by the Secretary. 1109. Producer agreement required as condition of provision of payments (a) Compliance with certain requirements (1) Requirements Before the producers on a farm may receive agriculture risk coverage payments or adverse market payments, the producers shall agree, during the crop year for which the payments are made and in exchange for the payments— (A) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.); (B) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq.); (C) to use the land on the farm for an agricultural or conserving use in a quantity equal to the attributable eligible acres of the farm, and not for a nonagricultural commercial, industrial, or residential use, as determined by the Secretary; and (D) to effectively control noxious weeds and otherwise maintain the land in accordance with sound agricultural practices, as determined by the Secretary, if the agricultural or conserving use involves the noncultivation of any portion of the land referred to in subparagraph (C). (2) Compliance The Secretary may issue such rules as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure producer compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1). (3) Modification At the request of the transferee or owner, the Secretary may modify the requirements of this subsection if the modifications are consistent with the objectives of this subsection, as determined by the Secretary. (b) Transfer or change of interest in farm (1) Termination (A) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a transfer of (or change in) the interest of the producers on a farm for which agriculture risk coverage payments or adverse market payments are made shall result in the termination of the payments, unless the transferee or owner of the acreage agrees to assume all obligations under subsection (a). (B) Effective date The termination shall take effect on the date determined by the Secretary. (2) Exception If a producer entitled to an agriculture risk coverage payment or adverse market payment dies, becomes incompetent, or is otherwise unable to receive the payment, the Secretary shall make the payment, in accordance with rules issued by the Secretary. (c) Reports (1) Acreage reports As a condition on the receipt of any benefits under this subtitle or subtitle B, the Secretary shall require producers on a farm to submit to the Secretary annual acreage reports with respect to all cropland on the farm. (2) Production reports As a condition on the receipt of any benefits under section 1108, the Secretary shall require producers on a farm to submit to the Secretary annual production reports with respect to all covered commodities produced on the farm. (3) Penalties No penalty with respect to benefits under this subtitle or subtitle B shall be assessed against the producers on a farm for an inaccurate acreage or production report unless the producers on the farm knowingly and willfully falsified the acreage or production report. (4) Data reporting To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall use data reported by the producer pursuant to requirements under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) to meet the obligations described in paragraphs (1) and (2), without additional submissions to the Department. (d) Tenants and sharecroppers In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers. (e) Sharing of payments The Secretary shall provide for the sharing of adverse market payments and agriculture risk coverage payments among the producers on a farm on a fair and equitable basis. 1110. Period of effectiveness Sections 1104 through 1109 shall be effective beginning with the 2014 crop year of each covered commodity through the 2018 crop year. B Marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities (a) Definition of loan commodity In this subtitle, the term loan commodity means wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, peanuts, soybeans, other oilseeds, graded wool, nongraded wool, mohair, honey, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas. (b) Nonrecourse loans available (1) In general For each of the 2014 through 2018 crops of each loan commodity, the Secretary shall make available to producers on a farm nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities produced on the farm. (2) Terms and conditions The marketing assistance loans shall be made under terms and conditions that are prescribed by the Secretary and at the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity. (c) Eligible production The producers on a farm shall be eligible for a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b) for any quantity of a loan commodity produced on the farm. (d) Compliance with conservation and wetlands requirements (1) Requirements Before the producers on a farm may receive a marketing assistance loan or any other payment or benefit under this subtitle, the producers shall agree, for the crop year for which the payments are made and in exchange for the payments— (A) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.); (B) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq.); (C) to use the land on the farm for an agricultural or conserving use in a quantity equal to the attributable eligible acres of the farm, and not for a nonagricultural commercial, industrial, or residential use, as determined by the Secretary; and (D) to effectively control noxious weeds and otherwise maintain the land in accordance with sound agricultural practices, as determined by the Secretary, if the agricultural or conserving use involves the noncultivation of any portion of the land referred to in subparagraph (C). (2) Compliance The Secretary may issue such rules as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure producer compliance with paragraph (1). (3) Modification At the request of a transferee or owner, the Secretary may modify the requirements of this subsection if the modifications are consistent with the purposes of this subsection, as determined by the Secretary. (e) Special rules for peanuts (1) In general This subsection shall apply only to producers of peanuts. (2) Options for obtaining loan A marketing assistance loan under this section, and loan deficiency payments under section 1205, may be obtained at the option of the producers on a farm through— (A) a designated marketing association or marketing cooperative of producers that is approved by the Secretary; or (B) the Farm Service Agency. (3) Storage of loan peanuts As a condition on the approval by the Secretary of an individual or entity to provide storage for peanuts for which a marketing assistance loan is made under this section, the individual or entity shall agree— (A) to provide the storage on a nondiscriminatory basis; and (B) to comply with such additional requirements as the Secretary considers appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this section and promote fairness in the administration of the benefits of this section. (4) Storage, handling, and associated costs (A) In general To ensure proper storage of peanuts for which a loan is made under this section, the Secretary shall pay handling and other associated costs (other than storage costs) incurred at the time at which the peanuts are placed under loan, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Redemption and forfeiture The Secretary shall— (i) require the repayment of handling and other associated costs paid under subparagraph (A) for all peanuts pledged as collateral for a loan that is redeemed under this section; and (ii) pay storage, handling, and other associated costs for all peanuts pledged as collateral that are forfeited under this section. (5) Marketing A marketing association or cooperative may market peanuts for which a loan is made under this section in any manner that conforms to consumer needs, including the separation of peanuts by type and quality. (6) Reimbursable agreements and payment of administrative expenses The Secretary may implement any reimbursable agreements or provide for the payment of administrative expenses under this subsection only in a manner that is consistent with those activities in regard to other loan commodities. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans (a) In general For purposes of each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the loan rate for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity shall be equal to the following: (1) In the case of wheat, $2.94 per bushel. (2) In the case of corn, $1.95 per bushel. (3) In the case of grain sorghum, $1.95 per bushel. (4) In the case of barley, $1.95 per bushel. (5) In the case of oats, $1.39 per bushel. (6) In the case of base quality of upland cotton, for the 2014 and each subsequent crop year, the simple average of the adjusted prevailing world price for the 2 immediately preceding marketing years, as determined by the Secretary and announced October 1 preceding the next domestic plantings, but in no case less than $0.45 per pound or more than $0.52 per pound. (7) In the case of extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 per pound. (8) In the case of long grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight. (9) In the case of medium grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight. (10) In the case of soybeans, $5.00 per bushel. (11) In the case of other oilseeds, $10.09 per hundredweight for each of the following kinds of oilseeds: (A) Sunflower seed. (B) Rapeseed. (C) Canola. (D) Safflower. (E) Flaxseed. (F) Mustard seed. (G) Crambe. (H) Sesame seed. (I) Other oilseeds designated by the Secretary. (12) In the case of dry peas, $5.40 per hundredweight. (13) In the case of lentils, $11.28 per hundredweight. (14) In the case of small chickpeas, $7.43 per hundredweight. (15) In the case of large chickpeas, $11.28 per hundredweight. (16) In the case of graded wool, $1.15 per pound. (17) In the case of nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound. (18) In the case of mohair, $4.20 per pound. (19) In the case of honey, $0.69 per pound. (20) In the case of peanuts, $355 per ton. (b) Single county loan rate for other oilseeds The Secretary shall establish a single loan rate in each county for each kind of other oilseeds described in subsection (a)(11). 1203. Term of loans (a) Term of loan In the case of each loan commodity, a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 shall have a term of 9 months beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the loan is made. (b) Extensions prohibited The Secretary may not extend the term of a marketing assistance loan for any loan commodity. 1204. Repayment of loans (a) General rule The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity (other than upland cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, extra long staple cotton, peanuts and confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed)) at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)); (2) a rate (as determined by the Secretary) that— (A) is calculated based on average market prices for the loan commodity during the preceding 30-day period; and (B) will minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries; or (3) a rate that the Secretary may develop using alternative methods for calculating a repayment rate for a loan commodity that the Secretary determines will— (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures; (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of the commodity by the Federal Government; (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing the commodity; (D) allow the commodity produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and (E) minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries. (b) Repayment rates for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice The Secretary shall permit producers to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) the prevailing world market price for the commodity, as determined and adjusted by the Secretary in accordance with this section. (c) Repayment rates for extra long staple cotton Repayment of a marketing assistance loan for extra long staple cotton shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )). (d) Prevailing world market price For purposes of this section, the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation— (1) a formula to determine the prevailing world market price for each of upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice; and (2) a mechanism by which the Secretary shall announce periodically those prevailing world market prices. (e) Adjustment of prevailing world market price for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice (1) Rice The prevailing world market price for long grain rice and medium grain rice determined under subsection (d) shall be adjusted to United States quality and location. (2) Cotton The prevailing world market price for upland cotton determined under subsection (d)— (A) shall be adjusted to United States quality and location, with the adjustment to include— (i) a reduction equal to any United States Premium Factor for upland cotton of a quality higher than Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch; and (ii) the average costs to market the commodity, including average transportation costs, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) may be further adjusted, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on July 31, 2019, if the Secretary determines the adjustment is necessary— (i) to minimize potential loan forfeitures; (ii) to minimize the accumulation of stocks of upland cotton by the Federal Government; (iii) to ensure that upland cotton produced in the United States can be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and (iv) to ensure an appropriate transition between current-crop and forward-crop price quotations, except that the Secretary may use forward-crop price quotations prior to July 31 of a marketing year only if— (I) there are insufficient current-crop price quotations; and (II) the forward-crop price quotation is the lowest such quotation available. (3) Guidelines for additional adjustments In making adjustments under this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a mechanism for determining and announcing the adjustments in order to avoid undue disruption in the United States market. (f) Repayment rates for confectionery and other kinds of sunflower seeds The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed) at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) the repayment rate established for oil sunflower seed. (g) Payment of cotton storage costs Effective for each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the Secretary shall make cotton storage payments available in the same manner, and at the same rates as the Secretary provided storage payments for the 2006 crop of cotton, except that the rates shall be reduced by 20 percent. (h) Repayment rate for peanuts The Secretary shall permit producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan for peanuts under subsection (a) at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for peanuts under subsection (b), plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) a rate that the Secretary determines will— (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures; (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of peanuts by the Federal Government; (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing peanuts; and (D) allow peanuts produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally. (i) Authority To temporarily adjust repayment rates (1) Adjustment authority In the event of a severe disruption to marketing, transportation, or related infrastructure, the Secretary may modify the repayment rate otherwise applicable under this section for marketing assistance loans under section 1201 for a loan commodity. (2) Duration Any adjustment made under paragraph (1) in the repayment rate for marketing assistance loans for a loan commodity shall be in effect on a short-term and temporary basis, as determined by the Secretary. 1205. Loan deficiency payments (a) Availability of loan deficiency payments (1) In general Except as provided in subsection (d), the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available to producers on a farm that, although eligible to obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 with respect to a loan commodity, agree to forgo obtaining the loan for the commodity in return for loan deficiency payments under this section. (2) Unshorn pelts, hay, and silage (A) Marketing assistance loans Subject to subparagraph (B), nongraded wool in the form of unshorn pelts and hay and silage derived from a loan commodity are not eligible for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201. (B) Loan deficiency payment Effective for the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available under this section to producers on a farm that produce unshorn pelts or hay and silage derived from a loan commodity. (b) Computation A loan deficiency payment for a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (1) the payment rate determined under subsection (c) for the commodity; by (2) the quantity of the commodity produced by the eligible producers, excluding any quantity for which the producers obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201. (c) Payment rate (1) In general In the case of a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204. (2) Unshorn pelts In the case of unshorn pelts, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for ungraded wool; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for ungraded wool may be repaid under section 1204. (3) Hay and silage In the case of hay or silage derived from a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity from which the hay or silage is derived; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204. (d) Exception for extra long staple cotton This section shall not apply with respect to extra long staple cotton. (e) Effective date for payment rate determination The Secretary shall determine the amount of the loan deficiency payment to be made under this section to the producers on a farm with respect to a quantity of a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) using the payment rate in effect under subsection (c) as of the date the producers request the payment. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage (a) Eligible producers (1) In general Effective for the 2014 through 2018 crop years, in the case of a producer that would be eligible for a loan deficiency payment under section 1205 for wheat, barley, or oats, but that elects to use acreage planted to the wheat, barley, or oats for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of the wheat, barley, or oats on that acreage. (2) Grazing of triticale acreage Effective for the 2014 through 2018 crop years, with respect to a producer on a farm that uses acreage planted to triticale for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of triticale on that acreage. (b) Payment amount (1) In general The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(1) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying— (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying— (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of wheat, barley, or oats; and (ii) (I) the yield in effect for the calculation of agriculture risk coverage payments under subtitle A with respect to that loan commodity on the farm; or (II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for that loan commodity, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary. (2) Grazing of triticale acreage The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying— (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect for wheat, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying— (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of triticale; and (ii) (I) the yield in effect for the calculation of agriculture risk coverage payments under subtitle A with respect to wheat on the farm; or (II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for wheat, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8712 ). (c) Time, manner, and availability of payment (1) Time and manner A payment under this section shall be made at the same time and in the same manner as loan deficiency payments are made under section 1205. (2) Availability (A) In general The Secretary shall establish an availability period for the payments authorized by this section. (B) Certain commodities In the case of wheat, barley, and oats, the availability period shall be consistent with the availability period for the commodity established by the Secretary for marketing assistance loans authorized by this subtitle. (d) Prohibition on crop insurance indemnity or noninsured crop assistance A 2014 through 2018 crop of wheat, barley, oats, or triticale planted on acreage that a producer elects, in the agreement required by subsection (a), to use for the grazing of livestock in lieu of any other harvesting of the crop shall not be eligible for an indemnity under a policy or plan of insurance authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) or noninsured crop assistance under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ). 1207. Economic adjustment assistance to users of upland cotton (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary shall, on a monthly basis, make economic adjustment assistance available to domestic users of upland cotton in the form of payments for all documented use of that upland cotton during the previous monthly period regardless of the origin of the upland cotton. (b) Value of assistance Effective beginning on August 1, 2012, the value of the assistance provided under subsection (a) shall be 3 cents per pound. (c) Allowable purposes Economic adjustment assistance under this section shall be made available only to domestic users of upland cotton that certify that the assistance shall be used only to acquire, construct, install, modernize, develop, convert, or expand land, plant, buildings, equipment, facilities, or machinery. (d) Review or audit The Secretary may conduct such review or audit of the records of a domestic user under this subsection as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this subsection. (e) Improper use of assistance If the Secretary determines, after a review or audit of the records of the domestic user, that economic adjustment assistance under this subsection was not used for the purposes specified in subsection (c), the domestic user shall be— (1) liable for the repayment of the assistance to the Secretary, plus interest, as determined by the Secretary; and (2) ineligible to receive assistance under this subsection for a period of 1 year following the determination of the Secretary. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton (a) Competitiveness program Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act through July 31, 2019, the Secretary shall carry out a program— (1) to maintain and expand the domestic use of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; (2) to increase exports of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; and (3) to ensure that extra long staple cotton produced in the United States remains competitive in world markets. (b) Payments under program; trigger Under the program, the Secretary shall make payments available under this section whenever— (1) for a consecutive 4-week period, the world market price for the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is below the prevailing United States price for a competing growth of extra long staple cotton; and (2) the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is less than 134 percent of the loan rate for extra long staple cotton. (c) Eligible recipients The Secretary shall make payments available under this section to domestic users of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States and exporters of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States that enter into an agreement with the Commodity Credit Corporation to participate in the program under this section. (d) Payment amount Payments under this section shall be based on the amount of the difference in the prices referred to in subsection (b)(1) during the fourth week of the consecutive 4-week period multiplied by the amount of documented purchases by domestic users and sales for export by exporters made in the week following such a consecutive 4-week period. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton (a) High moisture feed grains (1) Definition of high moisture state In this subsection, the term high moisture state means corn or grain sorghum having a moisture content in excess of Commodity Credit Corporation standards for marketing assistance loans made by the Secretary under section 1201. (2) Recourse loans available For each of the 2014 through 2018 crops of corn and grain sorghum, the Secretary shall make available recourse loans, as determined by the Secretary, to producers on a farm that— (A) normally harvest all or a portion of their crop of corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state; (B) present— (i) certified scale tickets from an inspected, certified commercial scale, including a licensed warehouse, feedlot, feed mill, distillery, or other similar entity approved by the Secretary, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary; or (ii) field or other physical measurements of the standing or stored crop in regions of the United States, as determined by the Secretary, that do not have certified commercial scales from which certified scale tickets may be obtained within reasonable proximity of harvest operation; (C) certify that the producers on the farm were the owners of the feed grain at the time of delivery to, and that the quantity to be placed under loan under this subsection was in fact harvested on the farm and delivered to, a feedlot, feed mill, or commercial or on-farm high-moisture storage facility, or to a facility maintained by the users of corn and grain sorghum in a high moisture state; and (D) comply with deadlines established by the Secretary for harvesting the corn or grain sorghum and submit applications for loans under this subsection within deadlines established by the Secretary. (3) Eligibility of acquired feed grains A loan under this subsection shall be made on a quantity of corn or grain sorghum of the same crop acquired by the producer equivalent to a quantity determined by multiplying— (A) the acreage of the corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state harvested on the farm of the producer; by (B) the lower of the actual average yield used to make payments under subtitle A or the actual yield on a field, as determined by the Secretary, that is similar to the field from which the corn or grain sorghum was obtained. (b) Recourse loans available for seed cotton For each of the 2014 through 2018 crops of upland cotton and extra long staple cotton, the Secretary shall make available recourse seed cotton loans, as determined by the Secretary, on any production. (c) Repayment rates Repayment of a recourse loan made under this section shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity by the Secretary, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )). 1210. Adjustments of loans (a) Adjustment authority Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rates for any loan commodity (other than cotton) for differences in grade, type, quality, location, and other factors. (b) Manner of adjustment The adjustments under subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in such a manner that the average loan level for the commodity will, on the basis of the anticipated incidence of the factors, be equal to the level of support determined in accordance with this subtitle and subtitles C through E. (c) Adjustment on county basis (1) In general The Secretary may establish loan rates for a crop for producers in individual counties in a manner that results in the lowest loan rate being 95 percent of the national average loan rate, if those loan rates do not result in an increase in outlays. (2) Prohibition Adjustments under this subsection shall not result in an increase in the national average loan rate for any year. (d) Adjustment in loan rate for cotton (1) In general The Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rate for cotton for differences in quality factors. (2) Revisions to quality adjustments for upland cotton (A) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall implement revisions in the administration of the marketing assistance loan program for upland cotton to more accurately and efficiently reflect market values for upland cotton. (B) Mandatory revisions Revisions under subparagraph (A) shall include— (i) the elimination of warehouse location differentials; (ii) the establishment of differentials for the various quality factors and staple lengths of cotton based on a 3-year, weighted moving average of the weighted designated spot market regions, as determined by regional production; (iii) the elimination of any artificial split in the premium or discount between upland cotton with a 32 or 33 staple length due to micronaire; and (iv) a mechanism to ensure that no premium or discount is established that exceeds the premium or discount associated with a leaf grade that is 1 better than the applicable color grade. (C) Discretionary revisions Revisions under subparagraph (A) may include— (i) the use of non-spot market price data, in addition to spot market price data, that would enhance the accuracy of the price information used in determining quality adjustments under this subsection; (ii) adjustments in the premiums or discounts associated with upland cotton with a staple length of 33 or above due to micronaire with the goal of eliminating any unnecessary artificial splits in the calculations of the premiums or discounts; and (iii) such other adjustments as the Secretary determines appropriate, after consultations conducted in accordance with paragraph (3). (3) Consultation with private sector (A) Prior to revision In making adjustments to the loan rate for cotton (including any review of the adjustments) as provided in this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the United States cotton industry. (B) Inapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to consultations under this subsection. (4) Review of adjustments The Secretary may review the operation of the upland cotton quality adjustments implemented pursuant to this subsection and may make further revisions to the administration of the loan program for upland cotton, by— (A) revoking or revising any actions taken under paragraph (2)(B); or (B) revoking or revising any actions taken or authorized to be taken under paragraph (2)(C). (e) Rice The Secretary shall not make adjustments in the loan rates for long grain rice and medium grain rice, except for differences in grade and quality (including milling yields). C Sugar 1301. Sugar program (a) Continuation of current program and loan rates (1) Sugarcane Section 156(a)(5) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(a)(5) ) is amended by striking the 2012 crop year and inserting each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years . (2) Sugar beets Section 156(b)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(b)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (3) Effective period Section 156(i) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(i) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Flexible marketing allotments for sugar (1) Sugar estimates Section 359b(a)(1) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359bb(a)(1) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (2) Effective period Section 359l(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359ll(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . D Dairy I Dairy production margin protection and dairy market stabilization programs 1401. Definitions In this part: (1) Actual dairy production margin The term actual dairy production margin means the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost, as calculated under section 1402. (2) All-milk price The term all-milk price means the average price received, per hundredweight of milk, by dairy operations for all milk sold to plants and dealers in the United States, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Annual production history The term annual production history means the production history determined for a participating dairy operation under section 1413(b) whenever the participating dairy operation purchases supplemental production margin protection. (4) Average feed cost The term average feed cost means the average cost of feed used by a dairy operation to produce a hundredweight of milk, determined under section 1402 using the sum of the following: (A) The product determined by multiplying 1.0728 by the price of corn per bushel. (B) The product determined by multiplying 0.00735 by the price of soybean meal per ton. (C) The product determined by multiplying 0.0137 by the price of alfalfa hay per ton. (5) Basic production history The term basic production history means the production history determined for a participating dairy operation under section 1413(a) for provision of basic production margin protection. (6) Consecutive 2-month period The term consecutive 2-month period refers to the 2-month period consisting of the months of January and February, March and April, May and June, July and August, September and October, or November and December, respectively. (7) Dairy operation (A) In general The term dairy operation means, as determined by the Secretary, 1 or more dairy producers that produce and market milk as a single dairy operation in which each dairy producer— (i) shares in the pooling of resources and a common ownership structure; (ii) is at risk in the production of milk on the dairy operation; and (iii) contributes land, labor, management, equipment, or capital to the dairy operation. (B) Additional ownership structures The Secretary shall determine additional ownership structures to be covered by the definition of dairy operation. (8) Handler (A) In general The term handler means the initial individual or entity making payment to a dairy operation for milk produced in the United States and marketed for commercial use. (B) Producer-handler The term includes a producer-handler when the producer satisfies the definition in subparagraph (A). (9) Participating dairy operation The term participating dairy operation means a dairy operation that— (A) signs up under section 1412 to participate in the production margin protection program under subpart A; and (B) as a result, also participates in the stabilization program under subpart B. (10) Production margin protection program The term production margin protection program means the dairy production margin protection program required by subpart A. (11) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (12) Stabilization program The term stabilization program means the dairy market stabilization program required by subpart B for all participating dairy operations. (13) Stabilization program base The term stabilization program base , with respect to a participating dairy operation, means the stabilization program base calculated for the participating dairy operation under section 1431(b). (14) United States The term United States , in a geographical sense, means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and any other territory or possession of the United States. 1402. Calculation of average feed cost and actual dairy production margins (a) Calculation of average feed cost The Secretary shall calculate the national average feed cost for each month using the following data: (1) The price of corn for a month shall be the price received during that month by farmers in the United States for corn, as reported in the monthly Agricultural Prices report by the Secretary. (2) The price of soybean meal for a month shall be the central Illinois price for soybean meal, as reported in the Market News–Monthly Soybean Meal Price Report by the Secretary. (3) The price of alfalfa hay for a month shall be the price received during that month by farmers in the United States for alfalfa hay, as reported in the monthly Agricultural Prices report by the Secretary. (b) Calculation of actual dairy production margins (1) Production margin protection program For use in the production margin protection program under subpart A, the Secretary shall calculate the actual dairy production margin for each consecutive 2-month period by subtracting— (A) the average feed cost for that consecutive 2-month period, determined in accordance with subsection (a); from (B) the all-milk price for that consecutive 2-month period. (2) Stabilization program For use in the stabilization program under subpart B, the Secretary shall calculate each month the actual dairy production margin for the preceding month by subtracting— (A) the average feed cost for that preceding month, determined in accordance with subsection (a); from (B) the all-milk price for that preceding month. (3) Time for calculations The calculations required by paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be made as soon as practicable using the full month price of the applicable reference month. A Dairy production margin protection program 1411. Establishment of dairy production margin protection program Effective not later than 120 days after the effective date of this subtitle, the Secretary shall establish and administer a dairy production margin protection program under which participating dairy operations are paid— (1) basic production margin protection program payments under section 1414 when actual dairy production margins are less than the threshold levels for such payments; and (2) supplemental production margin protection program payments under section 1415 if purchased by a participating dairy operation. 1412. Participation of dairy operations in production margin protection program (a) Eligibility All dairy operations in the United States shall be eligible to participate in the production margin protection program, except that a participating dairy operation shall be required to register with the Secretary before the participating dairy operation may receive— (1) basic production margin protection program payments under section 1414; and (2) if the participating dairy operation purchases supplemental production margin protection under section 1415, supplemental production margin protection program payments under such section. (b) Registration process (1) In general The Secretary shall specify the manner and form by which a participating dairy operation may register to participate in the production margin protection program. (2) Treatment of multiproducer dairy operations If a participating dairy operation is operated by more than 1 dairy producer, all of the dairy producers of the participating dairy operation shall be treated as a single dairy operation for purposes of— (A) registration to receive basic production margin protection and election to purchase supplemental production margin protection; (B) payment of the participation fee under subsection (d) and producer premiums under section 1415; and (C) participation in the stabilization program under subtitle B. (3) Treatment of producers with multiple dairy operations If a dairy producer operates 2 or more dairy operations, each dairy operation of the producer shall separately register to receive basic production margin protection and purchase supplemental production margin protection and only those dairy operations so registered shall be covered by the stabilization program. (c) Time for registration (1) Existing dairy operations During the 15-month period beginning on the date of the initiation of the registration period for the production margin protection program, a dairy operation that is actively engaged as of such date may register with the Secretary— (A) to receive basic production margin protection; and (B) if the dairy operation elects, to purchase supplemental production margin protection. (2) New Entrants A dairy producer that has no existing interest in a dairy operation as of the date of the initiation of the registration period for the production margin protection program, but that, after such date, establishes a new dairy operation, may register with the Secretary during the 1-year period beginning on the date on which the dairy operation first markets milk commercially— (A) to receive basic production margin protection; and (B) if the dairy operation elects, to purchase supplemental production margin protection. (d) Transition from MILC to production margin protection (1) Definition of transition period In this subsection, the term transition period means the period during which the milk income loss program established under section 1506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8773 ) and the production margin protection program under this subtitle are both in existence. (2) Notice of availability Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register to inform dairy operations of the availability of basic production margin protection and supplemental production margin protection, including the terms of the protection and information about the option of dairy operations during the transition period to make an election described in paragraph (3). (3) Election Except as provided in paragraph (4), a dairy operation may elect to participate in either the milk income loss program established under section 1506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8773 ) or the production margin protection program under this subtitle for the duration of the transition period. (4) Transfer to production margin protection A dairy operation that elects to participate in the milk income loss program established under section 1506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8773 ) during the transition period may, at any time, make a permanent transfer to the production margin protection program. (e) Administration fee (1) Administration fee required Except as provided in paragraph (5), a participating dairy operation shall— (A) pay an administration fee under this subsection to register to participate in the production margin protection program; and (B) pay the administration fee annually thereafter to continue to participate in the production margin protection program. (2) Fee amount The administration fee for a participating dairy operation for a calendar year shall be based on the pounds of milk (in millions) marketed by the participating dairy operation in the previous calendar year, as follows: Pounds Marketed (in millions) Administration Fee less than 1 $100 1 to 5 $250 more than 5 to 10 $350 more than 10 to 40 $1,000 more than 40 $2,500. (3) Deposit of Fees All administration fees collected under this subsection shall be credited to the fund or account used to cover the costs incurred to administer the production margin protection program and the stabilization program and shall be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation and until expended, for use or transfer as provided in paragraph (4). (4) Use of Fees The Secretary shall use administration fees collected under this subsection— (A) to cover administrative costs of the production margin protection program and stabilization program; and (B) to cover costs of the Department of Agriculture relating to reporting of dairy market news, carrying out the amendments made by section 1476, and carrying out section 273 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1637b ), to the extent funds remain available after operation of subparagraph (A). (5) Waiver The Secretary shall waive or reduce the administration fee required under paragraph (1) in the case of a limited-resource dairy operation, as defined by the Secretary. (f) Limitation A dairy operation may only participate in the production margin protection program or the livestock gross margin for dairy program under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ), but not both. 1413. Production history of participating dairy operations (a) Production history for basic production margin protection (1) Determination required For purposes of providing basic production margin protection, the Secretary shall determine the basic production history of a participating dairy operation. (2) Calculation Except as provided in paragraph (3), the basic production history of a participating dairy operation for basic production margin protection is equal to the highest annual milk marketings of the participating dairy operation during any 1 of the 3 calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which the participating dairy operation first signed up to participate in the production margin protection program. (3) Election by new dairy operations In the case of a participating dairy operation that has been in operation for less than a year, the participating dairy operation shall elect 1 of the following methods for the Secretary to determine the basic production history of the participating dairy operation: (A) The volume of the actual milk marketings for the months the participating dairy operation has been in operation extrapolated to a yearly amount. (B) An estimate of the actual milk marketings of the participating dairy operation based on the herd size of the participating dairy operation relative to the national rolling herd average data published by the Secretary. (4) No change in production history for basic production margin protection Once the basic production history of a participating dairy operation is determined under paragraph (2) or (3), the basic production history shall not be subsequently changed for purposes of determining the amount of any basic production margin protection payments for the participating dairy operation made under section 1414. (b) Annual production history for supplemental production margin protection (1) Determination required For purposes of providing supplemental production margin protection for a participating dairy operation that purchases supplemental production margin protection for a year under section 1415, the Secretary shall determine the annual production history of the participating dairy operation under paragraph (2). (2) Calculation The annual production history of a participating dairy operation for a year is equal to the actual milk marketings of the participating dairy operation during the preceding calendar year. (3) New dairy operations Subsection (a)(3) shall apply with respect to determining the annual production history of a participating dairy operation that has been in operation for less than a year. (c) Required information A participating dairy operation shall provide all information that the Secretary may require in order to establish— (1) the basic production history of the participating dairy operation under subsection (a); and (2) the production history of the participating dairy operation whenever the participating dairy operation purchases supplemental production margin protection under section 1415. (d) Transfer of production histories (1) Transfer by sale or lease In promulgating the rules to initiate the production margin protection program, the Secretary shall specify the conditions under which and the manner by which the production history of a participating dairy operation may be transferred by sale or lease. (2) Coverage level (A) Basic production margin protection A purchaser or lessee to whom the Secretary transfers a basic production history under this subsection shall not obtain a different level of basic production margin protection than the basic production margin protection coverage held by the seller or lessor from whom the transfer was obtained. (B) Supplemental production margin protection A purchaser or lessee to whom the Secretary transfers an annual production history under this subsection shall not obtain a different level of supplemental production margin protection coverage than the supplemental production margin protection coverage in effect for the seller or lessor from whom the transfer was obtained for the calendar year in which the transfer was made. (e) Movement and transfer of production history (1) Movement and transfer authorized Subject to paragraph (2), if a participating dairy operation moves from 1 location to another location, the participating dairy operation may transfer the basic production history and annual production history associated with the participating dairy operation. (2) Notification requirement A participating dairy operation shall notify the Secretary of any move of a participating dairy operation under paragraph (1). (3) Subsequent occupation of vacated location A party subsequently occupying a participating dairy operation location vacated as described in paragraph (1) shall have no interest in the basic production history or annual production history previously associated with the participating dairy operation at such location. 1414. Basic production margin protection (a) Payment threshold The Secretary shall make a payment to participating dairy operations in accordance with subsection (b) whenever the average actual dairy production margin for a consecutive 2-month period is less than $4.00 per hundredweight of milk. (b) Basic production margin protection payment The basic production margin protection payment for a participating dairy operation for a consecutive 2-month period shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (1) the difference between the average actual dairy production margin for the consecutive 2-month period and $4.00, except that, if the difference is more than $4.00, the Secretary shall use $4.00; by (2) the lesser of— (A) 80 percent of the production history of the participating dairy operation, divided by 6; or (B) the actual quantity of milk marketed by the participating dairy operation during the consecutive 2-month period. 1415. Supplemental production margin protection (a) Election of supplemental production margin protection A participating dairy operation may annually purchase supplemental production margin protection to protect, during the calendar year for which purchased, a higher level of the income of a participating dairy operation than the income level guaranteed by basic production margin protection under section 1414. (b) Selection of payment threshold A participating dairy operation purchasing supplemental production margin protection for a year shall elect a coverage level that is higher, in any increment of $0.50, than the payment threshold for basic production margin protection specified in section 1414(a), but not to exceed $8.00. (c) Coverage percentage A participating dairy operation purchasing supplemental production margin protection for a year shall elect a percentage of coverage equal to not more than 90 percent, nor less than 25 percent, of the annual production history of the participating dairy operation. (d) Premiums for supplemental production margin protection (1) Premiums required A participating dairy operation that purchases supplemental production margin protection shall pay an annual premium equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the coverage percentage elected by the participating dairy operation under subsection (c); (B) the annual production history of the participating dairy operation; and (C) the premium per hundredweight of milk, as specified in the applicable table under paragraph (2) or (3). (2) Premium per hundredweight for first 4 million pounds of production For the first 4,000,000 pounds of milk marketings included in the annual production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level specified in the following table is as follows: Coverage Level Premium per Cwt. $4.50 $0.01 $5.00 $0.02 $5.50 $0.035 $6.00 $0.045 $6.50 $0.09 $7.00 $0.40 $7.50 $0.60 $8.00 $0.95. (3) Premium per hundredweight for production in excess of 4 million pounds For milk marketings in excess of 4,000,000 pounds included in the annual production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level is as follows: Coverage Level Premium per Cwt. $4.50 $0.02 $5.00 $0.04 $5.50 $0.10 $6.00 $0.15 $6.50 $0.29 $7.00 $0.62 $7.50 $0.83 $8.00 $1.06. (4) Time for payment In promulgating the rules to initiate the production margin protection program, the Secretary shall provide more than 1 method by which a participating dairy operation that purchases supplemental production margin protection for a calendar year may pay the premium under this subsection for that year in any manner that maximizes participating dairy operation payment flexibility and program integrity. (e) Premium obligations (1) Pro-ration of premium for new dairy operations A participating dairy operation described in section 1412(c)(2) that purchases supplemental production margin protection for a calendar year after the start of the calendar year shall pay a pro-rated premium for that calendar year based on the portion of the calendar year for which the participating dairy operation purchases the coverage. (2) Legal obligation A participating dairy operation that purchases supplemental production margin protection for a calendar year shall be legally obligated to pay the applicable premium for that calendar year, except that the Secretary may waive that obligation, under terms and conditions determined by the Secretary, for 1 or more producers in any participating dairy operation in the case of death, retirement, permanent dissolution of a participating dairy operation, or other circumstances as the Secretary considers appropriate to ensure the integrity of the program. (f) Supplemental payment threshold A participating dairy operation with supplemental production margin protection shall receive a supplemental production margin protection payment whenever the average actual dairy production margin for a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the participating dairy operation under subsection (b). (g) Supplemental production margin protection payments (1) In general The supplemental production margin protection payment for a participating dairy operation is in addition to the basic production margin protection payment. (2) Amount of payment The supplemental production margin protection payment for the participating dairy operation shall be determined as follows: (A) The Secretary shall calculate the difference between the coverage level threshold selected by the participating dairy operation under subsection (b) and the greater of— (i) the average actual dairy production margin for the consecutive 2-month period; or (ii) $4.00. (B) The amount determined under subparagraph (A) shall be multiplied by the percentage selected by the participating dairy operation under subsection (c) and by the lesser of the following: (i) The annual production history of the participating dairy operation, divided by 6. (ii) The actual amount of milk marketed by the participating dairy operation during the consecutive 2-month period. 1416. Effect of failure to pay administration fees or premiums (a) Loss of benefits A participating dairy operation that fails to pay the required administration fee under section 1412 or is in arrears on premium payments for supplemental production margin protection under section 1415— (1) remains legally obligated to pay the administration fee or premiums, as the case may be; and (2) may not receive basic production margin protection payments or supplemental production margin protection payments until the fees or premiums are fully paid. (b) Enforcement The Secretary may take such action as necessary to collect administration fees and premium payments for supplemental production margin protection. B Dairy market stabilization program 1431. Establishment of dairy market stabilization program (a) Program required; purpose Effective not later than 120 days after the effective date of this subtitle, the Secretary shall establish and administer a dairy market stabilization program applicable to participating dairy operations for the purpose of assisting in balancing the supply of milk with demand when participating dairy operations are experiencing low or negative operating margins. (b) Election of stabilization program base calculation method (1) Election When a dairy operation signs up under section 1412 to participate in the production margin protection program, the dairy operation shall inform the Secretary of the method by which the stabilization program base for the participating dairy operation will be calculated under paragraph (3). (2) Change in calculation method A participating dairy operation may change the stabilization program base calculation method to be used for a calendar year by notifying the Secretary of the change not later than a date determined by the Secretary. (3) Calculation methods A participating dairy operation may elect either of the following methods for calculation of the stabilization program base for the participating dairy operation: (A) The volume of the average monthly milk marketings of the participating dairy operation for the 3 months immediately preceding the announcement by the Secretary that the stabilization program will become effective. (B) The volume of the monthly milk marketings of the participating dairy operation for the same month in the preceding year as the month for which the Secretary has announced the stabilization program will become effective. 1432. Threshold for implementation and reduction in dairy payments (a) When stabilization program required Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary shall announce that the stabilization program is in effect and order reduced payments by handlers to participating dairy operations that exceed the applicable percentage of the participating dairy operation’s stabilization program base whenever— (1) the actual dairy production margin has been $6.00 or less per hundredweight of milk for each of the immediately preceding 2 months; or (2) the actual dairy production margin has been $4.00 or less per hundredweight of milk for the immediately preceding month. (b) Exception If any of the conditions described in section 1436(b) have been met during the 2-month period immediately preceding the month in which the announcement under subsection (a) would otherwise be made by the Secretary in the absence of this exception, the Secretary shall— (1) suspend the stabilization program; (2) refrain from making the announcement under subsection (a) to implement order the stabilization payment; or (3) order reduced payments. (c) Effective date for implementation of payment reductions Reductions in dairy payments shall commence beginning on the first day of the month immediately following the date of the announcement by the Secretary under subsection (a). 1433. Milk marketings information (a) Collection of milk marketing data The Secretary shall establish, by regulation, a process to collect from participating dairy operations and handlers such information that the Secretary considers necessary for each month during which the stabilization program is in effect. (b) Reduce regulatory burden When implementing the process under subsection (a), the Secretary shall minimize the regulatory burden on participating dairy operations and handlers. 1434. Calculation and collection of reduced dairy operation payments (a) Reduced participating dairy operation payments required During any month in which payment reductions are in effect under the stabilization program, each handler shall reduce payments to each participating dairy operation from whom the handler receives milk. (b) Reductions based on actual dairy production margin (1) Reduction requirement 1 If the Secretary determines that the average actual dairy production margin has been less than $6.00 but greater than $5.00 per hundredweight of milk for 2 consecutive months, the handler shall make payments to a participating dairy operation for a month based on the greater of the following: (A) 98 percent of the stabilization program base of the participating dairy operation. (B) 94 percent of the marketings of milk for the month by the participating dairy operation. (2) Reduction requirement 2 If the Secretary determines that the average actual dairy production margin has been less than $5.00 but greater than $4.00 for 2 consecutive months, the handler shall make payments to a participating dairy operation for a month based on the greater of the following: (A) 97 percent of the stabilization program base of the participating dairy operation. (B) 93 percent of the marketings of milk for the month by the participating dairy operation. (3) Reduction requirement 3 If the Secretary determines that the average actual dairy production margin has been $4.00 or less for any 1 month, the handler shall make payments to a participating dairy operation for a month based on the greater of the following: (A) 96 percent of the stabilization program base of the participating dairy operation. (B) 92 percent of the marketings of milk for the month by the participating dairy operation. (c) Continuation of reductions The largest level of payment reduction required under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (b) shall be continued for each month until the Secretary suspends the stabilization program and terminates payment reductions in accordance with section 1436. (d) Payment reduction exception Notwithstanding any preceding subsection of this section, a handler shall make no payment reductions for a participating dairy operation for a month if the participating dairy operation’s milk marketings for the month are equal to or less than the percentage of the stabilization program base applicable to the participating dairy operation under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (b). 1435. Remitting funds to the Secretary and use of funds (a) Remitting funds As soon as practicable after the end of each month during which payment reductions are in effect under the stabilization program, each handler shall remit to the Secretary an amount equal to the amount by which payments to participating dairy operations are reduced by the handler under section 1434. (b) Deposit of remitted funds All funds received under subsection (a) shall be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation and until expended, for use or transfer as provided in subsection (c). (c) Use of funds (1) Availability for certain commodity donations Not later than 90 days after the funds described in subsection (a) are due as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary shall obligate the funds for the purpose of— (A) purchasing dairy products for donation to food banks and other programs that the Secretary determines appropriate; and (B) expanding consumption and building demand for dairy products. (2) No duplication of effort The Secretary shall ensure that expenditures under paragraph (1) are compatible with, and do not duplicate, programs supported by the dairy research and promotion activities conducted under the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.). (3) Accounting The Secretary shall keep an accurate account of all funds expended under paragraph (1). (d) Annual Report Not later than December 31 of each year that the stabilization program is in effect, 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 report that provides an accurate accounting of— (1) the funds received by the Secretary during the preceding fiscal year under subsection (a); (2) all expenditures made by the Secretary under subsection (b) during the preceding fiscal year; and (3) the impact of the stabilization program on dairy markets. (e) Enforcement If a participating dairy operation or handler fails to remit or collect the amounts by which payments to participating dairy operations are reduced under section 1434, the participating dairy operation or handler responsible for the failure shall be liable to the Secretary for the amount that should have been remitted or collected, plus interest. In addition to the enforcement authorities available under section 1437, the Secretary may enforce this subsection in the courts of the United States. 1436. Suspension of reduced payment requirement (a) Determination of prices For purposes of this section: (1) The price in the United States for cheddar cheese and nonfat dry milk shall be determined by the Secretary. (2) The world price of cheddar cheese and skim milk powder shall be determined by the Secretary. (b) Suspension thresholds The stabilization program shall be suspended or the Secretary shall refrain from making the announcement under section 1432(a) if the Secretary determines that— (1) the actual dairy production margin is greater than $6.00 per hundredweight of milk for 2 consecutive months; (2) the actual dairy production margin is equal to or less than $6.00 (but greater than $5.00) for 2 consecutive months, and during the same 2 consecutive months— (A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese is equal to or greater than the world price of cheddar cheese; or (B) the price in the United States for nonfat dry milk is equal to or greater than the world price of skim milk powder; (3) the actual dairy production margin is equal to or less than $5.00 (but greater than $4.00) for 2 consecutive months, and during the same 2 consecutive months— (A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese is more than 5 percent above the world price of cheddar cheese; or (B) the price in the United States for nonfat dry milk is more than 5 percent above the world price of skim milk powder; or (4) the actual dairy production margin is equal to or less than $4.00 for 2 consecutive months, and during the same 2 consecutive months— (A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese is more than 7 percent above the world price of cheddar cheese; or (B) the price in the United States for nonfat dry milk is more than 7 percent above the world price of skim milk powder. (c) Implementation by handlers Effective on the day after the date of the announcement by the Secretary under subsection (b) of the suspension of the stabilization program, the handler shall cease reducing payments to participating dairy operations under the stabilization program. (d) Condition on resumption of stabilization program Upon the announcement by the Secretary under subsection (b) that the stabilization program has been suspended, the stabilization program may not be implemented again until, at the earliest— (1) 2 months have passed, beginning on the first day of the month immediately following the announcement by the Secretary; and (2) the conditions of section 1432(a) are again met. 1437. Enforcement (a) Unlawful act It shall be unlawful and a violation of the this subpart for any person subject to the stabilization program to willfully fail or refuse to provide, or delay the timely reporting of, accurate information and remittance of funds to the Secretary in accordance with this subpart. (b) Order After providing notice and opportunity for a hearing to an affected person, the Secretary may issue an order against any person to cease and desist from continuing any violation of this subpart. (c) Appeal An order of the Secretary under subsection (b) shall be final and conclusive unless an affected person files an appeal of the order of the Secretary in United States district court not later than 30 days after the date of the issuance of the order. A finding of the Secretary in the order shall be set aside only if the finding is not supported by substantial evidence. (d) Noncompliance with order If a person subject to this subpart fails to obey an order issued under subsection (b) after the order has become final and unappealable, or after the appropriate United States district court has entered a final judgment in favor of the Secretary, the United States may apply to the appropriate United States district court for enforcement of the order. If the court determines that the order was lawfully made and duly served and that the person violated the order, the court shall enforce the order. 1438. Audit requirements (a) Audits of dairy operation and handler compliance (1) Audits authorized If determined by the Secretary to be necessary to ensure compliance by participating dairy operations and handlers with the stabilization program, the Secretary may conduct periodic audits of participating dairy operations and handlers. (2) Sample of dairy operations Any audit conducted under this subsection shall include, at a minimum, investigation of a statistically valid and random sample of participating dairy operations. (b) Submission of results The Secretary shall submit the results of any audit conducted under subsection (a) to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and include such recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate regarding the stabilization program. 1439. Study; report (a) In general The Secretary shall direct the Office of the Chief Economist to conduct a study of the impacts of the program established under section 1431(a). (b) Considerations The study conducted under subsection (a) shall consider— (1) the economic impact of the program throughout the dairy product value chain, including the impact on producers, processors, domestic customers, export customers, actual market growth and potential market growth, farms of different sizes, and different regions and States; and (2) the impact of the program on the competitiveness of the United States dairy industry in international markets. (c) Report Not later than December 1, 2017, the Office of the Chief Economist 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subsection (a). C Administration 1451. Duration The production margin protection program and the stabilization program shall end on December 31, 2018. 1452. Administration and enforcement (a) In general The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to address administrative and enforcement issues involved in carrying out the production margin protection, supplemental production margin protection, and market stabilization programs. (b) Reconstitution and eligibility issues (1) Reconstitution Using authorities under section 1001(f) and 1001B of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(f) , 1308–2), the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to prohibit a dairy producer from reconstituting a dairy operation for the sole purpose of the dairy producer— (A) receiving basic margin protection; (B) purchasing supplemental margin protection; or (C) avoiding participation in the market stabilization program. (2) Eligibility issues Using authorities under section 1001(f) and 1001B of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(f) , 1308–2), the Secretary shall promulgate regulations— (A) to prohibit a scheme or device; (B) to provide for equitable relief; and (C) to provide for other issues affecting eligibility and liability issues. (3) Administrative appeals Using authorities under section 1001(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(h) ) and subtitle H of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act ( 7 U.S.C. 6991 et seq. ), the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to provide for administrative appeals of decisions of the Secretary that are adverse to participants of the programs described in subsection (a). II Dairy market transparency 1461. Dairy product mandatory reporting (a) Definitions Section 272(1)(A) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1637a(1)(A) ) is amended by inserting , or any other products that may significantly aid price discovery in the dairy markets, as determined by the Secretary after of 1937 . (b) Mandatory reporting for dairy products Section 273(b) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1637b(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) In general In establishing the program, the Secretary shall only— (A) (i) subject to the conditions described in paragraph (2), require each manufacturer to report to the Secretary, more frequently than once per month, information concerning the price, quantity, and moisture content of dairy products sold by the manufacturer and any other product characteristics that may significantly aid price discovery in the dairy markets, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) modify the format used to provide the information on the day before the date of enactment of this subtitle to ensure that the information can be readily understood by market participants; and (B) require each manufacturer and other person storing dairy products (including dairy products in cold storage) to report to the Secretary, more frequently than once per month, information on the quantity of dairy products stored. ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting or those that may significantly aid price discovery in the dairy markets after Federal milk marketing order each place it appears in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C). 1462. Federal milk marketing order program pre-hearing procedure for Class III pricing (a) In general The Secretary shall use the pre-hearing procedure described in this section to consider alternative formulas for Class III milk product pricing under section 8c of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 608c), reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. (b) Requests for proposals (1) In general Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a request for the submission by interested persons of preliminary proposals for replacement of the Class III milk product pricing formula. (2) Preliminary proposals Preliminary proposals submitted under paragraph (1)— (A) may include competitive pay price formulas; and (B) shall provide sufficient detail in concept to serve as the basis for the convening by the Secretary of a public information session for review and discussion in accordance with section 900.24 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act), but need not conform with the other procedural requirements of part 900 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). (c) Pre-hearing information session review (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary issues a request under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall convene a public information session in accordance with section 900.24 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). (2) Requirements The Secretary shall review all preliminary proposals submitted under this section that are of sufficient conceptual detail to allow for the review described in paragraph (b)(2)(B). (d) Hearing determination (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the conduct of the public information session under subsection (c), the Secretary shall determine whether to conduct a formal hearing in accordance with part 900 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). (2) Hearing to be conducted If the Secretary determines under paragraph (1) to conduct a formal hearing, the Secretary shall issue notice and conduct the hearing in accordance with part 900 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). (3) Hearing not to be conducted If the Secretary determines under paragraph (1) not to conduct a formal hearing, not later than 90 days after that determination, 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 written report that explains the basis for the decision. (e) Proceeding with a hearing at any time Consistent with the purposes of this section, the Secretary may dispense with the pre-hearing requirements of this section and initiate at any time a formal hearing under part 900 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). III Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-Related provisions 1471. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs (a) Repeal of dairy product price support program Section 1501 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8771 ) is repealed. (b) Repeal of milk income loss contract program (1) Payments under milk income loss contract program Section 1506(c)(3) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8773(c)(3) ) is amended— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting and after the semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking August 31, 2013, 45 percent; and and inserting June 30, 2014, 45 percent. ; and (C) by striking subparagraph (C). (2) Extension Section 1506(h)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8773(h)(1) ) is amended by striking September 30, 2013 and inserting June 30, 2014 . (3) Repeal Effective July 1, 2014, section 1506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8773 ) is repealed. 1472. Repeal of dairy export incentive program (a) Repeal Section 153 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 15 U.S.C. 713a–14 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendments Section 902(2) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 ( 22 U.S.C. 7201(2) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (D); and (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively. 1473. Extension of dairy forward pricing program Section 1502(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8772(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2015 and inserting 2021 . 1474. Extension of dairy indemnity program Section 3 of Public Law 90–484 ( 7 U.S.C. 450l ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 1475. Extension of dairy promotion and research program Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 ( 7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 1476. Extension of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission Section 1509(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1726) is amended by inserting or other funds after Subject to the availability of appropriations . IV Federal milk marketing order reform 1481. Federal milk marketing orders (a) Amendments The Secretary shall provide an analysis on the effects of amending each Federal milk marketing order issued under section 8c of the Agricultural Adjustment Act ( 7 U.S.C. 608c ), reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (in this part referred to as a milk marketing order ), as required by this section. (b) Use of end-Product price formulas In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) consider replacing the use of end-product price formulas with other pricing alternatives; and (2) submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the findings of the Secretary on the impact of the action considered under paragraph (1). V Effective date 1491. Effective date Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle take effect on October 1, 2013. E Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance programs 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance programs (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible producer on a farm (A) In general The term eligible producer on a farm means an individual or entity described in subparagraph (B) that, as determined by the Secretary, assumes the production and market risks associated with the agricultural production of crops or livestock. (B) Description An individual or entity referred to in subparagraph (A) is— (i) a citizen of the United States; (ii) a resident alien; (iii) a partnership of citizens of the United States; or (iv) a corporation, limited liability corporation, or other farm organizational structure organized under State law. (2) Farm (A) In general The term farm means, in relation to an eligible producer on a farm, the total of all crop acreage in all counties that is planted or intended to be planted for harvest, for sale, or on-farm livestock feeding (including native grassland intended for haying) by the eligible producer. (B) Aquaculture In the case of aquaculture, the term farm means, in relation to an eligible producer on a farm, all fish being produced in all counties that are intended to be harvested for sale by the eligible producer. (C) Honey In the case of honey, the term farm means, in relation to an eligible producer on a farm, all bees and beehives in all counties that are intended to be harvested for a honey crop for sale by the eligible producer. (3) Farm-raised fish The term farm-raised fish means any aquatic species that is propagated and reared in a controlled environment. (4) Livestock The term livestock includes— (A) cattle (including dairy cattle); (B) bison; (C) poultry; (D) sheep; (E) swine; (F) horses; and (G) other livestock, as determined by the Secretary. (b) Livestock indemnity payments (1) Payments For each of fiscal years 2012 through 2018, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to make livestock indemnity payments to eligible producers on farms that have incurred livestock death losses in excess of the normal mortality, as determined by the Secretary, due to— (A) attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government or protected by Federal law, including wolves; or (B) adverse weather, as determined by the Secretary, during the calendar year, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat, and extreme cold. (2) Payment rates Indemnity payments to an eligible producer on a farm under paragraph (1) shall be made at a rate of 65 percent of the market value of the applicable livestock on the day before the date of death of the livestock, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Special rule for payments made due to disease The Secretary shall ensure that payments made to an eligible producer under paragraph (1) are not made for the same livestock losses for which compensation is provided pursuant to section 10407(d) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8306(d)). (c) Livestock forage disaster program (1) Establishment There is established a livestock forage disaster program to provide 1 source for livestock forage disaster assistance for weather-related forage losses, as determined by the Secretary, by combining— (A) the livestock forage assistance functions of— (i) the noninsured crop disaster assistance program established by section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ); and (ii) the emergency assistance for livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish program under section 531(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1531(e) ) (as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of this Act); and (B) the livestock forage disaster program under section 531(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1531(d) ) (as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of this Act). (2) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Covered livestock (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the term covered livestock means livestock of an eligible livestock producer that, during the 60 days prior to the beginning date of an eligible forage loss, as determined by the Secretary, the eligible livestock producer— (I) owned; (II) leased; (III) purchased; (IV) entered into a contract to purchase; (V) was a contract grower; or (VI) sold or otherwise disposed of due to an eligible forage loss during— (aa) the current production year; or (bb) subject to paragraph (4)(B)(ii), 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year. (ii) Exclusion The term covered livestock does not include livestock that were or would have been in a feedlot, on the beginning date of the eligible forage loss, as a part of the normal business operation of the eligible livestock producer, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Drought monitor The term drought monitor means a system for classifying drought severity according to a range of abnormally dry to exceptional drought, as defined by the Secretary. (C) Eligible forage loss The term eligible forage loss means 1 or more forage losses that occur due to weather-related conditions, including drought, flood, blizzard, hail, excessive moisture, hurricane, and fire, occurring during the normal grazing period, as determined by the Secretary, if the forage— (i) is grown on land that is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover; or (ii) is a crop planted specifically for the purpose of providing grazing for covered livestock of an eligible livestock producer. (D) Eligible livestock producer (i) In general The term eligible livestock producer means an eligible producer on a farm that— (I) is an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of covered livestock that provides the pastureland or grazing land, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land, for the covered livestock; (II) provides the pastureland or grazing land for covered livestock, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land that is physically located in a county affected by an eligible forage loss; (III) certifies the eligible forage loss; and (IV) meets all other eligibility requirements established under this subsection. (ii) Exclusion The term eligible livestock producer does not include an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of livestock that rents or leases pastureland or grazing land owned by another person on a rate-of-gain basis. (E) Normal carrying capacity The term normal carrying capacity , with respect to each type of grazing land or pastureland in a county, means the normal carrying capacity, as determined under paragraph (4)(D)(i), that would be expected from the grazing land or pastureland for livestock during the normal grazing period, in the absence of an eligible forage loss that diminishes the production of the grazing land or pastureland. (F) Normal grazing period The term normal grazing period , with respect to a county, means the normal grazing period during the calendar year for the county, as determined under paragraph (4)(D)(i). (3) Program For each of fiscal years 2012 through 2018, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide compensation under paragraphs (4) through (6), as determined by the Secretary for eligible forage losses affecting covered livestock of eligible livestock producers. (4) Assistance for eligible forage losses due to drought conditions (A) Eligible forage losses (i) In general An eligible livestock producer of covered livestock may receive assistance under this paragraph for eligible forage losses that occur due to drought on land that— (I) is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover; or (II) is planted to a crop planted specifically for the purpose of providing grazing for covered livestock. (ii) Exclusions An eligible livestock producer may not receive assistance under this paragraph for eligible forage losses that occur on land used for haying or grazing under the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ), unless the land is grassland eligible for the conservation reserve program under section 1231(d)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(2) ) (as amended by section 2001). (B) Monthly payment rate (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the payment rate for assistance for 1 month under this paragraph shall, in the case of drought, be equal to 50 percent of the lesser of— (I) the monthly feed cost for all covered livestock owned or leased by the eligible livestock producer, as determined under subparagraph (C); or (II) the monthly feed cost calculated by using the normal carrying capacity of the eligible grazing land of the eligible livestock producer. (ii) Partial compensation In the case of an eligible livestock producer that sold or otherwise disposed of covered livestock due to drought conditions in 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year, as determined by the Secretary, the payment rate shall be 80 percent of the payment rate otherwise calculated in accordance with clause (i). (C) Monthly feed cost (i) In general The monthly feed cost shall equal the product obtained by multiplying— (I) 30 days; (II) a payment quantity that is equal to the feed grain equivalent, as determined under clause (ii); and (III) a payment rate that is equal to the corn price per pound, as determined under clause (iii). (ii) Feed grain equivalent For purposes of clause (i)(II), the feed grain equivalent shall equal— (I) in the case of an adult beef cow, 15.7 pounds of corn per day; or (II) in the case of any other type of weight of livestock, an amount determined by the Secretary that represents the average number of pounds of corn per day necessary to feed the livestock. (iii) Corn price per pound For purposes of clause (i)(III), the corn price per pound shall equal the quotient obtained by dividing— (I) the lesser of— (aa) the national average corn price per bushel for the 12-month period immediately preceding March 1 of the year for which the disaster assistance is calculated; or (bb) the average national marketing year average corn price per bushel for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest prices; by (II) 56. (D) Normal grazing period and drought monitor intensity (i) FSA county committee determinations (I) In general The Secretary shall determine the normal carrying capacity and normal grazing period for each type of grazing land or pastureland in the county served by the applicable Farm Service Agency committee, except that the normal grazing period shall not exceed 240 days. (II) Changes No change to the normal carrying capacity or normal grazing period established for a county under subclause (I) shall be made unless the change is requested by the appropriate State and county Farm Service Agency committees. (ii) Drought intensity (I) D 2 An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D2 (severe drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 8 consecutive weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph in an amount equal to 1 monthly payment using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B). (II) D 3 An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having at least a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph— (aa) in an amount equal to 2 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B); or (bb) if the county is rated as having a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4 weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, or is rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to 3 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B). (iii) Annual payment based on drought conditions determined by means other than the U.S. Drought Monitor (I) In general An eligible livestock producer that owns grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that has experienced on average, over the preceding calendar year, precipitation levels that are 50 percent or more below normal levels, according to sufficient documentation as determined by the Secretary, may be eligible, subject to a determination by the Secretary, to receive assistance under this paragraph in an amount equal to not more than 1 monthly payment using the monthly payment rate under subparagraph (B). (II) No duplicate payment A producer may not receive a payment under both clause (ii) and this clause. (5) Assistance for losses due to fire on public managed land (A) In general An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this paragraph only if— (i) the eligible forage losses occur on rangeland that is managed by a Federal agency; and (ii) the eligible livestock producer is prohibited by the Federal agency from grazing the normal permitted livestock on the managed rangeland due to a fire. (B) Payment rate The payment rate for assistance under this paragraph shall be equal to 50 percent of the monthly feed cost for the total number of livestock covered by the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer, as determined under paragraph (4)(C). (C) Payment duration (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), an eligible livestock producer shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph for the period— (I) beginning on the date on which the Federal agency excludes the eligible livestock producer from using the managed rangeland for grazing; and (II) ending on the last day of the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer. (ii) Limitation An eligible livestock producer may only receive assistance under this paragraph for losses that occur on not more than 180 days per year. (6) Assistance for eligible forage losses due to other than drought or fire (A) Eligible forage losses (i) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), an eligible livestock producer of covered livestock may receive assistance under this paragraph for eligible forage losses that occur due to weather-related conditions other than drought or fire on land that— (I) is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover; or (II) is planted to a crop planted specifically for the purpose of providing grazing for covered livestock. (ii) Exclusions An eligible livestock producer may not receive assistance under this paragraph for eligible forage losses that occur on land used for haying or grazing under the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ), unless the land is grassland eligible for the conservation reserve program under section 1231(d)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(2) ) (as amended by section 2001). (B) Payments for eligible forage losses (i) In general The Secretary shall provide assistance under this paragraph to an eligible livestock producer for eligible forage losses that occur due to weather-related conditions other than— (I) drought under paragraph (4); and (II) fire on public managed land under paragraph (5). (ii) Terms and conditions The Secretary shall establish terms and conditions for assistance under this paragraph that are consistent with the terms and conditions for assistance under this subsection. (7) No duplicative payments An eligible livestock producer may elect to receive assistance for eligible forage losses under either paragraph (4), (5), or (6), if applicable, but may not receive assistance under more than 1 of those paragraphs for the same loss, as determined by the Secretary. (8) Determinations by Secretary A determination made by the Secretary under this subsection shall be final and conclusive. (d) Emergency assistance for livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish (1) In general For each of fiscal years 2012 through 2018, the Secretary shall use not more than $15,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary, that are not covered under subsection (b) or (c). (2) Use of funds Funds made available under this subsection shall be used to reduce losses caused by feed or water shortages, disease, or other factors as determined by the Secretary. (3) Availability of funds Any funds made available under this subsection shall remain available until expended. (e) Tree assistance program (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Eligible orchardist The term eligible orchardist means a person that produces annual crops from trees for commercial purposes. (B) Natural disaster The term natural disaster means plant disease, insect infestation, drought, fire, freeze, flood, earthquake, lightning, or other occurrence, as determined by the Secretary. (C) Nursery tree grower The term nursery tree grower means a person who produces nursery, ornamental, fruit, nut, or Christmas trees for commercial sale, as determined by the Secretary. (D) Tree The term tree includes a tree, bush, and vine. (2) Eligibility (A) Loss Subject to subparagraph (B), for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2018, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide assistance— (i) under paragraph (3) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that planted trees for commercial purposes but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) under paragraph (3)(B) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that have a production history for commercial purposes on planted or existing trees but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Limitation An eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower shall qualify for assistance under subparagraph (A) only if the tree mortality of the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower, as a result of damaging weather or related condition, exceeds 15 percent (adjusted for normal mortality). (3) Assistance Subject to paragraph (4), the assistance provided by the Secretary to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers for losses described in paragraph (2) shall consist of— (A) (i) reimbursement of 65 percent of the cost of replanting trees lost due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent mortality (adjusted for normal mortality); or (ii) at the option of the Secretary, sufficient seedlings to reestablish a stand; and (B) reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost of pruning, removal, and other costs incurred by an eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower to salvage existing trees or, in the case of tree mortality, to prepare the land to replant trees as a result of damage or tree mortality due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent damage or mortality (adjusted for normal tree damage and mortality). (4) Limitations on assistance (A) Definitions of legal entity and person In this paragraph, the terms legal entity and person have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a)). (B) Amount The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this subsection may not exceed $100,000 for any crop year, or an equivalent value in tree seedlings. (C) Acres The total quantity of acres planted to trees or tree seedlings for which a person or legal entity shall be entitled to receive payments under this subsection may not exceed 500 acres. (f) Payments (1) Payment limitations (A) Definitions of legal entity and person In this subsection, the terms legal entity and person have the meanings given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(a) ). (B) Amount The total amount of disaster assistance payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this section (excluding payments received under subsection (e)) may not exceed $100,000 for any crop year. (C) Direct attribution Subsections (d) and (e) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) or any successor provisions relating to direct attribution shall apply with respect to assistance provided under this section. (2) Payment delivery The Secretary shall make payments under this section after October 1, 2013, for losses incurred in the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years, and as soon as practicable for losses incurred in any year thereafter. F Administration 1601. Administration generally (a) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation The Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this title. (b) Determinations by Secretary A determination made by the Secretary under this title shall be final and conclusive. (c) Regulations (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Commodity Credit Corporation, as appropriate, shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement this title and the amendments made by this title. (2) Procedure The promulgation of the regulations and administration of this title and the amendments made by this title and sections 11001 and 11012 shall be made without regard to— (A) the notice and comment provisions of section 553 of title 5, United States Code; (B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act ); and (C) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking. (3) Congressional review of agency rulemaking In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 5, United States Code. (d) Adjustment Authority Related to Trade Agreements Compliance (1) Required determination; adjustment If the Secretary determines that expenditures under this title that are subject to the total allowable domestic support levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements (as defined in section 2 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3501 )) will exceed the allowable levels for any applicable reporting period, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make adjustments in the amount of the expenditures during that period to ensure that the expenditures do not exceed the allowable levels. (2) Congressional notification Before making any adjustment under paragraph (1), 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 report describing the determination made under that paragraph and the extent of the adjustment to be made. 1602. Suspension of permanent price support authority (a) Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 The following provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 shall not be applicable to the 2014 through 2018 crops of covered commodities (as defined in section 1104), cotton, and sugar and shall not be applicable to milk during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act through December 31, 2018: (1) Parts II through V of subtitle B of title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1326 et seq. ). (2) In the case of upland cotton, section 377 ( 7 U.S.C. 1377 ). (3) Subtitle D of title III (7 U.S.C. 1379a et seq.). (4) Title IV ( 7 U.S.C. 1401 et seq. ). (b) Agricultural Act of 1949 The following provisions of the Agricultural Act of 1949 shall not be applicable to the 2014 through 2018 crops of covered commodities (as defined in section 1104), cotton, and sugar and shall not be applicable to milk during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and through December 31, 2018: (1) Section 101 ( 7 U.S.C. 1441 ). (2) Section 103(a) ( 7 U.S.C. 1444(a) ). (3) Section 105 ( 7 U.S.C. 1444b ). (4) Section 107 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445a ). (5) Section 110 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445e ). (6) Section 112 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445g ). (7) Section 115 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445k ). (8) Section 201 ( 7 U.S.C. 1446 ). (9) Title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1447 et seq. ). (10) Title IV ( 7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq. ), other than sections 404, 412, and 416 ( 7 U.S.C. 1424 , 1429, and 1431). (11) Title V ( 7 U.S.C. 1461 et seq. ). (12) Title VI ( 7 U.S.C. 1471 et seq. ). (c) Suspension of certain quota provisions The joint resolution entitled A joint resolution relating to corn and wheat marketing quotas under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended , approved May 26, 1941 (7 U.S.C. 1330 and 1340), shall not be applicable to the crops of wheat planted for harvest in the calendar years 2014 through 2018. 1603. Payment limitations (a) In general Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting the following: (b) Limitation on payments for peanuts and other covered commodities The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (except a joint venture or general partnership) for any crop year under subtitle A of title I of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 for— (1) peanuts may not exceed $50,000; and (2) 1 or more other covered commodities may not exceed $50,000. . (b) Limitation on marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments for peanuts and other loan commodities Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following: (d) Limitation on marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments for peanuts and other loan commodities The total amount of marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (except a joint venture or general partnership) for any crop year under subtitle B of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 (or a successor provision) for— (1) peanuts may not exceed $75,000; and (2) 1 or more other loan commodities may not exceed $75,000. . (c) Conforming amendments (1) Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking section 1001 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and inserting section 1104 of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 ; (B) in subsection (e)— (i) in paragraph (1), by striking subsections (b) and (c) and a program described in paragraphs (1)(C) and inserting subsection (b) and a program described in paragraph (1)(B) ; and (ii) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking subsections (b) and (c) each place it appears and inserting subsection (b) ; (C) in subsection (f)— (i) by striking or title XII each place it appears in paragraphs (5)(A) and (6)(A) and inserting , title I of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , or title XII ; (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking Subsections (b) and (c) and inserting Subsection (b) ; (iii) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking subsection (b) or (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; (iv) in paragraph (5)— (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking subsection (d) and inserting subsection (c) ; and (II) in subparagraph (B), by striking subsection (b), (c), or (d) and inserting subsection (b) or (c) ; and (v) in paragraph (6)— (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking subsection (d), except as provided in subsection (g) and inserting subsection (c), except as provided in subsection (f) ; and (II) in subparagraph (B), by striking subsections (b), (c), and (d) and inserting subsections (b) and (c) ; (D) in subsection (g)— (i) in paragraph (1)— (I) bv striking subsection (f)(6)(A) and inserting subsection (e)(6)(A) and (II) by striking subsection (b) or (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (ii) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (E) by redesignating subsections (d) through (h) as subsections (c) through (g), respectively. (2) Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–1 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (a), by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking subsection (b) or (c) and inserting subsection (b) . (3) Section 1001B(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–2(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting subsection (b) . (4) Section 1001C(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3(a) ) is amended by inserting title I of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , after 2008, . (d) Application The amendments made by this section shall apply beginning with the 2014 crop year. 1604. Payments limited to active farmers Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–1 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) by striking or active personal management each place it appears in subparagraphs (A)(i)(II) and (B)(ii); and (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking , as applied to the legal entity, are met by the legal entity, the partners or members making a significant contribution of personal labor or active personal management and inserting are met by partners or members making a significant contribution of personal labor, those partners or members ; and (2) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) the landowner share-rents the land at a rate that is usual and customary; ; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (C) the share of the payments received by the landowner is commensurate with the share of the crop or income received as rent. ; (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking active personal management or ; (C) in paragraph (5)— (i) by striking (5) and all that follows through (A) In general .—A person and inserting the following: (5) Custom farming services A person ; (ii) by inserting under usual and customary terms after services ; and (iii) by striking subparagraph (B); and (D) by adding at the end the following: (7) Farm managers A person who otherwise meets the requirements of this subsection other than (b)(2)(A)(i)(II) shall be considered to be actively engaged in farming, as determined by the Secretary, with respect to the farming operation, including a farming operation that is a sole proprietorship, a legal entity such as a joint venture or general partnership, or a legal entity such as a corporation or limited partnership, if the person— (A) makes a significant contribution of management to the farming operation necessary for the farming operation, taking into account— (i) the size and complexity of the farming operation; and (ii) the management requirements normally and customarily required by similar farming operations; (B) is the only person in the farming operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming; (C) does not use the management contribution under this paragraph to qualify as actively engaged in more than 1 farming operation; and (D) manages a farm operation that does not substantially share equipment, labor, or management with persons or legal entities that with the person collectively receive, directly or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the applicable limits under section 1001(b). . 1605. Adjusted gross income limitation (a) In general Section 1001D(b)) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Commodity programs (A) Limitation Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person or legal entity shall not be eligible to receive any benefit described in subparagraph (B) during a crop, fiscal or program year, as appropriate, if the average adjusted gross income (or comparable measure over the 3 taxable years preceding the most immediately preceding complete taxable year, as determined by the Secretary) of the person or legal entity exceeds $750,000. (B) Covered benefits Subparagraph (A) applies with respect to the following: (i) A payment under section 1107 or 1108 of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 . (ii) A marketing loan gain or loan deficiency payment under subtitle B of title I of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 . (iii) A payment under subtitle E of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 . . (iv) A payment under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333). . (b) Application The amendments made by this section shall apply beginning with the 2014 crop year. 1606. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers Section 1621(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8792(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 1607. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies Section 164 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7284 ) is amended by striking and title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 each place it appears and inserting title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq. ), and title I of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 . 1608. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs (a) Reconciliation At least twice each year, the Secretary shall reconcile social security numbers of all individuals who receive payments under this title, whether directly or indirectly, with the Commissioner of Social Security to determine if the individuals are alive. (b) Preclusion The Secretary shall preclude the issuance of payments to, and on behalf of, deceased individuals that were not eligible for payments. 1609. Appeals (a) Direction, control, and support Section 272 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6992 ) is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: (c) Direction, control, and support (1) Direction and control (A) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Director shall be free from the direction and control of any person other than the Secretary or the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. (B) Administrative support The Division shall not receive administrative support (except on a reimbursable basis) from any agency other than the Office of the Secretary. (C) Prohibition on delegation The Secretary may not delegate to any other officer or employee of the Department, other than the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture or the Director, the authority of the Secretary with respect to the Division. (2) Exception The Assistant Secretary for Administration is authorized to investigate, enforce, and implement the provisions in law, Executive order, or regulations that relate in general to competitive and excepted service positions and employment within the Division, including the position of Director, and such authority may be further delegated to subordinate officials. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking affect— and inserting affect: ; (2) by striking the authority each place it appears in paragraphs (1) through (7) and inserting The authority ; (3) by striking the semicolon at the end of each of paragraphs (1) through (5) and inserting a period; (4) in paragraph (6)(C), by striking ; or at the end and inserting a period; and (5) by adding at the end the following: (8) The authority of the Secretary to carry out amendments made by the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013. . 1610. Technical corrections (a) Section 359f(c)(1)(B) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359ff(c)(1)(B) ) is amended by adding a period at the end. (b) (1) Section 1603(g) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1739) is amended in paragraphs (2) through (6) and the amendments made by those paragraphs by striking 1703(a) each place it appears and inserting 1603(a) . (2) This subsection and the amendments made by this subsection take effect as if included in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1651). 1611. Assignment of payments (a) In general The provisions of section 8(g) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590h(g) ), relating to assignment of payments, shall apply to payments made under this title. (b) Notice The producer making the assignment, or the assignee, shall provide the Secretary with notice, in such manner as the Secretary may require, of any assignment made under this section. 1612. Tracking of benefits As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may track the benefits provided, directly or indirectly, to individuals and entities under titles I and II and the amendments made by those titles. 1613. Signature authority (a) In general In carrying out this title and title II and amendments made by those titles, if the Secretary approves a document, the Secretary shall not subsequently determine the document is inadequate or invalid because of the lack of authority of any person signing the document on behalf of the applicant or any other individual, entity, general partnership, or joint venture, or the documents relied upon were determined inadequate or invalid, unless the person signing the program document knowingly and willfully falsified the evidence of signature authority or a signature. (b) Affirmation (1) In general Nothing in this section prohibits the Secretary from asking a proper party to affirm any document that otherwise would be considered approved under subsection (a). (2) No retroactive effect A denial of benefits based on a lack of affirmation under paragraph (1) shall not be retroactive with respect to third-party producers who were not the subject of the erroneous representation of authority, if the third-party producers— (A) relied on the prior approval by the Secretary of the documents in good faith; and (B) substantively complied with all program requirements. 1614. Implementation (a) Streamlining In implementing this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and other administrative requirements; (2) improve coordination, information sharing, and administrative work with the Risk Management Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and (3) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery to producers. (b) Implementation On October 1, 2013, the Secretary shall make available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title $97,000,000. II Conservation A Conservation Reserve Program 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program (a) Extension Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Eligible land Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and inserting the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 ; (2) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); (3) by inserting before paragraph (4) the following: (3) grassland that— (A) contains forbs or shrubland (including improved rangeland and pastureland) for which grazing is the predominant use; (B) is located in an area historically dominated by grassland; and (C) could provide habitat for animal and plant populations of significant ecological value if the land is retained in its current use or restored to a natural condition; ; (4) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking filterstrips devoted to trees or shrubs and inserting filterstrips and riparian buffers devoted to trees, shrubs, or grasses ; and (5) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following: (5) the portion of land in a field not enrolled in the conservation reserve in a case in which— (A) more than 50 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a buffer or filterstrip or more than 75 percent of the land in the field is enrolled in a practice other than as a buffer or filterstrip; and (B) the remainder of the field is— (i) infeasible to farm; and (ii) enrolled at regular rental rates. . (c) Planting Status of Certain Land Section 1231(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(c) ) is amended by striking if and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting if, during the crop year, the land was devoted to a conserving use. . (d) Enrollment Section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 ) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following: (d) Enrollment (1) Maximum acreage enrolled The Secretary may maintain in the conservation reserve at any 1 time during— (A) fiscal year 2014, no more than 30,000,000 acres; (B) fiscal year 2015, no more than 27,500,000 acres; (C) fiscal year 2016, no more than 26,500,000 acres; (D) fiscal year 2017, no more than 25,500,000 acres; and (E) fiscal year 2018, no more than 25,000,000 acres. (2) Grassland (A) Limitation For purposes of applying the limitations in paragraph (1), no more than 1,500,000 acres of the land described in subsection (b)(3) may be enrolled in the program at any 1 time during the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years. (B) Priority In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may give priority to land with expiring conservation reserve program contracts. (C) Method of enrollment In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall make the program available to owners or operators of eligible land at least once during each fiscal year. . (e) Duration of contract Section 1231(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(e) ) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following: (2) Special rule for certain land In the case of land devoted to hardwood trees, shelterbelts, windbreaks, or wildlife corridors under a contract entered into under this subchapter, the owner or operator of the land may, within the limitations prescribed under this section, specify the duration of the contract. . (f) Conservation priority areas Section 1231(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking watershed areas of the Chesapeake Bay Region, the Great Lakes Region, the Long Island Sound Region, and other ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking watersheds .—Watersheds and inserting areas .—Areas ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking a watershed’s designation— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting an area’s designation if the Secretary finds that the area no longer contains actual and significant adverse water quality or habitat impacts related to agricultural production activities. . 2002. Farmable wetland program (a) Extension Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(a)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by striking a program and inserting a farmable wetland program . (b) Eligible acreage Section 1231B(b)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(b)(1)(B) ) is amended by striking flow from a row crop agriculture drainage system and inserting surface and subsurface flow from row crop agricultural production . (c) Clerical amendments Section 1231B of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b ) is amended— (1) by striking the heading and inserting the following: 1231B. Farmable wetland program ; and (2) in subsection (f)(2), by striking section 1234(c)(2)(B) and inserting section 1234(c)(2)(A)(ii) . 2003. Duties of owners and operators (a) Limitation on harvesting, grazing or commercial use of forage Section 1232(a)(8) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832(a)(8) ) is amended by striking except that and all that follows through the semicolon at the end of the paragraph and inserting except as provided in section 1233(b); . (b) Conservation plan requirements Section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832 ) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following: (b) Conservation plans The plan referred to in subsection (a)(1) shall set forth— (1) the conservation measures and practices to be carried out by the owner or operator during the term of the contract; and (2) the commercial use, if any, to be permitted on the land during the term. . (c) Rental payment reduction Section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832 ) is amended by striking subsection (d). 2004. Duties of the Secretary Section 1233 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3833 ) is amended to read as follows: 1233. Duties of the Secretary (a) Cost-Share and rental payments In return for a contract entered into by an owner or operator, the Secretary shall— (1) share the cost of carrying out the conservation measures and practices set forth in the contract for which the Secretary determines that cost sharing is appropriate and in the public interest; and (2) for a period of years not in excess of the term of the contract, pay an annual rental payment in an amount necessary to compensate for— (A) the conversion of highly erodible cropland or other eligible land normally devoted to the production of an agricultural commodity on a farm or ranch to a less intensive use; (B) the retirement of any cropland base and allotment history that the owner or operator agrees to retire permanently; and (C) the development and management of grassland for multiple natural resource conservation benefits, including soil, water, air, and wildlife. (b) Specified activities permitted The Secretary shall permit certain activities or commercial uses of land that is subject to the contract if those activities or uses are consistent with a plan approved by the Secretary and include— (1) harvesting, grazing, or other commercial use of the forage in response to drought, flooding, or other emergency without any reduction in the rental rate; (2) grazing by livestock of a beginning farmer or rancher without any reduction in the rental rate, if the grazing is— (A) consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat (including habitat during the primary nesting season for critical birds in the area); and (B) described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (3); (3) consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat (including habitat during the primary nesting season for critical birds in the area) and in exchange for a reduction of not less than 25 percent in the annual rental rate for the acres covered by the authorized activity— (A) managed harvesting and other commercial use (including the managed harvesting of biomass), except that in permitting those activities the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee— (i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements; and (ii) shall identify periods during which the activities may be conducted, such that the frequency is at least once every 5 years but not more than once every 3 years; (B) prescribed grazing for the control of invasive species, which may be conducted annually; (C) routine grazing, except that in permitting routine grazing, the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee— (i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements and stocking rates for the land that are suitable for continued routine grazing; and (ii) shall identify the periods during which routine grazing may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every 2 years, taking into consideration regional differences such as— (I) climate, soil type, and natural resources; (II) the number of years that should be required between routine grazing activities; and (III) how often during a year in which routine grazing is permitted that routine grazing should be allowed to occur; and (D) the installation of wind turbines and associated access, except that in permitting the installation of wind turbines, the Secretary shall determine the number and location of wind turbines that may be installed, taking into account— (i) the location, size, and other physical characteristics of the land; (ii) the extent to which the land contains threatened or endangered wildlife and wildlife habitat; and (iii) the purposes of the conservation reserve program under this subchapter; and (4) the intermittent and seasonal use of vegetative buffer practices incidental to agricultural production on land adjacent to the buffer such that the permitted use does not destroy the permanent vegetative cover. (c) Authorized activities on grassland Notwithstanding section 1232(a)(8), for eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall permit the following activities: (1) Common grazing practices, including maintenance and necessary cultural practices, on the land in a manner that is consistent with maintaining the viability of grassland, forb, and shrub species appropriate to that locality. (2) Haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed production, subject to appropriate restrictions during the primary nesting season for critical birds in the area. (3) Fire presuppression, rehabilitation, and construction of fire breaks. (4) Grazing-related activities, such as fencing and livestock watering. (d) Resource conserving use (1) In general Beginning on the date that is 1 year before the date of termination of a contract under the program, the Secretary shall allow an owner or operator to make conservation and land improvements that facilitate maintaining protection of highly erodible land after expiration of the contract. (2) Conservation plan The Secretary shall require an owner or operator carrying out the activities described in paragraph (1) to develop and implement a conservation plan. (3) Reenrollment prohibited Land altered under paragraph (1) may not be reenrolled in the conservation reserve program for 5 years. (4) Payment The Secretary shall provide an annual payment that is reduced in an amount commensurate with any income or other compensation received as a result of the activities carried out under paragraph (1). . 2005. Payments (a) Trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife corridors Section 1234(b)(3)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(b)(3)(A) ) is amended— (1) in clause (i), by inserting and after the semicolon; (2) by striking clause (ii); and (3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii). (b) Incentives Section 1234(b)(3)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(b)(3)(B) ) is amended— (1) in clause (i), by inserting , practices to improve the condition of resources on the land, after operator) ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (iii) Incentives In making rental payments to an owner or operator of land described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary may provide incentive payments sufficient to encourage proper thinning and practices to improve the condition of resources on the land. . (c) Annual rental payments Section 1234(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting and other eligible land after highly erodible cropland both places it appears; (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Methods of Determination (A) In general The amounts payable to owners or operators in the form of rental payments under contracts entered into under this subchapter may be determined through— (i) the submission of bids for such contracts by owners and operators in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe; or (ii) such other means as the Secretary determines are appropriate. (B) Grassland In the case of eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall make annual payments in an amount that is not more than 75 percent of the grazing value of the land covered by the contract. ; and (3) in paragraph (5)(A)— (A) by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (i) Survey The Secretary ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (ii) Use The Secretary may use the survey of dryland cash rental rates described in clause (i) as a factor in determining rental rates under this section as the Secretary determines appropriate. . (d) Payment schedule Section 1234 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834 ) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following: (d) Payment schedule (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this section, payments under this subchapter shall be made in cash in such amount and on such time schedule as is agreed on and specified in the contract. (2) Source Payments under this subchapter shall be made using the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation. (3) Advance payment Payments under this subchapter may be made in advance of determination of performance. . (e) Payment limitation Section 1234(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking , including rental payments made in the form of in-kind commodities, ; (2) by striking paragraph (3); and (3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2). 2006. Contract requirements Section 1235 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Duties and all that follows through a beginning farmer or rancher or and inserting Transition to covered farmer or rancher .—In the case of a contract modification approved in order to facilitate the transfer of land subject to a contract from a retired farmer or rancher to a beginning farmer or rancher, a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )), or a ; (ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking the farmer or rancher and inserting the covered farmer or rancher ; and (iii) in subparagraph (E), by striking section 1001A(b)(3)(B) and inserting section 1001 ; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking requirement of section 1231(h)(4)(B) and inserting option provided under section 1234(c)(2)(A)(ii) ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (g) Final year of contract The Secretary shall not consider an owner or operator to be in violation of a term or condition of a conservation reserve contract if— (1) during the year prior to expiration of the contract, the land is enrolled in the conservation stewardship program; and (2) the activity required under the conservation stewardship program pursuant to the enrollment is consistent with this subchapter. (h) Land enrolled in agricultural conservation easement program The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under this subchapter if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H. . 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses Section 1235A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835a ) is repealed. 2008. Effective date (a) In general The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013, except, the amendment made by section 2001(d), which shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act. (b) Effect on existing contracts (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Updating of existing contracts The Secretary shall permit an owner or operator with a contract entered into under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) before October 1, 2013, to update the contract to reflect the activities and uses of land under contract permitted under the terms and conditions of paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 1233(b) of that Act (as amended by section 2004). B Conservation Stewardship Program 2101. Conservation stewardship program (a) Revision of current program Subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq. ) is amended to read as follows: B Conservation stewardship program 1238D. Definitions In this subchapter: (1) Agricultural operation The term agricultural operation means all eligible land, whether or not contiguous, that is— (A) under the effective control of a producer at the time the producer enters into a contract under the program; and (B) operated with equipment, labor, management, and production or cultivation practices that are substantially separate from other agricultural operations, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Conservation activities (A) In general The term conservation activities means conservation systems, practices, or management measures. (B) Inclusions The term conservation activities includes— (i) structural measures, vegetative measures, and land management measures, including agriculture drainage management systems, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) planning needed to address a priority resource concern. (3) Conservation stewardship plan The term conservation stewardship plan means a plan that— (A) identifies and inventories priority resource concerns; (B) establishes benchmark data and conservation objectives; (C) describes conservation activities to be implemented, managed, or improved; and (D) includes a schedule and evaluation plan for the planning, installation, and management of the new and existing conservation activities. (4) Eligible land (A) In general The term eligible land means— (i) private and tribal land on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-related products are produced; and (ii) land associated with the land described in clause (i) on which priority resource concerns could be addressed through a contract under the program. (B) Inclusions The term eligible land includes— (i) cropland; (ii) grassland; (iii) rangeland; (iv) pastureland; (v) nonindustrial private forest land; and (vi) other agricultural land (including cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land used for the production of livestock), as determined by the Secretary. (5) Priority resource concern The term priority resource concern means a natural resource concern or problem, as determined by the Secretary, that— (A) is identified at the national, State or local level, as a priority for a particular area of the State; (B) represents a significant concern in a State or region; and (C) is likely to be addressed successfully through the implementation of conservation activities under this program. (6) Program The term program means the conservation stewardship program established by this subchapter. (7) Stewardship threshold The term stewardship threshold means the level of management required, as determined by the Secretary, to conserve and improve the quality and condition of a natural resource. 1238E. Conservation stewardship program (a) Establishment and purpose During each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall carry out a conservation stewardship program to encourage producers to address priority resource concerns and improve and conserve the quality and condition of natural resources in a comprehensive manner— (1) by undertaking additional conservation activities; and (2) by improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities. (b) Exclusions (1) Land enrolled in other conservation programs Subject to paragraph (2), the following land (even if covered by the definition of eligible land) is not eligible for enrollment in the program: (A) Land enrolled in the conservation reserve program, unless— (i) the conservation reserve contract will expire at the end of the fiscal year in which the land is to be enrolled in the program; and (ii) conservation reserve program payments for land enrolled in the program cease prior to the date on which the first program payment is made to the applicant under this subchapter. (B) Land enrolled in the agricultural conservation easement program in a wetland reserve easement. (C) Land enrolled in the conservation security program. (2) Conversion to cropland Eligible land used for crop production after October 1, 2013, that had not been planted, considered to be planted, or devoted to crop production for at least 4 of the 6 years preceding that date shall not be the basis for any payment under the program, unless the land does not meet the requirement because— (A) the land had previously been enrolled in the conservation reserve program; (B) the land has been maintained using long-term crop rotation practices, as determined by the Secretary; or (C) the land is incidental land needed for efficient operation of the farm or ranch, as determined by the Secretary. 1238F. Stewardship contracts (a) Submission of contract offers To be eligible to participate in the conservation stewardship program, a producer shall submit a contract offer for the agricultural operation that— (1) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the producer, at the time of the contract offer, is meeting the stewardship threshold for at least 2 priority resource concerns; and (2) would, at a minimum, meet or exceed the stewardship threshold for at least 1 additional priority resource concern by the end of the stewardship contract by— (A) installing and adopting additional conservation activities; and (B) improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities on the agricultural operation in a manner that increases or extends the conservation benefits in place at the time the contract offer is accepted by the Secretary. (b) Evaluation of contract offers (1) Ranking of applications In evaluating contract offers the Secretary shall rank applications based on— (A) the level of conservation treatment on all applicable priority resource concerns at the time of application; (B) the degree to which the proposed conservation activities effectively increase conservation performance; (C) the number of applicable priority resource concerns proposed to be treated to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract; (D) the extent to which other priority resource concerns will be addressed to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract period; (E) the extent to which the actual and anticipated conservation benefits from the contract are provided at the least cost relative to other similarly beneficial contract offers; and (F) the extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed when transitioning from the conservation reserve program to agricultural production. (2) Prohibition The Secretary may not assign a higher priority to any application because the applicant is willing to accept a lower payment than the applicant would otherwise be eligible to receive. (3) Additional criteria The Secretary may develop and use such additional criteria that the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure that national, State, and local priority resource concerns are effectively addressed. (c) Entering into contracts After a determination that a producer is eligible for the program under subsection (a), and a determination that the contract offer ranks sufficiently high under the evaluation criteria under subsection (b), the Secretary shall enter into a conservation stewardship contract with the producer to enroll the eligible land to be covered by the contract. (d) Contract provisions (1) Term A conservation stewardship contract shall be for a term of 5 years. (2) Required provisions The conservation stewardship contract of a producer shall— (A) state the amount of the payment the Secretary agrees to make to the producer for each year of the conservation stewardship contract under section 1238G(d); (B) require the producer— (i) to implement a conservation stewardship plan that describes the program purposes to be achieved through 1 or more conservation activities; (ii) to maintain and supply information as required by the Secretary to determine compliance with the conservation stewardship plan and any other requirements of the program; and (iii) not to conduct any activities on the agricultural operation that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program; (C) permit all economic uses of the eligible land that— (i) maintain the agricultural nature of the land; and (ii) are consistent with the conservation purposes of the conservation stewardship contract; (D) include a provision to ensure that a producer shall not be considered in violation of the contract for failure to comply with the contract due to circumstances beyond the control of the producer, including a disaster or related condition, as determined by the Secretary; (E) include provisions where upon the violation of a term or condition of the contract at any time the producer has control of the land— (i) if the Secretary determines that the violation warrants termination of the contract— (I) to forfeit all rights to receive payments under the contract; and (II) to refund all or a portion of the payments received by the producer under the contract, including any interest on the payments, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) if the Secretary determines that the violation does not warrant termination of the contract, to refund or accept adjustments to the payments provided to the producer, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; (F) include provisions in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of this section; and (G) include any additional provisions the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the program. (3) Change of interest in land subject to a contract (A) In general At the time of application, a producer shall have control of the eligible land to be enrolled in the program. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a change in the interest of a producer in eligible land covered by a contract under the program shall result in the termination of the contract with regard to that land. (B) Transfer of duties and rights Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if— (i) within a reasonable period of time (as determined by the Secretary) after the date of the change in the interest in all or a portion of the land covered by a contract under the program, the transferee of the land provides written notice to the Secretary that duties and rights under the contract have been transferred to, and assumed by, the transferee for the portion of the land transferred; (ii) the transferee meets the eligibility requirements of the program; and (iii) the Secretary approves the transfer of all duties and rights under the contract. (4) Modification and termination of contracts (A) Voluntary modification or termination The Secretary may modify or terminate a contract with a producer if— (i) the producer agrees to the modification or termination; and (ii) the Secretary determines that the modification or termination is in the public interest. (B) Involuntary termination The Secretary may terminate a contract if the Secretary determines that the producer violated the contract. (5) Repayment If a contract is terminated, the Secretary may, consistent with the purposes of the program— (A) allow the producer to retain payments already received under the contract; or (B) require repayment, in whole or in part, of payments received and assess liquidated damages. (e) Contract renewal At the end of the initial 5-year contract period, the Secretary may allow the producer to renew the contract for 1 additional 5-year period if the producer— (1) demonstrates compliance with the terms of the existing contract; (2) agrees to adopt and continue to integrate conservation activities across the entire agricultural operation as determined by the Secretary; and (3) agrees, at a minimum, to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold for at least 2 additional priority resource concerns on the agricultural operation by the end of the contract period. 1238G. Duties of the secretary (a) In general To achieve the conservation goals of a contract under the conservation stewardship program, the Secretary shall— (1) make the program available to eligible producers on a continuous enrollment basis with 1 or more ranking periods, 1 of which shall occur in the first quarter of each fiscal year; (2) identify not less than 5 priority resource concerns in a particular watershed or other appropriate region or area within a State; and (3) establish a science-based stewardship threshold for each priority resource concern identified under paragraph (2). (b) Allocation to states The Secretary shall allocate acres to States for enrollment, based— (1) primarily on each State’s proportion of eligible land to the total acreage of eligible land in all States; and (2) also on consideration of— (A) the extent and magnitude of the conservation needs associated with agricultural production in each State; (B) the degree to which implementation of the program in the State is, or will be, effective in helping producers address those needs; and (C) other considerations to achieve equitable geographic distribution of funds, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Acreage enrollment limitation During the period beginning on October 1, 2013, and ending on September 30, 2022, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) enroll in the program an additional 10,348,000 acres for each fiscal year; and (2) manage the program to achieve a national average rate of $18 per acre, which shall include the costs of all financial assistance, technical assistance, and any other expenses associated with enrollment or participation in the program. (d) Conservation stewardship payments (1) Availability of payments The Secretary shall provide annual payments under the program to compensate the producer for— (A) installing and adopting additional conservation activities; and (B) improving, maintaining, and managing conservation activities in place at the operation of the producer at the time the contract offer is accepted by the Secretary. (2) Payment amount The amount of the conservation stewardship annual payment shall be determined by the Secretary and based, to the maximum extent practicable, on the following factors: (A) Costs incurred by the producer associated with planning, design, materials, installation, labor, management, maintenance, or training. (B) Income forgone by the producer. (C) Expected conservation benefits. (D) The extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed through the installation and adoption of conservation activities on the agricultural operation. (E) The level of stewardship in place at the time of application and maintained over the term of the contract. (F) The degree to which the conservation activities will be integrated across the entire agricultural operation for all applicable priority resource concerns over the term of the contract. (G) Such other factors as determined by the Secretary. (3) Exclusions A payment to a producer under this subsection shall not be provided for— (A) the design, construction, or maintenance of animal waste storage or treatment facilities or associated waste transport or transfer devices for animal feeding operations; or (B) conservation activities for which there is no cost incurred or income forgone to the producer. (4) Delivery of payments In making stewardship payments, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable— (A) prorate conservation performance over the term of the contract so as to accommodate, to the extent practicable, producers earning equal annual stewardship payments in each fiscal year; and (B) make stewardship payments as soon as practicable after October 1 of each fiscal year for activities carried out in the previous fiscal year. (e) Supplemental payments for resource-Conserving crop rotations (1) Availability of payments The Secretary shall provide additional payments to producers that, in participating in the program, agree to adopt resource-conserving crop rotations to achieve beneficial crop rotations as appropriate for the eligible land of the producers. (2) Beneficial crop rotations The Secretary shall determine whether a resource-conserving crop rotation is a beneficial crop rotation eligible for additional payments under paragraph (1), based on whether the resource-conserving crop rotation is designed to provide natural resource conservation and production benefits. (3) Eligibility To be eligible to receive a payment described in paragraph (1), a producer shall agree to adopt and maintain the resource-conserving crop rotations for the term of the contract. (4) Resource-conserving crop rotation In this subsection, the term resource-conserving crop rotation means a crop rotation that— (A) includes at least 1 resource conserving crop (as defined by the Secretary); (B) reduces erosion; (C) improves soil fertility and tilth; (D) interrupts pest cycles; and (E) in applicable areas, reduces depletion of soil moisture or otherwise reduces the need for irrigation. (f) Payment limitations A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, payments under the program that, in the aggregate, exceed $200,000 under all contracts entered into during fiscal years 2014 through 2018, excluding funding arrangements with Indian tribes, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under the program by the person or legal entity. (g) Specialty crop and organic producers The Secretary shall ensure that outreach and technical assistance are available, and program specifications are appropriate to enable specialty crop and organic producers to participate in the program. (h) Coordination with organic certification The Secretary shall establish a transparent means by which producers may initiate organic certification under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) while participating in a contract under the program. (i) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations that— (1) prescribe such other rules as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under subsection (f); and (2) otherwise enable the Secretary to carry out the program. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. (c) Effect on existing contracts (1) In general The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Conservation stewardship program Funds made available under section 1241(a)(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(4)) (as amended by section 2601(a)) may be used to administer and make payments to program participants enrolled into contracts during any of fiscal years 2009 through 2013. C Environmental Quality Incentives Program 2201. Purposes Section 1240 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C) and, in such subparagraph, by inserting and after the semicolon; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: (B) develop and improve wildlife habitat; and ; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (3) by striking paragraph (5). 2202. Definitions Section 1240A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–1 ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively; and (2) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by inserting established under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) after national organic program . 2203. Establishment and administration Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2014 and inserting 2018 ; (2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Term A contract under the program shall have a term that does not exceed 10 years. ; (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (3), by striking subparagraphs (A) through (G) and inserting the following: (A) soil health; (B) water quality and quantity improvement; (C) nutrient management; (D) pest management; (E) air quality improvement; (F) wildlife habitat development, including pollinator habitat; (G) invasive species management; or (H) other resource issues of regional or national significance, as determined by the Secretary. ; and (B) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting , veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )), before or a beginning farmer or rancher ; and (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B) Advance payments (i) In general Not more than 30 percent of the amount determined under subparagraph (A) may be provided in advance for the purpose of purchasing materials or contracting. (ii) Return of funds If funds provided in advance are not expended during the 90-day period beginning on the date of receipt of the funds, the funds shall be returned within a reasonable time frame, as determined by the Secretary. ; (4) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following: (f) Allocation of funding (1) Livestock For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, at least 60 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices relating to livestock production. (2) Wildlife habitat For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, at least 5 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices benefitting wildlife habitat under subsection (g). ; and (5) by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following: (g) Wildlife habitat incentive program (1) In general The Secretary shall provide payments under the environmental quality incentives program for conservation practices that support the restoration, development, and improvement of wildlife habitat on eligible land, including— (A) upland wildlife habitat; (B) wetland wildlife habitat; (C) habitat for threatened and endangered species; (D) fish habitat; (E) habitat on pivot corners and other irregular areas of a field; and (F) other types of wildlife habitat, as determined by the Secretary. (2) State Technical Committee In determining the practices eligible for payment under paragraph (1) and targeted for funding under subsection (f), the Secretary shall, at a minimum, consult with the relevant State technical committee once a year. (3) Waiver Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Secretary may make payments to a State or local unit of government to enroll land that is riparian to, or submerged under, a water body or wetland if the Secretary determines that the inclusion of the land would support the restoration, development, and improvement of wildlife habitat. . 2204. Evaluation of applications Section 1240C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–3(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking environmental and inserting conservation ; and (2) in paragraph (3), by striking purpose of the environmental quality incentives program specified in section 1240(1) and inserting purposes of the program . 2205. Duties of producers Section 1240D(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–4(2) ) is amended by striking farm, ranch, or forest and inserting enrolled . 2206. Limitation on payments Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–7 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking by the person or entity during any six-year period, and inserting during fiscal years 2014 through 2018 ; and (B) by striking federally recognized and all that follows through the period and inserting Indian tribes under section 1244(l). ; and (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking any six-year period and inserting fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 2207. Conservation innovation grants and payments Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–8 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (c) Reporting Not later than December 31, 2014, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the status of projects funded under this section, including— (1) funding awarded; (2) project results; and (3) incorporation of project findings, such as new technology and innovative approaches, into the conservation efforts implemented by the Secretary. . 2208. Effective date (a) In general The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013. (b) Effect on existing contracts The amendments made by this title shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. D Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 2301. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (a) Establishment Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by adding at the end the following: H Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 1265. Establishment and purposes (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish an Agricultural Conservation Easement Program for the conservation of eligible land and natural resources through easements or other interests in land. (b) Purposes The purposes of the program are to— (1) combine the purposes and coordinate the functions of the wetlands reserve program established under section 1237, the grassland reserve program established under section 1238N, and the farmland protection program established under section 1238I; (2) restore, protect, and enhance wetland on eligible land; (3) protect the agricultural use, viability, and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land; and (4) protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring and conserving eligible land. 1265A. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Agricultural land easement The term agricultural land easement means an easement or other interest in eligible land that— (A) is conveyed for the purposes of protecting natural resources and the agricultural nature of the land, and of promoting agricultural viability for future generations; and (B) permits the landowner the right to continue agricultural production and related uses subject to an agricultural land easement plan. (2) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) an agency of State or local government or an Indian tribe (including farmland protection board or land resource 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 170(h)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (ii) an organization described in section 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 section 509(a) of that Code; or (II) section 509(a)(3) of that Code and is controlled by an organization described in section 509(a)(2) of that Code. (3) Eligible land The term eligible land means private or tribal land that is— (A) in the case of an agricultural land easement, agricultural land, including land on a farm or ranch— (i) that is subject to a pending offer for purchase from an eligible entity; (ii) that— (I) has prime, unique, or other productive soil; (II) contains historical or archaeological resources; or (III) the protection of which could, consistent with the purposes of the program— (aa) further a State or local policy; or (bb) conserve grassland or agricultural landscapes of significant ecological value; and (iii) that is— (I) cropland; (II) rangeland; (III) grassland or land that contains forbs, or shrubland for which grazing is the predominant use; (IV) pastureland; or (V) nonindustrial private forest land that contributes to the economic viability of an offered parcel or serves as a buffer to protect such land from development; (B) in the case of a wetland reserve easement, a wetland or related area, including— (i) farmed or converted wetland, together with the adjacent land that is functionally dependent on that land if the Secretary determines it— (I) is likely to be successfully restored in a cost effective manner; and (II) will maximize the wildlife benefits and wetland functions and values as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior at the local level; (ii) cropland or grassland that was used for agricultural production prior to flooding from the natural overflow of a closed basin lake or pothole, as determined by the Secretary, together (where practicable) with the adjacent land that is functionally dependent on the cropland or grassland; (iii) farmed wetland and adjoining land that— (I) is enrolled in the conservation reserve program; (II) has the highest wetland functions and values; and (III) is likely to return to production after the land leaves the conservation reserve program; (iv) riparian areas that link wetland that is protected by easements or some other device that achieves the same purpose as an easement; or (v) other wetland of an owner that would not otherwise be eligible if the Secretary determines that the inclusion of such wetland in such easement would significantly add to the functional value of the easement; and (C) in the case of both an agricultural land easement or wetland reserve easement, other land that is incidental to eligible land if the Secretary determines that it is necessary for the efficient administration of the easements under this program. (4) Program The term program means the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program established by this subtitle. (5) Wetland reserve easement The term wetland reserve easement means a reserved interest in eligible land that— (A) is defined and delineated in a deed; and (B) stipulates— (i) the rights, title, and interests in land conveyed to the Secretary; and (ii) the rights, title, and interests in land that are reserved to the landowner. 1265B. Agricultural land easements (a) Availability of assistance The Secretary shall facilitate and provide funding for— (1) the purchase by eligible entities of agricultural land easements and other interests in eligible land; and (2) technical assistance to provide for the conservation of natural resources pursuant to an agricultural land easement plan. (b) Cost-Share assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall provide cost-share assistance to eligible entities for purchasing agricultural land easements to protect the agricultural use, including grazing, and related conservation values of eligible land. (2) Scope of assistance available (A) Federal share Subject to subparagraph (C), an agreement described in paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share determined by the Secretary of an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement or other interest in land, as determined by the Secretary using— (i) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices; (ii) an area-wide market analysis or survey; or (iii) another industry approved method. (B) Non-Federal share (i) In general Subject to subparagraph (C), under the agreement, the eligible entity shall provide a share that is at least equivalent to that provided by the Secretary. (ii) Source of contribution An eligible entity may include as part of its share a charitable donation or qualified conservation contribution (as defined by section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the private landowner if the eligible entity contributes its own cash resources in an amount that is at least 50 percent of the amount contributed by the Secretary. (C) Waiver authority (i) Grassland In the case of grassland of special environmental significance, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may provide up to 75 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement. (ii) Cash contribution For purposes of subparagraph (B)(ii), the Secretary may waive any portion of the eligible entity cash contribution requirement for projects of special significance, subject to an increase in the private landowner donation that is equal to the amount of the waiver, if the donation is voluntary. (3) Evaluation and ranking of applications (A) Criteria The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program. (B) Considerations In establishing the criteria, the Secretary shall emphasize support for— (i) protecting agricultural uses and related conservation values of the land; and (ii) maximizing the protection of areas devoted to agricultural use. (C) Bidding down If the Secretary determines that 2 or more applications for cost-share assistance are comparable in achieving the purpose of the program, the Secretary shall not assign a higher priority to any of those applications solely on the basis of lesser cost to the program. (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 shall be for a term that is— (i) in the case of an eligible entity certified under the process described in paragraph (5), a minimum of 5 years; and (ii) for all other eligible entities, at least 3, but not more than 5 years. (C) Minimum terms and conditions An eligible entity shall be authorized to use its own terms and conditions for agricultural land easements so long as the Secretary determines such terms and conditions— (i) are consistent with the purposes of the program; (ii) are permanent or for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State law; (iii) permit effective enforcement of the conservation purposes of such easements, including appropriate restrictions depending on the purposes for which the easement is acquired; (iv) include a right of enforcement for the Secretary if terms of the easement are not enforced by the holder of the easement; (v) subject the land in which an interest is purchased to an agricultural land easement plan that— (I) describes the activities which promote the long-term viability of the land to meet the purposes for which the easement was acquired; (II) requires the management of grassland according to a grassland management plan; and (III) includes a conservation plan, where appropriate, and requires, at the option of the Secretary, the conversion of highly erodible cropland to less intensive uses; and (vi) include a limit on the impervious surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with the agricultural activities to be conducted. (D) Substitution of qualified projects An agreement shall allow, upon mutual agreement of the parties, substitution of qualified projects that are identified at the time of the proposed substitution. (E) Effect of violation If a violation occurs of a term or condition of an agreement under this subsection— (i) the agreement may be terminated; and (ii) the Secretary may require the eligible entity to refund all or part of any payments received by the entity under the program, with interest on the payments as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (5) Certification of eligible entities (A) Certification process The Secretary shall establish a process under which the Secretary may— (i) directly certify eligible entities that meet established criteria; (ii) enter into long-term agreements with certified eligible entities; and (iii) accept proposals for cost-share assistance for the purchase of agricultural land easements throughout the duration of such agreements. (B) Certification criteria In order to be certified, an eligible entity shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the entity will maintain, at a minimum, for the duration of the agreement— (i) a plan for administering easements that is consistent with the purposes of the program described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 1265(b); (ii) the capacity and resources to monitor and enforce agricultural land easements; and (iii) policies and procedures to ensure— (I) the long-term integrity of agricultural land easements on eligible land; (II) timely completion of acquisitions of easements; and (III) timely and complete evaluation and reporting to the Secretary on the use of funds provided under the program. (C) Review and revision (i) Review The Secretary shall conduct a review of eligible entities certified under subparagraph (A) every 3 years to ensure that such entities are meeting the criteria established under subparagraph (B). (ii) Revocation If the Secretary finds that the certified entity no longer meets the criteria established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary may— (I) allow the certified entity a specified period of time, at a minimum 180 days, in which to take such actions as may be necessary to meet the criteria; and (II) revoke the certification of the entity, if after the specified period of time, the certified entity does not meet such criteria. (c) Technical assistance The Secretary may provide technical assistance, if requested, to assist in— (1) compliance with the terms and conditions of easements; and (2) implementation of an agricultural land easement plan. 1265C. Wetland reserve easements (a) Availability of assistance The Secretary shall provide assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and enhance wetland through— (1) easements and related wetland reserve easement plans; and (2) technical assistance. (b) Easements (1) Method of enrollment The Secretary shall enroll eligible land through the use of— (A) 30-year easements; (B) permanent easements; (C) easements for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws; or (D) as an option for Indian tribes only, 30-year contracts. (2) Limitations (A) Ineligible land The Secretary may not acquire easements on— (i) land established to trees under the conservation reserve program, except in cases where the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program; and (ii) farmed wetland or converted wetland where the conversion was not commenced prior to December 23, 1985. (B) Changes in ownership No easement shall be created on land that has changed ownership during the preceding 12-month period unless— (i) the new ownership was acquired by will or succession as a result of the death of the previous owner; (ii) (I) the ownership change occurred because of foreclosure on the land; and (II) immediately before the foreclosure, the owner of the land exercises a right of redemption from the mortgage holder in accordance with State law; or (iii) the Secretary determines that the land was acquired under circumstances that give adequate assurances that such land was not acquired for the purposes of placing it in the program. (3) Evaluation and ranking of offers (A) Criteria The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program. (B) Considerations When evaluating offers from landowners, the Secretary may consider— (i) the conservation benefits of obtaining an easement or 30-year contract, including the potential environmental benefits if the land was removed from agricultural production; (ii) the cost-effectiveness of each easement or 30-year contract, so as to maximize the environmental benefits per dollar expended; (iii) whether the landowner or another person is offering to contribute financially to the cost of the easement or 30-year contract to leverage Federal funds; and (iv) such other factors as the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the purposes of the program. (C) Priority The Secretary shall place priority on acquiring easements based on the value of the easement for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. (4) Agreement To be eligible to place eligible land into the program through a wetland reserve easement, the owner of such land shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary to— (A) grant an easement on such land to the Secretary; (B) authorize the implementation of a wetland reserve easement plan; (C) create and record an appropriate deed restriction in accordance with applicable State law to reflect the easement agreed to; (D) provide a written statement of consent to such easement signed by those holding a security interest in the land; (E) comply with the terms and conditions of the easement and any related agreements; and (F) permanently retire any existing cropland base and allotment history for the land on which the easement has been obtained. (5) Terms and conditions of easement (A) In general A wetland reserve easement shall include terms and conditions that— (i) permit— (I) repairs, improvements, and inspections on the land that are necessary to maintain existing public drainage systems; and (II) owners to control public access on the easement areas while identifying access routes to be used for restoration activities and management and easement monitoring; (ii) prohibit— (I) the alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural features of such land, unless specifically authorized by the Secretary; (II) the spraying of such land with chemicals or the mowing of such land, except where such spraying or mowing is authorized by the Secretary or is necessary— (aa) to comply with Federal or State noxious weed control laws; (bb) to comply with a Federal or State emergency pest treatment program; or (cc) to meet habitat needs of specific wildlife species; (III) any activities to be carried out on the owner’s or successor’s land that is immediately adjacent to, and functionally related to, the land that is subject to the easement if such activities will alter, degrade, or otherwise diminish the functional value of the eligible land; and (IV) the adoption of any other practice that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary; (iii) provide for the efficient and effective establishment of wetland functions and values; and (iv) include such additional provisions as the Secretary determines are desirable to carry out the program or facilitate the practical administration thereof. (B) Violation On the violation of the terms or conditions of the easement, the easement shall remain in force and the Secretary may require the owner to refund all or part of any payments received by the owner under the program, together with interest thereon as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (C) Compatible uses Land subject to a wetland reserve easement may be used for compatible economic uses, including such activities as hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, or periodic haying or grazing, if such use is specifically permitted by the wetland reserve easement plan and is consistent with the long-term protection and enhancement of the wetland resources for which the easement was established. (D) Reservation of grazing rights The Secretary may include in the terms and conditions of an easement a provision under which the owner reserves grazing rights if— (i) the Secretary determines that the reservation and use of the grazing rights— (I) is compatible with the land subject to the easement; (II) is consistent with the historical natural uses of the land and long-term protection and enhancement goals for which the easement was established; and (III) complies with the wetland reserve easement plan; and (ii) the agreement provides for a commensurate reduction in the easement payment to account for the grazing value, as determined by the Secretary. (E) Application The relevant provisions of this paragraph shall also apply to a 30-year contract. (6) Compensation (A) Determination (i) In general The Secretary shall pay as compensation for a permanent easement acquired an amount necessary to encourage enrollment in the program based on the lowest of— (I) the fair market value of the land, as determined by the Secretary, using the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices or an area-wide market analysis or survey; (II) the amount corresponding to a geographical cap, as determined by the Secretary in regulations; or (III) the offer made by the landowner. (ii) Other Compensation for a 30-year contract or 30-year easement shall be not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the compensation that would be paid for a permanent easement. (B) Form of payment Compensation shall be provided by the Secretary in the form of a cash payment, in an amount determined under subparagraph (A). (C) Payment schedule (i) Easements valued at less than $500,000 For easements valued at $500,000 or less, the Secretary may provide easement payments in not more than 10 annual payments. (ii) Easements valued at more than $500,000 For easements valued at more than $500,000, the Secretary may provide easement payments in at least 5, but not more than 10 annual payments, except that, if the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program, the Secretary may make a lump sum payment for such an easement. (c) Easement restoration (1) In general The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to carry out the establishment of conservation measures and practices and protect wetland functions and values, including necessary maintenance activities, as set forth in a wetland reserve easement plan. (2) Payments The Secretary shall— (A) in the case of a permanent easement, pay an amount that is not less than 75 percent, but not more than 100 percent, of the eligible costs; and (B) in the case of a 30-year contract or 30-year easement, pay an amount that is not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the eligible costs. (d) Technical assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall assist owners in complying with the terms and conditions of easements and 30-year contracts. (2) Contracts or agreements The Secretary may enter into 1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements with a State, non-governmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out necessary restoration, enhancement or maintenance of an easement if the Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will advance the purposes of the program. (e) Wetland enhancement option The Secretary may enter into 1 or more agreements with a State (including a political subdivision or agency of a State), nongovernmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out a special wetland enhancement option that the Secretary determines would advance the purposes of the program. (f) Administration (1) Wetland reserve easement plan The Secretary shall develop a wetland reserve easement plan for eligible land subject to a wetland reserve easement, which will include the practices and activities necessary to restore, protect, enhance, and maintain the enrolled land. (2) Delegation of easement administration (A) In general The Secretary may delegate any of the easement management, monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary to other Federal or State agencies that have the appropriate authority, expertise and resources necessary to carry out such delegated responsibilities or to other conservation organizations if the Secretary determines the organization has similar expertise and resources. (B) Limitation The Secretary shall not delegate any of the monitoring or enforcement responsibilities under the program to conservation organizations. (3) Payments (A) Timing of payments The Secretary shall provide payment for obligations incurred by the Secretary under this section— (i) with respect to any easement restoration obligation as soon as possible after the obligation is incurred; and (ii) with respect to any annual easement payment obligation incurred by the Secretary as soon as possible after October 1 of each calendar year. (B) Payments to others If an owner who is entitled to a payment dies, becomes incompetent, is otherwise unable to receive such payment, or is succeeded by another person or entity who renders or completes the required performance, the Secretary shall make such payment, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary and without regard to any other provision of law, in such manner as the Secretary determines is fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances. 1265D. Administration (a) Ineligible land The Secretary may not acquire an easement under the program on— (1) land owned by an agency of the United States, other than land held in trust for Indian tribes; (2) land owned in fee title by a State, including an agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of local government; (3) land subject to an easement or deed restriction which, as determined by the Secretary, provides similar protection as would be provided by enrollment in the program; and (4) land where the purposes of the program would be undermined due to on-site or off-site conditions, such as risk of hazardous substances, proposed or existing rights of way, infrastructure development, or adjacent land uses. (b) Priority In evaluating applications under the program, the Secretary may give priority to land that is currently enrolled in the conservation reserve program in a contract that is set to expire within 1 year and— (1) in the case of an agricultural land easement, is grassland that would benefit from protection under a long-term easement; and (2) in the case of a wetland reserve easement, is a wetland or related area with the highest functions and values and is likely to return to production after the land leaves the conservation reserve program. (c) Subordination, exchange, modification, and termination (1) In general The Secretary may subordinate, exchange, terminate, or modify any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program when the Secretary determines that— (A) it is in the Federal Government’s interest to subordinate, exchange, modify or terminate the interest in land; (B) the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action— (i) will address a compelling public need for which there is no practicable alternative, or (ii) such action will further the practical administration of the program; and (C) the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action will result in comparable conservation value and equivalent or greater economic value to the United States. (2) Consultation The Secretary shall work with the current owner, and eligible entity if applicable, to address any subordination, exchange, termination, or modification of the interest, or portion of such interest in land. (3) Notice At least 90 days before taking any termination action described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide written notice of such action to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. (d) Land enrolled in other programs (1) Conservation reserve program The Secretary may terminate or modify an existing contract entered into under section 1231(a) if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the program. (2) Other Land enrolled in the wetlands reserve program, grassland reserve program, or farmland protection program shall be considered enrolled in this program. . (b) Compliance with certain requirements Before an eligible entity or owner of eligible land may receive assistance under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, the eligible entity or person shall agree, during the crop year for which the assistance is provided and in exchange for the assistance— (1) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.); and (2) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq.). (c) Cross-Reference Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3844 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (A); (ii) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); and (iii) by striking subparagraph (C); (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program established under subtitle H; and ; and (2) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking programs administered under subchapters B and C of chapter 1 of subtitle D and inserting conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program under subtitle H using wetland reserve easements under section 1265C ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D and inserting the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program under subtitle H using wetland reserve easements under section 1265C ; and (B) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) Exclusions (A) Shelterbelts and windbreaks The limitations established under paragraph (1) shall not apply to cropland that is subject to an easement under subchapter C of chapter 1 that is used for the establishment of shelterbelts and windbreaks. (B) Wet and saturated soils For the purposes of enrolling land in a wetland reserve easement under subtitle H, the limitations established under paragraph (1) shall not apply to cropland designated by the Secretary with subclass w in the land capability classes IV through VIII because of severe use limitations due to soil saturation or inundation. . (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. E Regional Conservation Partnership Program 2401. Regional Conservation Partnership Program (a) In general Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after subtitle H (as added by section 2301) the following: I Regional Conservation Partnership Program 1271. Establishment and purposes (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a Regional Conservation Partnership Program to implement eligible activities through— (1) partnership agreements with eligible partners; and (2) contracts with producers. (b) Purposes The purposes of the program are— (1) to combine the purposes and coordinate the functions of— (A) the agricultural water enhancement program established under section 1240I; (B) the Chesapeake Bay watershed program established under section 1240Q; (C) the cooperative conservation partnership initiative established under section 1243; and (D) the Great Lakes basin program for soil erosion and sediment control established under section 1240P; (2) to further the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife, and related natural resources on a regional or watershed scale; and (3) to encourage partners to cooperate with producers in— (A) meeting or avoiding the need for national, State, and local natural resource regulatory requirements related to production; and (B) implementing projects that will result in the installation and maintenance of eligible activities that affect multiple agricultural or nonindustrial private forest operations on a local, regional, State, or multi-State basis. 1271A. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Covered programs The term covered programs means— (A) the agricultural conservation easement program; (B) the environmental quality incentives program; (C) the conservation stewardship program; and (D) the healthy forests reserve program established under section 501 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6571 ). (2) Eligible activity The term eligible activity means any of the following conservation activities when delivered through a covered program: (A) Water quality restoration or enhancement projects, including nutrient management and sediment reduction. (B) Water quantity conservation, restoration, or enhancement projects relating to surface water and groundwater resources, including— (i) the conversion of irrigated cropland to the production of less water-intensive agricultural commodities or dryland farming; and (ii) irrigation system improvement and irrigation efficiency enhancement. (C) Drought mitigation. (D) Flood prevention. (E) Water retention. (F) Habitat conservation, restoration, and enhancement. (G) Erosion control. (H) Forest restoration, including recovery of threatened and endangered species, improvement of biodiversity, and enhancement of carbon sequestration. (I) Other related activities that the Secretary determines will help achieve conservation benefits. (3) Eligible partner The term eligible partner means any of the following: (A) An agricultural or silvicultural producer association or other group of producers. (B) A State or unit of local government. (C) An Indian tribe. (D) A farmer cooperative. (E) An institution of higher education. (F) A municipal water or wastewater treatment entity. (G) An organization or other nongovernmental entity with an established history of working cooperatively with producers on agricultural land, as determined by the Secretary, to address— (i) local conservation priorities related to agricultural production, wildlife habitat development, and nonindustrial private forest land management; or (ii) critical watershed-scale soil erosion, water quality, sediment reduction, or other natural resource concerns. (4) Partnership agreement The term partnership agreement means an agreement between the Secretary and an eligible partner. (5) Program The term program means the Regional Conservation Partnership Program established by this subtitle. 1271B. Regional conservation partnerships (a) Partnership agreements authorized The Secretary may enter into a partnership agreement with an eligible partner to implement a project that will assist producers with installing and maintaining an eligible activity. (b) Length A partnership agreement shall be for a period not to exceed 5 years, except that the Secretary may extend the agreement 1 time for up to 12 months when an extension is necessary to meet the objectives of the program. (c) Duties of partners (1) In general Under a partnership agreement, the eligible partner shall— (A) define the scope of a project, including— (i) the eligible activities to be implemented; (ii) the potential agricultural or nonindustrial private forest operations affected; (iii) the local, State, multi-State or other geographic area covered; and (iv) the planning, outreach, implementation and assessment to be conducted; (B) conduct outreach and education to producers for potential participation in the project; (C) at the request of a producer, act on behalf of a producer participating in the project in applying for assistance under section 1271C; (D) leverage financial or technical assistance provided by the Secretary with additional funds to help achieve the project objectives; (E) conduct an assessment of the project’s effects; and (F) at the conclusion of the project, report to the Secretary on its results and funds leveraged. (2) Contribution A partner shall provide a significant portion of the overall costs of the scope of the project as determined by the Secretary. (d) Applications (1) Competitive process The Secretary shall conduct a competitive process to select applications for partnership agreements and may assess and rank applications with similar conservation purposes as a group. (2) Criteria used In carrying out the process described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make public the criteria used in evaluating applications. (3) Content An application to the Secretary shall include a description of— (A) the scope of the project as described in subsection (c)(1)(A); (B) the plan for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on progress made towards achieving the project’s objectives; (C) the program resources requested for the project, including the covered programs to be used and estimated funding needed from the Secretary; (D) the partners collaborating to achieve project objectives, including their roles, responsibilities, capabilities, and financial contribution; and (E) any other elements the Secretary considers necessary to adequately evaluate and competitively select applications for funding under the program. (4) Application selection (A) Priority to certain applications The Secretary shall give a higher priority to applications that— (i) assist producers in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory requirement; (ii) significantly leverage non-Federal financial and technical resources and coordinate with other local, State, regional, or national efforts; (iii) deliver high percentages of applied conservation to address conservation priorities or local, State, regional, or national conservation initiatives; (iv) provide innovation in conservation methods and delivery, including outcome-based performance measures and methods; or (v) provide innovation in the improvement and delivery of water quality or quantity, including outcome-based performance measures and methods. (B) Other applications The Secretary may give priority to applications that— (i) have a high percentage of producers in the area to be covered by the agreement; or (ii) meet other factors that are important for achieving the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary. 1271C. Assistance to producers (a) In general The Secretary shall enter into contracts to provide financial and technical assistance to— (1) producers participating in a project with an eligible partner as described in section 1271B; or (2) producers that fit within the scope of a project described in section 1271B or a critical conservation area designated pursuant to section 1271F, but who are seeking to implement an eligible activity independent of a partner. (b) Terms and conditions (1) Consistency with program rules (A) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2) and subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall ensure that the terms and conditions of a contract under this section are consistent with the applicable rules of the covered programs to be used as part of the partnership agreement, as described in the application under section 1271B(d)(3)(C). (B) Adjustments (i) In general The Secretary may adjust rules of a covered program, including— (I) operational guidance and requirements for a covered program at the discretion of the Secretary so as to provide a simplified application and evaluation process; and (II) nonstatutory, regulatory rules or provisions to better reflect unique local circumstances and purposes if the Secretary determines such adjustments are necessary to achieve the purposes of the covered program. (ii) Limitation The Secretary shall not adjust the application of statutory requirements for a covered program, including requirements governing appeals, payment limits, and conservation compliance. (iii) Irrigation In States where irrigation has not been used significantly for agricultural purposes, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary shall not limit eligibility under section 1271B or this section on the basis of prior irrigation history. (2) Alternative funding arrangements (A) In general Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(A), for the purposes of providing assistance for land described in subsection (a) and section 1271F, the Secretary may enter into alternative funding arrangements with a multistate water resource agency or authority if— (i) the Secretary determines that the goals and objectives of the program will be met by the alternative funding arrangements; (ii) the agency or authority certifies that the limitations established under this section on agreements with individual producers will not be exceeded; and (iii) all participating producers meet applicable payment eligibility provisions. (B) Conditions As a condition on receipt of funding under subparagraph (A), the multistate water resource agency or authority shall agree— (i) to submit an annual independent audit to the Secretary that describes the use of funds under this paragraph; (ii) to provide any data necessary for the Secretary to issue a report on the use of funds under this paragraph; and (iii) not to use any of the funds provided pursuant to subparagraph (A) for administration or provide for administrative costs through contracts with another entity. (C) Limitation The Secretary may enter into at least 10 but not more than 20 alternative funding arrangements under this paragraph. (c) Payments (1) In general In accordance with statutory requirements of the covered programs involved, the Secretary may make payments to a producer in an amount determined by the Secretary to be necessary to achieve the purposes of the program. (2) Payments to certain producers The Secretary may provide payments for a period of 5 years— (A) to producers participating in a project that addresses water quantity concerns and in an amount sufficient to encourage conversion from irrigated to dryland farming; and (B) to producers participating in a project that addresses water quality concerns and in an amount sufficient to encourage adoption of conservation practices and systems that improve nutrient management. (3) Waiver authority To assist in the implementation of the program, the Secretary may waive the applicability of the limitation in section 1001D(b)(2) of this Act for participating producers if the Secretary determines that the waiver is necessary to fulfill the objectives of the program. 1271D. Funding (a) Availability of funds The Secretary shall use $110,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out the program established under this subtitle. (b) Duration of availability Funds made available under subsection (a) shall remain available until expended. (c) Additional funding and acres (1) In general In addition to the funds made available under subsection (a), the Secretary shall reserve 8 percent of the funds and acres made available for a covered program for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 in order to ensure additional resources are available to carry out this program. (2) Unused funds and acres Any funds or acres reserved under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from a covered program that are not obligated under this program by April 1 of that fiscal year shall be returned for use under the covered program. (d) Allocation of funding Of the funds and acres made available for the program under subsections (a) and (c), the Secretary shall allocate— (1) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a State competitive process administered by the State conservationist, with the advice of the State technical committee; (2) 40 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a national competitive process to be established by the Secretary; and (3) 35 percent of the funds and acres to projects for the critical conservation areas designated in section 1271F. (e) Limitation on administrative expenses None of the funds made available under the program may be used to pay for the administrative expenses of partners. 1271E. Administration (a) Disclosure In addition to the criteria used in evaluating applications as described in section 1271B(d)(2), the Secretary shall make publicly available information on projects selected through the competitive process described in section 1271B(d)(1). (b) Reporting Not later than December 31, 2014, and for every 2 years 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 report on the status of projects funded under the program, including— (1) the number and types of partners and producers participating in the partnership agreements selected; (2) the number of producers receiving assistance; (3) total funding committed to projects, including Federal and non-Federal resources; and (4) a description of how the funds under section 1271C(b)(3) are being administered, including— (A) any oversight mechanisms that the Secretary has implemented; (B) the process through which the Secretary is resolving appeals by program participants; and (C) the means by which the Secretary is tracking adherence to any applicable provisions for payment eligibility. 1271F. Critical conservation areas (a) In general When administering the funding described in section 1271D(d)(3), the Secretary shall select applications for partnership agreements and producer contracts within designated critical conservation areas. (b) Critical conservation area designations (1) In general The Secretary shall designate up to 6 geographical areas as critical conservation areas based on the degree to which an area— (A) includes multiple States with significant agricultural production; (B) is covered by an existing regional, State, binational, or multistate agreement or plan that has established objectives, goals and work plans and is adopted by a Federal, State, or regional authority; (C) has water quality concerns, including concerns for reducing erosion, promoting sediment control, and addressing nutrient management activities affecting large bodies of water of regional, national, or international significance; (D) has water quantity concerns, including— (i) concerns for groundwater, surface water, aquifer, or other water sources; or (ii) a need to promote water retention and flood prevention; (E) is vital habitat for migrating wildlife; or (F) is subject to regulatory requirements that could reduce the economic scope of agricultural operations within the area. (2) Expiration Critical conservation area designations under this section shall expire after 5 years, subject to redesignation, except that the Secretary may withdraw designation from an area if the Secretary finds the area no longer meets the conditions described in paragraph (1). (c) Administration (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall administer any partnership agreement or producer contract under this section in a manner that is consistent with the terms of the program. (2) Relationship to existing activity The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that eligible activities carried out in critical conservation areas designated under this section complement and are consistent with other Federal and State programs and water quality and quantity strategies. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. F Other Conservation Programs 2501. Conservation of private grazing land Section 1240M(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb(e) ) is amended inserting and $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 before the period at the end. 2502. Grassroots source water protection program Section 1240O(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–2(b) ) is amended by inserting and $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 before the period at the end. 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program (a) Funding Section 1240R(f)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5(f)(1) ) is amended— (1) in the heading, by striking Fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting Mandatory funding ; and (2) by inserting and $40,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 before the period at the end. (b) Report on program effectiveness Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 evaluating the effectiveness of the voluntary public access and habitat incentive program established by section 1240R of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5 ), including— (1) identifying cooperating agencies; (2) identifying the number of land holdings and total acres enrolled by State; (3) evaluating the extent of improved access on eligible land, improved wildlife habitat, and related economic benefits; and (4) any other relevant information and data relating to the program that would be helpful to such Committees. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program (a) Funding Section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3851 ) is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: (c) Funding (1) In general The Secretary may carry out the ACES program using funds made available to carry out each program under this title. (2) Exclusion Funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program may not be used to carry out the ACES program. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program Section 14(h)(2)(E) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 2506. Emergency watershed protection program Section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2203 ) is amended— (1) by striking Sec. 402.—The Secretary and inserting the following: 402. Emergency measures (a) In general The Secretary ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) Floodplain easements (1) Modification and termination The Secretary may modify or terminate a floodplain easement administered by the Secretary under this section if— (A) the current owner agrees to the modification or termination; and (B) the Secretary determines that the modification or termination— (i) will address a compelling public need for which there is no practicable alternative; and (ii) is in the public interest. (2) Consideration (A) Termination As consideration for termination of an easement and associated agreements under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall enter into compensatory arrangements as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary. (B) Modification In the case of a modification under paragraph (1)— (i) as a condition of the modification, the current owner shall enter into a compensatory arrangement (as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary) to incur the costs of modification; and (ii) the Secretary shall ensure that— (I) the modification will not adversely affect the floodplain functions and values for which the easement was acquired; (II) any adverse impacts will be mitigated by enrollment and restoration of other land that provides greater floodplain functions and values at no additional cost to the Federal Government; and (III) the modification will result in equal or greater environmental and economic values to the United States. . 2507. Terminal lakes assistance Section 2507 of the Food, Security, and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 43 U.S.C. 2211 note; Public Law 107–171 ) is amended to read as follows: 2507. Terminal lakes assistance (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible land The term eligible land means privately owned agricultural land (including land in which a State has a property interest as a result of state water law)— (A) that a landowner voluntarily agrees to sell to a State; and (B) which— (i) (I) is ineligible for enrollment as a wetland reserve easement established under the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program under subtitle H of the Food Security Act of 1985; (II) is flooded to— (aa) an average depth of at least 6.5 feet; or (bb) a level below which the State determines the management of the water level is beyond the control of the State or landowner; or (III) is inaccessible for agricultural use due to the flooding of adjoining property (such as islands of agricultural land created by flooding); (ii) is located within a watershed with water rights available for lease or purchase; and (iii) has been used during at least 5 of the immediately preceding 30 years— (I) to produce crops or hay; or (II) as livestock pasture or grazing. (2) Program The term program means the voluntary land purchase program established under this section. (3) Terminal lake The term terminal lake means a lake and its associated riparian and watershed resources that is— (A) considered flooded because there is no natural outlet for water accumulating in the lake or the associated riparian area such that the watershed and surrounding land is consistently flooded; or (B) considered terminal because it has no natural outlet and is at risk due to a history of consistent Federal assistance to address critical resource conditions, including insufficient water available to meet the needs of the lake, general uses, and water rights. (b) Assistance The Secretary shall— (1) provide grants under subsection (c) for the purchase of eligible land impacted by a terminal lake described in subsection (a)(3)(A); and (2) provide funds to the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to subsection (e)(2) with assistance in accordance with subsection (d) for terminal lakes described in subsection (a)(3)(B). (c) Land purchase grants (1) In general Using funds provided under subsection (e)(1), the Secretary shall make available land purchase grants to States for the purchase of eligible land in accordance with this subsection. (2) Implementation (A) Amount A land purchase grant shall be in an amount not to exceed the lesser of— (i) 50 percent of the total purchase price per acre of the eligible land; or (ii) (I) in the case of eligible land that was used to produce crops or hay, $400 per acre; and (II) in the case of eligible land that was pasture or grazing land, $200 per acre. (B) Determination of purchase price A State purchasing eligible land with a land purchase grant shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the purchase price of such land reflects the value, if any, of other encumbrances on the eligible land to be purchased, including easements and mineral rights. (C) Cost-share required To be eligible to receive a land purchase grant, a State shall provide matching non-Federal funds in an amount equal to 50 percent of the amount described in subparagraph (A), including additional non-Federal funds. (D) Conditions To receive a land purchase grant, a State shall agree— (i) to ensure that any eligible land purchased is— (I) conveyed in fee simple to the State; and (II) free from mortgages or other liens at the time title is transferred; (ii) to maintain ownership of the eligible land in perpetuity; (iii) to pay (from funds other than grant dollars awarded) any costs associated with the purchase of eligible land under this section, including surveys and legal fees; and (iv) to keep eligible land in a conserving use, as defined by the Secretary. (E) Loss of federal benefits Eligible land purchased with a grant under this section shall lose eligibility for any benefits under other Federal programs, including— (i) benefits under title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3801 et seq. ); (ii) benefits under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ); and (iii) covered benefits described in section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ). (F) Prohibition Any Federal rights or benefits associated with eligible land prior to purchase by a State may not be transferred to any other land or person in anticipation of or as a result of such purchase. (d) Water assistance (1) In general The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, may use the funds described in subsection (e)(2) to administer and provide financial assistance to carry out this subsection to provide water and assistance to a terminal lake described in subsection (a)(3)(B) through willing sellers or willing participants only— (A) to lease water; (B) to purchase land, water appurtenant to the land, and related interests; and (C) to carry out research, support and conservation activities for associated fish, wildlife, plant, and habitat resources.” (2) Exclusions The Secretary of the Interior may not use this subsection to deliver assistance to the Great Salt Lake in Utah, lakes that are considered dry lakes, or other lakes that do not meet the purposes of this section, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior. (3) Transitional provision (A) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any funds made available before the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 under a provision of law described in subparagraph (B) shall remain available using the provisions of law (including regulations) in effect on the day before the date of enactment of that Act. (B) Described laws The provisions of law described in this section are— (i) section 2507 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 43 U.S.C. 2211 note; Public Law 107–171 ) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 ); (ii) section 207 of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2003 ( Public Law 108–7 ; 117 Stat. 146); (iii) section 208 of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2006 ( Public Law 109–103 ; 119 Stat. 2268, 123 Stat. 2856); and (iv) section 208 of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 ( Public Law 111–85 ; 123 Stat. 2858, 123 Stat. 2967, 125 Stat. 867). (e) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out subsection (c) $25,000,000, to remain available until expended. (2) Commodity credit corporation As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , the Secretary shall transfer to the Bureau of Reclamation Water and Related Resources Account $150,000,000 from the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out subsection (d), to remain available until expended. . 2508. Study of potential improvements to the wetland mitigation process (a) In general Not later than 180 after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall carry out a study— (1) to evaluate the use of wetland mitigation procedures under this title and the amendments made by this title; (2) to determine the impact to wildlife habitat of relaxing the acre-for-acre requirement for wetland mitigation plans that result in new wetland that possesses a function and value greater than the wetland that is replaced; and (3) to provide legislative recommendations for how wetland mitigation procedures could be improved to better enable agricultural producers to use wetland mitigation in a manner that— (A) benefits wildlife habitat; and (B) allows producers greater access to the wetland mitigation process. (b) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall— (1) submit to Congress a report that contains— (A) the findings of the study; and (B) any legislative recommendations under subsection (a)(3); and (2) publish the findings of the study on a public website and in the Federal Register. 2509. Soil and water resource conservation (a) Congressional policy and declaration of purpose Section 4 of the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 ( 16 U.S.C. 2003 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b), by inserting and tribal after State each place it appears; and (2) in subsection (c)(2), by inserting , tribal, after State . (b) Continuing appraisal of soil, water, and related resources Section 5 of the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 ( 16 U.S.C. 2004 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(4), by striking and State and inserting , State, and tribal ; (2) in subsection (b), by inserting , tribal after State each place it appears; and (3) in subsection (c)— (A) by striking State soil and inserting State and tribal soil ; and (B) by striking local and inserting local, tribal, . (c) Soil and water conservation program Section 6(a) of the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 ( 16 U.S.C. 2005(a) ) is amended— (1) by inserting , tribal after State each place it appears; and (2) by inserting , tribal, after private . (d) Utilization of available information and data Section 9 of the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 ( 16 U.S.C. 2008 ) is amended by inserting , tribal after State . G Funding and administration 2601. Funding (a) In general Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following: (a) Annual funding For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the following programs under this title (including the provision of technical assistance): (1) The conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D, including, to the maximum extent practicable— (A) $10,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to provide payments under paragraph (3) of section 1234(b) in connection with thinning activities conducted on land described in subparagraph (B)(iii) of that paragraph; and (B) $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out section 1235(f) to facilitate the transfer of land subject to contracts from retired or retiring owners and operators to beginning farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. (2) The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program under subtitle H using to the maximum extent practicable— (A) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; (B) $475,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (C) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; (D) $525,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and (E) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. (3) The conservation security program under subchapter A of chapter 2 of subtitle D, using such sums as are necessary to administer contracts entered into before September 30, 2008. (4) The conservation stewardship program under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D. (5) The environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D, using, to the maximum extent practicable— (A) $1,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; (B) $1,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and (C) $1,650,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018. . (b) Guaranteed availability of funds Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (b) through (h) as subsections (c) through (i), respectively; (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: (b) Availability of funds Amounts made available by subsection (a) shall be used by the Secretary to carry out the programs specified in such subsection for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 and shall remain available until expended. Amounts made available for the programs specified in such subsection during a fiscal year through modifications, cancellations, terminations, and other related administrative actions and not obligated in that fiscal year shall remain available for obligation during subsequent fiscal years, but shall reduce the amount of additional funds made available in the subsequent fiscal year by an amount equal to the amount remaining unobligated. ; and (3) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)), by striking subsection (b) and inserting subsection (c) . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2602. Technical assistance Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended by striking subsection (c) (as redesignated by section 2601(b)(1)) and inserting the following: (c) Technical assistance (1) Availability Commodity Credit Corporation funds made available for a fiscal year for each of the programs specified in subsection (a)— (A) shall be available for the provision of technical assistance for the programs for which funds are made available as necessary to implement the programs effectively; (B) except for technical assistance for the conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D, shall be apportioned for the provision of technical assistance in the amount determined by the Secretary, at the sole discretion of the Secretary; and (C) shall not be available for the provision of technical assistance for conservation programs specified in subsection (a) other than the program for which the funds were made available. (2) Priority (A) In general In the delivery of technical assistance under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590a et seq.), the Secretary shall give priority to producers who request technical assistance from the Secretary in order to comply for the first time with the requirements of subtitle B and subtitle C of this title as a result of the amendments made by section 2609 of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 . (B) Report Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , 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 report regarding the extent to which the conservation compliance requirements contained in the amendments made by section 2609 of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 apply to and impact specialty crop growers, including national analysis and surveys to determine the extent of specialty crop acreage includes highly erodible land and wetlands. (3) Report Not later than December 31, 2013, the Secretary shall submit (and update as necessary in subsequent years) to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report— (A) detailing the amount of technical assistance funds requested and apportioned in each program specified in subsection (a) during the preceding fiscal year; and (B) any other data relating to this provision that would be helpful to such Committees. (4) Compliance report Not later than November 1 of each year, 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 report that includes— (A) a description of the extent to which the requests for highly erodible land conservation and wetland compliance determinations are being addressed in a timely manner; (B) the total number of requests completed in the previous fiscal year; (C) the incomplete determinations on record; and (D) the number of requests that are still outstanding more than 1 year since the date on which the requests were received from the producer. . 2603. Regional equity Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended by striking subsection (e) (as redesignated by section 2601(b)(1)) and inserting the following: (e) Regional equity (1) Equitable distribution When determining funding allocations each fiscal year, the Secretary shall, after considering available funding and program demand in each State, provide a distribution of funds for conservation programs under subtitle D (excluding the conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1), subtitle H, and subtitle I to ensure equitable program participation proportional to historical funding allocations and usage by all States. (2) Minimum percentage In determining the specific funding allocations under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) ensure that during the first quarter of each fiscal year each State has the opportunity to establish that the State can use an aggregate allocation amount of at least 0.6 percent of the funds made available for those conservation programs; and (B) for each State that can so establish, provide an aggregate amount of at least 0.6 percent of the funds made available for those conservation programs. . 2604. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access Subsection (h) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) (as redesignated by section 2601(b)(1)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (4) Preference In providing assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )) that qualifies under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1). . 2605. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance Subsection (i) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) (as redesignated by section 2601(b)(1)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking wetlands reserve program and inserting agricultural conservation easement program ; (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; (3) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking agricultural water enhancement program and inserting regional conservation partnership program ; and (B) by striking section 1240I(g) and inserting section 1271C(c)(3) ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (5) Payments made under the conservation stewardship program. (6) Waivers granted by the Secretary under section 1265B(b)(2)(C). . 2606. Administrative requirements for conservation programs Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3844 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the following: (E) Veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))). ; (2) in subsection (d), by inserting , H, and I before the period at the end; (3) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking country and inserting county ; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking subsection (c)(2)(B) or (f)(4) and inserting subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii) or (f)(2) ; and (4) in subsection (h)(2), by inserting including, to the extent practicable, practices that maximize benefits for honey bees after pollinators ; and (5) by adding at the end the following: (j) Improved administrative efficiency and effectiveness In administrating a conservation program under this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining conservation planning and program resources; and (2) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. (k) Relation to other payments Any payment received by an owner or operator under this title, including an easement payment or rental payment, shall be in addition to, and not affect, the total amount of payments that the owner or operator is otherwise eligible to receive under any of the following: (1) This Act. (2) The Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.). (3) The Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 . (4) Any law that succeeds a law specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3). (l) Funding for Indian tribes In carrying out the conservation stewardship program under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D and the environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D, the Secretary may enter into alternative funding arrangements with Indian tribes if the Secretary determines that the goals and objectives of the programs will be met by such arrangements, and that statutory limitations regarding contracts with individual producers will not be exceeded by any Tribal member. . 2607. Rulemaking authority Subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 1246. Regulations (a) In general The Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement programs under this title, including such regulations as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under section 1244(f). (b) Rulemaking procedure The promulgation of regulations and administration of programs under this title— (1) shall be carried out without regard to— (A) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and (B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act); and (2) shall be made as an interim rule effective on publication with an opportunity for notice and comment. (c) Congressional review of agency rulemaking In promulgating regulations under this section, the Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 5, United States Code. . 2608. Standards for State technical committees Section 1261(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3861(b) ) is amended by striking Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary shall develop and inserting The Secretary shall review and update as necessary . 2609. Highly erodible land and wetland conservation for crop insurance (a) Highly erodible land program ineligibility (1) In general Section 1211(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811(a)(1) ) is amended— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking or at the end; (B) in subparagraph (D), by adding or at the end; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (E) any portion of premium paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for a plan or policy of insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ), on the condition that if a person is determined to have committed a violation under this subsection during a crop year, ineligibility under this subparagraph shall— (i) only apply to reinsurance years subsequent to the date of final determination of a violation, including all administrative appeals; and (ii) not apply to the existing reinsurance year or any reinsurance year prior to the date of final determination. . (2) Exemptions Section 1212(a)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3812(a)(2) ) is amended— (A) in the first sentence, by striking (2) If, and inserting the following: (2) Eligibility based on compliance with conservation plan (A) In general If, ; (B) in the second sentence, by striking In carrying and inserting the following: (B) Minimization of documentation In carrying ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (C) Crop insurance Notwithstanding section 1211(a)— (i) in the case of a person that is subject to section 1211 for the first time after May 1, 2013, due to the amendment made by section 2609(a) of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , any person who produces an agricultural commodity on the land that is the basis of the payments described in section 1211(a)(1)(E) shall have 5 reinsurance years after the date on which such payments become subject to section 1211 to develop and comply with an approved conservation plan so as to maintain eligibility for such payments; and (ii) in the case of a person that the Secretary determines would have been in violation of section 1211(a) if the person had continued participation in the programs requiring compliance at any time after the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq.) and is currently in violation of section 1211(a), the person shall have 2 reinsurance years after the date on which the payments described in section 1211(a)(1)(E) become subject to section 1211 to develop and comply with an approved conservation plan, as determined by the Secretary, so as to maintain eligibility for such payments. . (b) Wetland conservation program ineligibility Section 1221 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following: (4) Crop insurance (A) In general Except as provided in this paragraph, a person subject to a final determination, including all administrative appeals, of a violation of subsection (c) shall have 1 reinsurance year to initiate a conservation plan to remedy the violation, as determined by the Secretary, before becoming ineligible under that subsection in the following reinsurance year to receive any payment of any portion of premium paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for a plan or policy of insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ). (B) Applicability In the case of a person that is subject to this subsection or subsection (d) for the first time due to the amendment made by section 2609(b) of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , the person shall have 2 reinsurance years after the date of final determination, including all administrative appeals, to take such steps as the Secretary determines appropriate to remedy or mitigate the violation in accordance with subsection (c). (C) Good faith If the Secretary determines that a person subject to a final determination, including all administrative appeals, of a violation of subsection (c) acted in good faith and without intent to violate this section as described in section 1222(h), the Secretary shall give the person 1 reinsurance year to begin mitigation, restoration, or such other steps as are determined necessary by the Secretary. (D) Tenant relief (i) In general If a tenant is determined to be ineligible for payments and other benefits under this section, the Secretary may limit the ineligibility only to the farm that is the basis for the ineligibility determination if the tenant has established, to the satisfaction of the Secretary that— (I) the tenant has made a good faith effort to meet the requirements of this section, including enlisting the assistance of the Secretary to obtain a reasonable conservation plan for restoration or mitigation for the farm; (II) the landlord on the farm refuses to comply with the plan on the farm; and (III) the Secretary determines that the lack of compliance is not a part of a scheme or device to avoid the compliance. (ii) Report The Secretary shall provide an annual report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate concerning the ineligibility determinations limited during the previous 12-month period under this subparagraph. (E) Certification (i) In general Beginning with the first full reinsurance year immediately following the date of enactment of this paragraph, all persons seeking eligibility for the payment of a portion of the premium paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for a plan or policy of insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) shall provide certification of compliance with this section as determined by the Secretary. (ii) Timely evaluation The Secretary shall evaluate the certification in a timely manner and— (I) a person who has properly complied with certification shall be held harmless with regard to eligibility during the period of evaluation; and (II) if the Secretary fails to evaluate the certification in a timely manner and the person is subsequently found to be in violation of subsection (c), ineligibility shall not apply to the person for that violation. (iii) Equitable contribution (I) In general If a person fails to notify the Secretary as required and is subsequently found in violation of subsection (c), the Secretary shall determine the amount of an equitable contribution to conservation in accordance with section 1241(f) by the person for the violation. (II) Limitation The contribution shall not exceed the total of the portion of premium paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for a plan or policy of insurance for all years the person is determined to have been in violation subsequent to the date on which certification was first required under this subparagraph. ; (2) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Ineligibility for crop insurance premium assistance (1) In general If a person is determined to have committed a violation under subsection (a) or (d) during a crop year, the person shall be ineligible to receive any payment of any portion of premium paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for a plan or policy of insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ). (2) Applicability Ineligibility under this subsection shall— (A) only apply to reinsurance years subsequent to the date of final determination of a violation, including all administrative appeals; and (B) not apply to— (i) the existing reinsurance year; or (ii) any reinsurance year prior to the date of final determination. (3) Date of conversion Notwithstanding subsection (d), ineligibility for crop insurance premium assistance shall apply as follows: (A) In the case of wetland that the Secretary determines was converted after the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq. ) but on or before May 1, 2013, and continues to be in violation, the person shall have 2 reinsurance years after the date on which this subsection applies, to begin the mitigation process, as determined by the Secretary. (B) In the case of wetland that the Secretary determines was converted after May 1, 2013— (i) subject to clause (ii), the person shall be ineligible to receive crop insurance premium subsidies in subsequent reinsurance years unless section 1222(b) applies; and (ii) for any violation that the Secretary determines impacts less than 5 acres of the entire farm, the person may pay a contribution in accordance with section 1241(f) in an amount equal to 150 percent of the cost of mitigation, as determined by the Secretary, for wetland restoration in lieu of ineligibility to receive crop insurance premium assistance. (C) In the case of a wetland that the Secretary determines was converted prior to the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq. ), ineligibility under this subsection shall not apply. (D) In the case of an agricultural commodity for which an individual policy or plan of insurance is available for the first time to the person after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 — (i) ineligibility shall apply only to conversions that take place after the date on which the policy or plan of insurance first becomes available to the person; and (ii) the person shall take such steps as the Secretary determines appropriate to mitigate any prior conversion in a timely manner but not to exceed 2 calendar years. (4) Certification (A) In general In enforcing eligibility under this subsection, the Secretary shall use existing processes and procedures for certifying compliance. (B) Responsibility The Secretary, acting through the agencies of the Department of Agriculture, shall be solely responsible for determining whether a producer is eligible to receive crop insurance premium subsidies in accordance with this subsection. (C) Limitation The Secretary shall ensure that no agent, approved insurance provider, or employee or contractor of an agency or approved insurance provider, bears responsibility or liability for the eligibility of an insured producer under this subsection, other than in cases of misrepresentation, fraud, or scheme and devise. . 2610. Adjusted gross income limitation for conservation programs Section 1001D(b)(2)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)(2)(A)) is amended— (1) by striking Limits .— and all that follows through clause (ii), and inserting Limits .—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, ; and (2) by striking clause (ii). H Repeal of superseded program authorities and transitional provisions 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program Section 1230 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 ) is repealed. 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program (a) Repeal Section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831a ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831a) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as in existence on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2703. Wetlands reserve program (a) Repeal Subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts and easements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract or easement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract or easement. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq.), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the wetlands reserve program under that subchapter for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out contracts or easements referred to in paragraph (1) that were entered into prior to October 1, 2013 (including the provision of technical assistance), provided that no such contract or easement is modified so as to increase the amount of the payment received. (B) Other The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301, to continue to carry out contracts and easements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts and easements as in existence on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program (a) Repeal Subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing agreements and easements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any agreement or easement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the agreement or easement. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq.), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the farmland protection program under that subchapter for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out agreements and easements referred to in paragraph (1) that were entered into prior to October 1, 2013 (including the provision of technical assistance). (B) Other On exhaustion of funds made available under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301, to continue to carry out agreements and easements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such agreements and easement as in existence on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2705. Grassland reserve program (a) Repeal Subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts, agreements, and easements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract, agreement, or easement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract, agreement, or easement. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq.), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the grassland reserve program under that subchapter for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out contracts, agreements, or easements referred to in paragraph (1) that were entered into prior to October 1, 2013 (including the provision of technical assistance), provided that no such contract, agreement, or easement is modified so as to increase the amount of the payment received. (B) Other The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301, to continue to carry out contracts, agreements, and easements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts, agreements, and easements as in existence on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts and agreements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract or agreement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract or agreement. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9 ), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the agricultural water enhancement program under that section for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out contracts and agreements referred to in paragraph (1) that were entered into prior to October 1, 2013 (including the provision of technical assistance). (B) Other On exhaustion of funds made available under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnerships program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401, to continue to carry out contracts and agreements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts and agreements as in existence on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program (a) Repeal Section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1 ), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the wildlife habitat incentive program under that section for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) which were entered into prior to October 1, 2013 (including the provision of technical assistance). (B) Other On exhaustion of funds made available under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq. ) to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as in existence on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2708. Great Lakes basin program (a) Repeal Section 1240P of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–3 ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program (a) Repeal Section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts, agreements, and easements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract, agreement, or easement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract, agreement, or easement. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4 ), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the Chesapeake Bay watershed program under that section for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out contracts, agreements, and easements referred to in paragraph (1) that were entered into prior to October 1, 2013 (including the provision of technical assistance). (B) Other The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnerships program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401, to continue to carry out contracts, agreements, and easements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts, agreements, and easements as in existence on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative (a) Repeal Section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3843 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts and agreements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract or agreement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3843 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract or agreement. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3843 ), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the cooperative conservation partnership initiative under that section for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out contracts and agreements referred to in paragraph (1) that were entered into prior to October 1, 2013 (including the provision of technical assistance). (B) Other On exhaustion of funds made available under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnerships program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401, to continue to carry out contracts and agreements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts and agreements as in existence on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2711. Environmental easement program Chapter 3 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839 et seq. ) is repealed. 2712. Technical amendments (a) Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3801(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking E and inserting I . (b) Section 1211(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811(a) ) is amended by striking predominate each place it appears and inserting predominant . (c) Section 1242(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3842(i) ) is amended in the subsection heading by striking speciality and inserting specialty . III Trade A Food for Peace Act 3001. Set-aside for support for organizations through which nonemergency assistance is provided Effective October 1, 2013, section 202(e)(1) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1722(e)(1) ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 13 percent and inserting 15 percent ; and (2) in subparagraph (A), by striking new and inserting and enhancing . 3002. Food aid quality Section 202(h) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722(h)) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) In general The Administrator shall use funds made available for fiscal year 2014 and subsequent fiscal years to carry out this title— (A) to assess the types and quality of agricultural commodities and products donated for food aid; (B) to adjust products and formulations, including potential introduction of new fortificants and products, as necessary to cost-effectively meet nutrient needs of target populations; (C) to test prototypes; (D) to adopt new specifications or improve existing specifications for micronutrient fortified food aid products, based on the latest developments in food and nutrition science, and in coordination with other international partners; (E) to develop new program guidance to facilitate improved matching of products to purposes having nutritional intent, in coordination with other international partners; (F) to develop improved guidance for implementing partners on how to address nutritional deficiencies that emerge among recipients for whom food assistance is the sole source of diet in emergency programs that extend beyond 1 year, in coordination with other international partners; and (G) to evaluate, in appropriate settings and as necessary, the performance and cost-effectiveness of new or modified specialized food products and program approaches designed to meet the nutritional needs of the most vulnerable groups, such as pregnant and lactating mothers, and children under the age of 5. ; and (2) in paragraph (3), by striking 2011 and inserting 2018 . 3003. Minimum levels of assistance Section 204(a) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1724(a)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3004. Reauthorization of Food Aid Consultative Group Section 205(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1725(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3005. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of Food for Peace Act programs Section 207(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a(f)) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (4) and redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; and (2) in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (5) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (B) by striking during fiscal year 2009 and inserting during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 3006. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726b(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3007. Limitation on total volume of commodities monetized Section 403 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (m) Limitation on monetization of commodities (1) Limitation (A) In general Unless the Administrator grants a waiver under paragraph (2), no commodity may be made available under this Act unless the rate of return for the commodity (as determined under subparagraph (B)) is at least 70 percent. (B) Rate of return For purposes of subparagraph (A), the rate of return shall be equal to the proportion that— (i) the proceeds the implementing partners generate through monetization; bears to (ii) the cost to the Federal Government to procure and ship the commodities to a recipient country for monetization. (2) Waiver authority The Administrator may waive the application of the limitation in paragraph (1) with regard to a commodity for a recipient country if the Administrator determines that it is necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act in the recipient country. (3) Report Not later than 90 days after a waiver is granted under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall prepare, publish in the Federal Register, and submit to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations, Foreign Relations, and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that— (A) contains the reasons for granting the waiver and the actual rate of return for the commodity; and (B) includes for the commodity the costs of bagging or further processing, ocean transportation, inland transportation in the recipient country, storage costs, and any other information that the Administrator determines to be necessary. . 3008. Flexibility Section 406 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Flexibility Notwithstanding any other provision of law and as necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act, funds available under this Act may be used to pay the costs of up to 20 percent of activities conducted in recipient countries by nonprofit voluntary organizations, cooperatives, or intergovernmental agencies or organizations. . 3009. Procurement, transportation, testing, and storage of agricultural commodities for prepositioning in the United States and foreign countries Section 407 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736a ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (c)(4)(A)— (A) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (B) by striking for each such fiscal year not more than $10,000,000 of such funds and inserting for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2012 not more than $10,000,000 of such funds and for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 not more than $15,000,000 of such funds ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (g) Funding for testing of food aid shipments Funds made available for agricultural products acquired under this Act and section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1 ) may be used to pay for the testing of those agricultural products. . 3010. 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 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3011. Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance Section 412 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736f ) is amended by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following: (e) Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), of the amounts made available to carry out emergency and nonemergency food assistance programs under title II, not less than 20 nor more than 30 percent for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 shall be expended for nonemergency food assistance programs under title II. (2) Minimum level The amount made available to carry out nonemergency food assistance programs under title II shall not be less than $275,000,000 for any fiscal year. . 3012. Coordination of foreign assistance programs report Section 413 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736g ) is amended— (1) by striking (a) In general .—To the maximum and inserting To the maximum ; and (2) by striking subsection (b). 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs (a) Elimination of obsolete reference to study Section 415(a)(2)(B) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(a)(2)(B) ) is amended by striking , using recommendations and all that follows through quality enhancements . (b) Extension Section 415(c) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(c)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737) is amended— (1) in subsection (d)— (A) by striking 0.5 percent and inserting 0.6 percent ; and (B) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3015. Prohibition on assistance for North Korea (a) In general No amounts may be obligated or expended to provide assistance under title II of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.) to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. (b) National interest waiver The President may waive subsection (a) if the President determines and certifies to the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committees on Agriculture and Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives that the waiver is in the national interest of the United States. B Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 3101. Export credit guarantee programs Section 211 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5641 ) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following: (b) Export credit guarantee programs The Commodity Credit Corporation shall make available for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 credit guarantees under section 202(a) in an amount equal to not more than $4,500,000,000 in credit guarantees. . 3102. Funding for market access program Section 211(c)(1)(A) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5641(c)(1)(A) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program Section 703(a) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5723(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Other Agricultural Trade Laws 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985 (a) Extension The Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o) is amended— (1) in subsection (f)(3), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (2) in subsection (g), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (3) in subsection (k), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (4) in subsection (l)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Repeal of completed project Subsection (f) of the Food for Progress Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o ) is amended by striking paragraph (6). (c) Flexibility The Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o) is amended in subsection ( l ) by adding at the end the following: (5) Flexibility Notwithstanding any other provision of law and as necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act, funds available under this Act may be used to pay the costs of up to 20 percent of activities conducted in recipient countries by nonprofit voluntary organizations, cooperatives, or intergovernmental agencies or organizations. . (d) Limitation on total volume of commodities monetized The Food for Progress Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (p) Limitation on monetization of commodities (1) Limitation (A) In general Unless the Secretary grants a waiver under paragraph (2), no eligible commodity may be made available under this section unless the rate of return for the eligible commodity (as determined under subparagraph (B)) is at least 70 percent. (B) Rate of return For purposes of subparagraph (A), the rate of return shall be equal to the proportion that— (i) the proceeds the implementing partners generate through monetization; bears to (ii) the cost to the Federal Government to procure and ship the eligible commodities to a recipient country for monetization. (2) Waiver authority The Secretary may waive the application of the limitation in paragraph (1) with regard to an eligible commodity for a recipient country if the Secretary determines that it is necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act in the recipient country. (3) Report Not later than 90 days after a waiver is granted under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall prepare, publish in the Federal Register, and submit to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations, Foreign Relations, and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that— (A) contains the reasons for granting the waiver and the actual rate of return for the eligible commodity; and (B) includes for the commodity the costs of bagging or further processing, ocean transportation, inland transportation in the recipient country, storage costs, and any other information that the Secretary determines to be necessary. . 3202. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust 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 2012 both places it appears and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (h), by striking 2012 both places it appears and inserting 2018 . 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets (a) Direct credits or export credit guarantees Section 1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101–624 ; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Development of agricultural systems Section 1542(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101–624 ; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (a) Reauthorization Section 3107(l)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(l)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Technical correction Section 3107(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(d) ) is amended by striking to in the matter preceding paragraph (1). 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops (a) Purpose Section 3205(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5680(b) ) is amended by striking related barriers to trade and inserting technical barriers to trade . (b) Funding Section 3205(e)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5680(e)(2) ) is amended— (1) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (C); and (2) by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (D) $9,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2018. . 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust Section 3202(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 22 U.S.C. 2220a note) is amended by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 3207. Local and regional food aid procurement projects Section 3206 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1726c ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking (b) Study; field-Based projects .— and all that follows through (2) Field-based projects .— and inserting the following: (b) Field-Based projects ; (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (C) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting paragraph (2) ; and (D) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting paragraph (1) ; (2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking subsection (b)(2) and inserting subsection (b) ; (3) by striking subsections (d), (f), and (g); (4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d); (5) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)— (A) in paragraph (2)— (i) by striking subparagraph (B); and (ii) in subparagraph (A)— (I) by striking (A) Application .— and all that follows through To be eligible in clause (i) and inserting the following: (A) In general To be eligible ; (II) by redesignating clause (ii) as subparagraph (B) and indenting appropriately; and (III) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated), by striking clause (i) and inserting subparagraph (A) ; and (B) by striking paragraph (4); and (6) by adding at the end the following: (e) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Preference In carrying out this section, the Secretary may give a preference to eligible organizations that have, or are working toward, projects under the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program established under section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1 ). (3) Reporting Each year, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes the use of funds under this section, including— (A) the impact of procurements and projects on— (i) local and regional agricultural producers; and (ii) markets and consumers, including low-income consumers; and (B) implementation time frames and costs. . 3208. Donald Payne Horn of Africa food resilience program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Agency for International Development. (2) Appropriate committees of Congress The term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; (B) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; (C) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and (D) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. (3) Eligible organization The term eligible organization means an organization that is— (A) a private voluntary organization or cooperative that is, to the extent practicable, registered with the Administrator; or (B) an intergovernmental organization, such as the World Food Program. (4) Horn of Africa The term Horn of Africa means the countries of— (A) Ethiopia; (B) Somalia; (C) Kenya; (D) Djibouti; (E) Eritrea; (F) South Sudan; (G) Uganda; and (H) such other countries as the Administrator determines to be appropriate after providing notification to the appropriate committees of Congress. (5) Resilience The term resilience means— (A) the capacity to mitigate the negative impacts of crises (including natural disasters, conflicts, and economic shocks) in order to reduce loss of life and depletion of productive assets; (B) the capacity to respond effectively to crises, ensuring basic needs are met in a way that is integrated with long-term development efforts; and (C) the capacity to recover and rebuild after crises so that future shocks can be absorbed with less need for ongoing external assistance. (b) Purpose The purpose of this section is to establish a pilot program to effectively integrate all United States-funded emergency and long-term development activities that aim to improve food security in the Horn of Africa, building resilience so as— (1) to reduce the impacts of future crises; (2) to enhance local capacity for emergency response; (3) to enhance sustainability of long-term development programs targeting poor and vulnerable households; and (4) to reduce the need for repeated costly emergency operations. (c) Study (1) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a study of prior programs to support resilience in the Horn of Africa conducted by— (A) other donor countries; (B) private voluntary organizations; (C) the World Food Program of the United Nations; and (D) multilateral institutions, including the World Bank. (2) Requirements The study shall— (A) include all programs implemented through the Agency for International Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Treasury, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Peace Corps, and other relevant Federal agencies; (B) evaluate how well the programs described in subparagraph (A) work together to complement each other and leverage impacts across programs; (C) include recommendations for how full integration of efforts can be achieved; and (D) evaluate the degree to which country-led development plans support programs that increase resilience, including review of the investments by each country in nutrition and safety nets. (3) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the results of the study. (d) Field-Based project grants or cooperative agreements (1) In general The Administrator shall— (A) provide grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, eligible organizations to carry out field-based projects that build resilience in the Horn of Africa in accordance with this section; and (B) develop a project approval process to ensure full integration of efforts. (2) Requirements of eligible organizations (A) Application To be eligible to receive a grant from, or enter into a cooperative agreement with, the Administrator under this subsection, an eligible organization shall submit to the Administrator an application by such date, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require. (B) Completion requirement To be eligible to receive a grant from, or enter into a cooperative agreement with, the Administrator under this subsection, an eligible organization shall agree— (i) to collect, not later than September 30, 2016, data containing the information required under subsection (f)(2) relating to the field-based project funded through the grant or cooperative agreement; and (ii) to provide to the Administrator the data collected under clause (i). (3) Requirements of Administrator (A) Project diversity (i) In general Subject to clause (ii) and subparagraph (B), in selecting proposals for field-based projects to fund under this section, the Administrator shall select a diversity of projects, including projects located in— (I) areas most prone to repeated crises; (II) areas with effective existing resilience programs that can be scaled; and (III) areas in all countries of the Horn of Africa. (ii) Priority In selecting proposals for field-based projects under clause (i), the Administrator shall ensure that the selected proposals are for field-based projects that— (I) effectively integrate emergency and long-term development programs to improve sustainability; (II) demonstrate the potential to reduce the need for future emergency assistance; and (III) build targeted productive safety nets, in coordination with host country governments, through food for work, cash for work, and other proven program methodologies. (B) Availability The Administrator shall not award a grant or cooperative agreement or approve a field-based project under this subsection until the date on which the Administrator promulgates regulations or issues guidelines under subsection (e). (e) Regulations; Guidelines (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of completion of the study under subsection (c), the Administrator shall promulgate regulations or issue guidelines to carry out field-based projects under this section. (2) Requirements In promulgating regulations or issuing guidelines under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall— (A) take into consideration the results of the study described in subsection (c); and (B) provide an opportunity for public review and comment. (f) Report (1) In general Not later than November 1, 2016, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that— (A) addresses each factor described in paragraph (2); and (B) is conducted in accordance with this section. (2) Required factors The report shall include baseline and end-of-project data that measures— (A) the prevalence of moderate and severe hunger so as to provide an accurate accounting of project impact on household access to and consumption of food during every month of the year prior to data collection; (B) household ownership of and access to productive assets, including at a minimum land, livestock, homes, equipment, and other materials assets needed for income generation; (C) household incomes, including informal sources of employment; and (D) the productive assets of women using the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index. (3) Public access to records and reports Not later than 90 days after the date on which the report is submitted under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall provide public access to the report. (g) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. 3209. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (a) Definition of agriculture committees and subcommittees In this section, the term agriculture committees and subcommittees means— (1) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; (2) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; and (3) the subcommittees on agriculture, rural development, food and drug administration, and related agencies of the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate. (b) Proposal (1) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the agriculture committees and subcommittees, shall propose a reorganization of international trade functions for imports and exports of the Department of Agriculture. (2) Considerations In producing the proposal under this section, the Secretary shall— (A) in recognition of the importance of agricultural exports to the farm economy and the economy as a whole, include a plan for the establishment of an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs; (B) take into consideration how the Under Secretary described in subparagraph (A) would serve as a multiagency coordinator of sanitary and phytosanitary issues and nontariff trade barriers in agriculture with respect to imports and exports of agricultural products; and (C) take into consideration all implications of a reorganization described in paragraph (1) on domestic programs and operations of the Department of Agriculture. (3) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act and before the reorganization described in paragraph (1) can take effect, the Secretary shall submit to the agriculture committees and subcommittees a report that— (A) includes the results of the proposal under this section; and (B) provides a notice of the reorganization plan. (4) Implementation Not later than 1 year after the date of the submission of the report under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall implement a reorganization of international trade functions for imports and exports of the Department of Agriculture, including the establishment of an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. (c) Confirmation required The position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs established under subsection (b)(2)(A) shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. IV Nutrition A Supplemental nutrition assistance program 4001. Access to Grocery Delivery for Homebound Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities eligible for supplemental nutrition assistance benefits (a) In general Section 3(p) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(p) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: (5) a public or private nonprofit food purchasing and delivery service that— (A) purchases food for, and delivers the food to, individuals who are— (i) unable to shop for food; and (ii) (I) not less than 60 years of age; or (II) individuals with disabilities; (B) clearly notifies the participating household at the time the household places a food order— (i) of any delivery fee associated with the food purchase and delivery provided to the household by the service; and (ii) that a delivery fee cannot be paid with benefits provided under the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and (C) sells food purchased for the household at the price paid by the service for the food without any additional cost markup. . (b) Issuance of regulations Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations that— (1) establish criteria to identify a food purchasing and delivery service described in section 3(p)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (as added by subsection (a)(3)); and (2) establish procedures to ensure that the service— (A) does not charge more for a food item than the price paid by the service for the food item; (B) offers food delivery service at no or low cost to households under that Act; (C) ensures that benefits provided under the supplemental nutrition assistance program are used only to purchase food, as defined in section 3 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2012 ); (D) limits the purchase of food, and the delivery of the food, to households eligible to receive services described in section 3(p)(5) of that Act (as added by subsection (a)(3)); (E) has established adequate safeguards against fraudulent activities, including unauthorized use of electronic benefit cards issued under that Act; and (F) such other requirements as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c) Limitation Before the issuance of regulations under subsection (b), the Secretary may not approve more than 20 food purchasing and delivery services described in section 3(p)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (as added by subsection (a)(3)) to participate as retail food stores under the supplemental nutrition assistance program. (d) Effective date This section and the amendments made by this section take effect on the date that is 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. 4002. Food distribution program on Indian reservations (a) In general Section 4(b)(6)(F) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013(b)(6)(F) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Feasability study for Indian tribes Section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2026 ) is amended by inserting at the end the following: (l) Feasibility study for Indian tribes (1) In general The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of a tribal demonstration project for tribes, in lieu of State agencies or other administrating entities, to administer Federal food assistance programs, services, functions, and activities (or portions thereof). (2) Considerations In conducting the study, the Secretary shall consider— (A) the probable effects on specific programs and program beneficiaries of such a demonstration project; (B) statutory, regulatory, or other impediments to implementation of such a demonstration project; (C) strategies for implementing such a demonstration project; (D) probable costs or savings associated with such a demonstration project; (E) methods to assure quality and accountability in such a demonstration project; and (F) such other issues that may be determined by the Secretary or developed through consultation pursuant to paragraph (4). (3) Report Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this subsection, 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 report that contains— (A) the results of the study under this subsection; (B) a list of programs, services, functions, and activities (or portions thereof) within each agency that would be feasible to include in a tribal demonstration project; (C) a list of programs, services, functions, and activities (or portions thereof) included in the list described in subparagraph (B) that could be included in a tribal demonstration project without amending existing law or without waiving regulations that the Secretary may not waive; and (D) a list of legislative actions required in order to include those programs, services, functions, and activities (or portions thereof) included in the list described in subparagraph (B) but not included in the list described in subparagraph (C) in a tribal demonstration project. (4) Consultation with Indian tribes (A) In general Prior to consultation, the Secretary shall consult with Indian tribes to determine a protocol for consultation. (B) Requirements The protocol shall require, at a minimum, that— (i) the government-to-government relationship with Indian tribes forms the basis for the consultation process; (ii) the Indian tribes and the Secretary jointly conduct the consultations required by this paragraph; and (iii) the consultation process allows for separate and direct recommendations from the Indian tribes and other entities referenced in this subsection. . (c) Traditional and locally-grown food Section 4(b)(6) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013(b)(6) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G); and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following: (F) Traditional and locally-grown food A tribe that is authorized to administer the distribution described in paragraph (1) shall have the option to use 5 percent of the program funding of the tribe to promote local purchase of traditional and locally-grown food to be used in the food package of the tribe by purchasing traditional and locally-grown foods from local Native American farmers, ranchers, and producers. . 4003. Standard utility allowances based on the receipt of energy assistance payments (a) Standard utility allowances in the supplemental nutrition assistance program Section 5(e)(6)(C) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C) ) is amended— (1) in clause (i), by inserting , subject to clause (iv) after Secretary ; and (2) in clause (iv), by striking subclause (I) and inserting the following: (I) In general Subject to subclause (II), if a State agency elects to use a standard utility allowance that reflects heating and cooling costs, the standard utility allowance shall be made available to households that have received a payment, or on behalf of which a payment has been made, under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq.) or other similar energy assistance program, if in the current month or during the immediately preceding 12 months, the household either has received a payment, or a payment has been made on behalf of the household, that is greater than $10 annually, as determined by the Secretary. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 2605(f)(2)(A) of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 ( 42 U.S.C. 8624(f)(2)(A) ) is amended by inserting before the semicolon at the end , except that, for purposes of the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ), such payments or allowances were greater than $10 annually, consistent with section 5(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) ), as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. . (c) Effective and implementation date (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), this section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect beginning on October 1, 2013, for all certification periods beginning after that date. (2) State option to delay implementation for current recipients A State may, at the option of the State, implement a policy that eliminates or minimizes the effect of the amendments made by this section for households that receive a standard utility allowance as of the date of enactment of this Act for not more than a 180-day period beginning on the date on which the amendments made by this section would otherwise affect the benefits received by a household. 4004. Eligibility disqualifications Section 6(e)(3)(B) of Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015(e)(3)(B) ) is amended by striking section and inserting the following: “section, subject to the condition that the course or program of study— (i) is part of a program of career and technical education (as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 ( 20 U.S.C. 2302 )) that may be completed in not more than 4 years at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1002 )); or (ii) is limited to remedial courses, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language; . 4005. Ending supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits for lottery or gambling winners (a) In general Section 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (r) Ineligibility for benefits due to receipt of substantial lottery or gambling winnings (1) In general Any household in which a member receives substantial lottery or gambling winnings, as determined by the Secretary, shall lose eligibility for benefits immediately upon receipt of the winnings. (2) Duration of ineligibility A household described in paragraph (1) shall remain ineligible for participation until the household meets the allowable financial resources and income eligibility requirements under subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (i), (k), (l), (m), and (n) of section 5. (3) Agreements As determined by the Secretary, each State agency, to the maximum extent practicable, shall establish agreements with entities responsible for the regulation or sponsorship of gaming in the State to determine whether individuals participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program have received substantial lottery or gambling winnings. . (b) Conforming amendments Section 5(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(a) ) is amended in the second sentence by striking sections 6(b), 6(d)(2), and 6(g) and inserting subsections (b), (d)(2), (g), and (r) of section 6 . 4006. Retail food stores (a) Definition of retail food store Subsection (o)(1)(A) of section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012 ) (as redesignated by section 4018(a)(4)) is amended by striking at least 2 and inserting at least 3 . (b) Alternative benefit delivery Section 7(f) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(f) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Imposition of costs (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall require participating retail food stores (including restaurants participating in a State option restaurant program intended to serve the elderly, disabled, and homeless) to pay 100 percent of the costs of acquiring, and arrange for the implementation of, electronic benefit transfer point-of-sale equipment and supplies, including related services. (B) Exemptions The Secretary may exempt from subparagraph (A)— (i) farmers’ markets and other direct-to-consumer markets, military commissaries, nonprofit food buying cooperatives, and establishments, organizations, programs, or group living arrangements described in paragraphs (5), (7), and (8) of section 3(k); and (ii) establishments described in paragraphs (3), (4), and (9) of section 3(k), other than restaurants participating in a State option restaurant program. (C) Interchange fees Nothing in this paragraph permits the charging of fees relating to the redemption of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits, in accordance with subsection (h)(13). ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (4) Termination of manual vouchers (A) In general Effective beginning on the date of enactment of this paragraph, except as provided in subparagraph (B), no State shall issue manual vouchers to a household that receives supplemental nutrition assistance under this Act or allow retail food stores to accept manual vouchers as payment, unless the Secretary determines that the manual vouchers are necessary, such as in the event of an electronic benefit transfer system failure or a disaster situation. (B) Exemptions The Secretary may exempt categories of retail food stores or individual retail food stores from subparagraph (A) based on criteria established by the Secretary. (5) Unique identification number required (A) In general To enhance the anti-fraud protections of the program, the Secretary shall require all parties providing electronic benefit transfer services to provide for and maintain unique terminal identification number information through the supplemental nutrition assistance program electronic benefit transfer transaction routing system. (B) Regulations (i) In general Not earlier than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall issue proposed regulations to carry out this paragraph. (ii) Commercial practices In issuing regulations to carry out this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider existing commercial practices for other point-of-sale debit transactions. . (c) Electronic benefit transfers Section 7(h)(3)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(3)(B) ) is amended by striking is operational— and all that follows through (ii) in the case of other participating stores, and inserting is operational . (d) Approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2018 ) is amended— (1) in the second sentence of subsection (a)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting , including the depth of stock, variety of staple food items, and the sale of excepted items described in 3(k)(1) after applicant ; and (B) by striking ; and (C) and inserting ; (C) whether the applicant is located in an area with significantly limited access to food; and (D) ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (g) EBT service requirement An approved retail food store shall provide adequate EBT service as described in section 7(h)(3)(B). . 4007. Improving security of food assistance Section 7(h)(8) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(8) ) is amended— (1) by striking the paragraph heading and inserting Replacement of cards .— ; (2) by striking A State and inserting the following: (A) Fees A State ; and (3) by adding after subparagraph (A) (as so designated by paragraph (2)) the following: (B) Purposeful loss of cards (i) In general Subject to terms and conditions established by the Secretary in accordance with clause (ii), if a household makes excessive requests for replacement of the electronic benefit transfer card of the household, the Secretary may require a State agency to decline to issue a replacement card to the household unless the household, upon request of the State agency, provides an explanation for the loss of the card. (ii) Requirements The terms and conditions established by the Secretary shall provide that— (I) the household be given the opportunity to provide the requested explanation and meet the requirements under this paragraph promptly; (II) after an excessive number of lost cards, the head of the household shall be required to review program rights and responsibilities with State agency personnel authorized to make determinations under section 5(a); and (III) any action taken, including actions required under section 6(b)(2), other than the withholding of the electronic benefit transfer card until an explanation described in subclause (I) is provided, shall be consistent with the due process protections under section 6(b) or 11(e)(10), as appropriate. (C) Protecting vulnerable persons In implementing this paragraph, a State agency shall act to protect homeless persons, persons with disabilities, victims of crimes, and other vulnerable persons who lose electronic benefit transfer cards but are not intentionally committing fraud. (D) Effect on eligibility While a State may decline to issue an electronic benefits transfer card until a household satisfies the requirements under this paragraph, nothing in this paragraph shall be considered a denial of, or limitation on, the eligibility for benefits under section 5. . 4008. Technology modernization for retail food stores (a) Mobile technologies Section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(h) ) (as amended by section 4018(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (14) Mobile technologies (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall approve retail food stores to redeem benefits through electronic means other than wired point of sale devices for electronic benefit transfer transactions, if the retail food stores— (i) establish recipient protections regarding privacy, ease of use, access, and support similar to the protections provided for transactions made in retail food stores; (ii) bear the costs of obtaining, installing, and maintaining mobile technologies, including mechanisms needed to process EBT cards and transaction fees; (iii) demonstrate the foods purchased with benefits issued under this section through mobile technologies are purchased at a price not higher than the price of the same food purchased by other methods used by the retail food store, as determined by the Secretary; (iv) provide adequate documentation for each authorized transaction, as determined by the Secretary; and (v) meet other criteria as established by the Secretary. (B) Demonstration project on acceptance of benefits of mobile transactions (i) In general Before authorizing implementation of subparagraph (A) in all States, the Secretary shall pilot the use of mobile technologies determined by the Secretary to be appropriate to test the feasibility and implications for program integrity, by allowing retail food stores to accept benefits from recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance through mobile transactions. (ii) Demonstration projects To be eligible to participate in a demonstration project under clause (i), a retail food store shall submit to the Secretary for approval a plan that includes— (I) a description of the technology; (II) the manner by which the retail food store will provide proof of the transaction to households; (III) the provision of data to the Secretary, consistent with requirements established by the Secretary, in a manner that allows the Secretary to evaluate the impact of the demonstration on participant access, ease of use, and program integrity; and (IV) such other criteria as the Secretary may require. (iii) Date of completion The demonstration projects under this subparagraph shall be completed and final reports submitted to the Secretary by not later than July 1, 2015. (C) Report to Congress The Secretary shall— (i) by not later than January 1, 2016, authorize implementation of subparagraph (A) in all States, unless the Secretary makes a finding, based on the data provided under subparagraph (B), that implementation in all States is not in the best interest of the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and (ii) if the determination made in clause (i) is not to implement subparagraph (A) in all States, submit a report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate that includes the basis of the finding. . (b) Acceptance of benefits through on-Line transactions (1) In general Section 7 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (k) Option To accept program benefits through on-Line transactions (1) In general Subject to paragraph (4), the Secretary shall approve retail food stores to accept benefits from recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance through on-line transactions. (2) Requirements to accept benefits A retail food store seeking to accept benefits from recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance through on-line transactions shall— (A) establish recipient protections regarding privacy, ease of use, access, and support similar to the protections provided for transactions made in retail food stores; (B) ensure benefits are not used to pay delivery, ordering, convenience, or other fees or charges; (C) clearly notify participating households at the time a food order is placed— (i) of any delivery, ordering, convenience, or other fee or charge associated with the food purchase; and (ii) that any such fee cannot be paid with benefits provided under this Act; (D) ensure the security of on-line transactions by using the most effective technology available that the Secretary considers appropriate and cost-effective and that is comparable to the security of transactions at retail food stores; and (E) meet other criteria as established by the Secretary. (3) State agency action Each State agency shall ensure that recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance can use benefits on-line as described in this subsection as appropriate. (4) Demonstration project on acceptance of benefits through on-line transactions (A) In general Before the Secretary authorizes implementation of paragraph (1) in all States, the Secretary shall carry out a number of demonstration projects as determined by the Secretary to test the feasibility of allowing retail food stores to accept benefits through on-line transactions. (B) Demonstration projects To be eligible to participate in a demonstration project under subparagraph (A), a retail food store shall submit to the Secretary for approval a plan that includes— (i) a method of ensuring that benefits may be used to purchase only eligible items under this Act; (ii) a description of the method of educating participant households about the availability and operation of on-line purchasing; (iii) adequate testing of the on-line purchasing option prior to implementation; (iv) the provision of data as requested by the Secretary for purposes of analyzing the impact of the project on participant access, ease of use, and program integrity; (v) reports on progress, challenges, and results, as determined by the Secretary; and (vi) such other criteria, including security criteria, as established by the Secretary. (C) Date of completion The demonstration projects under this paragraph shall be completed and final reports submitted to the Secretary by not later than July 1, 2015. (5) Report to Congress The Secretary shall— (A) by not later than January 1, 2016, authorize implementation of paragraph (1) in all States, unless the Secretary makes a finding, based on the data provided under paragraph (4), that implementation in all States is not in the best interest of the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and (B) if the determination made in subparagraph (A) is not to implement in all States, submit a report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate that includes the basis of the finding. . (2) Conforming amendments (A) Section 7(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(b) ) is amended by striking purchase food in retail food stores and inserting purchase food from retail food stores . (B) Section 10 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2019 ) is amended in the first sentence by inserting retail food stores authorized to accept and redeem benefits through on-line transactions shall be authorized to accept benefits prior to the delivery of food if the delivery occurs within a reasonable time of the purchase, as determined by the Secretary, after food so purchased, . (c) Savings clause Nothing in this section or an amendment made by this section alter any requirements of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) unless specifically authorized in this section or an amendment made by this section. 4009. Use of benefits for purchase of community-supported agriculture share Subsection (o)(4) of section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012 ) (as redesignated by section 4018(a)(4)) is amended by inserting , or agricultural producers who market agricultural products directly to consumers after such food . 4010. Restaurant meals program (a) In general Section 11(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2020(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (22), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (23), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (24) if the State elects to carry out a program to contract with private establishments to offer meals at concessional prices, as described in paragraphs 3, 4, and 9 of section 3(k)— (A) the plans of the State agency for operating the program, including— (i) documentation of a need that eligible homeless, elderly, and disabled clients are underserved in a particular geographic area; (ii) the manner by which the State agency will limit participation to only those private establishments that the State determines necessary to meet the need identified in clause (i); and (iii) any other conditions the Secretary may prescribe, such as the level of security necessary to ensure that only eligible recipients participate in the program; and (B) a report by the State agency to the Secretary annually, the schedule of which shall be established by the Secretary, that includes— (i) the number of households and individual recipients authorized to participate in the program, including any information on whether the individual recipient is elderly, disabled, or homeless; and (ii) an assessment of whether the program is meeting an established need, as documented under subparagraph (A)(i). . (b) Approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2018 ) (as amended by section 4005(d)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (h) Private establishments (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), no private establishment that contracts with a State agency to offer meals at concessional prices as described in paragraphs 3, 4, and 9 of section 3(k) may be authorized to accept and redeem benefits unless the Secretary determines that the participation of the private establishment is required to meet a documented need in accordance with section 11(e)(24). (2) Existing contracts (A) In general If, on the day before the date of enactment of this subsection, a State has entered into a contract with a private establishment described in paragraph (1) and the Secretary has not determined that the participation of the private establishment is necessary to meet a documented need in accordance with section 11(e)(24), the Secretary shall allow the operation of the private establishment to continue without that determination of need for a period not to exceed 180 days from the date on which the Secretary establishes determination criteria, by regulation, under section 11(e)(24). (B) Justification If the Secretary makes a determination to terminate a contract with a private establishment that is in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall provide justification to the State in which the private establishment is located for that termination. (3) Report to Congress Not later than 90 days after September 30, 2013, and 90 days after the last day of each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on the effectiveness of a program under this subsection using any information received from States under section 11(e)(24) as well as any other information the Secretary may have relating to the manner in which benefits are used. . (c) Conforming amendments Section 3(k) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(k) ) is amended by inserting subject to section 9(h) after concessional prices each place it appears. 4011. Quality control standards (a) In general Section 16(c)(1)(D)(i) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(c)(1)(D)(i) ) is amended by striking subclause (I). (b) Conforming amendments (1) Section 13(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2022(a)(1) ) is amended in the first sentence by striking section 16(c)(1)(D)(i)(III) and inserting section 16(c)(1)(D)(i)(II) . (2) Section 16(c)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(c)(1) ) is amended— (A) in subparagraph (D)(i)— (i) by redesignating subclauses (II) through (IV) as subclauses (I) through (III), respectively; and (ii) in subclause (III) (as so redesignated), by striking through (III) and inserting and (II) ; (B) in subparagraph (E)(i), by striking (D)(i)(III) and inserting (D)(i)(II) ; and (C) in subparagraph (F), by striking (D)(i)(II) each place it appears and inserting (D)(i)(I) . 4012. Performance bonus payments Section 16(d) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(d) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) Use of performance bonus payments A State agency may use a performance bonus payment received under this subsection only to carry out the program established under this Act, including investments in— (A) technology; (B) improvements in administration and distribution; and (C) actions to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. . 4013. Funding of employment and training programs Section 16(h)(1)(A) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(h)(1)(A) ) is amended by striking section 18(a)(1), $90,000,000 and all that follows through the end of the subparagraph and inserting “section 18(a)(1)— (i) for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2017, $90,000,000; and (ii) for fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter, $80,000,000. . 4014. Authorization of appropriations Section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2027(a)(1) ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4015. Assistance for community food projects Section 25 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2034 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1)(B)— (i) in clause (i)— (I) in subclause (I), by inserting after individuals the following: through food distribution, community outreach to assist in participation in Federally assisted nutrition programs, or improving access to food as part of a comprehensive service; ; and (II) in subclause (III), by inserting food access, after food, ; and (ii) in clause (ii), by striking subclause (I) and inserting the following: (I) equipment necessary for the efficient operation of a project; ; and (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Hunger-free communities goal The term hunger-free communities goal means any of the 14 goals described in House Concurrent Resolution 302, 102nd Congress, agreed to October 5, 1992. ; (2) in subsection (c)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting public food program service provider or a before private ; (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking or after the semicolon at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting or after the semicolon at the end; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (C) efforts to reduce food insecurity in the community, including food distribution, improving access to services, or coordinating services and programs; ; (C) in paragraph (2), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (D) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (E) by adding at the end the following: (4) collaborate with 1 or more local partner organizations to achieve at least 1 hunger-free communities goal. ; (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (3), by striking or after the semicolon at the end; (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (5) develop new resources and strategies to help reduce food insecurity in the community and prevent food insecurity in the future by— (A) developing creative food resources; (B) coordinating food services with park and recreation programs and other community-based outlets to reduce barriers to access; or (C) creating nutrition education programs for at- risk populations to enhance food-purchasing and food- preparation skills and to heighten awareness of the connection between diet and health. ; (4) in subsection (f)(2), by striking 3 years and inserting 5 years ; and (5) by striking subsections (h) and (i) and inserting the following: (h) Reports to Congress Not later than September 30, 2014, and each year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that describes each grant made under this section, including— (1) a description of any activity funded; (2) the degree of success of each activity funded in achieving hunger-free community goals; and (3) the degree of success in improving the long-term capacity of a community to address food and agriculture problems related to hunger or access to healthy food. . 4016. Emergency food assistance (a) Purchase of commodities Section 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2036(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Amounts The Secretary shall use to carry out paragraph (1)— (A) for fiscal year 2013, $265,750,000; and (B) for each subsequent fiscal year, the dollar amount of commodities specified in subparagraph (A) adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been adjusted under section 3(u)(4) between June 30, 2013, and June 30 of the immediately preceding fiscal year, and subsequently increased by— (i) for fiscal year 2014, $22,000,000; (ii) for fiscal year 2015, $18,000,000; (iii) for fiscal year 2016, $10,000,000; and (iv) for fiscal year 2017, $4,000,000. ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) Funds availability For purposes of the funds described in this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) make the funds available for 2 fiscal years; and (B) allow States to carry over unexpended balances to the next fiscal year pursuant to such terms and conditions as are determined by the Secretary. . (b) Emergency food program infrastructure grants Section 209(d) of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 ( 7 U.S.C. 7511a(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4017. Nutrition education Section 28(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2036a(b) ) is amended by inserting and physical activity after healthy food choices . 4018. Retail food store and recipient trafficking The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 29. Retail food store and recipient trafficking (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to provide the Department of Agriculture with additional resources to prevent trafficking in violation of this Act by strengthening recipient and retail food store program integrity. (b) Use of funds (1) In general Additional funds are provided under this section to supplement the retail food store and recipient integrity activities of the Department. (2) Information technologies The Secretary shall use an appropriate amount of the funds provided under this section to employ information technologies known as data mining and data warehousing and other available information technologies to administer the supplemental nutrition assistance program and enforce regulations promulgated under section 4(c). (c) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Mandatory funding (A) In general Out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out this section not less than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain available until expended. (B) Receipt and acceptance The Secretary shall be entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to carry out this section the funds transferred under subparagraph (A), without further appropriation. (C) Maintenance of funding The funding provided under subparagraph (A) shall supplement (and not supplant) other Federal funding for programs carried out under this Act. . 4019. Technical and conforming amendments (a) Section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (g), by striking coupon, and inserting coupon ; (2) in subsection (k)(7), by striking or are and inserting and ; (3) by striking subsection (l); (4) by redesignating subsections (m) through (t) as subsections (l) through (s), respectively; and (5) by inserting after subsection (s) (as so redesignated) the following: (t) Supplemental nutrition assistance program means the program operated pursuant to this Act. . (b) Section 4(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013(a) ) is amended in the last sentence by striking benefits and inserting Benefits . (c) Section 5 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014 ) is amended— (1) in the last sentence of subsection (i)(2)(D), by striking section 13(b)(2) and inserting section 13(b) ; and (2) in subsection (k)(4)(A), by striking paragraph (2)(H) and inserting paragraph (2)(G) . (d) Section 6(d)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4) ) is amended in subparagraphs (B)(vii) and (F)(iii) by indenting both clauses appropriately. (e) Section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(h) ) is amended by redesignating the second paragraph (12) (relating to interchange fees) as paragraph (13). (f) Section 9(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2018(a) ) is amended by indenting paragraph (3) appropriately. (g) Section 12 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2021 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(3)(C), by striking civil money penalties and inserting civil penalties ; and (2) in subsection (g)(1), by striking (7 U.S.C. 1786) and inserting ( 42 U.S.C. 1786 ) . (h) Section 15(b)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2024(b)(1) ) is amended in the first sentence by striking an benefit and inserting a benefit . (i) Section 16(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(a) ) is amended in the proviso following paragraph (8) by striking as amended. . (j) Section 18(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2027(e) ) is amended in the first sentence by striking sections 7(f) and inserting section 7(f) . (k) Section 22(b)(10)(B)(i) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2031(b)(10)(B)(i) ) is amended in the last sentence by striking Food benefits and inserting Benefits . (l) Section 26(f)(3)(C) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2035(f)(3)(C) ) is amended by striking subsection and inserting subsections . (m) Section 27(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2036(a)(1) ) is amended by striking (Public Law 98–8; 7 U.S.C. 612c note) and inserting (7 U.S.C. 7515) . (n) Section 509 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3056g ) is amended in the section heading by striking food stamp programs and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance programs . (o) Section 4115(c)(2)(H) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1871) is amended by striking 531 and inserting 454 . 4020. Eligibility disqualifications for certain convicted felons Section 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015 ) (as amended by section 4004) is amended by adding at the end the following: (s) Disqualification for certain convicted felons (1) In general An individual shall not be eligible for benefits under this Act if the individual is convicted of— (A) aggravated sexual abuse under section 2241 of title 18, United States Code; (B) murder under section 1111 of title 18, United States Code; (C) an offense under chapter 110 of title 18, United States Code; (D) a Federal or State offense involving sexual assault, as defined in 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ( 42 U.S.C. 13925(a) ); or (E) an offense under State law determined by the Attorney General to be substantially similar to an offense described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C). (2) Effects on assistance and benefits for others The amount of benefits otherwise required to be provided to an eligible household under this Act shall be determined by considering the individual to whom paragraph (1) applies not to be a member of such household, except that the income and resources of the individual shall be considered to be income and resources of the household. (3) Enforcement Each State shall require each individual applying for benefits under this Act, during the application process, to state, in writing, whether the individual, or any member of the household of the individual, has been convicted of a crime described in paragraph (1). . B Commodity distribution programs 4101. Commodity distribution program Section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93–86) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4102. Commodity supplemental food program Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93–86) is amended— (1) in paragraphs (1) and (2)(B) of subsection (a), by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 ; (2) in the first sentence of subsection (d)(2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (3) by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following: (g) Eligibility Except as provided in subsection (m), the States shall only provide assistance under the commodity supplemental food program to low-income persons aged 60 and older. ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (m) Phase-Out Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual who receives assistance under the commodity supplemental food program on the day before the date of enactment of this subsection shall continue to receive that assistance until the date on which the individual is no longer eligible for assistance under the eligibility requirements for the program in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this subsection. . 4103. 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 in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4104. Processing of commodities (a) In general Section 17 of the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 100–237 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting and processing after donations ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (c) Processing (1) In general For any program included under subsection (b), the Secretary may, notwithstanding any other provision of Federal or State law relating to the procurement of goods and services— (A) retain title to commodities delivered to a processor, on behalf of a State (including a State distributing agency and a recipient agency), until such time as end products containing the commodities, or similar commodities as approved by the Secretary, are delivered to a State distributing agency or to a recipient agency; and (B) promulgate regulations to ensure accountability for commodities provided to a processor for processing into end products, and to facilitate processing of commodities into end products for use by recipient agencies. (2) Regulations The regulations described in paragraph (1)(B) may provide that— (A) a processor that receives commodities for processing into end products, or provides a service with respect to the commodities or end products, in accordance with the agreement of the processor with a State distributing agency or a recipient agency, provide to the Secretary a bond or other means of financial assurance to protect the value of the commodities; and (B) in the event a processor fails to deliver to a State distributing agency or a recipient agency an end product in conformance with the processing agreement entered into under this Act, the Secretary— (i) take action with respect to the bond or other means of financial assurance pursuant to regulations promulgated under this subsection; and (ii) distribute any proceeds obtained by the Secretary to 1 or more State distributing agencies and recipient agencies, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. . (b) Definitions Section 18 of the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 100–237 ) is amended by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following: (1) Commodities The term commodities means agricultural commodities and their products that are donated by the Secretary for use by recipient agencies. (2) End product The term end product means a food product that contains processed commodities. . (c) Technical and conforming amendments Section 3 of the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 100–237 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B) the program established under section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)); ; and (B) in paragraph (3)(D), by striking the Committee on Education and Labor and inserting the Committee on Education and the Workforce ; (2) in subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii), by striking section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and inserting section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c) ; (3) in subsection (e)(1)(D)(iii), by striking subclause (II) and inserting the following: (II) the program established under section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)); ; and (4) in subsection (k), by striking the Committee on Education and Labor and inserting the Committee on Education and the Workforce . C Miscellaneous 4201. Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions Section 10603(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c–4(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4202. Seniors farmers' market nutrition program Section 4402(a) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3007(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4203. Nutrition information and awareness pilot program Section 4403 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3171 note; Public Law 107–171) is repealed. 4204. Hunger-free communities Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7517 ) is amended to read as follows: 4405. Hunger-free communities (a) In general In this section: (1) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) a nonprofit organization (including an emergency feeding organization); (B) an agricultural cooperative; (C) a producer network or association; (D) a community health organization; (E) a public benefit corporation; (F) an economic development corporation; (G) a farmers' market; (H) a community-supported agriculture program; (I) a buying club; (J) a retail food store participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program; (K) a State, local, or tribal agency; and (L) any other entity the Secretary designates. (2) Emergency feeding organization The term emergency feeding organization has the meaning given the term in section 201A of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501). (3) Supplemental nutrition assistance program The term supplemental nutrition assistance program means the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ). (b) Hunger-Free communities incentive grants (1) Authorization (A) In general In each of the years specified in subsection (c), the Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities in accordance with paragraph (2). (B) Federal share The Federal share of the cost of carrying out an activity under this subsection shall not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the activity. (C) Non-Federal share (i) In general The non-Federal share of the cost of an activity under this subsection may be provided— (I) in cash or in-kind contributions as determined by the Secretary, including facilities, equipment, or services; and (II) by a State or local government or a private source. (ii) Limitation In the case of a for-profit entity, the non-Federal share described in clause (i) shall not include services of an employee, including salaries paid or expenses covered by the employer. (2) Criteria (A) In general For purposes of this subsection, an eligible entity is a governmental agency or nonprofit organization that— (i) meets the application criteria set forth by the Secretary; and (ii) proposes a project that, at a minimum— (I) has the support of the State agency; (II) would increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program by providing incentives at the point of purchase; (III) agrees to participate in the evaluation described in paragraph (4); (IV) ensures that the same terms and conditions apply to purchases made by individuals with benefits issued under this Act and incentives provided for in this subsection as apply to purchases made by individuals who are not members of households receiving benefits, such as provided for in section 278.2(b) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation); and (V) includes effective and efficient technologies for benefit redemption systems that may be replicated in other for States and communities. (B) Priority In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that— (i) maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participants; (ii) use direct-to-consumer sales marketing; (iii) demonstrate a track record of designing and implementing successful nutrition incentive programs that connect low-income consumers and agricultural producers; (iv) provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables; (v) are located in underserved communities; or (vi) address other criteria as established by the Secretary. (3) Applicability (A) In general The value of any benefit provided to a participant in any activity funded under this subsection shall not be considered income or resources for any purpose under any Federal, State, or local law. (B) Prohibition on collection of sales taxes Each State shall ensure that no State or local tax is collected on a purchase of food under this subsection. (C) No limitation on benefits A grant made available under this subsection shall not be used to carry out any project that limits the use of benefits under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ) or any other Federal nutrition law. (D) Household allotment Assistance provided under this subsection to households receiving benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program shall not— (i) be considered part of the supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits of the household; or (ii) be used in the collection or disposition of claims under section 13 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2022). (4) Evaluation (A) Independent evaluation The Secretary shall provide for an independent evaluation of projects selected under this subsection that measures the impact of each project on— (i) improving the nutrition and health status of participating households receiving incentives under this subsection; and (ii) increasing fruit and vegetable purchases in participating households. (B) Requirement The independent evaluation under subparagraph (A) shall use rigorous methodologies capable of producing scientifically valid information regarding the effectiveness of a project. (C) Costs The Secretary may use funds not to exceed 10 percent of the funding provided to carry out this section to pay costs associated with administering, monitoring, and evaluating each project. (c) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (b) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Mandatory Funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out subsection (b)— (A) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; (B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2017; and (C) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. . 4205. Healthy Food Financing Initiative Subtitle D of title II of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6951 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 242. Healthy Food Financing Initiative (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to enhance the authorities of the Secretary to support efforts to provide access to healthy food by establishing an initiative to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, to create and preserve quality jobs, and to revitalize low-income communities by providing loans and grants to eligible fresh, healthy food retailers to overcome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Community development financial institution The term community development financial institution has the meaning given the term in section 103 of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 ( 12 U.S.C. 4702 ). (2) Initiative The term Initiative means the Healthy Food Financing Initiative established under subsection (c)(1). (3) National fund manager The term national fund manager means a community development financial institution that is— (A) in existence on the date of enactment of this section; and (B) certified by the Community Development Financial Institution Fund of the Department of the Treasury to manage the Initiative for purposes of— (i) raising private capital; (ii) providing financial and technical assistance to partnerships; and (iii) funding eligible projects to attract fresh, healthy food retailers to underserved areas, in accordance with this section. (4) Partnership The term partnership means a regional, State, or local public-private partnership that— (A) is organized to improve access to fresh, healthy foods; (B) provides financial and technical assistance to eligible projects; and (C) meets such other criteria as the Secretary may establish. (5) Perishable food The term perishable food means a staple food that is fresh, refrigerated, or frozen. (6) Quality job The term quality job means a job that provides wages and other benefits comparable to, or better than, similar positions in existing businesses of similar size in similar local economies. (7) Staple food (A) In general The term staple food means food that is a basic dietary item. (B) Inclusions The term staple food includes— (i) bread; (ii) flour; (iii) fruits; (iv) vegetables; and (v) meat. (c) Initiative (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish an initiative to achieve the purpose described in subsection (a) in accordance with this subsection. (2) Implementation (A) In general (i) In general In carrying out the Initiative, the Secretary shall provide funding to entities with eligible projects, as described in subparagraph (B), subject to the priorities described in subparagraph (C). (ii) Use of funds Funds provided to an entity pursuant to clause (i) shall be used— (I) to create revolving loan pools of capital or other products to provide loans to finance eligible projects or partnerships; (II) to provide grants for eligible projects or partnerships; (III) to provide technical assistance to funded projects and entities seeking Initiative funding; and (IV) to cover administrative expenses of the national fund manager in an amount not to exceed 10 percent of the Federal funds provided. (B) Eligible projects Subject to the approval of the Secretary, the national fund manager shall establish eligibility criteria for projects under the Initiative, which shall include the existence or planned execution of agreements— (i) to expand or preserve the availability of staple foods in underserved areas with moderate- and low-income populations by maintaining or increasing the number of retail outlets that offer an assortment of perishable food and staple food items, as determined by the Secretary, in those areas; and (ii) to accept benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ). (C) Priorities In carrying out the Initiative, priority shall be given to projects that— (i) are located in severely distressed low-income communities, as defined by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of the Department of the Treasury; and (ii) include 1 or more of the following characteristics: (I) The project will create or retain quality jobs for low-income residents in the community. (II) The project supports regional food systems and locally grown foods, to the maximum extent practicable. (III) In areas served by public transit, the project is accessible by public transit. (IV) The project involves women- or minority-owned businesses. (V) The project receives funding from other sources, including other Federal agencies. (VI) The project otherwise advances the purpose of this section, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $125,000,000, to remain available until expended. . 4206. Pulse crop products (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to encourage greater awareness and interest in the number and variety of pulse crop products available to schoolchildren, as recommended by the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans published under section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5341 ). (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible pulse crop The term eligible pulse crop means dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas. (2) Pulse crop product The term pulse crop product means a food product derived in whole or in part from an eligible pulse crop. (c) Purchase of pulse crops and pulse crop products In addition to the commodities delivered under section 6 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1755 ), the Secretary shall purchase eligible pulse crops and pulse crop products for use in— (1) the school lunch program established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq. ); and (2) the school breakfast program established by section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 ( 42 U.S.C. 1773 ). (d) Evaluation Not later than September 30, 2016, the Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the activities conducted under subsection (c), including— (1) an evaluation of whether children participating in the school lunch and breakfast programs described in subsection (c) increased overall consumption of eligible pulse crops as a result of the activities; (2) an evaluation of which eligible pulse crops and pulse crop products are most acceptable for use in the school lunch and breakfast programs; (3) any recommendations of the Secretary regarding the integration of the use of pulse crop products in carrying out the school lunch and breakfast programs; (4) an evaluation of any change in the nutrient composition in the school lunch and breakfast programs due to the activities; and (5) an evaluation of any other outcomes determined to be appropriate by the Secretary. (e) Report As soon as practicable after the completion of the evaluation under subsection (d), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representative a report describing the results of the evaluation. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000, to remain available until expended. 4207. Dietary Guidelines for Americans Section 301(a) of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Pregnant women and young children Not later than the 2020 report and in each report thereafter, the Secretaries shall include national nutritional and dietary information and guidelines for pregnant women and children from birth until the age of 2. . 4208. Purchases of locally produced foods Section 9(j) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1758(j) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively, and indenting the subparagraphs appropriately; (2) by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in subparagraph (B)— (i) by striking paragraph (1) of the policy described in that paragraph and paragraph (3) and inserting subparagraph (A) of the policy described in that subparagraph and subparagraph (C) ; and (ii) by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (D) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3), conduct not fewer than 5 demonstration projects through school food authorities receiving funds under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.) to facilitate the purchase of unprocessed and minimally processed locally grown and locally raised agricultural products. ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (2) Selection In conducting demonstration projects under paragraph (1)(D), the Secretary shall ensure that at least 1 project is located in a State in each of— (A) the Pacific Northwest Region; (B) the Northeast Region; (C) the Western Region; (D) the Midwest Region; and (E) the Southern Region. (3) Priority In selecting States for participation in the demonstration projects under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall prioritize applications based on— (A) the quantity and variety of growers of local fruits and vegetables in the State; (B) the demonstrated commitment of the State to farm-to-school efforts, as evidenced by prior efforts to increase and promote farm-to- school programs in the State; and (C) whether the State contains a sufficient quantity of school districts of varying population sizes and geographical locations. . 4209. Multiagency task force Subtitle D of title II of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6951 et seq. ) (as amended by section 4205) is amended by adding at the end the following: 243. Multiagency task force (a) In general The Secretary shall establish, in the office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, a multiagency task force for the purpose of providing coordination and direction for commodity programs. (b) Composition The Task Force shall be composed of at least 4 members, including— (1) a representative from the Food Distribution Division of the Food and Nutrition Service, who shall— (A) be appointed by the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services; and (B) serve as Chairperson of the Task Force; (2) at least 1 representative from the Agricultural Marketing Service, who shall be appointed by the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; (3) at least 1 representative from the Farm Services Agency, who shall be appointed by the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services; and (4) at least 1 representative from the Food Safety and Inspection Service, who shall be appointed by the Under Secretary for Food Safety. (c) Duties (1) In general The Task Force shall be responsible for evaluation and monitoring of the commodity programs to ensure that the commodity programs meet the mission of the Department— (A) to support the United States farm sector; and (B) to contribute to the health and well-being of individuals in the United States through the distribution of domestic agricultural products through commodity programs. (2) Specific duties In carrying out paragraph (1), the Task Force shall— (A) review and make recommendations regarding the specifications used for the procurement of food commodities; (B) review and make recommendations regarding the efficient and effective distribution of food commodities; and (C) review and make recommendations regarding the degree to which the quantity, quality, and specifications of procured food commodities align the needs of producers and the preferences of recipient agencies. (d) Reports Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that describes, for the period covered by the report— (1) the findings and recommendations of the Task Force; and (2) policies implemented for the improvement of commodity procurement programs. . 4210. Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program Subtitle D of title II of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6951 et seq.) (as amended by section 4209) is amended by adding at the end the following: 244. Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Approved national service position The term approved national service position has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511)). (2) Elementary school The term elementary school has the meaning given the term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 ). (3) Program The term Program means the Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program established under subsection (b). (4) Secondary school The term secondary school has the meaning given the term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 ). (b) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program to increase knowledge of agriculture and improve the nutritional health of children. (c) Purposes The purposes of the Program are— (1) to increase capacity for food, garden, and nutrition education within host organizations or entities and school cafeterias and in the classroom; (2) to complement and build on the efforts of the farm to school programs implemented under section 18(g) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1769(g) ); (3) to complement efforts by the Department and school food authorities to implement school meal programs under section 4(b)(3) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1753(b)(3)); (4) to carry out activities that advance the nutritional health of children and nutrition education in elementary schools and secondary schools; (5) to build on activities carried out by the Food and Nutrition Service and the Corporation for National and Community Service by providing funds to establish new approved national service positions for a national service program; and (6) to further expand the impact of the efforts described in paragraphs (1) through (5) through coordination with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (d) Eligibility In carrying out the Program, the Secretary may make awards to an organization or other entity that, as determined by the Secretary— (1) has a proven track record in carrying out the activities described in subsection (c); (2) is designated as a national service organization by the Corporation for National and Community Service under subtitle C of title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571 et seq.); (3) works in underserved rural and urban communities; (4) teaches and engages children in experiential learning about agriculture, gardening, nutrition, cooking, and where food comes from; and (5) facilitates a connection between elementary schools and secondary schools and agricultural producers in the local and regional area. (e) Accountability (1) In general The Secretary may require an organization or other entity receiving an award under subsection (d), or another qualified entity, to collect and report any data on the activities carried out under the Program, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Evaluation The Secretary shall— (A) conduct regular evaluation of the activities carried out under the Program; and (B) 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 includes a description of the results of an evaluation conducted under subparagraph (A). (f) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000, to remain available until expended. (2) Use of certain funds Of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, 20 percent shall be made available to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to offset costs associated with hosting, training, and overseeing individuals in approved national service positions under the Program. (3) Maintenance of effort Funds made available under paragraph (1) shall be used only to supplement, not to supplant, the amount of Federal funding otherwise expended for nutrition, research, and extension programs of the Department. . V Credit A Farmer loans, servicing, and other assistance under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 5001. Farmer loans, servicing, and other assistance under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (as amended by section 6001) is amended by inserting after section 3002 the following: A Farmer loans, servicing, and other assistance 1 Farm ownership loans 3101. Farm ownership loans (a) In general The Secretary may make or guarantee a farm ownership loan under this chapter to an eligible farmer for a farm in the United States. (b) Eligibility A farmer shall be eligible under subsection (a) only— (1) if the farmer, or, in the case of an entity, 1 or more individuals holding a majority interest in the entity— (A) is a citizen of the United States; and (B) in the case of a direct loan, has training or farming experience that the Secretary determines is sufficient to ensure a reasonable prospect of success in the farming operation proposed by the farmer; (2) (A) in the case of a farmer that is an individual, if the farmer is or proposes to become an owner and operator of a farm that is not larger than a family farm; or (B) in the case of a lessee-operator of a farm located in the State of Hawaii, if the Secretary determines that— (i) the farm is not larger than a family farm; (ii) the farm cannot be acquired in fee simple by the lessee-operator; (iii) adequate security is provided for the loan with respect to the farm for which the lessee-operator applies under this chapter; and (iv) there is a reasonable probability of accomplishing the objectives and repayment of the loan; (3) in the case of a farmer that is a cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, joint operation, or such other legal entity as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, with respect to the entity and each farm in which the entity has an ownership or operator interest— (A) if— (i) a majority interest is held by individuals who are related by blood or marriage, as defined by the Secretary; (ii) at least 1 of the individuals is or will be the operator of the farm; and (iii) the farm is not larger than a family farm; (B) if— (i) all of the individuals who are or propose to become owners or operators of a farm are related by blood or marriage; (ii) all of the individuals are or propose to become operators of the farm; and (iii) each of the interests of the individuals separately constitutes not larger than a family farm even if the ownership interests of the individuals collectively constitute larger than a family farm; or (C) if— (i) the entire interest is not held by individuals who are related by blood or marriage, as defined by the Secretary; (ii) all of the individuals are or propose to become farm operators; and (iii) the farm is not larger than a family farm; (4) in the case of an entity that is, or will become within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Secretary, only the operator of a family farm, if the 1 or more individuals who are the owners of the family farm own— (A) a percentage of the family farm that exceeds 50 percent; or (B) such other percentage as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; (5) in the case of an operator described in paragraph (3) that is owned, in whole or in part, by 1 or more other entities, if each of the individuals that have a direct or indirect ownership interest in such other entities also have a direct ownership interest in the entity; and (6) if the farmer (or in the case of a farmer that is an entity, the 1 or more individuals that hold a majority interest in the entity) is unable to obtain credit elsewhere. (c) Direct loans (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may make a direct loan under this chapter only to a farmer who has participated in business operations of a farm for not less than 3 years (or has other acceptable experience for a period of time determined by the Secretary) and— (A) is a qualified beginning farmer; (B) has not received a previous direct farm ownership loan made under this chapter; or (C) has not received a direct farm ownership loan under this chapter more than 10 years before the date on which the new loan would be made. (2) Youth loans The operation of an enterprise by a youth under section 3201(d) shall not be considered the operation of a farm for purposes of paragraph (1). 3102. Purposes of loans (a) Allowed purposes (1) Direct loans A farmer may use a direct loan made under this chapter only— (A) to acquire or enlarge a farm; (B) to make capital improvements to a farm; (C) to pay loan closing costs related to acquiring, enlarging, or improving a farm; (D) to pay for activities to promote soil and water conservation and protection described in section 3103 on a farm; or (E) to refinance a temporary bridge loan made by a commercial or cooperative lender to a farmer for the acquisition of land for a farm, if— (i) the Secretary approved an application for a direct farm ownership loan to the farmer for acquisition of the land; and (ii) funds for direct farm ownership loans under section 3201(a) were not available at the time at which the application was approved. (2) Guaranteed loans A farmer may use a loan guaranteed under this chapter only— (A) to acquire or enlarge a farm; (B) to make capital improvements to a farm; (C) to pay loan closing costs related to acquiring, enlarging, or improving a farm; (D) to pay for activities to promote soil and water conservation and protection described in section 3103 on a farm; or (E) to refinance indebtedness. (b) Preferences In making or guaranteeing a loan under this chapter for purchase of a farm, the Secretary shall give preference to a person who— (1) has a dependent family; (2) to the extent practicable, is able to make an initial down payment on the farm; or (3) is an owner of livestock or farm equipment that is necessary to successfully carry out farming operations. (c) Hazard insurance requirement The Secretary may not make a loan to a farmer under this chapter unless the farmer has, or agrees to obtain, hazard insurance on any real property to be acquired or improved with the loan. 3103. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program (a) In general The Secretary may make or guarantee qualified conservation loans to eligible borrowers under this section. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Conservation plan The term conservation plan means a plan, approved by the Secretary, that, for a farming operation, identifies the conservation activities that will be addressed with loan funds provided under this section, including— (A) the installation of conservation structures to address soil, water, and related resources; (B) the establishment of forest cover for sustained yield timber management, erosion control, or shelter belt purposes; (C) the installation of water conservation measures; (D) the installation of waste management systems; (E) the establishment or improvement of permanent pasture; (F) compliance with section 1212 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3812 ); and (G) other purposes consistent with the plan, including the adoption of any other emerging or existing conservation practices, techniques, or technologies approved by the Secretary. (2) Qualified conservation loan The term qualified conservation loan means a loan, the proceeds of which are used to cover the costs to the borrower of carrying out a qualified conservation project. (3) Qualified conservation project The term qualified conservation project means conservation measures that address provisions of a conservation plan of the eligible borrower. (c) Eligibility (1) In general The Secretary may make or guarantee loans to farmers. (2) Requirements To be eligible for a loan under this section, applicants shall meet the citizenship and training and experience requirements of section 3101(b). (d) Priority In making or guaranteeing loans under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to— (1) qualified beginning farmers and socially disadvantaged farmers; (2) owners or tenants who use the loans to convert to sustainable or organic agricultural production systems; and (3) producers who use the loans to build conservation structures or establish conservation practices to comply with section 1212 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3812 ). (e) Limitations applicable to loan guarantees The portion of a loan that the Secretary may guarantee under this section shall not exceed 75 percent of the principal amount of the loan. (f) Administrative provisions The Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that loans made or guaranteed under this section are distributed across diverse geographic regions. (g) Credit eligibility The provisions of paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 3406(a) shall not apply to loans made or guaranteed under this section. (h) Authorization of appropriations For each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out this section. 3104. Loan maximums (a) Maximum (1) In general The Secretary shall make or guarantee no loan under sections 3101, 3102, 3103, 3106, and 3107 that would cause the unpaid indebtedness under those sections of any 1 borrower to exceed the lesser of— (A) the value of the farm or other security, or (B) (i) in the case of a loan made by the Secretary, $300,000; or (ii) in the case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $700,000 (as modified under paragraph (2)). (2) Modification The amount specified in paragraph (1)(B)(ii) shall be— (A) increased, beginning with fiscal year 2000, by the inflation percentage applicable to the fiscal year in which the loan is guaranteed; and (B) reduced by the amount of any unpaid indebtedness of the borrower on loans under chapter 2 that are guaranteed by the Secretary. (b) Determination of value In determining the value of the farm, the Secretary shall consider appraisals made by competent appraisers under rules established by the Secretary. (c) Inflation percentage For purposes of this section, the inflation percentage applicable to a fiscal year is the percentage (if any) by which— (1) the average of the Prices Paid By Farmers Index (as compiled by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the Department) for the 12-month period ending on August 31 of the immediately preceding fiscal year; exceeds (2) the average of that index (as so defined) for the 12-month period ending on August 31, 1996. 3105. Repayment requirements for farm ownership loans (a) Period for repayment The period for repayment of a loan under this chapter shall not exceed 40 years. (b) Interest rates (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this title, the interest rate on a loan under this chapter shall be determined by the Secretary at a rate— (A) not to exceed the sum obtained by adding— (i) the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturity of the loan; and (ii) an amount not to exceed 1 percent, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) adjusted to the nearest 1/8 of 1 percent. (2) Low income farm ownership loans Except as provided in paragraph (3), the interest rate on a loan (other than a guaranteed loan) under section 3106 shall be determined by the Secretary at a rate that is— (A) not greater than the sum obtained by adding— (i) an amount that does not exceed 1/2 of the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with maturities of 5 years; and (ii) an amount not to exceed 1 percent per year, as the Secretary determines is appropriate; and (B) not less than 5 percent per year. (3) Joint financing arrangement If a direct farm ownership loan is made under this chapter as part of a joint financing arrangement and the amount of the direct farm ownership loan does not exceed 50 percent of the total principal amount financed under the arrangement, the interest rate on the direct farm ownership loan shall be at least 4 percent annually. (4) Guaranteed loans The interest rate on a loan made under this chapter as a guaranteed loan shall be such rate as may be agreed on by the borrower and the lender, but not in excess of any rate determined by the Secretary. (c) Payment of charges A borrower of a loan made or guaranteed under this chapter shall pay such fees and other charges as the Secretary may require, and prepay to the Secretary such taxes and insurance as the Secretary may require, on such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe. (d) Security (1) In general The Secretary shall take as security for an obligation entered into in connection with a loan, a mortgage on a farm with respect to which the loan is made or such other security as the Secretary may require. (2) Liens to united states An instrument for security under paragraph (1) may constitute a lien running to the United States notwithstanding the fact that the note for the security may be held by a lender other than the United States. (3) Multiple loans A borrower may use the same collateral to secure 2 or more loans made or guaranteed under this chapter, except that the outstanding amount of the loans may not exceed the total value of the collateral. (e) Mineral rights as collateral (1) In general In the case of a farm ownership loan made after December 23, 1985, unless appraised values of the rights to oil, gas, or other minerals are specifically included as part of the appraised value of collateral securing the loan, the rights to oil, gas, or other minerals located under the property shall not be considered part of the collateral securing the loan. (2) Compensatory payments Nothing in this subsection prevents the inclusion of, as part of the collateral securing the loan, any payment or other compensation the borrower may receive for damages to the surface of the collateral real estate resulting from the exploration for or recovery of minerals. (f) Additional collateral The Secretary may not— (1) require any borrower to provide additional collateral to secure a farmer program loan made or guaranteed under this subtitle, if the borrower is current in the payment of principal and interest on the loan; or (2) bring any action to foreclose, or otherwise liquidate, the loan as a result of the failure of a borrower to provide additional collateral to secure the loan, if the borrower was current in the payment of principal and interest on the loan at the time the additional collateral was requested. 3106. Limited-resource loans (a) In general The Secretary may make or guarantee a limited-resource loan for any of the purposes specified in sections 3102(a) or 3103(a) to a farmer in the United States who— (1) in the case of an entity, all members, stockholders, or partners are eligible under section 3101(b); (2) has a low income; and (3) demonstrates a need to maximize the income of the farmer from farming operations. (b) Installments A loan made or guaranteed under this section shall be repayable in such installments as the Secretary determines will provide for reduced payments during the initial repayment period of the loan and larger payments during the remainder of the repayment period of the loan. (c) Interest rates Except as provided in section 3105(b)(3) and in section 3204(b)(3), the interest rate on loans (other than guaranteed loans) under this section shall not be— (1) greater than the sum obtained by adding— (A) an amount that does not exceed 1/2 of the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with maturities of 5 years; and (B) an amount not exceeding 1 percent per year, as the Secretary determines is appropriate; or (2) less than 5 percent per year. 3107. Downpayment loan program (a) In general (1) Establishment Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Secretary shall establish, under the farm ownership loan program established under this chapter, a program under which loans shall be made under this section to a qualified beginning farmer or a socially disadvantaged farmer for a downpayment on a farm ownership loan. (2) Coordination The Secretary shall be the primary coordinator of credit supervision for the downpayment loan program established under this section, in consultation with a commercial or cooperative lender and, if applicable, a contracting credit counseling service selected under section 3420(c). (b) Loan terms (1) Principal Each loan made under this section shall be in an amount that does not exceed 45 percent of the lesser of— (A) the purchase price of the farm to be acquired; (B) the appraised value of the farm to be acquired; or (C) $667,000. (2) Interest rate The interest rate on any loan made by the Secretary under this section shall be a rate equal to the greater of— (A) the difference between— (i) 4 percent; and (ii) the interest rate for farm ownership loans under this chapter; or (B) 1.5 percent. (3) Duration Each loan under this section shall be made for a period of 20 years or less, at the option of the borrower. (4) Repayment Each borrower of a loan under this section shall repay the loan to the Secretary in equal annual installments. (5) Nature of retained security interest The Secretary shall retain an interest in each farm acquired with a loan made under this section that shall— (A) be secured by the farm; (B) be junior only to such interests in the farm as may be conveyed at the time of acquisition to the person (including a lender) from whom the borrower obtained a loan used to acquire the farm; and (C) require the borrower to obtain the permission of the Secretary before the borrower may grant an additional security interest in the farm. (c) Limitations (1) Borrowers required to make minimum down payment The Secretary shall not make a loan under this section to any borrower with respect to a farm if the contribution of the borrower to the down payment on the farm will be less than 5 percent of the purchase price of the farm. (2) Prohibited types of financing The Secretary shall not make a loan under this section with respect to a farm if the farm is to be acquired with other financing that contains any of the following conditions: (A) The financing is to be amortized over a period of less than 30 years. (B) A balloon payment will be due on the financing during the 20-year period beginning on the date on which the loan is to be made by the Secretary. (d) Administration In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) facilitate the transfer of farms from retiring farmers to persons eligible for insured loans under this subtitle; (2) make efforts to widely publicize the availability of loans under this section among— (A) potentially eligible recipients of the loans; (B) retiring farmers; and (C) applicants for farm ownership loans under this chapter; (3) encourage retiring farmers to assist in the sale of their farms to qualified beginning farmers and socially disadvantaged farmers providing seller financing; (4) coordinate the loan program established by this section with State programs that provide farm ownership or operating loans for beginning farmers or socially disadvantaged farmers; and (5) establish annual performance goals to promote the use of the down payment loan program and other joint financing arrangements as the preferred choice for direct real estate loans made by any lender to a qualified beginning farmer or socially disadvantaged farmer. 3108. Beginning farmer and socially disadvantaged farmer contract land sales program (a) In general The Secretary shall, in accordance with this section, guarantee a loan made by a private seller of a farm to a qualified beginning farmer or socially disadvantaged farmer on a contract land sales basis. (b) Eligibility To be eligible for a loan guarantee under subsection (a)— (1) the qualified beginning farmer or socially disadvantaged farmer shall— (A) on the date the contract land sale that is subject of the loan is complete, own and operate the farm that is the subject of the contract land sale; (B) have a credit history that— (i) includes a record of satisfactory debt repayment, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) is acceptable to the Secretary; and (C) demonstrate to the Secretary that the farmer is unable to obtain sufficient credit without a guarantee to finance any actual need of the farmer at a reasonable rate or term; and (2) the loan shall meet applicable underwriting criteria, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Limitations The Secretary shall not provide a loan guarantee under subsection (a) if— (1) the contribution of the qualified beginning farmer or socially disadvantaged farmer to the down payment for the farm that is the subject of the contract land sale would be less than 5 percent of the purchase price of the farm; or (2) the purchase price or the appraisal value of the farm that is the subject of the contract land sale is greater than $500,000. (d) Period of guarantee A loan guarantee under this section shall be in effect for the 10-year period beginning on the date on which the guarantee is provided. (e) Guarantee plan (1) Selection of plan A private seller of a farm who makes a loan guaranteed by the Secretary under subsection (a) may select— (A) a prompt payment guarantee plan, which shall cover— (i) 3 amortized annual installments; or (ii) an amount equal to 3 annual installments (including an amount equal to the total cost of any tax and insurance incurred during the period covered by the annual installments); or (B) a standard guarantee plan, which shall cover an amount equal to 90 percent of the outstanding principal of the loan. (2) Eligibility for standard guarantee plan To be eligible for a standard guarantee plan referred to in paragraph (1)(B), a private seller shall— (A) secure a commercial lending institution or similar entity, as determined by the Secretary, to serve as an escrow agent; or (B) in cooperation with the farmer, use an appropriate alternate arrangement, as determined by the Secretary. 2 Operating loans 3201. Operating loans (a) In general The Secretary may make or guarantee an operating loan under this chapter to an eligible farmer in the United States. (b) Eligibility A farmer shall be eligible under subsection (a) only— (1) if the farmer, or an individual holding a majority interest in the farmer— (A) is a citizen of the United States; and (B) has training or farming experience that the Secretary determines is sufficient to ensure a reasonable prospect of success in the farming operation proposed by the farmer; (2) in the case of a farmer that is an individual, if the farmer is or proposes to become an operator of a farm that is not larger than a family farm; (3) in the case of a farmer that is a cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, joint operation, or such other legal entity as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, with respect to the entity and each farm in which the entity has an ownership or operator interest— (A) if— (i) a majority interest is held by individuals who are related by blood or marriage, as defined by the Secretary; (ii) at least 1 of the individuals is or will be the operator of the farm; and (iii) the farm is not larger than a family farm; (B) if— (i) all of the individuals who are or propose to become owners or operators of a farm are related by blood or marriage; (ii) all of the individuals are or propose to become operators of the farm; and (iii) each of the interests of the individuals separately constitutes not larger than a family farm even if the ownership interests of the individuals collectively constitute larger than a family farm; or (C) if— (i) the entire interest is not held by individuals who are related by blood or marriage, as defined by the Secretary; (ii) all of the individuals are or propose to become farm operators; and (iii) the farm is not larger than a family farm; (4) in the case of an operator described in paragraph (3) that is owned, in whole or in part by 1 or more other entities, if not less than 75 percent of the ownership interests of each other entity is owned directly or indirectly by 1 or more individuals who own the family farm; and (5) if the farmer (or in the case of a farmer that is an entity, the 1 or more individuals that hold a majority interest in the entity) is unable to obtain credit elsewhere. (c) Direct loans (1) In general The Secretary may make a direct loan under this chapter only to a farmer who— (A) is a qualified beginning farmer; (B) has not received a previous direct operating loan made under this chapter; or (C) has not received a direct operating loan made under this chapter for a total of 10 years, plus any year the farmer or rancher did not receive a direct operating loan after the year in which the borrower initially received a direct operating loan under this chapter, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Youth loans In this subsection, the term direct operating loan shall not include a loan made to a youth under subsection (d). (3) Waivers (A) Farm operations on tribal land The Secretary shall waive the limitation under paragraph (1)(C) for a direct loan made under this chapter to a farmer whose farm land is subject to the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe and whose loan is secured by 1 or more security instruments that are subject to the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe if the Secretary determines that commercial credit is not generally available for such farm operations. (B) Other farm operations On a case-by-case determination not subject to administrative appeal, the Secretary may grant a borrower a waiver, 1 time only for a period of 2 years, of the limitation under paragraph (1)(C) for a direct operating loan if the borrower demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that— (i) the borrower has a viable farm operation; (ii) the borrower applied for commercial credit from at least 2 commercial lenders; (iii) the borrower was unable to obtain a commercial loan (including a loan guaranteed by the Secretary); and (iv) the borrower successfully has completed, or will complete within 1 year, borrower training under section 3419 (from which requirement the Secretary shall not grant a waiver under section 3419(f)). (d) Youth loans (1) In general Notwithstanding subsection (b), except for citizenship and credit requirements, a loan may be made under this chapter to a youth who is a rural resident to enable the youth to operate an enterprise in connection with the participation in a youth organization, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Full personal liability A youth receiving a loan under this subsection who executes a promissory note for the loan shall incur full personal liability for the indebtedness evidenced by the note, in accordance with the terms of the note, free of any disability of minority. (3) Cosigner The Secretary may accept the personal liability of a cosigner of a promissory note for a loan under this subsection, in addition to the personal liability of the youth borrower. (4) Youth enterprises not farming The operation of an enterprise by a youth under this subsection shall not be considered the operation of a farm under this subtitle. (5) Relation to other loan programs Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a borrower becomes delinquent with respect to a youth loan made under this subsection, the borrower shall not become ineligible, as a result of the delinquency, to receive loans and loan guarantees from the Federal government to pay for education expenses of the borrower. (e) Pilot loan program To support healthy foods for the hungry (1) Definition of gleaner In this subsection, the term gleaner means an entity that— (A) collects edible, surplus food that would be thrown away and distributes the food to agencies or nonprofit organizations that feed the hungry; or (B) harvests for free distribution to the needy, or for donation to agencies or nonprofit organizations for ultimate distribution to the needy, an agricultural crop that has been donated by the owner of the crop. (2) Program Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall establish, within the operating loan program established under this chapter, a pilot program under which the Secretary makes loans available to eligible entities to assist the entities in providing food to the hungry. (3) Eligibility In addition to any other person eligible under the terms and conditions of the operating loan program established under this chapter, gleaners shall be eligible to receive loans under this subsection. (4) Loan amount (A) In general Each loan issued under the program shall be in an amount of not less than $500 and not more than $5,000. (B) Redistribution If the eligible recipients in a State do not use the full allocation of loans that are available to eligible recipients in the State under this subsection, the Secretary may use any unused amounts to make loans available to eligible entities in other States in accordance with this subsection. (5) Loan processing (A) In general The Secretary shall process any loan application submitted under the program not later than 30 days after the date on which the application was submitted. (B) Expediting applications The Secretary shall take any measure the Secretary determines necessary to expedite any application submitted under the program. (6) Paperwork reduction The Secretary shall take measures to reduce any paperwork requirements for loans under the program. (7) Program integrity The Secretary shall take such actions as are necessary to ensure the integrity of the program established under this subsection. (8) Maximum amount Of funds that are made available to carry out this chapter, the Secretary shall use to carry out this subsection a total amount of not more than $500,000. (9) Report Not later than 180 days after the maximum amount of funds are used to carry out this subsection under paragraph (8), 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 report that describes the results of the pilot program and the feasibility of expanding the program. 3202. Purposes of loans (a) Direct loans A direct loan may be made under this chapter only— (1) to pay the costs incident to reorganizing a farm for more profitable operation; (2) to purchase livestock, poultry, or farm equipment; (3) to purchase feed, seed, fertilizer, insecticide, or farm supplies, or to meet other essential farm operating expenses, including cash rent; (4) to finance land or water development, use, or conservation; (5) to pay loan closing costs; (6) to assist a farmer in changing the equipment, facilities, or methods of operation of a farm to comply with a standard promulgated under section 6 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 ( 29 U.S.C. 655 ) or a standard adopted by a State under a plan approved under section 18 of that Act ( 29 U.S.C. 667 ), if the Secretary determines that without assistance under this paragraph the farmer is likely to suffer substantial economic injury in complying with the standard; (7) to train a limited-resource borrower receiving a loan under section 3106 in maintaining records of farming operations; (8) to train a borrower under section 3419; (9) to refinance the indebtedness of a borrower, if the borrower— (A) has refinanced a loan under this chapter not more than 4 times previously; and (B) (i) is a direct loan borrower under this subtitle at the time of the refinancing and has suffered a qualifying loss because of a natural or major disaster or emergency; or (ii) is refinancing a debt obtained from a creditor other than the Secretary; (10) to provide other farm or home needs, including family subsistence; or (11) to assist a farmer in the production of a locally or regionally produced agricultural food product (as defined in section 3601(e)(11)(A)), including to qualified producers engaged in direct-to-consumer marketing, direct-to-institution marketing, or direct-to-store marketing, business, or activities that produce a value-added agricultural product (as defined in section 231(a) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1632a(a))). (b) Guaranteed loans A loan may be guaranteed under this chapter only— (1) to pay the costs incident to reorganizing a farm for more profitable operation; (2) to purchase livestock, poultry, or farm equipment; (3) to purchase feed, seed, fertilizer, insecticide, or farm supplies, or to meet other essential farm operating expenses, including cash rent; (4) to finance land or water development, use, or conservation; (5) to refinance indebtedness; (6) to pay loan closing costs; (7) to assist a farmer in changing the equipment, facilities, or methods of operation of a farm to comply with a standard promulgated under section 6 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 ( 29 U.S.C. 655 ) or a standard adopted by a State under a plan approved under section 18 of that Act ( 29 U.S.C. 667 ), if the Secretary determines that without assistance under this paragraph the farmer is likely to suffer substantial economic injury due to compliance with the standard; (8) to train a borrower under section 3419; or (9) to provide other farm or home needs, including family subsistence. (c) Hazard insurance requirement The Secretary may not make a loan to a farmer under this chapter unless the farmer has, or agrees to obtain, hazard insurance on the property to be acquired with the loan. (d) Private reserve (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Secretary may reserve a portion of any loan made under this chapter to be placed in an unsupervised bank account that may be used at the discretion of the borrower for the basic family needs of the borrower and the immediate family of the borrower. (2) Limit on size of the reserve The size of the reserve shall not exceed the lesser of— (A) 10 percent of the loan; (B) $5,000; or (C) the amount needed to provide for the basic family needs of the borrower and the immediate family of the borrower for 3 calendar months. (e) Loans to local and regional food producers (1) Training The Secretary shall ensure that loan officers processing loans under subsection (a)(11) receive appropriate training to serve borrowers and potential borrowers engaged in local and regional food production. (2) Valuation (A) In general The Secretary shall develop ways to determine unit prices (or other appropriate forms of valuation) for crops and other agricultural products, the end use of which is intended to be in locally or regionally produced agricultural food products, to facilitate lending to local and regional food producers. (B) Price history The Secretary shall implement a mechanism for local and regional food producers to establish price history for the crops and other agricultural products produced by local and regional food producers. (3) Outreach The Secretary shall develop and implement an outreach strategy to engage and provide loan services to local and regional food producers. 3203. Restrictions on loans (a) Requirements (1) In general The Secretary may not make or guarantee a loan under this chapter— (A) that would cause the total principal indebtedness outstanding at any 1 time for loans made under this chapter to any 1 borrower to exceed— (i) (I) in the case of a loan made by the Secretary, $300,000; or (II) in the case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $700,000 (as modified under paragraph (2)); or (B) for the purchasing or leasing of land other than for cash rent, or for carrying on a land leasing or land purchasing program. (2) Modification The amount specified in paragraph (1)(A)(ii) shall be— (A) increased, beginning with fiscal year 2000, by the inflation percentage applicable to the fiscal year in which the loan is guaranteed; and (B) reduced by the unpaid indebtedness of the borrower on loans under sections specified in section 3104 that are guaranteed by the Secretary. (b) Inflation percentage For purposes of this section, the inflation percentage applicable to a fiscal year is the percentage (if any) by which— (1) the average of the Prices Paid By Farmers Index (as compiled by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the Department) for the 12-month period ending on August 31 of the immediately preceding fiscal year; exceeds (2) the average of that index (as so defined) for the 12-month period ending on August 31, 1996. 3204. Terms of loans (a) Personal liability A borrower of a loan made under this chapter shall secure the loan with the full personal liability of the borrower and such other security as the Secretary may prescribe. (b) Interest rates (1) Maximum rate (A) In general Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), the interest rate on a loan made under this chapter (other than a guaranteed loan) shall be determined by the Secretary at a rate not to exceed the sum obtained by adding— (i) the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturity of the loan; and (ii) an additional charge not to exceed 1 percent, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Adjustment The sum obtained under subparagraph (A) shall be adjusted to the nearest 1/8 of 1 percent. (2) Guaranteed loan The interest rate on a guaranteed loan made under this chapter shall be such rate as may be agreed on by the borrower and the lender, but may not exceed any rate prescribed by the Secretary. (3) Low income loan The interest rate on a direct loan made under this chapter to a low-income, limited-resource borrower shall be determined by the Secretary at a rate that is not— (A) greater than the sum obtained by adding— (i) an amount that does not exceed 1/2 of the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with a maturity of 5 years; and (ii) an amount not to exceed 1 percent per year, as the Secretary determines is appropriate; or (B) less than 5 percent per year. (c) Period for repayment The period for repayment of a loan made under this chapter may not exceed 7 years. (d) Line-of-Credit loans (1) In general A loan made or guaranteed by the Secretary under this chapter may be in the form of a line-of-credit loan. (2) Term A line-of-credit loan under paragraph (1) shall terminate not later than 5 years after the date that the loan is made or guaranteed. (3) Eligibility For purposes of determining eligibility for an operating loan under this chapter, each year during which a farmer takes an advance or draws on a line-of-credit loan the farmer shall be considered as having received an operating loan for 1 year. (4) Termination of delinquent loans If a borrower does not pay an installment on a line-of-credit loan on schedule, the borrower may not take an advance or draw on the line-of-credit, unless the Secretary determines that— (A) the failure of the borrower to pay on schedule was due to unusual conditions that the borrower could not control; and (B) the borrower will reduce the line-of-credit balance to the scheduled level at the end of— (i) the production cycle; or (ii) the marketing of the agricultural products of the borrower. (5) Agricultural commodities A line-of-credit loan may be used to finance the production or marketing of an agricultural commodity that is eligible for a price support program of the Department. 3 Emergency loans 3301. Emergency loans (a) In general The Secretary shall make or guarantee an emergency loan under this chapter to an eligible farmer (including a commercial fisherman) only to the extent and in such amounts as provided in advance in appropriation Acts. (b) Eligibility An established farmer shall be eligible under subsection (a) only— (1) if the farmer or an individual holding a majority interest in the farmer— (A) is a citizen of the United States; and (B) has experience and resources that the Secretary determines are sufficient to ensure a reasonable prospect of success in the farming operation proposed by the farmer; (2) in the case of a farmer that is an individual, if the farmer is— (A) in the case of a loan for a purpose under chapter 1, an owner, operator, or lessee-operator described in section 3101(b)(2); and (B) in the case of a loan for a purpose under chapter 2, an operator of a farm that is not larger than a family farm; (3) in the case of a farmer that is a cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, joint operation, or such other legal entity as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, with respect to the entity and each farm in which the entity has an ownership or operator interest— (A) if— (i) a majority interest is held by individuals who are related by blood or marriage, as defined by the Secretary; (ii) at least 1 of the individuals is or will be the operator of the farm; and (iii) the farm is not larger than a family farm; (B) if— (i) all of the individuals who are or propose to become owners or operators of a farm are related by blood or marriage; (ii) all of the individuals are or propose to become operators of the farm; and (iii) each of the interests of the individuals separately constitutes not larger than a family farm even if the ownership interests of the individuals collectively constitute larger than a family farm; or (C) if— (i) the entire interest is not held by individuals who are related by blood or marriage, as defined by the Secretary; (ii) all of the individuals are or propose to become farm operators; and (iii) the farm is not larger than a family farm; (4) if the entity is owned, in whole or in part, by 1 or more other entities and each individual who is an owner of the family farm involved has a direct or indirect ownership interest in each of the other entities; (5) if the farmer (or in the case of a farmer that is an entity, the 1 or more individuals that hold a majority interest in the entity) is unable to obtain credit elsewhere; and (6) (A) if the Secretary finds that the operations of the farmer have been substantially affected by— (i) a natural or major disaster or emergency designated by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. ); or (ii) a quarantine imposed by the Secretary under the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq. ) or the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq. ); or (B) if the farmer conducts farming operations in a county or a county contiguous to a county in which the Secretary has found that farming operations have been substantially affected by a natural or major disaster or emergency. (c) Time for accepting an application The Secretary shall accept an application for a loan under this chapter from a farmer at any time during the 8-month period beginning on the date that— (1) the Secretary determines that farming operations of the farmer have been substantially affected by— (A) a quarantine imposed by the Secretary under the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq. ) or the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq. ); or (B) a natural disaster; or (2) the President makes a major disaster or emergency designation with respect to the affected county of the farmer referred to in subsection (b)(5)(B). (d) Hazard insurance requirement The Secretary may not make a loan to a farmer under this chapter to cover a property loss unless the farmer had hazard insurance that insured the property at the time of the loss. (e) Family farm The Secretary shall conduct the loan program under this chapter in a manner that will foster and encourage the family farm system of agriculture, consistent with the reaffirmation of policy and declaration of the intent of Congress contained in section 102(a) of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 2266(a) ). 3302. Purposes of loans Subject to the limitations on the amounts of loans provided in section 3303(a), a loan may be made or guaranteed under this chapter for— (1) any purpose authorized for a loan under chapter 1 or 2; and (2) crop or livestock purposes that are— (A) necessitated by a quarantine, natural disaster, major disaster, or emergency; and (B) considered desirable by the farmer. 3303. Terms of loans (a) Maximum amount of loan The Secretary may not make or guarantee a loan under this chapter to a borrower who has suffered a loss in an amount that— (1) exceeds the actual loss caused by a disaster; or (2) would cause the total indebtedness of the borrower under this chapter to exceed $500,000. (b) Interest rates Any portion of a loan under this chapter up to the amount of the actual loss suffered by a farmer caused by a disaster shall be at a rate prescribed by the Secretary, but not in excess of 8 percent per annum. (c) Interest subsidies for guaranteed loans In the case of a guaranteed loan under this chapter, the Secretary may pay an interest subsidy to the lender for any portion of the loan up to the amount of the actual loss suffered by a farmer caused by a disaster. (d) Time for repayment (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), a loan under this chapter shall be repayable at such times as the Secretary may determine, considering the purpose of the loan and the nature and effect of the disaster, but not later than the maximum repayment period allowed for a loan for a similar purpose under chapters 1 and 2. (2) Extended repayment period The Secretary may, if the loan is for a purpose described in chapter 2 and the Secretary determines that the need of the loan applicant justifies the longer repayment period, make the loan repayable at the end of a period of more than 7 years, but not more than 20 years. (e) Security for loan (1) In general A borrower of a loan made under this chapter shall secure the loan with the full personal liability of the borrower and such other security as the Secretary may prescribe. (2) Adequate security Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary may not make or guarantee a loan under this chapter unless the security for the loan is adequate to ensure repayment of the loan. (3) Inadequate security due to disaster If adequate security for a loan under this chapter is not available because of a disaster, the Secretary shall accept as security any collateral that is available if the Secretary is confident that the collateral and the repayment ability of the farmer are adequate security for the loan. (4) Valuation of farm assets If a farm asset (including land, livestock, or equipment) is used as collateral to secure a loan applied for under this chapter and the governor of the State in which the farm is located requests assistance under this chapter or the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. ) for the portion of the State in which the asset is located, the Secretary shall establish the value of the asset as of the day before the occurrence of the natural or major disaster or emergency. (f) Review of loan (1) In general In the case of a loan made, but not guaranteed, under section 3301, the Secretary shall review the loan 3 years after the loan is made, and every 2 years thereafter for the term of the loan. (2) Termination of federal assistance If, based on a review under paragraph (1), the Secretary determines that the borrower is able to obtain a loan from a non-Federal source at reasonable rates and terms, the borrower shall, on request by the Secretary, apply for, and accept, a non-Federal loan in a sufficient amount to repay the Secretary. 3304. Production losses (a) In general The Secretary shall make or guarantee a loan under this chapter to an eligible farmer for production losses if a single enterprise that constitutes a basic part of the farming operation of the farmer has sustained at least a 30 percent loss in normal per acre or per animal production, or such lesser percentage as the Secretary may determine, as a result of a disaster. (b) Basis for percentage A percentage loss under subsection (a) shall be based on the average monthly price in effect for the previous crop or calendar year, as appropriate. (c) Amount of loan A loan under subsection (a) shall be in an amount that is equal to 80 percent, or such greater percentage as the Secretary may determine, of the total calculated actual production loss sustained by the farmer. 4 General farmer loan provisions 3401. Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund The fund established pursuant to section 11(a) of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (60 Stat. 1075, chapter 964) shall be known as the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund (referred to in this section as the Fund , unless the context otherwise requires) for the discharge of the obligations of the Secretary under agreements insuring loans under this subtitle and loans and mortgages insured under prior authority. 3402. Guaranteed farmer loans (a) In general The Secretary may provide financial assistance to a borrower for a purpose provided in this subtitle by guaranteeing a loan made by any Federal or State chartered bank, savings and loan association, cooperative lending agency, or other legally organized lending agency. (b) Interest rate The interest rate payable by a borrower on the portion of a guaranteed loan that is sold by a lender to the secondary market under this subtitle may be lower than the interest rate charged on the portion retained by the lender, but shall not exceed the average interest rate charged by the lender on loans made to farm borrowers. (c) Fees In the case of a loan guarantee on a loan made by a commercial or cooperative lender related to a loan made by the Secretary under section 3107— (1) the Secretary shall not charge a fee to any person (including a lender); and (2) a lender may charge a loan origination and servicing fee in an amount not to exceed 1 percent of the amount of the loan. (d) Maximum guarantee of 90 percent Except as provided in subsections (e) and (f), a loan guarantee under this subtitle shall be for not more than 90 percent of the principal and interest due on the loan. (e) Refinanced loans guaranteed at 95 percent The Secretary shall guarantee 95 percent of— (1) in the case of a loan that solely refinances a direct loan made under this subtitle, the principal and interest due on the loan on the date of the refinancing; or (2) in the case of a loan that is used for multiple purposes, the portion of the loan that refinances the principal and interest due on a direct loan made under this subtitle that is outstanding on the date the loan is guaranteed. (f) Beginning farmer loans guaranteed up to 95 percent The Secretary may guarantee not more than 95 percent of— (1) a farm ownership loan for acquiring a farm to a borrower who is participating in the downpayment loan program under section 3107; or (2) an operating loan to a borrower who is participating in the downpayment loan program under section 3107 that is made during the period that the borrower has a direct loan outstanding under chapter 1 for acquiring a farm. (g) Guarantee of loans made under State beginning farmer programs The Secretary may guarantee under this subtitle a loan made under a State beginning farmer program, including a loan financed by the net proceeds of a qualified small issue agricultural bond for land or property described in section 144(a)(12)(B)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (h) Partial liquidations If a partial liquidation of a delinquent loan is performed (with the prior consent of the Secretary) as part of loan servicing by a guaranteed lender under this subtitle, the Secretary shall not require full liquidation of the loan for the lender to be eligible to receive payment on losses. 3403. Provision of information to borrowers (a) Approval notification The Secretary shall approve or disapprove an application for a loan or loan guarantee made under this subtitle, and notify the applicant of such action, not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary has received a complete application for the loan or loan guarantee. (b) List of lenders The Secretary shall make available to any farmer, on request, a list of lenders in the area that participate in guaranteed farmer program loan programs established under this subtitle, and other lenders in the area that express a desire to participate in the programs and that request inclusion on the list. (c) Other information (1) In general On the request of a borrower, the Secretary shall make available to the borrower— (A) a copy of each document signed by the borrower; (B) a copy of each appraisal performed with respect to the loan; and (C) any document that the Secretary is required to provide to the borrower under any law in effect on the date of the request. (2) Rule of construction Paragraph (1) shall not supersede any duty imposed on the Secretary by a law in effect on January 5, 1988, unless the duty directly conflicts with a duty under paragraph (1). 3404. Notice of loan service programs (a) Requirement The Secretary shall provide notice by certified mail to each borrower who is at least 90 days past due on the payment of principal or interest on a loan made under this subtitle. (b) Contents The notice required under subsection (a) shall— (1) include a summary of all primary loan service programs, homestead retention programs, debt settlement programs, and appeal procedures, including the eligibility criteria, and terms and conditions of the programs and procedures; (2) include a summary of the manner in which the borrower may apply, and be considered, for all such programs, except that the Secretary shall not require the borrower to select among the programs or waive any right to be considered for any program carried out by the Secretary; (3) advise the borrower regarding all filing requirements and any deadlines that must be met for requesting loan servicing; (4) provide any relevant forms, including applicable response forms; (5) advise the borrower that a copy of regulations is available on request; and (6) be designed to be readable and understandable by the borrower. (c) Contained in regulations All notices required by this section shall be contained in the regulations issued to carry out this subtitle. (d) Timing The notice described in subsection (b) shall be provided— (1) at the time an application is made for participation in a loan service program; (2) on written request of the borrower; and (3) before the earliest of the date of— (A) initiating any liquidation; (B) requesting the conveyance of security property; (C) accelerating the loan; (D) repossessing property; (E) foreclosing on property; or (F) taking any other collection action. (e) Consideration of borrowers for loan service programs (1) In general The Secretary shall consider a farmer program loan borrower for all loan service programs if, not later than 60 days after receipt of the notice described in subsection (b), the borrower requests the consideration in writing. (2) Priority In considering a borrower for a loan service program, the Secretary shall place the highest priority on the preservation of the farming operations of the borrower. 3405. Planting and production history guidelines (a) In general The Secretary shall ensure that appropriate procedures, including, to the extent practicable, onsite inspections, or use of county or State yield averages, are used in calculating future yields for an applicant for a loan, when an accurate projection cannot be made because the past production history of the farmer has been affected by a natural or major disaster or emergency. (b) Calculation of yields (1) In general For the purpose of averaging the past yields of the farm of a farmer over a period of crop years to calculate the future yield of the farm under this subtitle, the Secretary shall permit the farmer to exclude the crop year with the lowest actual or county average yield for the farm from the calculation, if the farmer was affected by a natural or major disaster or emergency during at least 2 of the crop years during the period. (2) Affected by a natural or major disaster or emergency A farmer was affected by a natural or major disaster or emergency under paragraph (1) if the Secretary finds that the farming operations of the farmer have been substantially affected by a natural or major disaster or emergency, including a farmer who has a qualifying loss but is not located in a designated or declared disaster area. (3) Application of subsection This subsection shall apply to any action taken by the Secretary that involves— (A) a loan under chapter 1 or 2; and (B) the yield of a farm of a farmer, including making a loan or loan guarantee, servicing a loan, or making a credit sale. 3406. Special conditions and limitations on loans (a) Applicant requirements In connection with a loan made or guaranteed under this subtitle, the Secretary shall require— (1) the applicant— (A) to certify in writing that, and the Secretary shall determine whether, the applicant is unable to obtain credit elsewhere; and (B) to furnish an appropriate written financial statement; (2) except for a guaranteed loan, an agreement by the borrower that if at any time it appears to the Secretary that the borrower may be able to obtain a loan from a production credit association, a Federal land bank, or other responsible cooperative or private credit source (or, in the case of a borrower under section 3106, the borrower may be able to obtain a loan under section 3101), at reasonable rates and terms for loans for similar purposes and periods of time, the borrower will, on request by the Secretary, apply for and accept the loan in a sufficient amount to repay the Secretary or the insured lender, or both, and to pay for any stock necessary to be purchased in a cooperative lending agency in connection with the loan; (3) such provision for supervision of the operations of the borrower as the Secretary shall consider necessary to achieve the objectives of the loan and protect the interests of the United States; and (4) the application of a person who is a veteran for a loan under chapter 1 or 2 to be given preference over a similar application from a person who is not a veteran if the applications are on file in a county or area office at the same time. (b) Agency processing requirements (1) Notifications (A) Incomplete application notification If an application for a loan or loan guarantee under this subtitle (other than an operating loan or loan guarantee) is incomplete, the Secretary shall inform the applicant of the reasons the application is incomplete not later than 20 days after the date on which the Secretary has received the application. (B) Operating loans (i) Additional information needed Not later than 10 calendar days after the Secretary receives an application for an operating loan or loan guarantee, the Secretary shall notify the applicant of any information required before a decision may be made on the application. (ii) Information not received If, not later than 20 calendar days after the date a request is made pursuant to clause (i) with respect to an application, the Secretary has not received the information requested, the Secretary shall notify the applicant and the district office of the Farm Service Agency, in writing, of the outstanding information. (C) Request information (i) In general On receipt of an application, the Secretary shall request from other parties such information as may be needed in connection with the application. (ii) Information from an agency of the Department Not later than 15 calendar days after the date on which an agency of the Department receives a request for information made pursuant to subparagraph (A), the agency shall provide the Secretary with the requested information. (2) Report of pending applications (A) In general A county office shall notify the district office of the Farm Service Agency of each application for an operating loan or loan guarantee that is pending more than 45 days after receipt, and the reasons for which the application is pending. (B) Action on pending applications A district office that receives a notice provided under subparagraph (A) with respect to an application shall immediately take steps to ensure that final action is taken on the application not later than 15 days after the date of the receipt of the notice. (C) Pending application report The district office shall report to the State office of the Farm Service Agency on each application for an operating loan or loan guarantee that is pending more than 45 days after receipt, and the reasons for which the application is pending. (D) Report to Congress Each month, the Secretary shall notify the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, on a State-by-State basis, as to each application for an operating loan or loan guarantee on which final action had not been taken within 60 calendar days after receipt by the Secretary, and the reasons for which final action had not been taken. (3) Disapprovals (A) In general If an application for a loan or loan guarantee under this subtitle is disapproved by the Secretary, the Secretary shall state the reasons for the disapproval in the notice required under paragraph (1). (B) Disapproval due to lack of funds (i) In general Notwithstanding paragraph (1), each application for a loan or loan guarantee under section 3601(e), or for a loan under section 3501(a) or 3502(a), that is to be disapproved by the Secretary solely because the Secretary lacks the funds necessary to make the loan or guarantee shall not be disapproved but shall be placed in pending status. (ii) Reconsideration The Secretary shall retain each pending application and reconsider the application beginning on the date that sufficient funds become available. (iii) Notification Not later than 60 days after funds become available regarding each pending application, the Secretary shall notify the applicant of the approval or disapproval of funding for the application. (4) Approvals on appeal If an application for a loan or loan guarantee under this subtitle is disapproved by the Secretary, but that action is subsequently reversed or revised as the result of an appeal within the Department or to the courts of the United States and the application is returned to the Secretary for further consideration, the Secretary shall act on the application and provide the applicant with notice of the action not later than 15 days after the date of return of the application to the Secretary. (5) Provision of proceeds (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), if an application for a guaranteed loan under this subtitle is approved by the Secretary, the Secretary shall provide the loan proceeds to the applicant not later than 15 days (or such longer period as the applicant may approve) after the application for the loan is approved by the Secretary. (B) Lack of funds If the Secretary is unable to provide the loan proceeds to the applicant during the 15-day period described in subparagraph (A) because sufficient funds are not available to the Secretary for that purpose, the Secretary shall provide the loan proceeds to the applicant as soon as practicable (but in no event later than 15 days unless the applicant agrees to a longer period) after sufficient funds for that purpose become available to the Secretary. 3407. Graduation of borrowers (a) Graduation of Seasoned Direct Loan Borrowers to the Loan Guarantee Program (1) Review of loans (A) In general The Secretary, or a contracting third party, shall annually review under section 3420 the loans of each seasoned direct loan borrower. (B) Assistance If, based on the review, it is determined that a borrower would be able to obtain a loan, guaranteed by the Secretary, from a commercial or cooperative lender at reasonable rates and terms for loans for similar purposes and periods of time, the Secretary shall assist the borrower in applying for the commercial or cooperative loan. (2) Prospectus (A) In general In accordance with section 3422, the Secretary shall prepare a prospectus on each seasoned direct loan borrower determined eligible to obtain a guaranteed loan. (B) Requirements The prospectus shall contain a description of the amounts of the loan guarantee and interest assistance that the Secretary will provide to the seasoned direct loan borrower to enable the seasoned direct loan borrower to carry out a financially viable farming plan if a guaranteed loan is made. (3) Verification (A) In general The Secretary shall provide a prospectus of a seasoned direct loan borrower to each approved lender whose lending area includes the location of the seasoned direct loan borrower. (B) Notification The Secretary shall notify each borrower of a loan that a prospectus has been provided to a lender under subparagraph (A). (C) Credit extended If the Secretary receives an offer from an approved lender to extend credit to the seasoned direct loan borrower under terms and conditions contained in the prospectus, the seasoned direct loan borrower shall not be eligible for a loan from the Secretary under chapter 1 or 2, except as otherwise provided in this section. (4) Insufficient assistance or offers If the Secretary is unable to provide loan guarantees and, if necessary, interest assistance to the seasoned direct loan borrower under this section in amounts sufficient to enable the seasoned direct loan borrower to borrow from commercial sources the amount required to carry out a financially viable farming plan, or if the Secretary does not receive an offer from an approved lender to extend credit to a seasoned direct loan borrower under the terms and conditions contained in the prospectus, the Secretary shall make a loan to the seasoned direct loan borrower under chapter 1 or 2, whichever is applicable. (5) Interest rate reductions To the extent necessary for the borrower to obtain a loan, guaranteed by the Secretary, from a commercial or cooperative lender, the Secretary shall provide interest rate reductions as provided for under section 3413. (b) Transition to private commercial or other sources of credit (1) In general In making an operating or ownership loan, the Secretary shall establish a plan and promulgate regulations (including performance criteria) that promote the goal of transitioning borrowers to private commercial credit and other sources of credit in the shortest period of time practicable. (2) Coordination In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall integrate and coordinate the transition policy described in subsection (a) with— (A) the borrower training program established by section 3419; (B) the loan assessment process established by section 3420; (C) the supervised credit requirement established by section 3421; (D) the market placement program established by section 3422; and (E) other appropriate programs and authorities, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Graduation of borrowers with operating loans or guarantees to private commercial credit The Secretary shall establish a plan, in coordination with activities under sections 3419 through 3422, to encourage each borrower with an outstanding loan under this chapter, or with respect to whom there is an outstanding guarantee under this chapter, to graduate to private commercial or other sources of credit. 3408. Debt adjustment and credit counseling In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary may— (1) provide voluntary debt adjustment assistance between— (A) farmers; and (B) the creditors of the farmers; (2) cooperate with State, territorial, and local agencies and committees engaged in the debt adjustment; and (3) give credit counseling. 3409. Security servicing (a) Sale of property (1) In general Subject to this subsection and subsection (e)(1), the Secretary shall offer to sell real property that is acquired by the Secretary under this subtitle using the following order and method of sale: (A) Advertisement Not later than 15 days after acquiring real property, the Secretary shall publicly advertise the property for sale. (B) Qualified beginning farmer (i) In general Not later than 135 days after acquiring real property, the Secretary shall offer to sell the property to a qualified beginning farmer or a socially disadvantaged farmer at current market value based on a current appraisal. (ii) Random selection If more than 1 qualified beginning farmer or socially disadvantaged farmer offers to purchase the property, the Secretary shall select between the qualified applicants on a random basis. (iii) Appeal of random selection A random selection or denial by the Secretary of a qualified beginning farmer or a socially disadvantaged farmer for farm inventory property under this subparagraph shall be final and not administratively appealable. (C) Public sale If no acceptable offer is received from a qualified beginning farmer or a socially disadvantaged farmer under subparagraph (B) not later than 135 days after acquiring the real property, the Secretary shall, not later than 30 days after the 135-day period, sell the property after public notice at a public sale, and, if no acceptable bid is received, by negotiated sale, at the best price obtainable. (2) Interest (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), any conveyance of real property under this subsection shall include all of the interest of the United States in the property, including mineral rights. (B) Conservation The Secretary may for conservation purposes grant or sell an easement, restriction, development right, or similar legal right to real property to a State, a political subdivision of a State, or a private nonprofit organization separately from the underlying fee or other rights to the property owned by the United States. (3) Other law Subtitle I of title 40, United States Code, and title III of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 ( 41 U.S.C. 251 et seq. ) shall not apply to any exercise of authority under this subtitle. (4) Lease of property (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may not lease any real property acquired under this subtitle. (B) Exception (i) Qualified beginning farmer or socially disadvantaged farmer The Secretary may lease or contract to sell to a qualified beginning farmer or a socially disadvantaged farmer a farm acquired by the Secretary under this subtitle if the qualified beginning farmer qualifies for a credit sale or direct farm ownership loan under chapter 1 but credit sale authority for loans or direct farm ownership loan funds, respectively, are not available. (ii) Term The term of a lease or contract to sell to a qualified beginning farmer or a socially disadvantaged farmer under clause (i) shall be until the earlier of— (I) the date that is 18 months after the date of the lease or sale; or (II) the date that direct farm ownership loan funds or credit sale authority for loans becomes available to the qualified beginning farmer or socially disadvantaged farmer. (iii) Income-producing capability In determining the rental rate on real property leased under this subparagraph, the Secretary shall consider the income-producing capability of the property during the term that the property is leased. (5) Expedited determination (A) In general On the request of an applicant, not later than 30 days after denial of the application, the appropriate State director shall provide an expedited review and determination of whether the applicant is a qualified beginning farmer or a socially disadvantaged farmer for the purpose of acquiring farm inventory property. (B) Appeal The determination of a State Director under subparagraph (A) shall be final and not administratively appealable. (C) Effects of determinations (i) In general The Secretary shall maintain statistical data on the number and results of determinations made under subparagraph (A) and the effect of the determinations on— (I) selling farm inventory property to qualified beginning farmers or socially disadvantaged farmers; and (II) disposing of real property in inventory. (ii) Notification The Secretary shall notify the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate if the Secretary determines that the review process under subparagraph (A) is adversely affecting the selling of farm inventory property to qualified beginning farmers or socially disadvantaged farmers or the disposing of real property in inventory. (b) Road and utility easements and condemnations In the case of any real property administered under this subtitle, the Secretary may grant or sell easements or rights-of-way for roads, utilities, and other appurtenances that are not inconsistent with the public interest. (c) Sale or lease of farmland (1) Disposition of real property on Indian reservations (A) Definition of Indian reservation In this paragraph, the term Indian reservation means— (i) all land located within the limits of any Indian reservation under the jurisdiction of the United States, notwithstanding the issuance of any patent, and, including any right-of-way running through the reservation; (ii) trust or restricted land located within the boundaries of a former reservation of an Indian tribe in the State of Oklahoma; or (iii) all Indian allotments the Indian titles to which have not been extinguished if the allotments are subject to the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe. (B) Disposition Except as provided in paragraph (3), the Secretary shall dispose of or administer the property as provided in this paragraph when— (i) the Secretary acquires property under this subtitle that is located within an Indian reservation; and (ii) the borrower-owner is the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the reservation in which the real property is located or the borrower-owner is a member of the Indian tribe; (C) Priority Not later than 90 days after acquiring the property, the Secretary shall afford an opportunity to purchase or lease the real property in accordance with the order of priority established under subparagraph (D) to the Indian tribe having jurisdiction over the Indian reservation within which the real property is located or, if no order of priority is established by the Indian tribe under subparagraph (D), in the following order: (i) An Indian member of the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the reservation within which the real property is located. (ii) An Indian corporate entity. (iii) The Indian tribe. (D) Revision of priority and restriction of eligibility The governing body of any Indian tribe having jurisdiction over an Indian reservation may revise the order of priority provided in subparagraph (C) under which land located within the reservation shall be offered for purchase or lease by the Secretary under subparagraph (C) and may restrict the eligibility for the purchase or lease to— (i) persons who are members of the Indian tribe; (ii) Indian corporate entities that are authorized by the Indian tribe to lease or purchase land within the boundaries of the reservation; or (iii) the Indian tribe itself. (E) Transfer of property to secretary of the interior (i) In general If real property described in subparagraph (B) is not purchased or leased under subparagraph (C) and the Indian tribe having jurisdiction over the reservation within which the real property is located is unable to purchase or lease the real property, the Secretary shall transfer the real property to the Secretary of the Interior who shall administer the real property as if the real property were held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Indian tribe. (ii) Use of rental income From the rental income derived from the lease of the transferred real property, and all other income generated from the transferred real property, the Secretary of the Interior shall pay the State, county, municipal, or other local taxes to which the transferred real property was subject at the time of acquisition by the Secretary, until the earlier of— (I) the expiration of the 4-year period beginning on the date on which the real property is so transferred; or (II) such time as the land is transferred into trust pursuant to subparagraph (H). (F) Responsibilities of secretaries If any real property is transferred to the Secretary of the Interior under subparagraph (E)— (i) the Secretary of Agriculture shall have no further responsibility under this subtitle for— (I) collection of any amounts with regard to the farm program loan that had been secured by the real property; (II) any lien arising out of the loan transaction; or (III) repayment of any amount with regard to the loan transaction or lien to the Treasury of the United States; and (ii) the Secretary of the Interior shall succeed to all right, title, and interest of the Secretary of Agriculture in the real estate arising from the farm program loan transaction, including the obligation to remit to the Treasury of the United States, in repayment of the original loan, the amounts provided in subparagraph (G). (G) Use of income After the payment of any taxes that are required to be paid under subparagraph (E)(ii), all remaining rental income derived from the lease of the real property transferred to the Secretary of the Interior under subparagraph (E)(i), and all other income generated from the real property transferred to the Secretary of the Interior under that subparagraph, shall be deposited as miscellaneous receipts in the Treasury of the United States until the amount deposited is equal to the lesser of— (i) the amount of the outstanding lien of the United States against the real property, as of the date the real property was acquired by the Secretary; (ii) the fair market value of the real property, as of the date of the transfer to the Secretary of the Interior; or (iii) the capitalized value of the real property, as of the date of the transfer to the Secretary of the Interior. (H) Holding of title in trust If the total amount that is required to be deposited under subparagraph (G) with respect to any real property has been deposited into the Treasury of the United States, title to the real property shall be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Indian tribe having jurisdiction over the Indian reservation within which the real property is located. (I) Payment of remaining lien or fair market value of property (i) In general Notwithstanding any other subparagraph of this paragraph, the Indian tribe having jurisdiction over the Indian reservation within which the real property described in subparagraph (B) is located may, at any time after the real property has been transferred to the Secretary of the Interior under subparagraph (E), offer to pay the remaining amount on the lien or the fair market value of the real property, whichever is less. (ii) Effect of payment On payment of the amount, title to the real property shall be held by the United States in trust for the tribe and the trust or restricted land that has been acquired by the Secretary under foreclosure or voluntary transfer under a loan made or insured under this subtitle and transferred to an Indian person, entity, or tribe under this paragraph shall be considered to have never lost trust or restricted status. (J) Applicability (i) In general This paragraph shall apply to all land in the land inventory established under this subtitle (as of November 28, 1990) that was (immediately prior to the date) owned by an Indian borrower-owner described in subparagraph (B) and that is situated within an Indian reservation, regardless of the date of foreclosure or acquisition by the Secretary. (ii) Opportunity to purchase or lease The Secretary shall afford an opportunity to an Indian person, entity, or tribe to purchase or lease the real property as provided in subparagraph (C). (iii) Transfer If the right is not exercised or no expression of intent to exercise the right is received within 180 days after November 28, 1990, the Secretary shall transfer the real property to the Secretary of the Interior as provided in subparagraph (E). (2) Additional rights The rights provided in this subsection shall be in addition to any right of first refusal under the law of the State in which the property is located. (3) Disposition of real property on indian reservations after procedures exhausted (A) In general The Secretary shall dispose of or administer real property described in paragraph (1)(B) only as provided in paragraph (1), as modified by this paragraph, if— (i) the real property described in paragraph (1)(B) is located within an Indian reservation; (ii) the borrower-owner is an Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the reservation in which the real property is located or the borrower-owner is a member of an Indian tribe; (iii) the borrower-owner has obtained a loan made or guaranteed under this subtitle; and (iv) the borrower-owner and the Secretary have exhausted all of the procedures provided for in this subtitle to permit a borrower-owner to retain title to the real property, so that it is necessary for the borrower-owner to relinquish title. (B) Notice of right to convey property The Secretary shall provide the borrower-owner of real property that is described in subparagraph (A) with written notice of— (i) the right of the borrower-owner to voluntarily convey the real property to the Secretary; and (ii) the fact that real property so conveyed will be placed in the inventory of the Secretary. (C) Notice of rights and protections The Secretary shall provide the borrower-owner of the real property with written notice of the rights and protections provided under this subtitle to the borrower-owner, and the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the reservation in which the real property is located, from foreclosure or liquidation of the real property, including written notice— (i) of paragraph (1), this paragraph, and subsection (e)(3); (ii) if the borrower-owner does not voluntarily convey the real property to the Secretary, that— (I) the Secretary may foreclose on the property; (II) in the event of foreclosure, the property will be offered for sale; (III) the Secretary shall offer a bid for the property that is equal to the fair market value of the property or the outstanding principal and interest of the loan, whichever is higher; (IV) the property may be purchased by another party; and (V) if the property is purchased by another party, the property will not be placed in the inventory of the Secretary and the borrower-owner will forfeit the rights and protections provided under this subtitle; and (iii) of the opportunity of the borrower-owner to consult with the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the reservation in which the real property is located or counsel to determine if State or tribal law provides rights and protections that are more beneficial than the rights and protections provided the borrower-owner under this subtitle. (D) Acceptance of voluntary conveyance (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the Secretary shall accept the voluntary conveyance of real property described in subparagraph (A). (ii) Hazardous substances If a hazardous substance (as defined in section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601(14))) is located on the property and the Secretary takes remedial action to protect human health or the environment if the property is taken into inventory, the Secretary shall accept the voluntary conveyance of the property only if the Secretary determines that the conveyance is in the best interests of the Federal Government. (E) Foreclosure procedures (i) Notice to borrower If an Indian borrower-owner does not voluntarily convey to the Secretary real property described in subparagraph (A), not less than 30 days before a foreclosure sale of the property, the Secretary shall provide the Indian borrower-owner with the option of— (I) requiring the Secretary to assign the loan and security instruments to the Secretary of the Interior, if the Secretary of the Interior agrees to an assignment releasing the Secretary of Agriculture from all further responsibility for collection of any amounts with regard to the loan secured by the real property; or (II) requiring the Secretary to assign the loan and security instruments to the tribe having jurisdiction over the reservation in which the real property is located, if the tribe agrees to assume the loan under the terms specified in clause (iii). (ii) Notice to tribe If an Indian borrower-owner does not voluntarily convey to the Secretary real property described in subparagraph (A), not less than 30 days before a foreclosure sale of the property, the Secretary shall provide written notice to the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the reservation in which the real property is located of— (I) the sale; (II) the fair market value of the property; and (III) the requirements of this paragraph. (iii) Assumed loans If an Indian tribe assumes a loan under clause (i)— (I) the Secretary shall not foreclose the loan because of any default that occurred prior to the date of the assumption; (II) the loan shall be for the lesser of the outstanding principal and interest of the loan or the fair market value of the property; and (III) the loan shall be treated as though the loan was made under Public Law 91–229 ( 25 U.S.C. 488 et seq. ). (F) Amount of bid by secretary (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), at a foreclosure sale of real property described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall offer a bid for the property that is equal to the higher of— (I) the fair market value of the property; or (II) the outstanding principal and interest on the loan. (ii) Hazardous substances If a hazardous substance (as defined in section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601(14))) is located on the property and the Secretary takes remedial action to protect human health or the environment if the property is taken into inventory, clause (i) shall apply only if the Secretary determines that bidding is in the best interests of the Federal Government. (4) Detrimental effect on value of area farmland The Secretary shall not offer for sale or sell any farmland referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) if placing the farmland on the market will have a detrimental effect on the value of farmland in the area. (5) Installment sales and multiple operators (A) In general The Secretary may sell farmland administered under this subtitle through an installment sale or similar device that contains such terms as the Secretary considers necessary to protect the investment of the Federal Government in the land. (B) Sale of contract The Secretary may subsequently sell any contract entered into to carry out subparagraph (A). (6) Highly erodible land In the case of farmland administered under this subtitle that is highly erodible land (as defined in section 1201 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3801 )), the Secretary may require the use of specified conservation practices on the land as a condition of the sale or lease of the land. (7) No effect on acreage allotments, marketing quotas, or acreage bases Notwithstanding any other law, compliance by the Secretary with this subsection shall not cause any acreage allotment, marketing quota, or acreage base assigned to the property to lapse, terminate, be reduced, or otherwise be adversely affected. (8) No preemption of state law If a conflict exists between any provision of this subsection and any provision of the law of any State providing a right of first refusal to the owner of farmland or the operator of a farm before the sale or lease of land to any other person, the provision of State law shall prevail. (d) Release of normal income security (1) Definition of normal income security In this subsection: (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term normal income security means all security not considered basic security, including crops, livestock, poultry products, Farm Service Agency payments and Commodity Credit Corporation payments, and other property covered by Farm Service Agency liens that is sold in conjunction with the operation of a farm or other business. (B) Exceptions The term normal income security does not include any equipment (including fixtures in States that have adopted the Uniform Commercial Code), or foundation herd or flock, that is— (i) the basis of the farming or other operation; and (ii) the basic security for a farmer program loan. (2) General release The Secretary shall release from the normal income security provided for a loan an amount sufficient to pay for the essential household and farm operating expenses of the borrower, until such time as the Secretary accelerates the loan. (3) Notice of reporting requirements and rights If a borrower is required to plan for or to report as to how proceeds from the sale of collateral property will be used, the Secretary shall notify the borrower of— (A) the requirement; and (B) the right to the release of funds under this subsection and the means by which a request for the funds may be made. (e) Easements on inventoried property (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), in the disposal of real property under this section, the Secretary shall establish perpetual wetland conservation easements to protect and restore wetland or converted wetland that exists on inventoried property. (2) Limitation The Secretary shall not establish a wetland conservation easement on an inventoried property that— (A) was cropland on the date the property entered the inventory of the Secretary; or (B) was used for farming at any time during the period— (i) beginning on the date that is 5 years before the property entered the inventory of the Secretary; and (ii) ending on the date on which the property entered the inventory of the Secretary. (3) Notification The Secretary shall provide prior written notification to a borrower considering homestead retention that a wetland conservation easement may be placed on land for which the borrower is negotiating a lease option. (4) Appraised value The appraised value of the farm shall reflect the value of the land due to the placement of wetland conservation easements. 3410. Contracts on loan security properties (a) Contracts on loan security properties Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary may enter into a contract related to real property for conservation, recreation, or wildlife purposes. (b) Limitations The Secretary may enter into a contract under subsection (a) if— (1) the property is wetland, upland, or highly erodible land; (2) the property is determined by the Secretary to be suitable for the purpose involved; and (3) (A) the property secures a loan made under a law administered and held by the Secretary; and (B) the contract would better enable a qualified borrower to repay the loan in a timely manner, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Terms and conditions The terms and conditions specified in a contract under subsection (a) shall— (1) specify the purposes for which the real property may be used; (2) identify any conservation measure to be taken, and any recreational and wildlife use to be allowed, with respect to the real property; and (3) require the owner to permit the Secretary, and any person or governmental entity designated by the Secretary, to have access to the real property for the purpose of monitoring compliance with the contract. (d) Reduction or forgiveness of debt (1) In general Subject to this section, the Secretary may reduce or forgive the outstanding debt of a borrower— (A) in the case of a borrower to whom the Secretary has made an outstanding loan under a law administered by the Secretary, by canceling that part of the aggregate amount of the outstanding loan that bears the same ratio to the aggregate amount as— (i) the number of acres of the real property of the borrower that are subject to the contract; bears to (ii) the aggregate number of acres securing the loan; or (B) in any other case, by treating as prepaid that part of the principal amount of a new loan to the borrower issued and held by the Secretary under a law administered by the Secretary that bears the same ratio to the principal amount as— (i) the number of acres of the real property of the borrower that are subject to the contract; bears to (ii) the aggregate number of acres securing the new loan. (2) Maximum canceled amount The amount canceled or treated as prepaid under paragraph (1) shall not exceed— (A) in the case of a delinquent loan, the greater of— (i) the value of the land on which the contract is entered into; or (ii) the difference between— (I) the amount of the outstanding loan secured by the land; and (II) the value of the land; or (B) in the case of a nondelinquent loan, 33 percent of the amount of the loan secured by the land. (e) Consultation with fish and wildlife service If the Secretary uses the authority provided by this section, the Secretary shall consult with the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service for the purposes of— (1) selecting real property in which the Secretary may enter into a contract under this section; (2) formulating the terms and conditions of the contract; and (3) enforcing the contract. (f) Enforcement The Secretary, and any person or governmental entity (including an agency of the Federal Government) designated by the Secretary, may enforce a contract entered into by the Secretary under this section. 3411. Debt restructuring and loan servicing (a) In general The Secretary shall modify a delinquent farmer program loan made under this subtitle, or purchased from the lender or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under section 3902, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) to avoid a loss to the Secretary on the loan, with priority consideration being placed on writing-down the loan principal and interest (subject to subsections (d) and (e)), and debt set-aside (subject to subsection (e)), to facilitate keeping the borrower on the farm, or otherwise through the use of primary loan service programs under this section; and (2) to ensure that a borrower is able to continue farming operations. (b) Eligibility To be eligible to obtain assistance under subsection (a)— (1) the delinquency shall be due to a circumstance beyond the control of the borrower, as defined in regulations issued by the Secretary, except that the regulations shall require that, if the value of the assets calculated under subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii) that may be realized through liquidation or other methods would produce enough income to make the delinquent loan current, the borrower shall not be eligible for assistance under subsection (a); (2) the borrower shall have acted in good faith with the Secretary in connection with the loan as defined in regulations issued by the Secretary; (3) the borrower shall present a preliminary plan to the Secretary that contains reasonable assumptions that demonstrate that the borrower will be able— (A) to meet the necessary family living and farm operating expenses of the borrower; and (B) to service all debts of the borrower, including restructured loans; and (4) the loan, if restructured, shall result in a net recovery to the Federal Government, during the term of the loan as restructured, that would be more than or equal to the net recovery to the Federal Government from an involuntary liquidation or foreclosure on the property securing the loan. (c) Restructuring determinations (1) Determination of net recovery In determining the net recovery from the involuntary liquidation of a loan under this section, the Secretary shall calculate— (A) the recovery value of the collateral securing the loan, in accordance with paragraph (2); and (B) the value of the restructured loan, in accordance with paragraph (3). (2) Recovery value For the purpose of paragraph (1), the recovery value of the collateral securing the loan shall be based on the difference between— (A) (i) the amount of the current appraised value of the interests of the borrower in the property securing the loan; and (ii) the value of the interests of the borrower in all other assets that are— (I) not essential for necessary family living expenses; (II) not essential to the operation of the farm; and (III) not exempt from judgment creditors or in a bankruptcy action under Federal or State law; (B) the estimated administrative, attorney, and other expenses associated with the liquidation and disposition of the loan and collateral, including— (i) the payment of prior liens; (ii) taxes and assessments, depreciation, management costs, the yearly percentage decrease or increase in the value of the property, and lost interest income, each calculated for the average holding period for the type of property involved; (iii) resale expenses, such as repairs, commissions, and advertising; and (iv) other administrative and attorney costs; and (C) the value, as determined by the Secretary, of any property not included in subparagraph (A)(i) if the property is specified in any security agreement with respect to the loan and the Secretary determines that the value of the property should be included for purposes of this section. (3) Value of the restructured loan (A) In general For the purpose of paragraph (1), the value of the restructured loan shall be based on the present value of payments that the borrower would make to the Federal Government if the terms of the loan were modified under any combination of primary loan service programs to ensure that the borrower is able to meet the obligations and continue farming operations. (B) Present value For the purpose of calculating the present value referred to in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall use a discount rate of not more than the current rate at the time of the calculation of 90-day Treasury bills. (C) Cash flow margin For the purpose of assessing under subparagraph (A) the ability of a borrower to meet debt obligations and continue farming operations, the Secretary shall assume that the borrower needs up to 110 percent of the amount indicated for payment of farm operating expenses, debt service obligations, and family living expenses. (4) Notification Not later than 90 days after receipt of a written request for restructuring from the borrower, the Secretary shall— (A) make the calculations specified in paragraphs (2) and (3); (B) notify the borrower in writing of the results of the calculations; and (C) provide documentation for the calculations. (5) Restructuring of loans (A) In general If the value of a restructured loan is greater than or equal to the recovery value of the collateral securing the loan, not later than 45 days after notifying the borrower under paragraph (4), the Secretary shall offer to restructure the loan obligations of the borrower under this subtitle through primary loan service programs that would enable the borrower to meet the obligations (as modified) under the loan and to continue the farming operations of the borrower. (B) Restructuring If the borrower accepts an offer under subparagraph (A), not later than 45 days after receipt of notice of acceptance, the Secretary shall restructure the loan accordingly. (6) Termination of loan obligations The obligations of a borrower to the Secretary under a loan shall terminate if— (A) the borrower satisfies the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b); (B) the value of the restructured loan is less than the recovery value; and (C) not later than 90 days after receipt of the notification described in paragraph (4)(B), the borrower pays (or obtains third-party financing to pay) the Secretary an amount equal to the current market value. (7) Negotiation of appraisal (A) In general In making a determination concerning restructuring under this subsection, the Secretary, at the request of the borrower, shall enter into negotiations with the borrower concerning appraisals required under this subsection. (B) Independent appraisal (i) In general If the borrower, based on a separate current appraisal, objects to the decision of the Secretary regarding an appraisal, the borrower and the Secretary shall mutually agree, to the extent practicable, on an independent appraiser who shall conduct another appraisal of the property of the borrower. (ii) Value of final appraisal The average of the 2 appraisals under clause (i) that are closest in value shall become the final appraisal under this paragraph. (iii) Cost of appraisal The borrower and the Secretary shall each pay 1/2 of the cost of any independent appraisal. (d) Principal and interest write-down (1) In general (A) Priority consideration In selecting the restructuring alternatives to be used in the case of a borrower who has requested restructuring under this section, the Secretary shall give priority consideration to the use of a principal and interest write-down if other creditors of the borrower (other than any creditor who is fully collateralized) representing a substantial portion of the total debt of the borrower held by the creditors of the borrower, agree to participate in the development of the restructuring plan or agree to participate in a State mediation program. (B) Failure of creditors to agree Failure of creditors to agree to participate in the restructuring plan or mediation program shall not preclude the use of a principal and interest write-down by the Secretary if the Secretary determines that restructuring results in the least cost to the Secretary. (2) Participation of creditors Before eliminating the option to use debt write-down in the case of a borrower, the Secretary shall make a reasonable effort to contact the creditors of the borrower, either directly or through the borrower, and encourage the creditors to participate with the Secretary in the development of a restructuring plan for the borrower. (e) Shared appreciation arrangements (1) In general As a condition of restructuring a loan in accordance with this section, the borrower of the loan may be required to enter into a shared appreciation arrangement that requires the repayment of amounts written off or set aside. (2) Terms A shared appreciation agreement shall— (A) have a term not to exceed 10 years; and (B) provide for recapture based on the difference between the appraised values of the real security property at the time of restructuring and at the time of recapture. (3) Percentage of recapture The amount of the appreciation to be recaptured by the Secretary shall be— (A) 75 percent of the appreciation in the value of the real security property if the recapture occurs not later than 4 years after the date of restructuring; and (B) 50 percent if the recapture occurs during the remainder of the term of the agreement. (4) Time of recapture Recapture shall take place on the date that is the earliest of— (A) the end of the term of the agreement; (B) the conveyance of the real security property; (C) the repayment of the loans; or (D) the cessation of farming operations by the borrower. (5) Transfer of title Transfer of title to the spouse of a borrower on the death of the borrower shall not be treated as a conveyance for the purpose of paragraph (4). (6) Notice of recapture Not later than 12 months before the end of the term of a shared appreciation arrangement, the Secretary shall notify the borrower involved of the provisions of the arrangement. (7) Financing of recapture payment (A) In general The Secretary may amortize a recapture payment owed to the Secretary under this subsection. (B) Term The term of an amortization under this paragraph may not exceed 25 years. (C) Interest rate The interest rate applicable to an amortization under this paragraph may not exceed the rate applicable to a loan to reacquire homestead property less 100 basis points. (D) Reamortization (i) In general The Secretary may modify the amortization of a recapture payment referred to in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph on which a payment has become delinquent if— (I) the default is due to circumstances beyond the control of the borrower; and (II) the borrower acted in good faith (as determined by the Secretary) in attempting to repay the recapture amount. (ii) Limitations (I) Term of reamortization The term of a reamortization under this subparagraph may not exceed 25 years from the date of the original amortization agreement. (II) No reduction or principal or unpaid interest due A reamortization of a recapture payment under this subparagraph may not provide for reducing the outstanding principal or unpaid interest due on the recapture payment. (f) Interest rates Any loan for farm ownership purposes, farm operating purposes, or disaster emergency purposes, that is deferred, consolidated, rescheduled, or reamortized shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, bear interest on the balance of the original loan and for the term of the original loan at a rate that is the lowest of— (1) the rate of interest on the original loan; (2) the rate being charged by the Secretary for loans, other than guaranteed loans, of the same type at the time at which the borrower applies for a deferral, consolidation, rescheduling, or reamortization; or (3) the rate being charged by the Secretary for loans, other than guaranteed loans, of the same type at the time of the deferral, consolidation, rescheduling, or reamortization. (g) Period and effect (1) Period The Secretary may consolidate or reschedule outstanding loans for payment over a period not to exceed 7 years (or, in the case of loans for farm operating purposes, 15 years) from the date of the consolidation or rescheduling. (2) Effect The amount of unpaid principal and interest of the prior loans so consolidated or rescheduled shall not create a new charge against any loan levels authorized by law. (h) Prerequisites to foreclosure or liquidation No foreclosure or other similar action shall be taken to liquidate any loan determined to be ineligible for restructuring by the Secretary under this section— (1) until the borrower has been given the opportunity to appeal the decision; and (2) if the borrower appeals, the appeals process has been completed, and a determination has been made that the loan is ineligible for restructuring. (i) Notice of ineligibility for restructuring (1) In general A notice of ineligibility for restructuring shall be sent to the borrower by registered or certified mail not later than 15 days after a determination of ineligibility. (2) Contents The notice required under paragraph (1) shall contain— (A) the determination and the reasons for the determination; (B) the computations used to make the determination, including the calculation of the recovery value of the collateral securing the loan; and (C) a statement of the right of the borrower to appeal the decision to the appeals division, and to appear before a hearing officer. (j) Independent appraisals (1) In general An appeal may include a request by the borrower for an independent appraisal of any property securing the loan. (2) Process for appraisal On a request under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall present the borrower with a list of 3 appraisers approved by the county supervisor, from which the borrower shall select an appraiser to conduct the appraisal. (3) Cost The cost of an appraisal under this subsection shall be paid by the borrower. (4) Result The result of an appraisal under this subsection shall be considered in any final determination concerning the loan. (5) Copy A copy of any appraisal under this subsection shall be provided to the borrower. (k) Only 1 write-Down or net recovery buy-Out per borrower for a loan made after January 6, 1988 (1) In general The Secretary may provide for each borrower not more than 1 write-down or net recovery buy-out under this section with respect to all loans made to the borrower after January 6, 1988. (2) Special rule For purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall treat any loan made on or before January 6, 1988, with respect to which a restructuring, write-down, or net recovery buy-out is provided under this section after January 6, 1988, as a loan made after January 6, 1988. (l) Liquidation of assets The Secretary may not use the authority provided by this section to reduce or terminate any portion of the debt of the borrower that the borrower could pay through the liquidation of assets (or through the payment of the loan value of the assets, if the loan value is greater than the liquidation value) described in subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii). (m) Lifetime limitation on debt forgiveness per borrower The Secretary may provide each borrower not more than $300,000 in debt forgiveness under this section. 3412. Relief for mobilized military reservists from certain agricultural loan obligations (a) Definition of mobilized military reservist In this section, the term mobilized military reservist means an individual who— (1) is on active duty under section 688, 12301(a), 12301(g), 12302, 12304, 12306, or 12406, or chapter 15 of title 10, United States Code, or any other provision of law during a war or during a national emergency declared by the President or Congress, regardless of the location at which the active duty service is performed; or (2) in the case of a member of the National Guard, is on full-time National Guard duty (as defined in section 101(d)(5) of title 10, United States Code) under a call to active service authorized by the President or the Secretary of Defense for a period of more than 30 consecutive days under section 502(f) of title 32, United States Code, for purposes of responding to a national emergency declared by the President and supported by Federal funds. (b) Forgiveness of interest payments due while borrower is a mobilized military reservist Any requirement that a borrower of a direct loan made under this subtitle make any interest payment on the loan that would otherwise be required to be made while the borrower is a mobilized military reservist is rescinded. (c) Deferral of principal payments due while or after borrower is a mobilized military reservist The due date of any payment of principal on a direct loan made to a borrower under this subtitle that would otherwise be required to be made while or after the borrower is a mobilized military reservist is deferred for a period equal in length to the period for which the borrower is a mobilized military reservist. (d) Nonaccrual of interest Interest on a direct loan made to a borrower described in this section shall not accrue during the period the borrower is a mobilized military reservist. (e) Borrower not considered To be delinquent or receiving debt forgiveness Notwithstanding section 3425 or any other provision of this title, a borrower who receives assistance under this section shall not, as a result of the assistance, be considered to be delinquent or receiving debt forgiveness for purposes of receiving a direct or guaranteed loan under this subtitle. 3413. Interest rate reduction program (a) Establishment of program The Secretary shall establish and carry out in accordance with this section an interest rate reduction program for any loan guaranteed under this subtitle. (b) Entering into contracts The Secretary shall enter into a contract with, and make payments to, an institution to reduce, during the term of the contract, the interest rate paid by the borrower on the guaranteed loan if— (1) the borrower— (A) is unable to obtain credit elsewhere; (B) is unable to make payments on the loan in a timely manner; and (C) during the 24-month period beginning on the date on which the contract is entered into, has a total estimated cash income, including all farm and nonfarm income, that will equal or exceed the total estimated cash expenses, including all farm and nonfarm expenses, to be incurred by the borrower during the period; and (2) during the term of the contract, the lender reduces the annual rate of interest payable on the loan by a minimum percentage specified in the contract. (c) Payments (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), in return for a contract entered into by a lender under subsection (b) for the reduction of the interest rate paid on a loan, the Secretary shall make payments to the lender in an amount equal to not more than 100 percent of the cost of reducing the annual rate of interest payable on the loan. (2) Limitation Payments under paragraph (1) may not exceed the cost of reducing the rate by more than 400 basis points. (d) Term The term of a contract entered into under this section to reduce the interest rate on a guaranteed loan may not exceed the outstanding term of the loan. (e) Condition on foreclosure Notwithstanding any other law, any contract of guarantee on a farm loan entered into under this subtitle shall contain a condition that the lender of the loan may not initiate a foreclosure action on the loan until 60 days after a determination is made with respect to the eligibility of the borrower to participate in the program established under this section. 3414. Homestead property (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. (2) Borrower-owner The term borrower-owner means— (A) a borrower-owner of a loan made or guaranteed by the Secretary or the Administrator who meets the eligibility requirements of subsection (c)(1); or (B) in a case in which an owner of homestead property pledged the property to secure the loan and the owner is different than the borrower, the owner. (3) Farm program loan The term farm program loan means a loan made by the Administrator under the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 631 et seq. ) for any of the purposes authorized for loans under chapter 1 or 2. (4) Homestead property The term homestead property means— (A) the principal residence and adjoining property possessed and occupied by a borrower-owner, including a reasonable number of farm outbuildings located on the adjoining land that are useful to any occupant of the homestead; and (B) not more than 10 acres of adjoining land that is used to maintain the family of the borrower-owner. (b) Retention of homestead property (1) In general The Secretary or the Administrator shall, on application by a borrower-owner who meets the eligibility requirements of subsection (c)(1), permit the borrower-owner to retain possession and occupancy of homestead property under the terms set forth, and until the action described in this section has been completed, if— (A) the Secretary forecloses or takes into inventory property securing a loan made under this subtitle; (B) the Administrator forecloses or takes into inventory property securing a farm program loan made under the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.); or (C) the borrower-owner of a loan made by the Secretary or the Administrator files a petition in bankruptcy that results in the conveyance of the homestead property to the Secretary or the Administrator, or agrees to voluntarily liquidate or convey the property in whole or in part. (2) Period of occupancy Subject to subsection (c), the Secretary or the Administrator shall not grant a period of occupancy of less than 3 nor more than 5 years. (c) Eligibility (1) In general To be eligible to occupy homestead property, a borrower-owner of a loan made by the Secretary or the Administrator shall— (A) apply for the occupancy not later than 30 days after the property is acquired by the Secretary or Administrator; (B) have received from farming operations gross farm income that is reasonably commensurate with— (i) the size and location of the farming unit of the borrower-owner; and (ii) local agricultural conditions (including natural and economic conditions), during at least 2 calendar years of the 6-year period preceding the calendar year in which the application is made; (C) have received from farming operations at least 60 percent of the gross annual income of the borrower-owner and any spouse of the borrower-owner during at least 2 calendar years of the 6-year period described in subparagraph (B); (D) have continuously occupied the homestead property during the 6-year period described in subparagraph (B), except that the requirement of this subparagraph may be waived if a borrower-owner, due to circumstances beyond the control of the borrower-owner, had to leave the homestead property for a period of time not to exceed 12 months during the 6-year period; (E) during the period of occupancy of the homestead property, pay a reasonable sum as rent for the property to the Secretary or the Administrator in an amount substantially equivalent to rents charged for similar residential properties in the area in which the homestead property is located; (F) during the period of the occupancy of the homestead property, maintain the property in good condition; and (G) meet such other reasonable and necessary terms and conditions as the Secretary may require. (2) Definition of farming operations In subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1), the term farming operations includes rent paid by a lessee of agricultural land during a period in which the borrower-owner, due to circumstances beyond the control of the borrower-owner, is unable to actively farm the land. (3) Termination of rights (A) In general For purposes of paragraph (1)(E), the failure of the borrower-owner to make a timely rental payment shall constitute cause for the termination of all rights of the borrower-owner to possession and occupancy of the homestead property under this section. (B) Procedure for termination In effecting a termination under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall— (i) afford the borrower-owner or lessee the notice and hearing procedural rights described in subtitle H of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6991 et seq. ); and (ii) comply with any applicable State and local law governing eviction of a person from residential property. (4) Rights of borrower-owner (A) Period of occupancy Subject to subsection (b)(2), the period of occupancy allowed the borrower-owner of homestead property under this section shall be the period requested in writing by the borrower-owner. (B) Right to reacquire (i) In general During the period the borrower-owner occupies the homestead property, the borrower-owner shall have a right to reacquire the homestead property on such terms and conditions as the Secretary shall determine. (ii) Socially disadvantaged borrower-owner During the period of occupancy of a borrower-owner who is a socially disadvantaged farmer, the borrower-owner or a member of the immediate family of the borrower-owner shall have a right of first refusal to reacquire the homestead property on such terms and conditions as the Secretary shall determine. (iii) Independent appraisal The Secretary may not demand a payment for the homestead property that is in excess of the current market value of the homestead property as established by an independent appraisal. (iv) Conduct of appraisal An independent appraisal under clause (iii) shall be conducted by an appraiser selected by the borrower-owner, or, in the case of a borrower-owner who is a socially disadvantaged farmer, the immediate family member of the borrower-owner, from a list of 3 appraisers approved by the county supervisor. (5) Transfer of rights (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), no right of a borrower-owner under this section, and no agreement entered into between the borrower-owner and the Secretary for occupancy of the homestead property, shall be transferable or assignable by the borrower-owner or by operation of law. (B) Death or incompetency In the case of death or incompetency of the borrower-owner, the right and agreement shall be transferable to a spouse of the borrower-owner if the spouse agrees to comply with any terms and conditions of the right or agreement. (6) Notification Not later than the date of acquisition of the property securing a loan made under this subtitle, the Secretary shall notify the borrower-owner of the property of the availability of homestead protection rights under this section. (d) End of period of occupancy (1) In general At the end of the period of occupancy allowed a borrower-owner under subsection (c), the Secretary or the Administrator shall grant to the borrower-owner a right of first refusal to reacquire the homestead property on such terms and conditions (which may include payment of principal in installments) as the Secretary or the Administrator shall determine. (2) Terms and conditions The terms and conditions granted under paragraph (1) may not be less favorable than those offered by the Secretary or Administrator or intended by the Secretary or Administrator to be offered to any other buyer. (e) Maximum payment of principal (1) In general At the time a reacquisition agreement is entered into, the Secretary or the Administrator may not demand a total payment of principal that is in excess of the value of the homestead property. (2) Determination of value To the maximum extent practicable, the value of the homestead property shall be determined by an independent appraisal made during the 180-day period beginning on the date of receipt of the application of the borrower-owner to retain possession and occupancy of the homestead property. (f) Title not needed To enter into contracts The Secretary may enter into a contract authorized by this section before the Secretary acquires title to the homestead property that is the subject of the contract. (g) State law prevails In the event of a conflict between this section and a provision of State law relating to the right of a borrower-owner to designate for separate sale or redeem part or all of the real property securing a loan foreclosed on by a lender to the borrower-owner, the provision of State law shall prevail. 3415. Transfer of inventory land (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary may transfer to a Federal or State agency, for conservation purposes, any real property, or interest in real property, administered by the Secretary under this subtitle— (1) with respect to which the rights of all prior owners and operators have expired; (2) that is eligible to be disposed of in accordance with section 3409; and (3) that— (A) has marginal value for agricultural production; (B) is environmentally sensitive; or (C) has special management importance. (b) Conditions The Secretary may not transfer any property or interest in property under subsection (a) unless— (1) at least 2 public notices are given of the transfer; (2) if requested, at least 1 public meeting is held prior to the transfer; and (3) the Governor and at least 1 elected county official of the State and county in which the property is located are consulted prior to the transfer. 3416. Target participation rates (a) Establishment (1) In general The Secretary shall establish annual target participation rates, on a county-wide basis, that shall ensure that members of socially disadvantaged groups shall— (A) receive loans made or guaranteed under chapter 1; and (B) have the opportunity to purchase or lease farmland acquired by the Secretary under this subtitle. (2) Group population Except as provided in paragraph (3), in establishing the target rates, the Secretary shall take into consideration— (A) the portion of the population of the county made up of the socially disadvantaged groups; and (B) the availability of inventory farmland in the county. (3) Gender In the case of gender, target participation rates shall take into consideration the number of current and potential socially disadvantaged farmers in a State in proportion to the total number of farmers in the State. (b) Reservation and allocation (1) Reservation To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall reserve sufficient loan funds made available under chapter 1 for use by members of socially disadvantaged groups identified under target participation rates established under subsection (a). (2) Allocation The Secretary shall allocate the loans on the basis of the proportion of members of socially disadvantaged groups in a county and the availability of inventory farmland, with the greatest amount of loan funds being distributed in the county with the greatest proportion of socially disadvantaged group members and the greatest quantity of available inventory farmland. (3) Indian reservations In distributing loan funds in counties within the boundaries of an Indian reservation, the Secretary shall allocate the funds on a reservation-wide basis. (c) Operating loans (1) Establishment (A) In general The Secretary shall establish annual target participation rates that shall ensure that socially disadvantaged farmers receive loans made or guaranteed under chapter 2. (B) Considerations In establishing the target rates, the Secretary shall consider the number of socially disadvantaged farmers in a State in proportion to the total number of farmers in the State. (2) Reservation and allocation (A) In general To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall reserve and allocate the proportion of the loan funds of each State made available under chapter 2 that is equal to the target participation rate of the State for use by the socially disadvantaged farmers in the State. (B) Distribution To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall distribute the total loan funds reserved under subparagraph (A) on a county-by-county basis according to the number of socially disadvantaged farmers in the county. (C) Reallocation of unused funds Any funds reserved and allocated under this paragraph but not used within a State shall, to the extent necessary to satisfy pending applications under this subtitle, be available for use by socially disadvantaged farmers in other States, as determined by the Secretary, and any remaining funds shall be reallocated within the State. (d) Report The Secretary shall prepare and 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 describes the annual target participation rates and the success in meeting the rates. (e) Implementation consistent with supreme court holding Not later than 180 days after April 4, 1996, the Secretary shall ensure that the implementation of this section is consistent with the holding of the Supreme Court in Adarand Constructors, Inc. v. Federico Pena, Secretary of Transportation, 115 S. Ct. 2097 (1995). 3417. Compromise or adjustment of debts or claims by guaranteed lender (a) Loss by lender If the lender of a guaranteed farmer program loan takes any action described in section 3903(a)(4) with respect to the loan and the Secretary approves the action, for purposes of the guarantee, the lender shall be treated as having sustained a loss equal to the amount by which— (1) the outstanding balance of the loan immediately before the action; exceeds (2) the outstanding balance of the loan immediately after the action. (b) Net present value of loan The Secretary shall approve the taking of an action described in section 3903(a)(4) by the lender of a guaranteed farmer program loan with respect to the loan if the action reduces the net present value of the loan to an amount equal to not less than the greater of— (1) the greatest net present value of a loan the borrower could reasonably be expected to repay; and (2) the difference between— (A) the greatest amount that the lender of the loan could reasonably expect to recover from the borrower through bankruptcy, or liquidation of the property securing the loan; and (B) all reasonable and necessary costs and expenses that the lender of the loan could reasonably expect to incur to preserve or dispose of the property (including all associated legal and property management costs) in the course of such a bankruptcy or liquidation. (c) No limitation on authority This section shall not limit the authority of the Secretary to enter into a shared appreciation arrangement with a borrower under section 3411(e). 3418. Waiver of mediation rights by borrowers The Secretary may not make or guarantee any farmer program loan to a farm borrower on the condition that the borrower waive any right under the mediation program of any State. 3419. Borrower training (a) In general The Secretary shall contract to provide educational training to all borrowers of direct loans made under this subtitle in financial and farm management concepts associated with commercial farming. (b) Contract (1) In general The Secretary may contract with a State or private provider of farm management and credit counseling services (including a community college, the extension service of a State, a State department of agriculture, or a nonprofit organization) to carry out this section. (2) Consultation The Secretary may consult with the chief executive officer of a State concerning the identity of the contracting organization and the process for contracting. (c) Eligibility for loans (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), to be eligible to obtain a direct loan under this subtitle, a borrower shall be required to obtain management assistance under this section, appropriate to the management ability of the borrower during the determination of eligibility for the loan. (2) Loan conditions The need of a borrower who satisfies the criteria set out in section 3101(b)(1)(B) or 3201(b)(1)(B) for management assistance under this section shall not be cause for denial of eligibility of the borrower for a direct loan under this subtitle. (d) Guidelines and curriculum The Secretary shall issue regulations establishing guidelines and curriculum for the borrower training program established under this section. (e) Payment A borrower— (1) shall pay for training received under this section; and (2) may use funds from operating loans made under chapter 2 to pay for the training. (f) Waivers (1) In general The Secretary may waive the requirements of this section for an individual borrower on a determination that the borrower demonstrates adequate knowledge in areas described in this section. (2) Criteria The Secretary shall establish criteria providing for the application of paragraph (1) consistently in all counties nationwide. 3420. Loan assessments (a) In general After an applicant is determined to be eligible for assistance under this subtitle, the Secretary shall evaluate, in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary, the farming plan and financial situation of each qualified farmer applicant. (b) Determinations In evaluating the farming plan and financial situation of an applicant under this section, the Secretary shall determine— (1) the amount that the applicant needs to borrow to carry out the proposed farming plan; (2) the rate of interest that the applicant would need to be able to cover expenses and build an adequate equity base; (3) the goals of the proposed farming plan of the applicant; (4) the financial viability of the plan and any changes that are necessary to make the plan viable; and (5) whether assistance is necessary under this subtitle and, if so, the amount of the assistance. (c) Contract The Secretary may contract with a third party (including an entity that is eligible to provide borrower training under section 3419(b)) to conduct a loan assessment under this section. (d) Review of loans (1) In general Loan assessments conducted under this section shall include annual review of direct loans, and periodic review (as determined necessary by the Secretary) of guaranteed loans, made under this subtitle to assess the progress of a borrower in meeting the goals for the farm operation. (2) Contracts The Secretary may contract with an entity that is eligible to provide borrower training under section 3419(b) to conduct a loan review under paragraph (1). (3) Problem assessments If a borrower is delinquent in payments on a direct or guaranteed loan made under this subtitle, the Secretary or the contracting entity shall determine the cause of, and action necessary to correct, the delinquency. (e) Guidelines The Secretary shall issue regulations providing guidelines for loan assessments conducted under this section. 3421. Supervised credit The Secretary shall provide adequate training to employees of the Farm Service Agency on credit analysis and financial and farm management— (1) to better acquaint the employees with what constitutes adequate financial data on which to base a direct or guaranteed loan approval decision; and (2) to ensure proper supervision of farmer program loans. 3422. Market placement The Secretary shall establish a market placement program for a qualified beginning farmer and any other borrower of farmer program loans that the Secretary believes has a reasonable chance of qualifying for commercial credit with a guarantee provided under this subtitle. 3423. Recordkeeping of loans by gender of borrower The Secretary shall classify, by gender, records of applicants for loans and loan guarantees under this subtitle. 3424. Crop insurance requirement (a) In general As a condition of obtaining any benefit (including a direct loan, loan guarantee, or payment) described in subsection (b), a borrower shall be required to obtain at least catastrophic risk protection insurance coverage under section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) for the crop and crop year for which the benefit is sought, if the coverage is offered by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. (b) Applicable benefits Subsection (a) shall apply to— (1) a farm ownership loan under section 3102; (2) an operating loan under section 3202; and (3) an emergency loan under section 3301. 3425. Loan and loan servicing limitations (a) Delinquent borrowers prohibited from obtaining direct operating loans The Secretary may not make a direct operating loan under chapter 2 to a borrower who is delinquent on any loan made or guaranteed under this subtitle. (b) Loans prohibited for borrowers that have received debt forgiveness (1) Prohibitions Except as provided in paragraph (2)— (A) the Secretary may not make a loan under this subtitle to a borrower that has received debt forgiveness on a loan made or guaranteed under this subtitle; and (B) the Secretary may not guarantee a loan under this subtitle to a borrower that has received— (i) debt forgiveness after April 4, 1996, on a loan made or guaranteed under this subtitle; or (ii) received debt forgiveness on more than 3 occasions on or before April 4, 1996. (2) Exceptions (A) In general The Secretary may make a direct or guaranteed farm operating loan for paying annual farm operating expenses of a borrower who— (i) was restructured with a write-down under section 3411; (ii) is current on payments under a confirmed reorganization plan under chapters 11, 12, or 13 of title 11 of the United States Code; or (iii) received debt forgiveness on not more than 1 occasion resulting directly and primarily from a major disaster or emergency designated by the President on or after April 4, 1996, under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). (B) Emergency loans The Secretary may make an emergency loan under section 3301 to a borrower that— (i) on or before April 4, 1996, received not more than 1 debt forgiveness on a loan made or guaranteed under this subtitle; and (ii) after April 4, 1996, has not received debt forgiveness on a loan made or guaranteed under this subtitle. (c) No more than 1 debt forgiveness for a borrower on a direct loan The Secretary may not provide to a borrower debt forgiveness on a direct loan made under this subtitle if the borrower has received debt forgiveness on another direct loan made under this subtitle. 3426. Short form certification of farm program borrower compliance The Secretary shall develop and use a consolidated short form for farmer program loan borrowers to use in certifying compliance with any applicable provision of law (including a regulation) that serves as an eligibility prerequisite for a loan made under this subtitle. 3427. Underwriting forms and standards In the administration of this subtitle, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, use underwriting forms, standards, practices, and terminology similar to the forms, standards, practices, and terminology used by lenders in the private sector. 3428. Beginning farmer individual development accounts pilot program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Demonstration program The term demonstration program means a demonstration program carried out by a qualified entity under the pilot program established in subsection (b)(1). (2) Eligible participant The term eligible participant means a qualified beginning farmer that— (A) lacks significant financial resources or assets; and (B) has an income that is less than— (i) 80 percent of the median income of the State in which the farmer resides; or (ii) 200 percent of the most recent annual Federal Poverty Income Guidelines published by the Department of Health and Human Services for the State. (3) Individual development account The term individual development account means a savings account described in subsection (b)(4)(A). (4) Qualified entity (A) In general The term qualified entity means— (i) 1 or more organizations— (I) described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and (II) exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; or (ii) a State, local, or tribal government submitting an application jointly with an organization described in clause (i). (B) No prohibition on collaboration An organization described in subparagraph (A)(i) may collaborate with a financial institution or for-profit community development corporation to carry out the purposes of this section. (b) Pilot program (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a pilot program to be known as the New Farmer Individual Development Accounts Pilot Program under which the Secretary shall work through qualified entities to establish demonstration programs— (A) of at least 5 years in duration; and (B) in at least 15 States. (2) Coordination The Secretary shall operate the pilot program through and in coordination with the farmer program loans of the Farm Service Agency. (3) Reserve funds (A) In general A qualified entity carrying out a demonstration program under this section shall establish a reserve fund consisting of a non-Federal match of 50 percent of the total amount of the grant awarded to the demonstration program under this section. (B) Federal funds After the qualified entity has deposited the non-Federal matching funds described in subparagraph (A) in the reserve fund, the Secretary shall provide the total amount of the grant awarded under this section to the demonstration program for deposit in the reserve fund. (C) Use of funds Of the funds deposited under subparagraph (B) in the reserve fund established for a demonstration program, the qualified entity carrying out the demonstration program— (i) may use up to 10 percent for administrative expenses; and (ii) shall use the remainder in making matching awards described in paragraph (4)(B)(ii)(I). (D) Interest Any interest earned on amounts in a reserve fund established under subparagraph (A) may be used by the qualified entity as additional matching funds for, or to administer, the demonstration program. (E) Guidance The Secretary shall issue guidance regarding the investment requirements of reserve funds established under this paragraph. (F) Reversion On the date on which all funds remaining in any individual development account established by a qualified entity have reverted under paragraph (5)(B)(ii) to the reserve fund established by the qualified entity, there shall revert to the Treasury of the United States a percentage of the amount (if any) in the reserve fund equal to— (i) the amount of Federal funds deposited in the reserve fund under subparagraph (B) that were not used for administrative expenses; divided by (ii) the total amount of funds deposited in the reserve fund. (4) Individual development accounts (A) In general A qualified entity receiving a grant under this section shall establish and administer individual development accounts for eligible participants. (B) Contract requirements To be eligible to receive funds under this section from a qualified entity, an eligible participant shall enter into a contract with only 1 qualified entity under which— (i) the eligible participant agrees— (I) to deposit a certain amount of funds of the eligible participant in a personal savings account, as prescribed by the contractual agreement between the eligible participant and the qualified entity; (II) to use the funds described in subclause (I) only for 1 or more eligible expenditures described in paragraph (5)(A); and (III) to complete financial training; and (ii) the qualified entity agrees— (I) to deposit, not later than 1 month after an amount is deposited pursuant to clause (i)(I), at least a 100-percent, and up to a 200-percent, match of that amount into the individual development account established for the eligible participant; and (II) with uses of funds proposed by the eligible participant. (C) Limitation (i) In general A qualified entity administering a demonstration program under this section may provide not more than $6,000 for each fiscal year in matching funds to the individual development account established by the qualified entity for an eligible participant. (ii) Treatment of amount An amount provided under clause (i) shall not be considered to be a gift or loan for mortgage purposes. (5) Eligible expenditures (A) In general An eligible expenditure described in this subparagraph is an expenditure— (i) to purchase farmland or make a down payment on an accepted purchase offer for farmland; (ii) to make mortgage payments on farmland purchased pursuant to clause (i), for up to 180 days after the date of the purchase; (iii) to purchase breeding stock, fruit or nut trees, or trees to harvest for timber; and (iv) for other similar expenditures, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Timing (i) In general An eligible participant may make an eligible expenditure at any time during the 2-year period beginning on the date on which the last matching funds are provided under paragraph (4)(B)(ii)(I) to the individual development account established for the eligible participant. (ii) Unexpended funds At the end of the period described in clause (i), any funds remaining in an individual development account established for an eligible participant shall revert to the reserve fund of the demonstration program under which the account was established. (c) Applications (1) In general A qualified entity that seeks to carry out a demonstration program under this section may submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may prescribe. (2) Criteria In considering whether to approve an application to carry out a demonstration program under this section, the Secretary shall assess— (A) the degree to which the demonstration program described in the application is likely to aid eligible participants in successfully pursuing new farming opportunities; (B) the experience and ability of the qualified entity to responsibly administer the demonstration program; (C) the experience and ability of the qualified entity in recruiting, educating, and assisting eligible participants to increase economic independence and pursue or advance farming opportunities; (D) the aggregate amount of direct funds from non-Federal public sector and private sources that are formally committed to the demonstration program as matching contributions; (E) the adequacy of the plan of the qualified entity to provide information relevant to an evaluation of the demonstration program; and (F) such other factors as the Secretary considers to be appropriate. (3) Preferences In considering an application to conduct a demonstration program under this section, the Secretary shall give preference to an application from a qualified entity that demonstrates— (A) a track record of serving clients targeted by the program, including, as appropriate, socially disadvantaged farmers; and (B) expertise in dealing with financial management aspects of farming. (4) Approval Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, in accordance with this section, the Secretary shall, on a competitive basis, approve such applications to conduct demonstration programs as the Secretary considers appropriate. (5) Term of authority If the Secretary approves an application to carry out a demonstration program, the Secretary shall authorize the applicant to carry out the project for a period of 5 years, plus an additional 2 years to make eligible expenditures in accordance with subsection (b)(5)(B). (d) Grant authority (1) In general The Secretary shall make a grant to a qualified entity authorized to carry out a demonstration program under this section. (2) Maximum amount of grants The aggregate amount of grant funds provided to a demonstration program carried out under this section shall not exceed $250,000. (3) Timing of grant payments The Secretary shall pay the amounts awarded under a grant made under this section— (A) on the awarding of the grant; or (B) pursuant to such payment plan as the qualified entity may specify. (e) Reports (1) Annual progress reports (A) In general Not later than 60 days after the end of the calendar year in which the Secretary authorizes a qualified entity to carry out a demonstration program under this section, and annually thereafter until the conclusion of the demonstration program, the qualified entity shall prepare an annual report that includes, for the period covered by the report— (i) an evaluation of the progress of the demonstration program; (ii) information about the demonstration program, including the eligible participants and the individual development accounts that have been established; and (iii) such other information as the Secretary may require. (B) Submission of reports A qualified entity shall submit each report required under subparagraph (A) to the Secretary. (2) Reports by the Secretary Not later than 1 year after the date on which all demonstration programs under this section are concluded, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a final report that describes the results and findings of all reports and evaluations carried out under this section. (f) Annual review The Secretary may conduct an annual review of the financial records of a qualified entity— (1) to assess the financial soundness of the qualified entity; and (2) to determine the use of grant funds made available to the qualified entity under this section. (g) Regulations In carrying out this section, the Secretary may promulgate regulations to ensure that the program includes provisions for— (1) the termination of demonstration programs; (2) control of the reserve funds in the case of such a termination; (3) transfer of demonstration programs to other qualified entities; and (4) remissions from a reserve fund to the Secretary in a case in which a demonstration program is terminated without transfer to a new qualified entity. (h) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018. 3429. Farmer loan pilot projects (a) In general The Secretary may conduct pilot projects of limited scope and duration that are consistent with this subtitle to evaluate processes and techniques that may improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the programs carried out under this subtitle (b) Notification The Secretary shall— (1) not less than 60 days before the date on which the Secretary initiates a pilot project under subsection (a), submit notice of the proposed pilot project to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; and (2) consider any recommendations or feedback provided to the Secretary in response to the notice provided under paragraph (1). 3430. Prohibition on use of loans for certain purposes (a) In general Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary may not approve a loan under this subtitle to drain, dredge, fill, level, or otherwise manipulate a wetland (as defined in section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3801(a) )), or to engage in any activity that results in impairing or reducing the flow, circulation, or reach of water. (b) Prior activity Subsection (a) does not apply in the case of— (1) an activity related to the maintenance of a previously converted wetland; or (2) an activity that had already commenced before November 28, 1990. (c) Exception This section shall not apply to a loan made or guaranteed under this subtitle for a utility line. 3431. Authorization of appropriations and allocation of funds (a) Authorization for loans (1) In general The Secretary may make or guarantee loans under chapters 1 and 2 from the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund for not more than $4,226,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018, of which, for each fiscal year— (A) $1,200,000,000 shall be for direct loans, of which— (i) $350,000,000 shall be for farm ownership loans; and (ii) $850,000,000 shall be for operating loans; and (B) $3,026,000,000 shall be for guaranteed loans, of which— (i) $1,000,000,000 shall be for guarantees of farm ownership loans; and (ii) $2,026,000,000 shall be for guarantees of operating loans. (2) Beginning farmers (A) Direct loans (i) Farm ownership loans (I) In general Of the amounts made available under paragraph (1) for direct farm ownership loans, the Secretary shall reserve an amount that is not less than 75 percent of the total amount for qualified beginning farmers. (II) Down payment loans; joint financing arrangements Of the amounts reserved for a fiscal year under subclause (I), the Secretary shall reserve an amount not less than 2/3 of the amount for the down payment loan program under section 3107 and joint financing arrangements under section 3105 until April 1 of the fiscal year. (ii) Operating loans Of the amounts made available under paragraph (1) for direct operating loans, the Secretary shall reserve for qualified beginning farmers for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018, an amount that is not less than 50 percent of the total amount. (iii) Funds reserved until September 1 Except as provided in clause (i)(II), funds reserved for qualified beginning farmers under this subparagraph for a fiscal year shall be reserved only until September 1 of the fiscal year. (B) Guaranteed loans (i) Farm ownership loans Of the amounts made available under paragraph (1) for guarantees of farm ownership loans, the Secretary shall reserve an amount that is not less than 40 percent of the total amount for qualified beginning farmers. (ii) Operating loans Of the amounts made available under paragraph (1) for guarantees of operating loans, the Secretary shall reserve 40 percent for qualified beginning farmers. (iii) Funds reserved until April 1 Funds reserved for qualified beginning farmers under this subparagraph for a fiscal year shall be reserved only until April 1 of the fiscal year. (C) Reserved funds for all qualified beginning farmers If a qualified beginning farmer meets the eligibility criteria for receiving a direct or guaranteed loan under section 3101, 3107, or 3201, the Secretary shall make or guarantee the loan if sufficient funds reserved under this paragraph are available to make or guarantee the loan. (3) Transfer for down payment loans (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B)— (i) beginning on August 1 of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall use available unsubsidized guaranteed farm operating loan funds to provide direct farm ownership loans approved by the Secretary to qualified beginning farmers under the down payment loan program established under section 3107, if sufficient direct farm ownership loan funds are not otherwise available; and (ii) beginning on September 1 of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall use available unsubsidized guaranteed farm operating loan funds to provide direct farm ownership loans approved by the Secretary to qualified beginning farmers, if sufficient direct farm ownership loan funds are not otherwise available. (B) Limitation The Secretary shall limit the transfer of funds under subparagraph (A) so that all guaranteed farm operating loans that have been approved, or will be approved, by the Secretary during the fiscal year will be made to the extent of available amounts. (4) Transfer for credit sales of farm inventory property (A) In general Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), beginning on September 1 of each fiscal year, the Secretary may use available funds made available under chapter 3 for the fiscal year to fund the credit sale of farm real estate in the inventory of the Secretary. (B) Supplemental appropriations The transfer authority provided under subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any funds made available to the Secretary for any fiscal year under an Act making supplemental appropriations. (C) Limitation The Secretary shall limit the transfer of funds under subparagraph (A) so that all emergency disaster loans that have been approved, or will be approved, by the Secretary during the fiscal year will be made to the extent of available amounts. (5) Availability of funds Funds made available to carry out this subtitle shall remain available until expended. (b) Cost projections (1) In general The Secretary shall develop long-term cost projections for loan program authorizations required under subsection (a). (2) Analysis Each projection under paragraph (1) shall include analyses of— (A) the long-term costs of the lending levels that the Secretary requests to be authorized under subsection (a); and (B) the long-term costs for increases in lending levels beyond those requested to be authorized, based on increments of $10,000,000 or such other levels as the Secretary considers appropriate. (3) Submission to congress The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Agriculture and Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Appropriations of the Senate reports containing the long-term cost projections for the 3-year period beginning with fiscal year 1983 and each 3-year period thereafter at the time the requests for authorizations for those periods are submitted to Congress. (c) Low-Income, limited-Resource borrowers (1) Reserve Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not less than 25 percent of the loans for farm ownership purposes for each fiscal year under this subtitle shall be for low-income, limited-resource borrowers. (2) Notification The Secretary shall provide notification to farm borrowers under this subtitle in the normal course of loan making and loan servicing operations, of the provisions of this subtitle relating to low-income, limited-resource borrowers and the procedures by which persons may apply for loans under the low-income, limited-resource borrower program. . B Miscellaneous 5101. State agricultural mediation programs Section 506 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 ( 7 U.S.C. 5106 ) is amended by striking 2015 and inserting 2018 . 5102. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land (a) In general The first sentence of Public Law 91–229 (25 U.S.C. 488) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), in the first sentence, by striking loans from and all that follows through 1929) and inserting direct loans in a manner consistent with direct loans pursuant to chapter 4 of subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ; (2) in subsection (b)(1)— (A) by striking pursuant to section 205(c) of the Indian Land Consolidation Act ( 25 U.S.C. 2204(c) ) ; and (B) by inserting or to intermediaries in order to establish revolving loan funds for the purchase of highly fractionated land under that section before the period at the end; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (c) Consultation required In determining regulations and procedures to define eligible purchasers of highly fractionated land under this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the Secretary of the Interior. . 5103. Removal of duplicative appraisals Notwithstanding any other law (including regulations), in making loans under the first section of Public Law 91–229 ( 25 U.S.C. 488 ), borrowers who are Indian tribes, members of Indian tribes, or tribal corporations shall only be required to obtain 1 appraisal under an appraisal standard recognized as of the date of enactment of this Act by the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior. 5104. Compensation disclosure by Farm Credit System institutions (a) Findings Congress finds that — (1) the reasonable disclosure to stockholders by Farm Credit System institutions regarding the compensation of Farm Credit System institution senior officers is beneficial to stockholders’ understanding of the operation of their institutions; (2) transparency regarding compensation practices reinforces the cooperative nature of Farm Credit System institutions; (3) the unique cooperative structure of the Farm Credit System should be considered when promulgating rules; (4) the participation of stockholders in the election of the boards of directors of Farm Credit System institutions provides stockholders the opportunity to participate in the management of their institutions; (5) as representatives of stockholders, the boards of directors of Farm Credit System institutions importantly establish and oversee the compensation practices of Farm Credit System institutions to ensure the safe and sound operation of those institutions; and (6) any regulation should strengthen and not hinder the ability of Farm Credit System boards of directors to oversee compensation practices. (b) Implementation Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Farm Credit Administration shall review its rules to reflect Congressional intent that a primary responsibility of the boards of directors of Farm Credit System institutions, as elected representatives of their stockholders, is to oversee compensation practices. VI Rural Development A Reorganization of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 6001. Reorganization of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act Title III of the Agricultural Act of 1961 ( 7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq. ) is amended to read as follows: III Agricultural credit 3001. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This title may be cited as the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this title is as follows: TITLE III—Agricultural credit Sec. 3001. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 3002. Definitions. Subtitle A—Farmer loans, servicing, and other assistance Chapter 1—Farm ownership loans Sec. 3101. Farm ownership loans. Sec. 3102. Purposes of loans. Sec. 3103. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program. Sec. 3104. Loan maximums. Sec. 3105. Repayment requirements for farm ownership loans. Sec. 3106. Limited-resource loans. Sec. 3107. Downpayment loan program. Sec. 3108. Beginning farmer and socially disadvantaged farmer contract land sales program. Chapter 2—Operating loans Sec. 3201. Operating loans. Sec. 3202. Purposes of loans. Sec. 3203. Restrictions on loans. Sec. 3204. Terms of loans. Chapter 3—Emergency loans Sec. 3301. Emergency loans. Sec. 3302. Purposes of loans. Sec. 3303. Terms of loans. Sec. 3304. Production losses. Chapter 4—General farmer loan provisions Sec. 3401. Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Sec. 3402. Guaranteed farmer loans. Sec. 3403. Provision of information to borrowers. Sec. 3404. Notice of loan service programs. Sec. 3405. Planting and production history guidelines. Sec. 3406. Special conditions and limitations on loans. Sec. 3407. Graduation of borrowers. Sec. 3408. Debt adjustment and credit counseling. Sec. 3409. Security servicing. Sec. 3410. Contracts on loan security properties. Sec. 3411. Debt restructuring and loan servicing. Sec. 3412. Relief for mobilized military reservists from certain agricultural loan obligations. Sec. 3413. Interest rate reduction program. Sec. 3414. Homestead property. Sec. 3415. Transfer of inventory land. Sec. 3416. Target participation rates. Sec. 3417. Compromise or adjustment of debts or claims by guaranteed lender. Sec. 3418. Waiver of mediation rights by borrowers. Sec. 3419. Borrower training. Sec. 3420. Loan assessments. Sec. 3421. Supervised credit. Sec. 3422. Market placement. Sec. 3423. Recordkeeping of loans by gender of borrower. Sec. 3424. Crop insurance requirement. Sec. 3425. Loan and loan servicing limitations. Sec. 3426. Short form certification of farm program borrower compliance. Sec. 3427. Underwriting forms and standards. Sec. 3428. Beginning farmer individual development accounts pilot program. Sec. 3429. Farmer loan pilot projects. Sec. 3430. Prohibition on use of loans for certain purposes. Sec. 3431. Authorization of appropriations and allocation of funds. Subtitle B—Rural development Chapter 1—Rural community programs Sec. 3501. Water and waste disposal loans, loan guarantees, and grants. Sec. 3502. Community facilities loans, loan guarantees, and grants. Sec. 3503. Health care services. Chapter 2—Rural business and cooperative development Sec. 3601. Business programs. Sec. 3602. Rural Business Investment Program. Chapter 3—General rural development provisions Sec. 3701. General provisions for loans and grants. Sec. 3702. Strategic economic and community development. Sec. 3703. Guaranteed rural development loans. Sec. 3704. Rural Development Insurance Fund. Sec. 3705. Rural economic area partnership zones. Sec. 3706. Streamlining applications and improving accessibility of rural development programs. Sec. 3707. State Rural Development Partnership. Chapter 4—Delta Regional Authority Sec. 3801. Definitions. Sec. 3802. Delta Regional Authority. Sec. 3803. Economic and community development grants. Sec. 3804. Supplements to Federal grant programs. Sec. 3805. Local development districts; certification and administrative expenses. Sec. 3806. Distressed counties and areas and nondistressed counties. Sec. 3807. Development planning process. Sec. 3808. Program development criteria. Sec. 3809. Approval of development plans and projects. Sec. 3810. Consent of States. Sec. 3811. Records. Sec. 3812. Annual report. Sec. 3813. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 3814. Termination of authority. Chapter 5—Northern Great Plains Regional Authority Sec. 3821. Definitions. Sec. 3822. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority. Sec. 3823. Interstate cooperation for economic opportunity and efficiency. Sec. 3824. Economic and community development grants. Sec. 3825. Supplements to Federal grant programs. Sec. 3826. Multistate and local development districts and organizations and Northern Great Plains Inc. Sec. 3827. Distressed counties and areas and nondistressed counties. Sec. 3828. Development planning process. Sec. 3829. Program development criteria. Sec. 3830. Approval of development plans and projects. Sec. 3831. Consent of States. Sec. 3832. Records. Sec. 3833. Annual report. Sec. 3834. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 3835. Termination of authority. Subtitle C—General provisions Sec. 3901. Full faith and credit. Sec. 3902. Purchase and sale of guaranteed portions of loans. Sec. 3903. Administration. Sec. 3904. Loan moratorium and policy on foreclosures. Sec. 3905. Oil and gas royalty payments on loans. Sec. 3906. Taxation. Sec. 3907. Conflicts of interest. Sec. 3908. Loan summary statements. Sec. 3909. Certified lenders program. Sec. 3910. Loans to resident aliens. Sec. 3911. Expedited clearing of title to inventory property. Sec. 3912. Transfer of land to Secretary. Sec. 3913. Competitive sourcing limitations. Sec. 3914. Regulations. 3002. Definitions In this title (unless the context otherwise requires): (1) Able to obtain credit elsewhere The term able to obtain credit elsewhere means able to obtain a loan from a production credit association, a Federal land bank, or other responsible cooperative or private credit source (or, in the case of a borrower under section 3106, the borrower may be able to obtain a loan under section 3101) at reasonable rates and terms, taking into consideration prevailing private and cooperative rates and terms in the community in or near which the applicant resides for loans for similar purposes and periods of time. (2) Agricultural credit insurance fund The term Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund means the fund established under section 3401. (3) Approved lender The term approved lender means— (A) a lender approved prior to October 28, 1992, by the Secretary under the approved lender program established by exhibit A to subpart B of part 1980 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on January 1, 1991); or (B) a lender certified under section 3909. (4) Aquaculture The term aquaculture means the culture or husbandry of aquatic animals or plants by private industry for commercial purposes, including the culture and growing of fish by private industry for the purpose of creating or augmenting publicly owned and regulated stocks of fish. (5) Beginning farmer The term beginning farmer has the meaning given the term by the Secretary. (6) Borrower (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term borrower means an individual or entity who has an outstanding obligation to the Secretary under any loan made or guaranteed under this title, without regard to whether the loan has been accelerated. (B) Exclusions The term borrower does not include an individual or entity all of whose loans and accounts have been foreclosed on or liquidated, voluntarily or otherwise. (7) County committee The term county committee means the appropriate county committee established under section 8(b)(5) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590h(b)(5) ). (8) Debt forgiveness (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term debt forgiveness means reducing or terminating a loan made or guaranteed under this title, in a manner that results in a loss to the Secretary, through— (i) writing down or writing off a loan under section 3411; (ii) compromising, adjusting, reducing, or charging-off a debt or claim under section 3903; (iii) paying a loss on a guaranteed loan under this title; or (iv) discharging a debt as a result of bankruptcy. (B) Loan restructuring The term debt forgiveness does not include consolidation, rescheduling, reamortization, or deferral. (9) Department The term Department means the Department of Agriculture. (10) Direct loan The term direct loan means a loan made by the Secretary from appropriated funds. (11) Entity The term entity means a corporation, farm cooperative, partnership, joint operation, governmental entity, or other legal organization, as determined by the Secretary. (12) Farm The term farm means an operation involved in— (A) the production of an agricultural commodity; (B) ranching; or (C) aquaculture, in a controlled environment. (13) Farmer The term farmer means an individual or entity engaged primarily and directly in— (A) the production of an agricultural commodity; (B) ranching; or (C) aquaculture, in a controlled environment. (14) Farmer program loan The term farmer program loan means— (A) a farm ownership loan under section 3101; (B) a conservation loan under section 3103; (C) an operating loan under section 3201; (D) an emergency loan under section 3301; (E) an economic emergency loan under section 202 of the Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. prec. 1961 note; Public Law 95–334 ); (F) a loan for a farm service building under section 502 of the Housing Act of 1949 ( 42 U.S.C. 1472 ); (G) an economic opportunity loan under section 602 of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 ( Public Law 88–452 ; 42 U.S.C. 2942 note) (as it existed before the amendment made by section 683(a) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 ( Public Law 97–35 ; 95 Stat. 519)); (H) a softwood timber loan under section 608 of the Agricultural Programs Adjustment Act of 1984 ( 7 U.S.C. 1981 note; Public Law 98–258); or (I) any other loan described in section 343(a)(10) of this title (as it existed before the amendment made by section 2 of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 ) that is outstanding on the date of enactment of that Act. (15) Farm service agency The term Farm Service Agency means the offices of the Farm Service Agency to which the Secretary delegates responsibility to carry out this title. (16) Governmental entity The term governmental entity means any agency of a State or a unit of local government of a State, or subdivision thereof. (17) Guarantee The term guarantee means guaranteeing the payment of a loan originated, held, and serviced by a private financial agency, or lender, approved by the Secretary. (18) Highly erodible land The term highly erodible land has the meaning given the term in section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3801(a) ). (19) Homestead retention The term homestead retention means homestead retention as authorized under section 3414. (20) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe means a Federal or State-recognized Indian tribe or other federally recognized Indian tribal group (including a Tribal College or University, as defined in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1059c(b) ). (21) Loan service program The term loan service program means, with respect to a farmer program loan borrower, a primary loan service program or a homestead retention program. (22) Natural or major disaster or emergency The term natural or major disaster or emergency means— (A) a disaster due to nonmanmade causes declared by the Secretary; or (B) a major disaster or emergency designated by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. ). (23) Primary loan service program The term primary loan service program means, with respect to a farmer program loan— (A) loan consolidation, rescheduling, or reamortization; (B) interest rate reduction, including the use of the limited resource program; (C) loan restructuring, including deferral, set aside, or writing down of the principal or accumulated interest charges, or both, of the loan; or (D) any combination of actions described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C). (24) Prime farmland The term prime farmland means prime farmland and unique farmland (as defined in subsections (a) and (b) of section 657.5 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (1980)). (25) Project For purposes of section 3501, the term project includes a facility providing central service or a facility serving an individual property, or both. (26) Qualified beginning farmer The term qualified beginning farmer means an applicant, regardless of whether the applicant is participating in a program under section 3107, who— (A) is eligible for assistance under subtitle A; (B) has not operated a farm, or has operated a farm for not more than 10 years; (C) in the case of a cooperative, corporation, partnership, or joint operation, has members, stockholders, partners, or joint operators who are all related to each other by blood or marriage; (D) in the case of a farmer who is the owner and operator of a farm— (i) in the case of a loan made to an individual, individually or with the immediate family of the applicant— (I) materially and substantially participates in the operation of the farm; and (II) provides substantial day-to-day labor and management of the farm, consistent with the practices in the State or county in which the farm is located; or (ii) (I) in the case of a loan made to a cooperative, corporation, partnership, or joint operation, has members, stockholders, partners, or joint operators who materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm; and (II) in the case of a loan made to a corporation, has stockholders who all qualify individually as beginning farmers; (E) in the case of an applicant seeking to become an owner and operator of a farm— (i) in the case of a loan made to an individual, individually or with the immediate family of the applicant, will— (I) materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm; and (II) provide substantial day-to-day labor and management of the farm, consistent with the practices in the State or county in which the farm is located; or (ii) (I) in the case of a loan made to a cooperative, corporation, partnership, or joint operation, will have members, stockholders, partners, or joint operators who will materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm; and (II) in the case of a loan made to a corporation, has stockholders who will all qualify individually as beginning farmers; (F) agrees to participate in such loan assessment, borrower training, and financial management programs as the Secretary may require; (G) (i) does not own farm land; or (ii) directly or through interests in family farm corporations, owns farm land, the aggregate acreage of which does not exceed 30 percent of the average acreage of the farms, as the case may be, in the county in which the farm operations of the applicant are located, as reported in the most recent census of agriculture taken in accordance with the Census of Agriculture Act of 1997 ( 7 U.S.C. 2204g et seq. ), except that this subparagraph shall not apply to a loan made or guaranteed under chapter 2 of subtitle A; and (H) demonstrates that the available resources of the applicant and any spouse of the applicant are not sufficient to enable the applicant to farm on a viable scale. (27) Recreational purpose For purposes of section 3410, the term recreational purpose has the meaning provided by the Secretary, but shall include hunting. (28) Rural and rural area (A) In general Subject to any determination made under subparagraph (B), the terms rural’ and ‘rural area mean any area other than— (i) a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants; and (ii) any urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a city or town described in clause (i). (B) Determination of areas rural in character (i) In general If part of an area described in subparagraph (A)(ii) was eligible under the definitions of the terms rural and rural area in section 343 (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 ) for community facility, water and waste disposal, and broadband programs, that area shall remain eligible unless the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Rural Development (referred to in this subparagraph as the Under Secretary ), determines the area is no longer rural, based on the criteria described in clause (iii). (ii) Other areas On petition of a unit of local government in an urbanized area described in subparagraph (A)(ii), or on the initiative of the Under Secretary, the Under Secretary may determine that part of an area is rural, based on the criteria described in clause (iii). (iii) Criteria In making a determination under clause (i), the Under Secretary shall consider— (I) population density; (II) economic conditions, favoring a rural determination for areas facing— (aa) chronic unemployment in excess of statewide averages; (bb) sudden loss of employment from natural disaster or the loss of a significant employer in the area; or (cc) chronic poverty demonstrated at the census block or county level compared to statewide median household income; and (III) commuting patterns, favoring a rural determination for areas that can demonstrate higher proportions of the population living and working in the area. (iv) Administration In carrying out this subparagraph, the Under Secretary shall— (I) not delegate the authority to carry out this subparagraph; (II) not make a determination under clause (i) until the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 ; (III) consult with the applicable rural development State or regional director of the Department and the Governor of the respective State; (IV) provide an opportunity to appeal to the Under Secretary a determination made under this subparagraph; (V) release to the public notice of a petition filed or initiative of the Under Secretary under this subparagraph not later than 30 days after receipt of the petition or the commencement of the initiative, as appropriate; (VI) make a determination under this subparagraph not less than 15 days, and not more than 60 days, after the release of the notice under subclause (V); and (VII) submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate an annual report on actions taken to carry out this subparagraph. (v) Hawaii and Puerto Rico Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, within the areas of the County of Honolulu, Hawaii, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Under Secretary may designate any part of the areas as a rural area if the Under Secretary determines that the part is not urban in character, other than any area included in the Honolulu Census Designated Place or the San Juan Census Designated Place. (C) Exclusions Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, in determining which census blocks in an urbanized area are not in a rural area (as defined in this paragraph), the Secretary shall exclude any cluster of census blocks that would otherwise be considered not in a rural area only because the cluster is adjacent to not more than 2 census blocks that are otherwise considered not in a rural area under this paragraph. (29) Seasoned direct loan borrower The term seasoned direct loan borrower means a borrower who could reasonably be expected to qualify for commercial credit using criteria determined by the Secretary. (30) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (31) Socially disadvantaged farmer The term socially disadvantaged farmer means a farmer who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group. (32) Socially disadvantaged group The term socially disadvantaged group means a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of the identity of the members as members of a group without regard to the individual qualities of the members. (33) Solar energy The term solar energy means energy derived from sources (other than fossil fuels) and technologies included in the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5901 et seq.). (34) State The term State means— (A) in this title (other than subtitle A), each of the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau; and (B) in subtitle A, each of the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and, to the extent the Secretary determines it to be feasible and appropriate, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. (35) State beginning farmer program The term State beginning farmer program means any program that is— (A) carried out by, or under contract with, a State; and (B) designed to assist qualified beginning farmers in obtaining the financial assistance necessary to enter agriculture and establish viable farming operations. (36) Veteran The term veteran has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. (37) Wetland The term wetland has the meaning given the term in section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)). (38) Wildlife The term wildlife means fish or wildlife (as defined in section 2(a) of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3371(a))). B Rural development 1 Rural community programs 3501. Water and waste disposal loans, loan guarantees, and grants (a) In general The Secretary may make grants and loans and issue loan guarantees (including a guarantee of a loan financed by the net proceeds of a bond described in section 142(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) to eligible entities described in subsection (b) for projects in rural areas that primarily serve rural residents to provide for— (1) the development, storage, treatment, purification, or distribution of water or the collection, treatment, or disposal of waste; and (2) financial assistance and other aid in the planning of projects for purposes described in paragraph (1). (b) Eligible entities Entities eligible for assistance described in subsection (a) are— (1) associations (including corporations not operated for profit); (2) Indian tribes; (3) public and quasi-public agencies; and (4) in the case of a project to attach an individual property in a rural area to a water system to alleviate a health risk, an individual. (c) Loan and loan guarantee requirements In connection with loans made or guaranteed under this section, the Secretary shall require the applicant— (1) to certify in writing, and the Secretary shall determine, that the applicant is unable to obtain credit elsewhere to finance the actual needs of the applicant at reasonable rates and terms, taking into consideration prevailing private and cooperative rates and terms in the community in or near which the applicant resides for loans for similar purposes and periods of time; and (2) to furnish an appropriate written financial statement. (d) Grant amounts (1) Maximum Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amount of any grant made under this section shall not exceed 75 percent of the development cost of the project for which the grant is provided. (2) Grant rate The Secretary shall establish the grant rate for each project in conformity with regulations issued by the Secretary that shall provide for a graduated scale of grant rates that establish higher rates for projects in communities that have— (A) lower community population; (B) higher rates of outmigration; and (C) lower income levels. (3) Local share requirements Grants made under this section may be used to pay the local share requirements of another Federal grant-in-aid program to the extent permitted under the law providing for the grant-in-aid program. (e) Special grants (1) Revolving funds for financing water and wastewater projects (A) In general The Secretary may make grants to qualified, nonprofit entities in rural areas to capitalize revolving funds for the purpose of providing financing to eligible entities for— (i) predevelopment costs associated with proposed water and wastewater projects or with existing water and wastewater systems; and (ii) short-term costs incurred for replacement equipment, small-scale extension services, or other small capital projects that are not part of the regular operations and maintenance activities of existing water and wastewater systems. (B) Maximum amount of financing The amount of financing made to an eligible entity under this paragraph shall not exceed— (i) $100,000 for costs described in subparagraph (A)(i); and (ii) $100,000 for costs described in subparagraph (A)(ii). (C) Term The term of financing provided to an eligible entity under this paragraph shall not exceed 10 years. (D) Administration The Secretary shall limit the amount of grant funds that may be used by a grant recipient for administrative costs incurred under this paragraph. (E) Annual report A nonprofit entity receiving a grant under this paragraph shall submit to the Secretary an annual report that describes the number and size of communities served and the type of financing provided. (F) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Emergency and imminent community water assistance program (A) In general The Secretary shall provide grants in accordance with this paragraph to assist the residents of rural areas and small communities to secure adequate quantities of safe water— (i) after a significant decline in the quantity or quality of water available from the water supplies of the rural areas and small communities, or when such a decline is imminent; or (ii) when repairs, partial replacement, or significant maintenance efforts on established water systems would remedy— (I) an acute or imminent shortage of quality water; or (II) a significant or imminent decline in the quantity or quality of water that is available. (B) Priority In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall— (i) give priority to projects described in subparagraph (A)(i); and (ii) provide at least 70 percent of all grants under this paragraph to those projects. (C) Eligibility To be eligible to obtain a grant under this paragraph, an applicant shall— (i) be a public or private nonprofit entity; and (ii) in the case of a grant made under subparagraph (A)(i), demonstrate to the Secretary that the decline referred to in that subparagraph occurred, or will occur, not later than 2 years after the date on which the application was filed for the grant. (D) Uses (i) In general Grants made under this paragraph may be used— (I) for waterline extensions from existing systems, laying of new waterlines, repairs, significant maintenance, digging of new wells, equipment replacement, and hook and tap fees; (II) for any other appropriate purpose associated with developing sources of, treating, storing, or distributing water; (III) to assist communities in complying with the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or the Safe Drinking Water Act ( 42 U.S.C. 300f et seq. ); and (IV) to provide potable water to communities through other means. (ii) Joint proposals (I) In general Subject to the restrictions in subparagraph (E), nothing in this paragraph precludes rural communities from submitting joint proposals for emergency water assistance. (II) Consideration of restrictions The restrictions in subparagraph (E) shall be considered in the aggregate, depending on the number of communities involved. (E) Restrictions (i) Maximum income No grant provided under this paragraph shall be used to assist any rural area or community that has a median household income in excess of the State nonmetropolitan median household income according to the most recent decennial census of the United States. (ii) Set-aside for smaller communities Not less than 50 percent of the funds allocated under this paragraph shall be allocated to rural communities with populations that do not exceed 3,000 inhabitants. (F) Maximum grants Grants made under this paragraph may not exceed— (i) in the case of each grant made under subparagraph (A)(i), $500,000; and (ii) in the case of each grant made under subparagraph (A)(ii), $150,000. (G) Full funding Subject to subparagraph (F), grants under this paragraph shall be made in an amount equal to 100 percent of the costs of the projects conducted under this paragraph. (H) Application (i) Nationally competitive application process (I) In general The Secretary shall develop a nationally competitive application process to award grants under this paragraph. (II) Requirements The process shall include criteria for evaluating applications, including population, median household income, and the severity of the decline, or imminent decline, in the quantity or quality of water. (ii) Timing of review of applications (I) Simplified application The application process developed by the Secretary under clause (i) shall include a simplified application form that will permit expedited consideration of an application for a grant filed under this paragraph. (II) Priority review In processing applications for any water or waste grant or loan authorized under this section, the Secretary shall afford priority processing to an application for a grant under this paragraph to the extent funds will be available for an award on the application at the conclusion of priority processing. (III) Timing The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, review and act on an application under this paragraph not later than 60 days after the date on which the application is submitted to the Secretary. (I) Funding (i) Reservation (I) In general For each fiscal year, not less than 3 nor more than 5 percent of the total amount made available to carry out this section for the fiscal year shall be reserved for grants under this paragraph. (II) Release Funds reserved under subclause (I) for a fiscal year shall be reserved only until July 1 of the fiscal year. (ii) Authorization of appropriations In addition to funds made available under clause (i), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (3) Water and waste facility loans and grants to alleviate health risks (A) Definition of cooperative In this paragraph, the term cooperative means a cooperative formed specifically for the purpose of the installation, expansion, improvement, or operation of water supply or waste disposal facilities or systems. (B) Loans and grants to persons other than individuals (i) In general The Secretary shall make or guarantee loans and make grants to provide for the conservation, development, use, and control of water (including the extension or improvement of existing water supply systems) and the installation or improvement of drainage or waste disposal facilities and essential community facilities, including necessary related equipment, training, and technical assistance to— (I) rural water supply corporations, cooperatives, or similar entities; (II) Indian tribes on Federal or State reservations and other federally recognized Indian tribes; (III) rural or native villages in the State of Alaska; (IV) native tribal health consortiums; (V) public agencies; and (VI) Native Hawaiian Home Lands. (ii) Eligible projects Loans and grants described in clause (i) shall be available only to provide the described water and waste facilities and services to communities whose residents face significant health risks, as determined by the Secretary, due to the fact that a significant proportion of the residents of the community do not have access to, or are not served by, adequate affordable— (I) water supply systems; or (II) waste disposal facilities. (iii) Matching requirements For entities described under subclauses (III), (IV), or (V) of clause (i) to be eligible to receive a grant for water supply systems or waste disposal facilities, the State in which the project will occur shall provide 25 percent in matching funds from non-Federal sources. (iv) Certain areas targeted (I) In general Loans and grants under clause (i) shall be made only if the loan or grant funds will be used primarily to provide water or waste services, or both, to residents of a county or census area— (aa) the per capita income of the residents of which is not more than 70 percent of the national average per capita income, as determined by the Department of Commerce; and (bb) the unemployment rate of the residents of which is not less than 125 percent of the national average unemployment rate, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (II) Exceptions Notwithstanding subclause (I), loans and grants under clause (i) may also be made if the loan or grant funds will be used primarily to provide water or waste services, or both, to residents of— (aa) a rural area that was recognized as a colonia as of October 1, 1989; or (bb) an area described under subclause (II), (III), or (VI) of clause (i). (C) Loans and grants to individuals (i) In general The Secretary shall make or guarantee loans and make grants to individuals who reside in a community described in subparagraph (B)(i) for the purpose of extending water supply and waste disposal systems, connecting the systems to the residences of the individuals, or installing plumbing and fixtures within the residences of the individuals to facilitate the use of the water supply and waste disposal systems. (ii) Interest Loans described in clause (i) shall be at a rate of interest no greater than the Federal Financing Bank rate on loans of a similar term at the time the loans are made. (iii) Amortization The repayment of loans described in clause (i) shall be amortized over the expected life of the water supply or waste disposal system to which the residence of the borrower will be connected. (iv) Manner in which loans and grants are to be made Loans and grants to individuals under clause (i) shall be made— (I) directly to the individuals by the Secretary; or (II) to the individuals through the rural water supply corporation, cooperative, or similar entity, or public agency, providing the water supply or waste disposal services, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary. (D) Preference The Secretary shall give preference in the awarding of loans and grants under subparagraphs (B) and (C) to entities described in clause (i) of subparagraph (B) that propose to provide water supply or waste disposal services to the residents of Indian reservations, rural or native villages in the State of Alaska, Native Hawaiian Home Lands, and those rural subdivisions commonly referred to as colonias, that are characterized by substandard housing, inadequate roads and drainage, and a lack of adequate water or waste facilities. (E) Relationship to other authority Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the head of any Federal agency may enter into interagency agreements with Federal, State, tribal, and other entities to share resources, including transferring and accepting funds, equipment, or other supplies, to carry out the activities described in this paragraph. (F) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated— (i) for grants under this paragraph, $60,000,000 for each fiscal year; (ii) for loans under this paragraph, $60,000,000 for each fiscal year; and (iii) in addition to grants provided under clause (i), for grants under this section to benefit Indian tribes, $20,000,000 for each fiscal year. (4) Solid waste management grants (A) In general The Secretary may make grants to nonprofit organizations for the provision of regional technical assistance to local and regional governments and related agencies for the purpose of reducing or eliminating pollution of water resources and improving the planning and management of solid waste disposal facilities in rural areas. (B) Technical assistance grant amounts Grants made under this paragraph for the provision of technical assistance shall be made for 100 percent of the cost of the technical assistance. (C) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (5) Rural water and wastewater technical assistance and training programs (A) Grants to nonprofits (i) In general The Secretary may make grants to nonprofit organizations to enable the organizations to provide to associations that provide water and wastewater services in rural areas technical assistance and training— (I) to identify, and evaluate alternative solutions to, problems relating to the obtaining, storage, treatment, purification, or distribution of water or the collection, treatment, or disposal of waste in rural areas; (II) to prepare applications to receive financial assistance for any purpose specified in subsection (a)(1) from any public or private source; and (III) to improve the operation and maintenance practices at any existing works for the storage, treatment, purification, or distribution of water or the collection, treatment, or disposal of waste in rural areas. (ii) Selection priority In selecting recipients of grants to be made under clause (i), the Secretary shall give priority to nonprofit organizations that have experience in providing the technical assistance and training described in clause (i) to associations serving rural areas in which— (I) residents have low income; and (II) water supply systems or waste facilities are unhealthful. (iii) Funding (I) In general Except as provided in subclause (II), not less than 1 nor more than 3 percent of any funds made available to carry out water and waste disposal projects described in subsection (a) for any fiscal year shall be reserved for grants under this paragraph. (II) Exception The minimum amount specified in subclause (I) shall not apply if the aggregate amount of grant funds requested by applications that qualify for grants received by the Secretary from eligible nonprofit organizations for the fiscal year totals less than 1 percent of those funds. (B) Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program (i) In general The Secretary shall continue a national rural water and wastewater circuit rider program that— (I) is consistent with the activities and results of the program conducted before January 1, 2012, as determined by the Secretary; and (II) received funding from the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service. (ii) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subparagraph $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. (6) SEARCH Program (A) In general The Secretary may establish a Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) program to make predevelopment planning grants for feasibility studies, design assistance, and technical assistance, to financially distressed communities in rural areas with populations of 2,500 or fewer inhabitants for water and waste disposal projects described in this section. (B) Terms (i) Documentation With respect to grants made under this paragraph, the Secretary shall require the lowest quantity of documentation practicable. (ii) Matching Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Secretary may fund up to 100 percent of the eligible costs of grants provided under this paragraph, as determined by the Secretary. (iii) Funding The Secretary may use not more than 4 percent of the total amount of funds made available for a fiscal year for water, waste disposal, and essential community facility activities under this chapter to carry out this paragraph. (C) Relationship to other authority (i) In general The funds and authorities provided under this paragraph are in addition to any other funds or authorities the Secretary may have to carry out activities described in this section. (ii) Authorized activities The Secretary may furnish financial assistance or other aid in planning projects for the purposes described in subparagraph (A). (f) Priority In making grants and loans, and guaranteeing loans, for water, wastewater, and waste disposal projects under this section, the Secretary shall give priority consideration to projects that serve rural communities that, as determined by the Secretary— (1) have a population of less than 5,500 permanent residents; (2) have a community water, wastewater, or waste disposal system that— (A) is experiencing— (i) an unanticipated reduction in the quality of water, the quantity of water, or the ability to deliver water; or (ii) some other deterioration in the supply of water to the community; (B) is not adequate to meet the needs of the community; and (C) requires immediate corrective action; (3) are experiencing outmigration; (4) have a high percentage of low-income residents; or (5) are isolated from other significant population centers. (g) Curtailment or limitation of service prohibited The service provided or made available through any such association shall not be curtailed or limited by inclusion of the area served by such association within the boundaries of any municipal corporation or other public body, or by the granting of any private franchise for similar service within such area during the term of such loan; nor shall the happening of any such event be the basis of requiring such association to secure any franchise, license, or permit as a condition to continuing to serve the area served by the association at the time of the occurrence of such event. (h) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are necessary. 3502. Community facilities loans, loan guarantees, and grants (a) In general The Secretary may make grants and loans and issue loan guarantees (including a guarantee of a loan financed by the net proceeds of a bond described in section 142(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) to eligible entities described in subsection (b) for projects in rural areas that primarily serve rural residents to provide for— (1) essential community facilities, including— (A) necessary equipment; (B) recreational developments; and (2) financial assistance and other assistance in the planning of projects for purposes described in this section. (b) Eligible entities Entities eligible for assistance described in subsection (a) are— (1) associations (including corporations not operated for profit); (2) Indian tribes (including groups of individuals described in paragraph (4) of section 815 of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 ( 42 U.S.C. 2992c )); and (3) public and quasi-public agencies. (c) Loan and loan guarantee requirements (1) In general In connection with loans made or guaranteed under this section, the Secretary shall require the applicant— (A) to certify in writing, and the Secretary shall determine, that the applicant is unable to obtain credit elsewhere to finance the actual needs of the applicant; and (B) to furnish an appropriate written financial statement. (2) Debt restructuring and loan servicing for community facility loans The Secretary shall establish and implement a program that is similar to the program established under section 3411, except that the debt restructuring and loan servicing procedures shall apply to delinquent community facility program loans to a hospital or health care facility under subsection (a). (d) Grant amounts (1) Maximum Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amount of any grant made under this section shall not exceed 75 percent of the development cost of the project for which the grant is provided. (2) Grant rate The Secretary shall establish the grant rate for each project in conformity with regulations issued by the Secretary that shall provide for a graduated scale of grant rates that establish higher rates for projects in communities that have— (A) low community population; (B) high rates of outmigration; and (C) low income levels. (3) Local share requirements Grants made under this section may be used to pay the local share requirements of another Federal grant-in-aid program to the extent permitted under the law providing for the grant-in-aid program. (e) Priority In making grants and loans, and guaranteeing loans under this section, the Secretary shall give priority consideration to projects that serve rural communities that— (1) have a population of less than 20,000 permanent residents; (2) are experiencing outmigration; (3) have a high percentage of low-income residents; or (4) are isolated from other significant population centers. (f) Tribal colleges and universities (1) In general The Secretary may make grants to an entity that is a Tribal College or University (as defined in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1059c(b) )) to provide the Federal share of the cost of developing specific Tribal College or University essential community facilities in rural areas. (2) Federal share The Secretary shall establish the maximum percentage of the cost of the project that may be covered by a grant under this subsection, except that the Secretary may not require non-Federal financial support in an amount that is greater than 5 percent of the total cost of the project. (3) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (g) Technical assistance for community facilities projects (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may use funds made available for community facilities programs authorized under this section to provide technical assistance to applicants and participants for community facilities programs. (2) Funding The Secretary may use not more than 3 percent of the amount of funds made available to participants for a fiscal year for a community facilities program to provide technical assistance described in paragraph (1). (h) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are necessary. 3503. Health care services (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to address the continued unmet health needs in the Delta region through cooperation among health care professionals, institutions of higher education, research institutions, and other individuals and entities in the region. (b) Definition of eligible entity In this section, the term eligible entity means a consortium of regional institutions of higher education, academic health and research institutes, and economic development entities located in the Delta region that have experience in addressing the health care issues in the region. (c) Grants To carry out the purpose described in subsection (a), the Secretary may award a grant to an eligible entity for— (1) the development of— (A) health care services; (B) health education programs; and (C) health care job training programs; and (2) the development and expansion of public health-related facilities in the Delta region to address longstanding and unmet health needs of the region. (d) Use As a condition of the receipt of the grant, the eligible entity shall use the grant to fund projects and activities described in subsection (c), based on input solicited from local governments, public health care providers, and other entities in the Delta region. (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. 2 Rural business and cooperative development 3601. Business programs (a) Rural business development grants (1) In general The Secretary may make grants under this subsection to eligible entities described in paragraph (2) in rural areas that primarily serve rural areas for purposes described in paragraph (3). (2) Eligible entities The Secretary may make grants under this subsection to— (A) governmental entities; (B) Indian tribes; and (C) nonprofit entities. (3) Eligible purposes for grants Eligible entities that receive grants under this subsection may use the grant funds for— (A) business opportunity projects that— (i) identify and analyze business opportunities; (ii) identify, train, and provide technical assistance to existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and managers; (iii) assist in the establishment of new rural businesses and the maintenance of existing businesses, including through business support centers; (iv) conduct regional, community, and local economic development planning and coordination, and leadership development; and (v) establish centers for training, technology, and trade that will provide training to rural businesses in the use of interactive communications technologies to develop international trade opportunities and markets; and (B) projects that support the development of business enterprises that finance or facilitate— (i) the development of small and emerging private business enterprise; (ii) the establishment, expansion, and operation of rural distance learning networks; (iii) the development of rural learning programs that provide educational instruction or job training instruction related to potential employment or job advancement to adult students; and (iv) the provision of technical assistance and training to rural communities for the purpose of improving passenger transportation services or facilities. (4) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this subsection $65,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. (b) Value-Added agricultural producer grants (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Mid-tier value chain The term mid-tier value chain means a local and regional supply network that links independent producers with businesses and cooperatives that market value-added agricultural products in a manner that— (i) targets and strengthens the profitability and competitiveness of small- and medium-sized farms that are structured as family farms; and (ii) obtains agreement from an eligible agricultural producer group, farmer cooperative, or majority-controlled producer-based business venture that is engaged in the value chain on a marketing strategy. (B) Producer The term producer means a farmer. (C) Value-added agricultural product The term value-added agricultural product means any agricultural commodity or product— (i) that— (I) has undergone a change in physical state; (II) was produced in a manner that enhances the value of the agricultural commodity or product, as demonstrated through a business plan that shows the enhanced value, as determined by the Secretary; (III) is physically segregated in a manner that results in the enhancement of the value of the agricultural commodity or product; (IV) is a source of farm-based renewable energy, including E–85 fuel; or (V) is aggregated and marketed as a locally produced agricultural food product; and (ii) for which, as a result of the change in physical state or the manner in which the agricultural commodity or product was produced, marketed, or segregated— (I) the customer base for the agricultural commodity or product is expanded; and (II) a greater portion of the revenue derived from the marketing, processing, or physical segregation of the agricultural commodity or product is available to the producer of the commodity or product. (2) Grants (A) In general The Secretary may make grants under this subsection to— (i) independent producers of value-added agricultural products; and (ii) an agricultural producer group, farmer cooperative, or majority-controlled producer-based business venture, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Grants to a producer A grantee under subparagraph (A)(i) shall use the grant— (i) to develop a business plan or perform a feasibility study to establish a viable marketing opportunity (including through mid-tier value chains) for value-added agricultural products; or (ii) to provide capital to establish alliances or business ventures that allow the producer to better compete in domestic or international markets. (C) Grants to an agricultural producer group, cooperative or producer-based business venture A grantee under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall use the grant— (i) to develop a business plan for viable marketing opportunities in emerging markets for a value-added agricultural product; or (ii) to develop strategies that are intended to create marketing opportunities in emerging markets for the value-added agricultural product. (D) Award selection (i) Priority In awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to projects— (I) that contribute to increasing opportunities for operators of small- and medium-sized farms that are structured as family farms; or (II) at least 1/4 of the recipients of which are beginning farmers or socially disadvantaged farmers. (ii) Ranking In evaluating and ranking proposals under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide substantial weight to the priorities described in clause (i). (E) Amount of grant (i) In general The total amount provided to a grant recipient under this subsection shall not exceed $500,000. (ii) Majority-controlled, producer-based business ventures The total amount of all grants provided to majority-controlled, producer-based business ventures under this subsection for a fiscal year shall not exceed 10 percent of the amount of funds used to make all grants for the fiscal year under this subsection. (F) Term The term of a grant under this paragraph shall not exceed 3 years. (G) Simplified application The Secretary shall offer a simplified application form and process for project proposals requesting less than $50,000 under this subsection. (3) Funding (A) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (B) Reservation of funds for projects to benefit beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and mid-tier value chains (i) In general The Secretary shall reserve 10 percent of the amounts made available for each fiscal year under this subsection to fund projects that benefit beginning farmers or socially disadvantaged farmers. (ii) Mid-tier value chains The Secretary shall reserve 10 percent of the amounts made available for each fiscal year under this subsection to fund applications of eligible entities described in paragraph (2) that propose to develop mid-tier value chains. (iii) Unobligated amounts Any amounts in the reserves for a fiscal year established under clauses (i) and (ii) that are not obligated by June 30 of the fiscal year shall be available to the Secretary to make grants under this subsection to eligible entities in any State, as determined by the Secretary. (C) Mandatory funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this subsection $12,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. (c) Rural cooperative development grants (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Nonprofit institution The term nonprofit institution means any organization or institution, including an accredited institution of higher education, no part of the net earnings of which inures, or may lawfully inure, to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. (B) United States The term United States means— (i) the several States; and (ii) the District of Columbia. (2) Grants The Secretary shall make grants under this subsection to nonprofit institutions for the purpose of enabling the nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development. (3) Goals The goals of a center funded under this subsection shall be to facilitate the creation of jobs in rural areas through the development of new rural cooperatives, value -added processing, and rural businesses. (4) Application (A) In general Any nonprofit institution seeking a grant under paragraph (2) shall submit to the Secretary an application containing a plan for the establishment and operation by the institution of 1 or more centers for cooperative development. (B) Requirements The Secretary may approve an application if the plan contains the following: (i) A provision that substantiates that the center will effectively serve rural areas in the United States. (ii) A provision that the primary objective of the center will be to improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development. (iii) A description of the activities that the center will carry out to accomplish the objective, which may include programs— (I) for applied research and feasibility studies that may be useful to individuals, cooperatives, small businesses, and other similar entities in rural areas served by the center; (II) for the collection, interpretation, and dissemination of information that may be useful to individuals, cooperatives, small businesses, and other similar entities in rural areas served by the center; (III) providing training and instruction for individuals, cooperatives, small businesses, and other similar entities in rural areas served by the center; (IV) providing loans and grants to individuals, cooperatives, small businesses, and other similar entities in rural areas served by the center; (V) providing technical assistance, research services, and advisory services to individuals, cooperatives, small businesses, and other similar entities in rural areas served by the center; and (VI) providing for the coordination of services and sharing of information by the center. (iv) A description of the contributions that the activities are likely to make to the improvement of the economic conditions of the rural areas for which the center will provide services. (v) Provisions that the center, in carrying out the activities, will seek, if appropriate, the advice, participation, expertise, and assistance of representatives of business, industry, educational institutions, the Federal Government, and State and local governments. (vi) Provisions that the center will take all practicable steps to develop continuing sources of financial support for the center, particularly from sources in the private sector. (vii) Provisions for— (I) monitoring and evaluating the activities by the nonprofit institution operating the center; and (II) accounting for funds received by the institution under this section. (5) Awarding grants (A) In general Grants made under paragraph (2) shall be made on a competitive basis. (B) Preference In making grants under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall give preference to grant applications providing for the establishment of centers for rural cooperative development that— (i) demonstrate a proven track record in carrying out activities to promote and assist the development of cooperatively and mutually owned businesses; (ii) demonstrate previous expertise in providing technical assistance in rural areas to promote and assist the development of cooperatively and mutually owned businesses; (iii) demonstrate the ability to assist in the retention of businesses, facilitate the establishment of cooperatives and new cooperative approaches, and generate employment opportunities that will improve the economic conditions of rural areas; (iv) commit to providing technical assistance and other services to underserved and economically distressed areas in rural areas of the United States; (v) demonstrate a commitment to— (I) networking with and sharing the results of the efforts of the center with other cooperative development centers and other organizations involved in rural economic development efforts; and (II) developing multiorganization and multistate approaches to addressing the economic development and cooperative needs of rural areas; and (vi) commit to providing a 25 percent matching contribution with private funds and in-kind contributions, except that the Secretary shall not require non-Federal financial support in an amount that is greater than 5 percent in the case of a 1994 institution (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 )). (6) Grant period (A) In general A grant awarded to a center that has received no prior funding under this subsection shall be made for a period of 1 year. (B) Multiyear grants If the Secretary determines it to be in the best interest of the program, the Secretary shall award grants for a period of more than 1 year, but not more than 3 years, to a center that has successfully met the requirements of paragraph (5)(B), as determined by the Secretary. (7) Authority to extend grant period The Secretary may extend for 1 additional 12-month period the period during which a grantee may use a grant made under this subsection. (8) Technical assistance to prevent excessive unemployment or underemployment (A) In general In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may provide technical assistance to alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment, underemployment, outmigration, or low employment growth in economically distressed rural areas that the Secretary determines have a substantial need for the assistance. (B) Inclusions The assistance may include planning and feasibility studies, management and operational assistance, and studies evaluating the need for the development potential of projects that increase employment and improve economic growth in the areas. (9) Grants to defray administrative costs (A) In general The Secretary may make grants to defray not to exceed 75 percent of the costs incurred by organizations and public bodies to carry out projects for which grants or loans are made under this subsection. (B) Cost-sharing For purposes of determining the non-Federal share of the costs, the Secretary shall include contributions in cash and in kind, fairly evaluated, including premises, equipment, and services. (10) Cooperative research program The Secretary shall offer to enter into a cooperative research agreement with 1 or more qualified academic institutions in each fiscal year to conduct research on the effects of all types of cooperatives on the national economy. (11) Addressing needs of minority communities (A) In general If the total amount appropriated under paragraph (13) for a fiscal year exceeds $7,500,000, the Secretary shall reserve an amount equal to 20 percent of the total amount appropriated for grants for cooperative development centers, individual cooperatives, or groups of cooperatives— (i) that serve socially disadvantaged groups; and (ii) a majority of the boards of directors or governing boards of which are comprised of individuals who are members of socially disadvantaged groups. (B) Insufficient applications To the extent there are insufficient applications to carry out subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall use the funds as otherwise authorized by this subsection. (12) Interagency working group Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , the Secretary shall coordinate and chair an interagency working group to foster cooperative development and ensure coordination with Federal agencies and national and local cooperative organizations that have cooperative programs and interests. (13) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (d) Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program (1) Definition of national nonprofit agricultural assistance institution In this subsection, the term national nonprofit agricultural assistance institution means an organization that— (A) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under 501(a) of that Code; (B) has staff and offices in multiple regions of the United States; (C) has experience and expertise in operating national agricultural technical assistance programs; (D) expands markets for the agricultural commodities produced by producers through the use of practices that enhance the environment, natural resource base, and quality of life; and (E) improves the economic viability of agricultural operations. (2) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a national appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program to assist agricultural producers that are seeking information— (A) to reduce input costs; (B) to conserve energy resources; (C) to diversify operations through new energy crops and energy generation facilities; and (D) to expand markets for agricultural commodities produced by the producers by using practices that enhance the environment, natural resource base, and quality of life. (3) Implementation (A) In general The Secretary shall carry out the program under this subsection by making a grant to, or offering to enter into a cooperative agreement with, a national nonprofit agricultural assistance institution. (B) Grant amount A grant made, or cooperative agreement entered into, under subparagraph (A) shall provide 100 percent of the cost of providing information described in paragraph (2). (4) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (e) Business and industry direct and guaranteed loans (1) Definition of business and industry loan In this section, the term business and industry loan means a direct loan that is made, or a loan that is guaranteed, by the Secretary under this subsection. (2) Loan purposes The Secretary may make business and industry loans to public, private, or cooperative organizations organized for profit or nonprofit, private investment funds that invest primarily in cooperative organizations, or to individuals— (A) to improve, develop, or finance business, industry, and employment and improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities, including pollution abatement and control; (B) to conserve, develop, and use water for aquaculture purposes in rural areas; and (C) to reduce the reliance on nonrenewable energy resources by encouraging the development and construction of renewable energy systems (including solar energy systems, wind energy systems, and anaerobic digestors for the purpose of energy generation), including the modification of existing systems, in rural areas. (3) Loan guarantees for certain loans The Secretary may guarantee loans made under this subsection to finance the issuance of bonds for the projects described in paragraph (2). (4) Maximum amount of principal (A) In general Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, no loan may be made or guaranteed under this subsection that exceeds $25,000,000 in principal amount. (B) Limitations on loan guarantees for cooperative organizations (i) Principal amount Subject to clause (ii), the principal amount of a business and industry loan made to a cooperative organization and guaranteed under this subsection shall not exceed $40,000,000. (ii) Use To be eligible for a guarantee under this subsection for a business and industry loan made to a cooperative organization, the principal amount of the loan in excess of $25,000,000 shall be used to carry out a project that is in a rural area and— (I) provides for the value-added processing of agricultural commodities; or (II) significantly benefits 1 or more entities eligible for assistance for the purposes described in paragraph (2), as determined by the Secretary. (iii) Applications If a cooperative organization submits an application for a guarantee under this paragraph, the Secretary shall make the determination whether to approve the application, and the Secretary may not delegate this authority. (iv) Maximum amount The total amount of business and industry loans made to cooperative organizations and guaranteed for a fiscal year under this subsection with principal amounts that are in excess of $25,000,000 may not exceed 10 percent of the total amount of business and industry loans guaranteed for the fiscal year under this subsection. (5) Fees The Secretary may assess a 1-time fee and an annual renewal fee for any guaranteed business and industry loan in an amount that does not exceed 3 percent of the guaranteed principal portion of the loan. (6) Intangible assets In determining whether a cooperative organization is eligible for a guaranteed business and industry loan, the Secretary may consider the market value of a properly appraised brand name, patent, or trademark of the cooperative. (7) Loan appraisals The Secretary may require that any appraisal made in connection with a business and industry loan be conducted by a specialized appraiser that uses standards that are comparable to standards used for similar purposes in the private sector, as determined by the Secretary. (8) Loan guarantees for the purchase of cooperative stock (A) In general The Secretary may guarantee a business and industry loan to individual farmers to purchase capital stock of a farmer cooperative established for the purpose of processing an agricultural commodity. (B) Processing contracts during initial period A cooperative described in subparagraph (A) for which a farmer receives a guarantee to purchase stock under that subparagraph may contract for services to process agricultural commodities or otherwise process value added for the period beginning on the date of the startup of the cooperative in order to provide adequate time for the planning and construction of the processing facility of the cooperative. (C) Financial information Financial information required by the Secretary from a farmer as a condition of making a business and industry loan guarantee under this paragraph shall be provided in the manner generally required by commercial agricultural lenders in the applicable area. (9) Loans to cooperatives (A) Eligibility (i) In general The Secretary may make or guarantee a business and industry loan to a cooperative organization that is headquartered in a metropolitan area if the loan is— (I) used for a project or venture described in paragraph (2) that is located in a rural area; or (II) a loan guarantee that meets the requirements of paragraph (10). (ii) Equity The Secretary may guarantee a loan made for the purchase of preferred stock or similar equity issued by a cooperative organization or a fund that invests primarily in cooperative organizations, if the guarantee significantly benefits 1 or more entities eligible for assistance for the purposes described in paragraph (2)(A), as determined by the Secretary. (B) Refinancing A cooperative organization that is eligible for a business and industry loan shall be eligible to refinance an existing business and industry loan with a lender if— (i) the cooperative organization— (I) is current and performing with respect to the existing loan; and (II) (aa) is not, and has not been, in payment default, with respect to the existing loan; or (bb) has not converted any of the collateral with respect to the existing loan; and (ii) there is adequate security or full collateral for the refinanced loan. (10) Loan guarantees in nonrural areas The Secretary may guarantee a business and industry loan to a cooperative organization for a facility that is not located in a rural area if— (A) the primary purpose of the loan guarantee is for a facility to provide value-added processing for agricultural producers that are located within 80 miles of the facility; (B) the applicant demonstrates to the Secretary that the primary benefit of the loan guarantee will be to provide employment for residents of a rural area; and (C) the total amount of business and industry loans guaranteed for a fiscal year under this paragraph does not exceed 10 percent of the business and industry loans guaranteed for the fiscal year under this subsection. (11) Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products (A) Definitions In this paragraph: (i) Locally or regionally produced agricultural food product The term locally or regionally produced agricultural food product means any agricultural food product that is raised, produced, and distributed in— (I) the locality or region in which the final product is marketed, so that the total distance that the product is transported is less than 400 miles from the origin of the product; or (II) the State in which the product is produced. (ii) Underserved community The term underserved community means a community (including an urban or rural community and an Indian tribal community) that, as determined by the Secretary, has— (I) limited access to affordable, healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, in grocery retail stores or farmer-to-consumer direct markets; and (II) a high rate of hunger or food insecurity or a high poverty rate. (B) Loan and loan guarantee program (i) In general The Secretary shall make or guarantee loans to individuals, cooperatives, cooperative organizations, businesses, and other entities to establish and facilitate enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, store, and market locally or regionally produced agricultural food products to support community development and farm income. (ii) Requirement The recipient of a loan or loan guarantee under this paragraph shall include in an appropriate agreement with retail and institutional facilities to which the recipient sells locally or regionally produced agricultural food products a requirement to inform consumers of the retail or institutional facilities that the consumers are purchasing or consuming locally or regionally produced agricultural food products. (iii) Priority In making or guaranteeing a loan under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that have components benefitting underserved communities. (iv) Reports Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 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, and publish on the Internet, a report that describes projects carried out using loans or loan guarantees made under clause (i), including— (I) summary information about all projects; (II) the characteristics of the communities served; and (III) resulting benefits. (v) Reservation of funds For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall reserve not less than 5 percent of the total amount of funds made available to carry out this subsection to carry out this paragraph until April 1 of the fiscal year. (vi) Outreach The Secretary shall develop and implement an outreach plan to publicize the availability of loans and loan guarantees under this paragraph, working closely with rural cooperative development centers, credit unions, community development financial institutions, regional economic development authorities, and other financial and economic development entities. (12) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (f) Relending programs (1) Intermediate relending program (A) In general The Secretary may make or guarantee loans to eligible entities described in subparagraph (B) so that the eligible entities may relend the funds to individuals and entities for the purposes described in subparagraph (C). (B) Eligible entities Entities eligible for loans and loan guarantees described in subparagraph (A) are— (i) public agencies; (ii) Indian tribes; (iii) cooperatives; and (iv) nonprofit corporations. (C) Eligible purposes The proceeds from loans made or guaranteed by the Secretary pursuant to subparagraph (A) may be relent by eligible entities for projects that— (i) predominately serve communities in rural areas; and (ii) as determined by the Secretary— (I) promote community development; (II) establish new businesses; (III) establish and support microlending programs; and (IV) create or retain employment opportunities. (D) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Rural microentrepreneur assistance program (A) Definitions In this paragraph: (i) Microentrepreneur The term microentrepreneur means an owner and operator, or prospective owner and operator, of a rural microenterprise who is unable to obtain sufficient training, technical assistance, or credit other than under this subsection, as determined by the Secretary. (ii) Microenterprise development organization The term microenterprise development organization means an organization that is— (I) a nonprofit entity; (II) an Indian tribe, the tribal government of which certifies to the Secretary that— (aa) no microenterprise development organization serves the Indian tribe; and (bb) no rural microentrepreneur assistance program exists under the jurisdiction of the Indian tribe; (III) a public institution of higher education; or (IV) a collaboration of rural nonprofit entities serving a region or State, if 1 lead nonprofit entity is the sole underwriter of all loans and is responsible for associated risks. (iii) Microloan The term microloan means a business loan of not more than $50,000 that is provided to a rural microenterprise. (iv) Program The term program means the rural microentrepreneur assistance program established under subparagraph (B). (v) Rural microenterprise The term rural microenterprise means a business entity with not more than 10 full-time equivalent employees located in a rural area. (vi) Training The term training means teaching broad business principles or general business skills in a group or public setting. (vii) Technical assistance The term technical assistance means working with a business client in a 1-to-1 manner to provide business and financial management counseling, assist in the preparation of business or marketing plans, or provide other skills tailored to an individual microentrepreneur. (B) Rural microentrepreneur assistance program (i) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a rural microentrepreneur assistance program to provide loans and grants to support microentrepreneurs in the development and ongoing success of rural microenterprises. (ii) Purpose The purpose of the program is to provide microentrepreneurs with— (I) the skills necessary to establish new rural microenterprises; and (II) continuing technical and financial assistance related to the successful operation of rural microenterprises. (iii) Loans (I) In general The Secretary shall make loans to microenterprise development organizations for the purpose of providing fixed-interest rate microloans to microentrepreneurs for startup and growing rural microenterprises. (II) Loan terms A loan made by the Secretary to a microenterprise development organization under this subparagraph shall— (aa) be for a term not to exceed 20 years; and (bb) bear an annual interest rate of at least 1 percent. (III) Loan loss reserve fund The Secretary shall require each microenterprise development organization that receives a loan under this subparagraph to— (aa) establish a loan loss reserve fund; and (bb) maintain the reserve fund in an amount equal to at least 5 percent of the outstanding balance of such loans owed by the microenterprise development organization, until all obligations owed to the Secretary under this subparagraph are repaid. (IV) Deferral of interest and principal The Secretary may permit the deferral of payments on principal and interest due on a loan to a microenterprise development organization made under this paragraph for a 2-year period beginning on the date on which the loan is made. (iv) Grants to support rural microenterprise development (I) In general The Secretary shall make grants to microenterprise development organizations— (aa) to provide training and technical assistance, and other related services to rural microentrepreneurs; and (bb) to carry out such other projects and activities as the Secretary determines appropriate to further the purposes of the program. (II) Selection In making grants under subclause (I), the Secretary shall— (aa) place an emphasis on microenterprise development organizations that serve microentrepreneurs that are located in rural areas that have suffered significant outward migration, as determined by the Secretary; and (bb) ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that grant recipients include microenterprise development organizations of varying sizes and that serve racially and ethnically diverse populations. (v) Grants to assist microentrepreneurs (I) In general The Secretary shall make annual grants to microenterprise development organizations to provide technical assistance to microentrepreneurs that— (aa) received a loan from the microenterprise development organization under subparagraph (B)(iii); or (bb) are seeking a loan from the microenterprise development organization under subparagraph (B)(iii). (II) Maximum amount of technical assistance grant The maximum amount of a grant under this clause shall be in an amount equal to not more than 25 percent of the total outstanding balance of microloans made by the microenterprise development organization under clause (iii), as of the date the grant is awarded. (vi) Administrative expenses Not more than 10 percent of a grant received by a microenterprise development organization for a fiscal year under this subparagraph may be used to pay administrative expenses. (C) Administration (i) Matching requirement As a condition of any grant made under clauses (iv) and (v) of subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall require the microenterprise development organization to match not less than 15 percent of the total amount of the grant in the form of matching funds (including community development block grants), indirect costs, or in-kind goods or services. (ii) Oversight At a minimum, not later than December 1 of each fiscal year, a microenterprise development organization that receives a loan or grant under this section shall provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require to ensure that assistance provided under this section is used for the purposes for which the loan or grant was made. (D) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (E) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this paragraph $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. 3602. Rural Business Investment Program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Articles The term articles means articles of incorporation for an incorporated body or the functional equivalent or other similar documents specified by the Secretary for other business entities. (2) Developmental venture capital The term developmental venture capital means capital in the form of equity capital investments in rural business investment companies with an objective of fostering economic development in rural areas. (3) Employee welfare benefit plan; pension plan (A) In general The terms employee welfare benefit plan and pension plan have the meanings given the terms in section 3 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1002). (B) Inclusions The terms employee welfare benefit plan and pension plan include— (i) public and private pension or retirement plans subject to this subtitle; and (ii) similar plans not covered by this subtitle that have been established, and that are maintained, by the Federal Government or any State (including by a political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government or a State) for the benefit of employees. (4) Equity capital The term equity capital means common or preferred stock or a similar instrument, including subordinated debt with equity features. (5) Leverage The term leverage includes— (A) debentures purchased or guaranteed by the Secretary; (B) participating securities purchased or guaranteed by the Secretary; and (C) preferred securities outstanding as of the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 . (6) License The term license means a license issued by the Secretary in accordance with in subsection (d)(5). (7) Limited liability company The term limited liability company means a business entity that is organized and operating in accordance with a State limited liability company law approved by the Secretary. (8) Member The term member means, with respect to a rural business investment company that is a limited liability company, a holder of an ownership interest, or a person otherwise admitted to membership in the limited liability company. (9) Operational assistance The term operational assistance means management, marketing, and other technical assistance that assists a rural business concern with business development. (10) Participation agreement The term participation agreement means an agreement, between the Secretary and a rural business investment company granted final approval under subsection (d)(5), that requires the rural business investment company to make investments in smaller enterprises in rural areas. (11) Private capital (A) In general The term private capital means the total of— (i) (I) the paid-in capital and paid-in surplus of a corporate rural business investment company; (II) the contributed capital of the partners of a partnership rural business investment company; or (III) the equity investment of the members of a limited liability company rural business investment company; and (ii) unfunded binding commitments from investors that meet criteria established by the Secretary to contribute capital to the rural business investment company, except that— (I) unfunded commitments may be counted as private capital for purposes of approval by the Secretary of any request for leverage; but (II) leverage shall not be funded based on the commitments. (B) Exclusions The term private capital does not include— (i) any funds borrowed by a rural business investment company from any source; (ii) any funds obtained through the issuance of leverage; or (iii) any funds obtained directly or indirectly from the Federal Government or any State (including by a political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government or a State), except for— (I) funds obtained from the business revenues (excluding any governmental appropriation) of any Federally chartered or government-sponsored enterprise established prior to the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 ; (II) funds invested by an employee welfare benefit plan or pension plan; and (III) any qualified nonprivate funds (if the investors of the qualified nonprivate funds do not control, directly or indirectly, the management, board of directors, general partners, or members of the rural business investment company). (12) Qualified nonprivate funds The term qualified nonprivate funds means any— (A) funds directly or indirectly invested in any applicant or rural business investment company on or before the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 by any Federal agency, other than the Department, under a provision of law explicitly mandating the inclusion of those funds in the definition of the term private capital ; and (B) funds invested in any applicant or rural business investment company by 1 or more entities of any State (including by a political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the State and including any guarantee extended by those entities) in an aggregate amount that does not exceed 33 percent of the private capital of the applicant or rural business investment company. (13) Rural business concern The term rural business concern means— (A) a public, private, or cooperative for-profit or nonprofit organization; (B) a for-profit or nonprofit business controlled by an Indian tribe; or (C) any other person or entity that primarily operates in a rural area, as determined by the Secretary. (14) Rural business investment company The term rural business investment company means a company that— (A) has been granted final approval by the Secretary under subsection (d)(5); and (B) has entered into a participation agreement with the Secretary. (15) Smaller enterprise (A) In general The term smaller enterprise means any rural business concern that, together with its affiliates— (i) has— (I) a net financial worth of not more than $6,000,000, as of the date on which assistance is provided under this section to the rural business concern; and (II) except as provided in subparagraph (B), an average net income for the 2-year period preceding the date on which assistance is provided under this section to the rural business concern, of not more than $2,000,000, after Federal income taxes (excluding any carryover losses); or (ii) satisfies the standard industrial classification size standards established by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration for the industry in which the rural business concern is primarily engaged. (B) Exception For purposes of subparagraph (A)(i)(II), if the rural business concern is not required by law to pay Federal income taxes at the enterprise level, but is required to pass income through to the shareholders, partners, beneficiaries, or other equitable owners of the business concern, the net income of the business concern shall be determined by allowing a deduction in an amount equal to the total of— (i) if the rural business concern is not required by law to pay State (and local, if any) income taxes at the enterprise level, the product obtained by multiplying— (I) the net income (determined without regard to this subparagraph); by (II) the marginal State income tax rate (or by the combined State and local income tax rates, as applicable) that would have applied if the business concern were a corporation; and (ii) the product obtained by multiplying— (I) the net income (so determined) less any deduction for State (and local) income taxes calculated under clause (i); by (II) the marginal Federal income tax rate that would have applied if the rural business concern were a corporation. (b) Purposes The purposes of the Rural Business Investment Program established under this section are— (1) to promote economic development and the creation of wealth and job opportunities in rural areas and among individuals living in those areas by encouraging developmental venture capital investments in smaller enterprises primarily located in rural areas; and (2) to establish a developmental venture capital program, with the mission of addressing the unmet equity investment needs of small enterprises located in rural areas, by authorizing the Secretary— (A) to enter into participation agreements with rural business investment companies; (B) to guarantee debentures of rural business investment companies to enable each rural business investment company to make developmental venture capital investments in smaller enterprises in rural areas; and (C) to make grants to rural business investment companies, and to other entities, for the purpose of providing operational assistance to smaller enterprises financed, or expected to be financed, by rural business investment companies. (c) Establishment In accordance with this subtitle, the Secretary shall establish a Rural Business Investment Program, under which the Secretary may— (1) enter into participation agreements with companies granted final approval under subsection (d)(5) for the purposes described in subsection (b); (2) guarantee the debentures issued by rural business investment companies as provided in subsection (e); and (3) make grants to rural business investment companies, and to other entities, under subsection (h). (d) Selection of rural business investment companies (1) Eligibility A company shall be eligible to apply to participate, as a rural business investment company, in the program established under this section if— (A) the company is a newly formed for-profit entity or a newly formed for-profit subsidiary of such an entity; (B) the company has a management team with experience in community development financing or relevant venture capital financing; and (C) the company will invest in enterprises that will create wealth and job opportunities in rural areas, with an emphasis on smaller enterprises. (2) Application To participate, as a rural business investment company, in the program established under this section, a company meeting the eligibility requirements of paragraph (1) shall submit an application to the Secretary that includes— (A) a business plan describing how the company intends to make successful developmental venture capital investments in identified rural areas; (B) information regarding the community development finance or relevant venture capital qualifications and general reputation of the management of the company; (C) a description of how the company intends to work with community-based organizations and local entities (including local economic development companies, local lenders, and local investors) and to seek to address the unmet equity capital needs of the communities served; (D) a proposal describing how the company intends to use the grant funds provided under this section to provide operational assistance to smaller enterprises financed by the company, including information regarding whether the company intends to use licensed professionals, as necessary, on the staff of the company or from an outside entity; (E) with respect to binding commitments to be made to the company under this section, an estimate of the ratio of cash to in-kind contributions; (F) a description of the criteria to be used to evaluate whether and to what extent the company meets the purposes of the program established under this section; (G) information regarding the management and financial strength of any parent firm, affiliated firm, or any other firm essential to the success of the business plan of the company; and (H) such other information as the Secretary may require. (3) Status Not later than 90 days after the initial receipt by the Secretary of an application under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide to the applicant a written report describing the status of the application and any requirements remaining for completion of the application. (4) Matters considered In reviewing and processing any application under this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) determine whether— (i) the applicant meets the requirements of paragraph (5); and (ii) the management of the applicant is qualified and has the knowledge, experience, and capability necessary to comply with this section; (B) take into consideration— (i) the need for and availability of financing for rural business concerns in the geographic area in which the applicant is to commence business; (ii) the general business reputation of the owners and management of the applicant; and (iii) the probability of successful operations of the applicant, including adequate profitability and financial soundness; and (C) not take into consideration any projected shortage or unavailability of grant funds or leverage. (5) Approval; license (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary may approve an applicant to operate as a rural business investment company under this subtitle and license the applicant as a rural business investment company, if— (i) the Secretary determines that the application satisfies the requirements of paragraph (2); (ii) the area in which the rural business investment company is to conduct its operations, and establishment of branch offices or agencies (if authorized by the articles), are approved by the Secretary; and (iii) the applicant enters into a participation agreement with the Secretary. (B) Capital requirements (i) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Secretary may approve an applicant to operate as a rural business investment company under this section and designate the applicant as a rural business investment company, if the Secretary determines that the applicant— (I) has private capital as determined by the Secretary; (II) would otherwise be approved under this section, except that the applicant does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (i)(3); and (III) has a viable business plan that— (aa) reasonably projects profitable operations; and (bb) has a reasonable timetable for achieving a level of private capital that satisfies the requirements of subsection (i)(3). (ii) Leverage An applicant approved under clause (i) shall not be eligible to receive leverage under this section until the applicant satisfies the requirements of section 3602(i)(3). (iii) Grants An applicant approved under clause (i) shall be eligible for grants under subsection (h) in proportion to the private capital of the applicant, as determined by the Secretary. (e) Debentures (1) In general The Secretary may guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest, as scheduled, on debentures issued by any rural business investment company. (2) Terms and conditions The Secretary may make guarantees under this subsection on such terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate, except that the term of any debenture guaranteed under this section shall not exceed 15 years. (3) Full faith and credit of the United States Section 3901 shall apply to any guarantee under this subsection. (4) Maximum guarantee Under this subsection, the Secretary may— (A) guarantee the debentures issued by a rural business investment company only to the extent that the total face amount of outstanding guaranteed debentures of the rural business investment company does not exceed the lesser of— (i) 300 percent of the private capital of the rural business investment company; or (ii) $105,000,000; and (B) provide for the use of discounted debentures. (f) Issuance and guarantee of trust certificates (1) Issuance The Secretary may issue trust certificates representing ownership of all or a fractional part of debentures issued by a rural business investment company and guaranteed by the Secretary under this section, if the certificates are based on and backed by a trust or pool approved by the Secretary and composed solely of guaranteed debentures. (2) Guarantee (A) In general The Secretary may, under such terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate, guarantee the timely payment of the principal of and interest on trust certificates issued by the Secretary or agents of the Secretary for purposes of this subsection. (B) Limitation Each guarantee under this paragraph shall be limited to the extent of principal and interest on the guaranteed debentures that compose the trust or pool. (C) Prepayment or default (i) In general (I) Authority to prepay A debenture may be prepaid at any time without penalty. (II) Reduction of guarantee Subject to subclause (I), if a debenture in a trust or pool is prepaid, or in the event of default of such a debenture, the guarantee of timely payment of principal and interest on the trust certificates shall be reduced in proportion to the amount of principal and interest the prepaid debenture represents in the trust or pool. (ii) Interest Interest on prepaid or defaulted debentures shall accrue and be guaranteed by the Secretary only through the date of payment of the guarantee. (iii) Redemption At any time during the term of a trust certificate, the trust certificate may be called for redemption due to prepayment or default of all debentures. (3) Full faith and credit of the United States Section 3901 shall apply to any guarantee of a trust certificate issued by the Secretary under this section. (4) Subrogation and ownership rights (A) Subrogation If the Secretary pays a claim under a guarantee issued under this section, the claim shall be subrogated fully to the rights satisfied by the payment. (B) Ownership rights No Federal, State, or local law shall preclude or limit the exercise by the Secretary of the ownership rights of the Secretary in a debenture residing in a trust or pool against which 1 or more trust certificates are issued under this subsection. (5) Management and administration (A) Registration The Secretary shall provide for a central registration of all trust certificates issued under this subsection. (B) Creation of pools The Secretary may— (i) maintain such commercial bank accounts or investments in obligations of the United States as may be necessary to facilitate the creation of trusts or pools backed by debentures guaranteed under this subtitle; and (ii) issue trust certificates to facilitate the creation of those trusts or pools. (C) Fidelity bond or insurance requirement Any agent performing functions on behalf of the Secretary under this paragraph shall provide a fidelity bond or insurance in such amount as the Secretary considers to be necessary to fully protect the interests of the United States. (D) Regulation of brokers and dealers The Secretary may regulate brokers and dealers in trust certificates issued under this subsection. (E) Electronic registration Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the use of a book-entry or other electronic form of registration for trust certificates issued under this subsection. (g) Fees (1) In general The Secretary may charge a fee that does not exceed $500 with respect to any guarantee or grant issued under this section. (2) Trust certificate Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary shall not collect a fee for any guarantee of a trust certificate under subsection (f), except that any agent of the Secretary may collect a fee that does not exceed $500 for the functions described in subsection (f)(5)(B). (3) License (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the Secretary may prescribe fees to be paid by each applicant for a license to operate as a rural business investment company under this section. (B) Use of amounts Fees collected under this paragraph— (i) shall be deposited in the account for salaries and expenses of the Secretary; (ii) are authorized to be appropriated solely to cover the costs of licensing examinations; and (iii) shall— (I) in the case of a license issued before the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , not exceed $500 for any fee collected under this paragraph; and (II) in the case of a license issued after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , be a rate as determined by the Secretary. (C) Prohibition on collection of certain fees In the case of a license described in subparagraph (A) that was approved before July 1, 2007, the Secretary shall not collect any fees due on or after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 . (h) Operational assistance grants (1) In general In accordance with this subsection, the Secretary may make grants to rural business investment companies and to other entities, as authorized by this section, to provide operational assistance to smaller enterprises financed, or expected to be financed, by the entities. (2) Terms Grants made under this subsection shall be made over a multiyear period (not to exceed 10 years) under such terms as the Secretary may require. (3) Use of funds The proceeds of a grant made under this subsection may be used by the rural business investment company receiving the grant only to provide operational assistance in connection with an equity or prospective equity investment in a business located in a rural area. (4) Submission of plans A rural business investment company shall be eligible for a grant under this subsection only if the rural business investment company submits to the Secretary, in such form and manner as the Secretary may require, a plan for use of the grant. (5) Grant amount (A) Rural business investment companies The amount of a grant made under this subsection to a rural business investment company shall be equal to the lesser of— (i) 10 percent of the private capital raised by the rural business investment company; or (ii) $1,000,000. (6) Other entities The amount of a grant made under this subsection to any entity other than a rural business investment company shall be equal to the resources (in cash or in kind) raised by the entity in accordance with the requirements applicable to rural business investment companies under this section. (i) Rural business investment companies (1) Organization For purposes of this subsection, a rural business investment company shall— (A) be an incorporated body, a limited liability company, or a limited partnership organized and chartered or otherwise existing under State law solely for the purpose of performing the functions and conducting the activities authorized by this section; and (B) (i) if incorporated, have succession for a period of not less than 30 years unless earlier dissolved by the shareholders of the rural business investment company; and (ii) if a limited partnership or a limited liability company, have succession for a period of not less than 10 years; and (iii) possess the powers reasonably necessary to perform the functions and conduct the activities. (2) Articles The articles of any rural business investment company— (A) shall specify in general terms— (i) the purposes for which the rural business investment company is formed; (ii) the name of the rural business investment company; (iii) the 1 or more areas in which the operations of the rural business investment company are to be carried out; (iv) the place where the principal office of the rural business investment company is to be located; and (v) the amount and classes of the shares of capital stock of the rural business investment company; (B) may contain any other provisions consistent with this section that the rural business investment company may determine appropriate to adopt for the regulation of the business of the rural business investment company and the conduct of the affairs of the rural business investment company; and (C) shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary. (3) Capital requirements (A) In general Each rural business investment company shall be required to meet the capital requirements as provided by the Secretary. (B) Time frame Each rural business investment company shall have a period of 2 years to meet the capital requirements of this paragraph. (C) Adequacy In addition to the requirements of subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall— (i) determine whether the private capital of each rural business investment company is adequate to ensure a reasonable prospect that the rural business investment company will be operated soundly and profitably, and managed actively and prudently in accordance with the articles of the rural business investment company; (ii) determine that the rural business investment company will be able to comply with the requirements of this section; (iii) require that at least 75 percent of the capital of each rural business investment company is invested in rural business concerns; (iv) ensure that the rural business investment company is designed primarily to meet equity capital needs of the businesses in which the rural business investment company invests and not to compete with traditional small business financing by commercial lenders; and (v) require that the rural business investment company makes short-term non-equity investments of less than 5 years only to the extent necessary to preserve an existing investment. (4) Diversification of ownership The Secretary shall ensure that the management of each rural business investment company licensed after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 is sufficiently diversified from and unaffiliated with the ownership of the rural business investment company so as to ensure independence and objectivity in the financial management and oversight of the investments and operations of the rural business investment company. (j) Financial institution investments (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the following banks, associations, and institutions are eligible both to establish and invest in any rural business investment company or in any entity established to invest solely in rural business investment companies: (A) Any bank or savings association the deposits of which are insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.), including an investment pool created entirely by such bank or savings association. (B) Any Farm Credit System institution described in subsection 1.2(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2002(a)). (2) Limitation No bank, association, or institution described in paragraph (1) may make investments described in paragraph (1) that are greater than 5 percent of the capital and surplus of the bank, association, or institution. (3) Limitation on rural business investment companies controlled by farm credit system institutions If a Farm Credit System institution described in section 1.2(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 ( 12 U.S.C. 2002(a) ) holds more than 25 percent of the shares of a rural business investment company, either alone or in conjunction with other System institutions (or affiliates), the rural business investment company shall not provide equity investments in, or provide other financial assistance to, entities that are not otherwise eligible to receive financing from the Farm Credit System under that Act ( 12 U.S.C. 2001 et seq. ). (k) Examinations (1) In general Each rural business investment company that participates in the program established under this section shall be subject to examinations made at the direction of the Secretary in accordance with this subsection. (2) Assistance of private sector entities An examination under this subsection may be conducted with the assistance of a private sector entity that has the qualifications and the expertise necessary to conduct such an examination. (3) Costs (A) In general The Secretary may assess the cost of an examination under this section, including compensation of the examiners, against the rural business investment company examined. (B) Payment Any rural business investment company against which the Secretary assesses costs under this subparagraph shall pay the costs. (4) Deposit of funds Funds collected under this subsection shall— (A) be deposited in the account that incurred the costs for carrying out this subsection; (B) be made available to the Secretary to carry out this subsection, without further appropriation; and (C) remain available until expended. (l) Reporting requirements (1) Rural business investment companies Each entity that participates in a program established under this section shall provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require, including— (A) information relating to the measurement criteria that the entity proposed in the program application of the rural business investment company; and (B) in each case in which the entity under this section makes an investment in, or a loan or grant to, a business that is not located in a rural area, a report on the number and percentage of employees of the business who reside in those areas. (2) Public reports (A) In general The Secretary shall prepare and make available to the public an annual report on the programs established under this section, including detailed information on— (i) the number of rural business investment companies licensed by the Secretary during the previous fiscal year; (ii) the aggregate amount of leverage that rural business investment companies have received from the Federal Government during the previous fiscal year; (iii) the aggregate number of each type of leveraged instruments used by rural business investment companies during the previous fiscal year and how each number compares to previous fiscal years; (iv) the number of rural business investment company licenses surrendered and the number of rural business investment companies placed in liquidation during the previous fiscal year, identifying the amount of leverage each rural business investment company has received from the Federal Government and the type of leverage instruments each rural business investment company has used; (v) the amount of losses sustained by the Federal Government as a result of operations under this section during the previous fiscal year and an estimate of the total losses that the Federal Government can reasonably expect to incur as a result of the operations during the current fiscal year; (vi) actions taken by the Secretary to maximize recoupment of funds of the Federal Government expended to implement and administer the Rural Business Investment Program under this section during the previous fiscal year and to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section (including regulations); (vii) the amount of Federal Government leverage that each licensee received in the previous fiscal year and the types of leverage instruments each licensee used; (viii) for each type of financing instrument, the sizes, types of geographic locations, and other characteristics of the small business investment companies using the instrument during the previous fiscal year, including the extent to which the investment companies have used the leverage from each instrument to make loans or equity investments in rural areas; and (ix) the actions of the Secretary to carry out this section (B) Prohibition In compiling the report required under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may not— (i) compile the report in a manner that permits identification of any particular type of investment by an individual rural business investment company or small business concern in which a rural business investment company invests; or (ii) release any information that is prohibited under section 1905 of title 18, United States Code. (m) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2018. . 3 General rural development provisions 3701. General provisions for loans and grants (a) Period for repayment Unless otherwise specifically provided for in this subtitle, the period for repayment of a loan under this subtitle shall not exceed 40 years. (b) Interest rates (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this title, the interest rate on a loan under this subtitle shall be determined by the Secretary at a rate— (A) not to exceed a sum obtained by adding— (i) the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturity of the loan; and (ii) an amount not to exceed 1 percent, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) adjusted to the nearest 1/8 of 1 percent. (2) Water and waste facility loans and community facilities loans (A) In general Notwithstanding any provision of State law limiting the rate or amount of interest that may be charged, taken, received, or reserved, except as provided in subparagraph (C) and paragraph (4), the interest rate on a loan (other than a guaranteed loan) to a public body or nonprofit association (including an Indian tribe) for a water or waste disposal facility or essential community facility shall be determined by the Secretary at a rate not to exceed— (i) the current market yield on outstanding municipal obligations with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturity for the loan, and adjusted to the nearest 1/8 of 1 percent; (ii) 5 percent per year for a loan that is for the upgrading of a facility or construction of a new facility as required to meet applicable health or sanitary standards in— (I) an area in which the median family income of the persons to be served by the facility is below the poverty line (as defined in section 673 of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902)); and (II) any areas the Secretary may designate in which a significant percentage of the persons to be served by the facilities are low income persons, as determined by the Secretary; and (iii) 7 percent per year for a loan for a facility that does not qualify for the 5 percent per year interest rate prescribed in clause (ii) but that is located in an area in a State in which the median household income of the persons to be served by the facility does not exceed 100 percent of the statewide nonmetropolitan median household income for the State. (B) Health care and related facilities Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall establish a rate for a loan for a health care or related facility that is— (i) based solely on the income of the area to be served; and (ii) otherwise consistent with subparagraph (A). (C) Interest rates for water and waste disposal facilities loans (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii) and notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of a direct loan for a water or waste disposal facility— (I) in the case of a loan that would be subject to the 5 percent interest rate limitation under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall establish the interest rate at a rate that is equal to 60 percent of the current market yield for outstanding municipal obligations with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturity of the loan, adjusted to the nearest 1/8 of 1 percent; and (II) in the case of a loan that would be subject to the 7 percent limitation under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall establish the interest rate at a rate that is equal to 80 percent of the current market yield for outstanding municipal obligations with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturity of the loan, adjusted to the nearest 1/8 of 1 percent. (ii) Exception Clause (i) does not apply to a loan for a specific project that is the subject of a loan that has been approved, but not closed, as of the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 . (3) Interest rates on business and other loans (A) In general Except as provided in paragraph (4), the interest rates on loans under sections 3501(a)(1) (other than guaranteed loans and loans as described in paragraph (2)(A)) shall be as determined by the Secretary in accordance with subparagraph (B). (B) Minimum rate The interest rates described in subparagraph (A) shall be not less than the sum obtained by adding— (i) such rates as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury taking into consideration the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans, adjusted in the judgment of the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for rates comparable to the rates prevailing in the private market for similar loans and considering the insurance by the Secretary of the loans; and (ii) an additional charge, prescribed by the Secretary, to cover the losses of the Secretary and cost of administration, which shall be deposited in the Rural Development Insurance Fund, and further adjusted to the nearest 1/8 of 1 percent. (4) Interest rates adjustments (A) Adjustments Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, in the case of loans (other than guaranteed loans) made or guaranteed under the authorities of this title specified in subparagraph (C) for activities that involve the use of prime farmland, the interest rates shall be the interest rates otherwise applicable under this section increased by 2 percent per year. (B) Prime farmland (i) In general Wherever practicable, construction by a State, municipality, or other political subdivision of local government that is supported by loans described in subparagraph (A) shall be placed on land that is not prime farmland, in order to preserve the maximum practicable quantity of prime farmlands for production of food and fiber. (ii) Increased rate In any case in which other options exist for the siting of construction described in clause (i) and the governmental authority still desires to carry out the construction on prime farmland, the 2-percent interest rate increase provided by this paragraph shall apply, but that increased interest rate shall not apply where such other options do not exist. (C) Applicable authorities The authorities referred to in subparagraph (A) are— (i) the provisions of section 3502(a) relating to loans for recreational developments and essential community facilities; (ii) section 3601(e)(2)(A); and (iii) section 3601(c). (c) Payment of charges A borrower of a loan made or guaranteed under this subtitle shall pay such fees and other charges as the Secretary may require, and prepay to the Secretary such taxes and insurance as the Secretary may require, on such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe. (d) Security (1) In general The Secretary shall take as security for an obligation entered into in connection with a loan made under this subtitle such security as the Secretary may require. (2) Liens to United States An instrument for security under paragraph (1) may constitute a lien running to the United States notwithstanding the fact that the note for the security may be held by a lender other than the United States. (3) Multiple loans A borrower may use the same collateral to secure 2 or more loans made or guaranteed under this subtitle, except that the outstanding amount of the loans may not exceed the total value of the collateral. (e) Legal counsel for small loans In the case of a loan of less than $500,000 made or guaranteed under section 3501 that is evidenced by a note or mortgage (as distinguished from a bond issue), the borrower shall not be required to appoint bond counsel to review the legal validity of the loan if the Secretary has available legal counsel to perform the review. 3702. Strategic economic and community development (a) Priority In the case of any rural development program authorized by this subtitle, the Secretary may give priority to applications that are otherwise eligible and support strategic community and economic development plans on a multijurisdictional basis, as approved by the Secretary. (b) Evaluation In evaluating strategic applications, the Secretary shall give a higher priority to strategic applications for a plan described in subsection (a) that demonstrate— (1) the plan was developed through the collaboration of multiple stakeholders in the service area of the plan, including the participation of combinations of stakeholders such as State, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit institutions, institutions of higher education, and private entities; (2) an understanding of the applicable regional resources that could support the plan, including natural resources, human resources, infrastructure, and financial resources; (3) investment from other Federal agencies; (4) investment from philanthropic organizations; and (5) clear objectives for the plan and the ability to establish measurable performance measures and to track progress toward meeting the objectives. (c) Funds (1) In general Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary may reserve for projects that support multijurisdictional strategic community and economic development plans described in subsection (a) an amount that does not exceed— (A) 20 percent of the funds made available for a fiscal year for a functional category described in paragraph (2); and (B) 15 percent of the total funds available for all functional categories. (2) Functional categories The function categories described in this subsection are the following: (A) Rural community facilities The rural community development category consists of all amounts made available for community facility grants and direct and guaranteed loans under section 3502. (B) Rural utilities The rural utilities category consists of all amounts made available for— (i) water or waste disposal grants or direct or guaranteed loans under section 3501(a); (ii) emergency community water assistance grants under section 3501(e)(2); (iii) solid waste management grants under section 3501(e)(4); or (iv) rural water or wastewater technical assistance and training grants under section 3501(e)(5). (C) Rural business and cooperative development The rural business and cooperative development category consists of all amounts made available for— (i) rural business opportunity grants, rural business enterprise grants, or rural educational network grants under section 3601(a); or (ii) business and industry direct and guaranteed loans under section 3601(e). (3) Limitation The reservation of funds described in paragraph (2) may only extend through June 30 of the fiscal year in which the funds were first made available. 3703. Guaranteed rural development loans (a) In general The Secretary may provide financial assistance to a borrower for a purpose provided in this subtitle by guaranteeing a loan made by any Federal or State chartered bank, savings and loan association, cooperative lending agency, or other legally organized lending agency. (b) Interest rate The interest rate payable by a borrower on the portion of a guaranteed loan that is sold by a lender to the secondary market under this subtitle may be lower than the interest rate charged on the portion retained by the lender. (c) Maximum guarantee of 90 percent Except as provided in subsections (d) and (e), a loan guarantee under this subtitle shall be for not more than 90 percent of the principal and interest due on the loan. (d) Refinanced loans guaranteed at 95 percent The Secretary shall guarantee 95 percent of— (1) in the case of a loan that solely refinances a direct loan made under this subtitle, the principal and interest due on the loan on the date of the refinancing; or (2) in the case of a loan that is used for multiple purposes, the portion of the loan that refinances the principal and interest due on a direct loan made under this subtitle that is outstanding on the date on which the loan is guaranteed. (e) Risk of loss (1) In general Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary may not make a loan under section 3501 or 3601 unless the Secretary determines that no other lender is willing to make the loan and assume 10 percent of the potential loss to be sustained from the loan. (2) Exception for nonprofit groups Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a public body or nonprofit association, including an Indian tribe. 3704. Rural Development Insurance Fund (a) Definition of rural development loan In this section, the term rural development loan means a loan provided for by section 3501 or 3601. (b) Establishment There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the Rural Development Insurance Fund that shall be used by the Secretary to discharge the obligations of the Secretary under contracts making or guaranteeing rural development loans. 3705. Rural economic area partnership zones (a) In general The Secretary may designate additional areas as rural economic area partnership zones to be assisted under this chapter— (1) through an open, competitive process; and (2) with priority given to rural areas— (A) with excessive unemployment or underemployment, a high percentage of low-income residents, or high rates of outmigration, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) that the Secretary determines have a substantial need for assistance. (b) Requirements The Secretary shall carry out those rural economic area partnership zones administratively in effect on the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the memoranda of agreement entered into by the Secretary for the rural economic area partnership zones. 3706. Streamlining applications and improving accessibility of rural development programs The Secretary shall expedite the process of creating user-friendly and accessible application forms and procedures prioritizing programs and applications at the individual applicant level with an emphasis on utilizing current technology including online applications and submission processes. 3707. State Rural Development Partnership (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Agency with rural responsibilities The term agency with rural responsibilities means any executive agency (as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code) that implements a Federal law, or administers a program, targeted at or having a significant impact on rural areas. (2) Partnership The term Partnership means the State Rural Development Partnership continued by subsection (b). (3) State rural development council The term State rural development council means a State rural development council that meets the requirements of subsection (c). (b) Partnership (1) In general The Secretary shall support the State Rural Development Partnership comprised of State rural development councils. (2) Purposes The purposes of the Partnership are to empower and build the capacity of States, regions, and rural communities to design flexible and innovative responses to their rural development needs in a manner that maximizes collaborative public- and private-sector cooperation and minimizes regulatory redundancy. (3) Coordinating panel A panel consisting of representatives of State rural development councils shall be established— (A) to lead and coordinate the strategic operation and policies of the Partnership; and (B) to facilitate effective communication among the members of the Partnership, including the sharing of best practices. (4) Role of Federal government The role of the Federal Government in the Partnership may be that of a partner and facilitator, with Federal agencies authorized— (A) to cooperate with States to implement the Partnership; (B) to provide States with the technical and administrative support necessary to plan and implement tailored rural development strategies to meet local needs; (C) to ensure that the head of each agency with rural responsibilities directs appropriate field staff to participate fully with the State rural development council within the jurisdiction of the field staff; and (D) to enter into cooperative agreements with, and to provide grants and other assistance to, State rural development councils. (c) State rural development councils (1) Establishment Notwithstanding chapter 63 of title 31, United States Code, each State may elect to participate in the Partnership by entering into an agreement with the Secretary to recognize a State rural development council. (2) Composition A State rural development council shall— (A) be composed of representatives of Federal, State, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, regional organizations, the private sector, and other entities committed to rural advancement; and (B) have a nonpartisan and nondiscriminatory membership that— (i) is broad and representative of the economic, social, and political diversity of the State; and (ii) shall be responsible for the governance and operations of the State rural development council. (3) Duties A State rural development council shall— (A) facilitate collaboration among Federal, State, local, and tribal governments and the private and nonprofit sectors in the planning and implementation of programs and policies that have an impact on rural areas of the State; (B) monitor, report, and comment on policies and programs that address, or fail to address, the needs of the rural areas of the State; (C) as part of the Partnership, facilitate the development of strategies to reduce or eliminate conflicting or duplicative administrative or regulatory requirements of Federal, State, local, and tribal governments; and (D) (i) provide to the Secretary an annual plan with goals and performance measures; and (ii) submit to the Secretary an annual report on the progress of the State rural development council in meeting the goals and measures. (4) Federal participation in State rural development councils (A) In general A State Director for Rural Development of the Department of Agriculture, other employees of the Department, and employees of other Federal agencies with rural responsibilities shall fully participate as voting members in the governance and operations of State rural development councils (including activities related to grants, contracts, and other agreements in accordance with this section) on an equal basis with other members of the State rural development councils. (B) Conflicts Participation by a Federal employee in a State rural development council in accordance with this paragraph shall not constitute a violation of section 205 or 208 of title 18, United States Code. (d) Administrative support of the partnership (1) Detail of employees (A) In general In order to provide experience in intergovernmental collaboration, the head of an agency with rural responsibilities that elects to participate in the Partnership may, and is encouraged to, detail to the Secretary for the support of the Partnership 1 or more employees of the agency with rural responsibilities without reimbursement for a period of up to 1 year. (B) Civil service status The detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. (2) Additional support The Secretary may provide for any additional support staff to the Partnership as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out the duties of the Partnership. (3) Intermediaries The Secretary may enter into a contract with a qualified intermediary under which the intermediary shall be responsible for providing administrative and technical assistance to a State rural development council, including administering the financial assistance available to the State rural development council. (e) Matching requirements for State rural development councils (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a State rural development council shall provide matching funds, or in-kind goods or services, to support the activities of the State rural development council in an amount that is not less than 33 percent of the amount of Federal funds received from a Federal agency under subsection (f)(2). (2) Exceptions to matching requirement for certain Federal funds Paragraph (1) shall not apply to funds, grants, funds provided under contracts or cooperative agreements, gifts, contributions, or technical assistance received by a State rural development council from a Federal agency that are used— (A) to support 1 or more specific program or project activities; or (B) to reimburse the State rural development council for services provided to the Federal agency providing the funds, grants, funds provided under contracts or cooperative agreements, gifts, contributions, or technical assistance. (3) Department's share The Secretary shall develop a plan to decrease, over time, the share of the Department of Agriculture of the cost of the core operations of State rural development councils. (f) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Federal agencies (A) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law limiting the ability of an agency, along with other agencies, to provide funds to a State rural development council in order to carry out the purposes of this section, a Federal agency may make grants, gifts, or contributions to, provide technical assistance to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, a State rural development council. (B) Assistance Federal agencies are encouraged to use funds made available for programs that have an impact on rural areas to provide assistance to, and enter into contracts with, a State rural development council, as described in subparagraph (A). (3) Contributions A State rural development council may accept private contributions. (g) Termination The authority provided under this section shall terminate on September 30, 2018. 4 Delta Regional Authority 3801. Definitions In this chapter: (1) Authority The term Authority means the Delta Regional Authority established by section 3802. (2) Federal grant program The term Federal grant program means a Federal grant program to provide assistance in— (A) acquiring or developing land; (B) constructing or equipping a highway, road, bridge, or facility; or (C) carrying out other economic development activities. (3) Region The term region means the Lower Mississippi (as defined in section 4 of the Delta Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 100–460 )). 3802. Delta Regional Authority (a) Establishment (1) In general There is established the Delta Regional Authority. (2) Composition The Authority shall be composed of— (A) a Federal member, to be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate; and (B) the Governor (or a designee of the Governor) of each State in the region that elects to participate in the Authority. (3) Cochairpersons The Authority shall be headed by— (A) the Federal member, who shall serve as— (i) the Federal cochairperson; and (ii) a liaison between the Federal Government and the Authority; and (B) a State cochairperson, who shall be— (i) a Governor of a participating State in the region; and (ii) elected by the State members for a term of not less than 1 year. (4) Alabama Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State of Alabama shall be a full member of the Authority and shall be entitled to all rights and privileges that the membership affords to all other participating States in the Authority. (b) Alternate members (1) State alternates The State member of a participating State may have a single alternate, who shall be— (A) a resident of that State; and (B) appointed by the Governor of the State. (2) Alternate Federal cochairperson The President shall appoint an alternate Federal cochairperson. (3) Quorum A State alternate shall not be counted toward the establishment of a quorum of the Authority in any instance in which a quorum of the State members is required to be present. (4) Delegation of power No power or responsibility of the Authority specified in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c), and no voting right of any Authority member, shall be delegated to any person— (A) who is not an Authority member; or (B) who is not entitled to vote in Authority meetings. (c) Voting (1) In general A decision by the Authority shall require a majority vote of the Authority (not including any member representing a State that is delinquent under subsection (g)(2)(C)) to be effective. (2) Quorum A quorum of State members shall be required to be present for the Authority to make any policy decision, including— (A) a modification or revision of an Authority policy decision; (B) approval of a State or regional development plan; and (C) any allocation of funds among the States. (3) Project and grant proposals The approval of project and grant proposals shall be— (A) a responsibility of the Authority; and (B) conducted in accordance with section 3809. (4) Voting by alternate members An alternate member shall vote in the case of the absence, death, disability, removal, or resignation of the Federal or State representative for which the alternate member is an alternate. (d) Duties The Authority shall— (1) develop, on a continuing basis, comprehensive and coordinated plans and programs to establish priorities and approve grants for the economic development of the region, giving due consideration to other Federal, State, and local planning and development activities in the region; (2) review, and where appropriate amend, priorities in a development plan for the region (including 5-year regional outcome targets); (3) assess the needs and assets of the region based on available research, demonstrations, investigations, assessments, and evaluations of the region prepared by Federal, State, and local agencies, universities, local development districts, and other nonprofit groups; (4) formulate and recommend to the Governors and legislatures of States that participate in the Authority forms of interstate cooperation; (5) work with State and local agencies in developing appropriate model legislation; (6) (A) enhance the capacity of, and provide support for, local development districts in the region; or (B) if no local development district exists in an area in a participating State in the region, foster the creation of a local development district; (7) encourage private investment in industrial, commercial, and other economic development projects in the region; and (8) cooperate with and assist State governments with economic development programs of participating States. (e) Administration In carrying out subsection (d), the Authority may— (1) hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, and print or otherwise reproduce and distribute a description of the proceedings and reports on actions by the Authority as the Authority considers appropriate; (2) authorize, through the Federal or State cochairperson or any other member of the Authority designated by the Authority, the administration of oaths if the Authority determines that testimony should be taken or evidence received under oath; (3) request from any Federal, State, or local department or agency such information as may be available to or procurable by the department or agency that may be of use to the Authority in carrying out duties of the Authority; (4) adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations governing the conduct of Authority business and the performance of Authority duties; (5) request the head of any Federal department or agency to detail to the Authority such personnel as the Authority requires to carry out duties of the Authority, each such detail to be without loss of seniority, pay, or other employee status; (6) request the head of any State department or agency or local government to detail to the Authority such personnel as the Authority requires to carry out duties of the Authority, each such detail to be without loss of seniority, pay, or other employee status; (7) provide for coverage of Authority employees in a suitable retirement and employee benefit system by— (A) making arrangements or entering into contracts with any participating State government; or (B) otherwise providing retirement and other employee benefit coverage; (8) accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or real, personal, tangible, or intangible property; (9) enter into and perform such contracts, leases, cooperative agreements, or other transactions as are necessary to carry out Authority duties, including any contracts, leases, or cooperative agreements with— (A) any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States; (B) any State (including a political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the State); or (C) any person, firm, association, or corporation; and (10) establish and maintain a central office and field offices at such locations as the Authority may select. (f) Federal agency cooperation A Federal agency shall— (1) cooperate with the Authority; and (2) provide, on request of the Federal cochairperson, appropriate assistance in carrying out this chapter, in accordance with applicable Federal laws (including regulations). (g) Administrative expenses (1) In general Administrative expenses of the Authority (except for the expenses of the Federal cochairperson, including expenses of the alternate and staff of the Federal cochairperson, which shall be paid solely by the Federal Government) shall be paid— (A) by the Federal Government, in an amount equal to 50 percent of the administrative expenses; and (B) by the States in the region participating in the Authority, in an amount equal to 50 percent of the administrative expenses. (2) State share (A) In general The share of administrative expenses of the Authority to be paid by each State shall be determined by the Authority. (B) No Federal participation The Federal cochairperson shall not participate or vote in any decision under subparagraph (A). (C) Delinquent States If a State is delinquent in payment of the State’s share of administrative expenses of the Authority under this subsection— (i) no assistance under this chapter shall be furnished to the State (including assistance to a political subdivision or a resident of the State); and (ii) no member of the Authority from the State shall participate or vote in any action by the Authority. (h) Compensation (1) Federal cochairperson The Federal cochairperson shall be compensated by the Federal Government at level III of the Executive Schedule in subchapter II of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Alternate Federal cochairperson The alternate Federal cochairperson— (A) shall be compensated by the Federal Government at level V of the Executive Schedule described in paragraph (1); and (B) when not actively serving as an alternate for the Federal cochairperson, shall perform such functions and duties as are delegated by the Federal cochairperson. (3) State members and alternates (A) In general A State shall compensate each member and alternate representing the State on the Authority at the rate established by law of the State. (B) No additional compensation No State member or alternate member shall receive any salary, or any contribution to or supplementation of salary from any source other than the State for services provided by the member or alternate to the Authority. (4) Detailed employees (A) In general No person detailed to serve the Authority under subsection (e)(6) shall receive any salary or any contribution to or supplementation of salary for services provided to the Authority from— (i) any source other than the State, local, or intergovernmental department or agency from which the person was detailed; or (ii) the Authority. (B) Violation Any person that violates this paragraph shall be fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both. (C) Applicable law The Federal cochairperson, the alternate Federal cochairperson, and any Federal officer or employee detailed to duty on the Authority under subsection (e)(5) shall not be subject to subparagraph (A), but shall remain subject to sections 202 through 209 of title 18, United States Code. (5) Additional personnel (A) Compensation (i) In general The Authority may appoint and fix the compensation of an executive director and such other personnel as are necessary to enable the Authority to carry out the duties of the Authority. (ii) Exception Compensation under clause (i) shall not exceed the maximum rate for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5, United States Code, including any applicable locality-based comparability payment that may be authorized under section 5304(h)(2)(C) of that title. (B) Executive director The executive director shall be responsible for— (i) the carrying out of the administrative duties of the Authority; (ii) direction of the Authority staff; and (iii) such other duties as the Authority may assign. (C) No Federal employee status No member, alternate, officer, or employee of the Authority (except the Federal cochairperson of the Authority, the alternate and staff for the Federal cochairperson, and any Federal employee detailed to the Authority under subsection (e)(5)) shall be considered to be a Federal employee for any purpose. (i) Conflicts of interest (1) In general Except as provided under paragraph (2), no State member, alternate, officer, or employee of the Authority shall participate personally and substantially as a member, alternate, officer, or employee of the Authority, through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, the rendering of advice, investigation, or otherwise, in any proceeding, application, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, controversy, or other matter in which, to knowledge of the member, alternate, officer, or employee, there is a financial interest of— (A) the member, alternate, officer, or employee; (B) the spouse, minor child, partner, or organization (other than a State or political subdivision of the State) of the member, alternate, officer, or employee, in which the member, alternate, officer, or employee is serving as officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee; or (C) any person or organization with whom the member, alternate, officer, or employee is negotiating or has any arrangement concerning prospective employment. (2) Disclosure Paragraph (1) shall not apply if the State member, alternate, officer, or employee— (A) immediately advises the Authority of the nature and circumstances of the proceeding, application, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, controversy, or other particular matter presenting a potential conflict of interest; (B) makes full disclosure of the financial interest; and (C) before the proceeding concerning the matter presenting the conflict of interest, receives a written determination by the Authority that the interest is not so substantial as to be likely to affect the integrity of the services that the Authority may expect from the State member, alternate, officer, or employee. (3) Violation Any person that violates this subsection shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both. (j) Validity of contracts, loans, and grants The Authority may declare void any contract, loan, or grant of or by the Authority in relation to which the Authority determines that there has been a violation of any provision under subsection (h)(4), subsection (i), or sections 202 through 209 of title 18, United States Code. 3803. Economic and community development grants (a) In general The Authority may approve grants to States and public and nonprofit entities for projects, approved in accordance with section 3809— (1) to develop the transportation infrastructure of the region for the purpose of facilitating economic development in the region (except that grants for this purpose may only be made to a State or local government); (2) to assist the region in obtaining the job training, employment-related education, and business development (with an emphasis on entrepreneurship) that are needed to build and maintain strong local economies; (3) to provide assistance to severely distressed and underdeveloped areas that lack financial resources for improving basic public services; (4) to provide assistance to severely distressed and underdeveloped areas that lack financial resources for equipping industrial parks and related facilities; and (5) to otherwise achieve the purposes of this chapter. (b) Funding (1) In general Funds for grants under subsection (a) may be provided— (A) entirely from appropriations to carry out this section; (B) in combination with funds available under another Federal or Federal grant program; or (C) from any other source. (2) Priority of funding To best build the foundations for long-term economic development and to complement other Federal and State resources in the region, Federal funds available under this chapter shall be focused on the activities in the following order or priority: (A) Basic public infrastructure in distressed counties and isolated areas of distress. (B) Transportation infrastructure for the purpose of facilitating economic development in the region. (C) Business development, with emphasis on entrepreneurship. (D) Job training or employment-related education, with emphasis on use of existing public educational institutions located in the region. 3804. Supplements to Federal grant programs (a) Finding Congress finds that certain States and local communities of the region, including local development districts, may be unable to take maximum advantage of Federal grant programs for which the States and communities are eligible because— (1) the States or communities lack the economic resources to provide the required matching share; or (2) there are insufficient funds available under the applicable Federal law authorizing the Federal grant program to meet pressing needs of the region. (b) Federal grant program funding Notwithstanding any provision of law limiting the Federal share, the areas eligible for assistance, or the authorizations of appropriations of any Federal grant program, and in accordance with subsection (c), the Authority, with the approval of the Federal cochairperson and with respect to a project to be carried out in the region— (1) may increase the Federal share of the costs of a project under the Federal grant program to not more than 90 percent (except as provided in section 3806(b)); and (2) shall use amounts made available to carry out this chapter to pay the increased Federal share. (c) Certifications (1) In general In the case of any project for which all or any portion of the basic Federal share of the costs of the project is proposed to be paid under this section, no Federal contribution shall be made until the Federal official administering the Federal law that authorizes the Federal grant program certifies that the project— (A) meets (except as provided in subsection (b)) the applicable requirements of the applicable Federal grant program; and (B) could be approved for Federal contribution under the Federal grant program if funds were available under the law for the project. (2) Certification by authority (A) In general The certifications and determinations required to be made by the Authority for approval of projects under this Act in accordance with section 3809 shall be— (i) controlling; and (ii) accepted by the Federal agencies. (B) Acceptance by Federal cochairperson In the case of any project described in paragraph (1), any finding, report, certification, or documentation required to be submitted with respect to the project to the head of the department, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government responsible for the administration of the Federal grant program under which the project is carried out shall be accepted by the Federal cochairperson. 3805. Local development districts; certification and administrative expenses (a) Definition of local development district In this section, the term local development district means an entity that— (1) is— (A) a planning district in existence on the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 that is recognized by the Secretary; or (B) if an entity described in subparagraph (A) does not exist— (i) organized and operated in a manner that ensures broad-based community participation and an effective opportunity for other nonprofit groups to contribute to the development and implementation of programs in the region; (ii) governed by a policy board with at least a simple majority of members consisting of elected officials or employees of a general purpose unit of local government who have been appointed to represent the government; (iii) certified to the Authority as having a charter or authority that includes the economic development of counties or parts of counties or other political subdivisions within the region— (I) by the Governor of each State in which the entity is located; or (II) by the State officer designated by the appropriate State law to make the certification; and (iv) (I) a nonprofit incorporated body organized or chartered under the law of the State in which the entity is located; (II) a nonprofit agency or instrumentality of a State or local government; (III) a public organization established before December 21, 2000, under State law for creation of multi-jurisdictional, area-wide planning organizations; or (IV) a nonprofit association or combination of bodies, agencies, and instrumentalities described in subclauses (I) through (III); and (2) has not, as certified by the Federal cochairperson— (A) inappropriately used Federal grant funds from any Federal source; or (B) appointed an officer who, during the period in which another entity inappropriately used Federal grant funds from any Federal source, was an officer of the other entity. (b) Grants to local development districts (1) In general The Authority shall make grants for administrative expenses under this section. (2) Conditions for grants (A) Maximum amount The amount of any grant awarded under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 80 percent of the administrative expenses of the local development district receiving the grant. (B) Maximum period No grant described in paragraph (1) shall be awarded to a State agency certified as a local development district for a period greater than 3 years. (C) Local share The contributions of a local development district for administrative expenses may be in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including space, equipment, and services. (c) Duties of local development districts A local development district shall— (1) operate as a lead organization serving multicounty areas in the region at the local level; and (2) serve as a liaison between State and local governments, nonprofit organizations (including community-based groups and educational institutions), the business community, and citizens that— (A) are involved in multijurisdictional planning; (B) provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions and potential grantees; and (C) provide leadership and civic development assistance. 3806. Distressed counties and areas and nondistressed counties (a) Designations Each year, the Authority, in accordance with such criteria as the Authority may establish, shall designate— (1) as distressed counties, counties in the region that are the most severely and persistently distressed and underdeveloped and have high rates of poverty or unemployment; (2) as nondistressed counties, counties in the region that are not designated as distressed counties under paragraph (1); and (3) as isolated areas of distress, areas located in nondistressed counties (as designated under paragraph (2)) that have high rates of poverty or unemployment. (b) Distressed counties (1) In general The Authority shall allocate at least 75 percent of the appropriations made available under section 3813 for programs and projects designed to serve the needs of distressed counties and isolated areas of distress in the region. (2) Funding limitations The funding limitations under section 3804(b) shall not apply to a project providing transportation or basic public services to residents of 1 or more distressed counties or isolated areas of distress in the region. (c) Nondistressed counties (1) In general Except as provided in this subsection, no funds shall be provided under this chapter for a project located in a county designated as a nondistressed county under subsection (a)(2). (2) Exceptions (A) In general The funding prohibition under paragraph (1) shall not apply to grants to fund the administrative expenses of local development districts under section 3805(b). (B) Multicounty projects The Authority may waive the application of the funding prohibition under paragraph (1) to a multicounty project that includes participation by a nondistressed county; or any other type of project if the Authority determines that the project could bring significant benefits to areas of the region outside a nondistressed county. (C) Isolated areas of distress For a designation of an isolated area of distress for assistance to be effective, the designation shall be supported— (i) by the most recent Federal data available; or (ii) if no recent Federal data are available, by the most recent data available through the government of the State in which the isolated area of distress is located. (d) Transportation and basic public infrastructure The Authority shall allocate at least 50 percent of any funds made available under section 3813 for transportation and basic public infrastructure projects authorized under paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 3803(a). 3807. Development planning process (a) State development plan In accordance with policies established by the Authority, each State member shall submit a development plan for the area of the region represented by the State member. (b) Content of plan A State development plan submitted under subsection (a) shall reflect the goals, objectives, and priorities identified in the regional development plan developed under section 3802(d)(2). (c) Consultation with interested local parties In carrying out the development planning process (including the selection of programs and projects for assistance), a State may— (1) consult with— (A) local development districts; and (B) local units of government; and (2) take into consideration the goals, objectives, priorities, and recommendations of the entities described in paragraph (1). (d) Public participation (1) In general The Authority and applicable State and local development districts shall encourage and assist, to the maximum extent practicable, public participation in the development, revision, and implementation of all plans and programs under this chapter. (2) Regulations The Authority shall develop guidelines for providing public participation described in paragraph (1), including public hearings. 3808. Program development criteria (a) In general In considering programs and projects to be provided assistance under this chapter and in establishing a priority ranking of the requests for assistance provided by the Authority, the Authority shall follow procedures that ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, consideration of— (1) the relationship of the project or class of projects to overall regional development; (2) the per capita income and poverty and unemployment rates in an area; (3) the financial resources available to the applicants for assistance seeking to carry out the project, with emphasis on ensuring that projects are adequately financed to maximize the probability of successful economic development; (4) the importance of the project or class of projects in relation to other projects or classes of projects that may be in competition for the same funds; (5) the prospects that the project for which assistance is sought will improve, on a continuing rather than a temporary basis, the opportunities for employment, the average level of income, or the economic development of the area served by the project; and (6) the extent to which the project design provides for detailed outcome measurements by which grant expenditures and the results of the expenditures may be evaluated. (b) No relocation assistance (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), no financial assistance authorized by this chapter shall be used to assist a person or entity in relocating from 1 area to another. (2) Outside businesses Financial assistance under this chapter may be used as otherwise authorized by this subtitle to attract businesses from outside the region to the region. (c) Reduction of funds Funds may be provided for a program or project in a State under this chapter only if the Authority determines that the level of Federal or State financial assistance provided under a law other than this chapter, for the same type of program or project in the same area of the State within the region, will not be reduced as a result of funds made available by this chapter. 3809. Approval of development plans and projects (a) In general A State or regional development plan or any multistate subregional plan that is proposed for development under this chapter shall be reviewed and approved by the Authority. (b) Evaluation by State member An application for a grant or any other assistance for a project under this chapter shall be made through and evaluated for approval by the State member of the Authority representing the applicant. (c) Certification An application for a grant or other assistance for a project shall be approved only on certification by the State member that the application for the project— (1) describes ways in which the project complies with any applicable State development plan; (2) meets applicable criteria under section 3808; (3) provides adequate assurance that the proposed project will be properly administered, operated, and maintained; and (4) otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter. (d) Approval of grant applications On certification by a State member of the Authority of an application for a grant or other assistance for a specific project under this section, an affirmative vote of the Authority under section 3802(c) shall be required for approval of the application. 3810. Consent of States Nothing in this chapter requires any State to engage in or accept any program under this chapter without the consent of the State. 3811. Records (a) Records of the authority (1) In general The Authority shall maintain accurate and complete records of all transactions and activities of the Authority. (2) Availability All records of the Authority shall be available for audit and examination by the Comptroller General of the United States and the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture (including authorized representatives of the Comptroller General and the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture). (b) Records of recipients of Federal assistance (1) In general A recipient of Federal funds under this chapter shall, as required by the Authority, maintain accurate and complete records of transactions and activities financed with Federal funds and report on the transactions and activities to the Authority. (2) Availability All records required under paragraph (1) shall be available for audit by the Comptroller General of the United States, the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture, and the Authority (including authorized representatives of the Comptroller General, the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture, and the Authority). 3812. Annual report Not later than 180 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Authority shall submit to the President and to Congress a report describing the activities carried out under this chapter. 3813. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to the Authority to carry out this chapter $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. (b) Administrative expenses Not more than 5 percent of the amount appropriated under subsection (a) for a fiscal year shall be used for administrative expenses of the Authority. 3814. Termination of authority This chapter and the authority provided under this chapter expire on October 1, 2018. 5 Northern Great Plains Regional Authority 3821. Definitions In this chapter: (1) Authority The term Authority means the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority established by section 3822. (2) Federal grant program The term Federal grant program means a Federal grant program to provide assistance in— (A) implementing the recommendations of the Northern Great Plains Rural Development Commission established by the Northern Great Plains Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2661 note; Public Law 103–318); (B) acquiring or developing land; (C) constructing or equipping a highway, road, bridge, or facility; (D) carrying out other economic development activities; or (E) conducting research activities related to the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D). (3) Region The term region means the States of Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri (other than counties included in the Delta Regional Authority), Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. 3822. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority (a) Establishment (1) In general There is established the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority. (2) Composition The Authority shall be composed of— (A) a Federal member, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; (B) the Governor (or a designee of the Governor) of each State in the region that elects to participate in the Authority; and (C) a member of an Indian tribe, who shall be a chairperson of an Indian tribe in the region or a designee of such a chairperson, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (3) Cochairpersons The Authority shall be headed by— (A) the Federal member, who shall serve as— (i) the Federal cochairperson; and (ii) a liaison between the Federal Government and the Authority; (B) a State cochairperson, who shall be— (i) a Governor of a participating State in the region; and (ii) elected by the State members for a term of not less than 1 year; and (C) the member of an Indian tribe, who shall serve as— (i) the tribal cochairperson; and (ii) a liaison between the governments of Indian tribes in the region and the Authority. (4) Failure to confirm (A) Federal member Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if a Federal member described in paragraph (2)(A) has not been confirmed by the Senate by not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , the Authority may organize and operate without the Federal member. (B) Tribal cochairperson In the case of the tribal cochairperson, if no tribal cochairperson is confirmed by the Senate, the regional authority shall consult and coordinate with the leaders of Indian tribes in the region concerning the activities of the Authority, as appropriate. (b) Alternate members (1) Alternate Federal cochairperson The President shall appoint an alternate Federal cochairperson. (2) State alternates (A) In general The State member of a participating State may have a single alternate, who shall be— (i) a resident of that State; and (ii) appointed by the Governor of the State. (B) Quorum A State alternate member shall not be counted toward the establishment of a quorum of the members of the Authority in any case in which a quorum of the State members is required to be present. (3) Alternate tribal cochairperson The President shall appoint an alternate tribal cochairperson, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (4) Delegation of power No power or responsibility of the Authority specified in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c), and no voting right of any member of the Authority, shall be delegated to any person who is not— (A) a member of the Authority; or (B) entitled to vote in Authority meetings. (c) Voting (1) In general A decision by the Authority shall require a majority vote of the Authority (not including any member representing a State that is delinquent under subsection (g)(2)(D)) to be effective. (2) Quorum A quorum of State members shall be required to be present for the Authority to make any policy decision, including— (A) a modification or revision of an Authority policy decision; (B) approval of a State or regional development plan; and (C) any allocation of funds among the States. (3) Project and grant proposals The approval of project and grant proposals shall be— (A) a responsibility of the Authority; and (B) conducted in accordance with section 3830. (4) Voting by alternate members An alternate member shall vote in the case of the absence, death, disability, removal, or resignation of the Federal, State, or Indian tribe member for whom the alternate member is an alternate. (d) Duties The Authority shall— (1) develop, on a continuing basis, comprehensive and coordinated plans and programs for multistate cooperation to advance the economic and social well-being of the region and to approve grants for the economic development of the region, giving due consideration to other Federal, State, tribal, and local planning and development activities in the region; (2) review, and when appropriate amend, priorities in a development plan for the region (including 5-year regional outcome targets); (3) assess the needs and assets of the region based on available research, demonstrations, investigations, assessments, and evaluations of the region prepared by Federal, State, tribal, and local agencies, universities, regional and local development districts or organizations, and other nonprofit groups; (4) formulate and recommend to the Governors and legislatures of States that participate in the Authority forms of interstate cooperation for— (A) renewable energy development and transmission; (B) transportation planning and economic development; (C) information technology; (D) movement of freight and individuals within the region; (E) federally funded research at institutions of higher education; and (F) conservation land management; (5) work with State, tribal, and local agencies in developing appropriate model legislation; (6) enhance the capacity of, and provide support for, multistate development and research organizations, local development organizations and districts, and resource conservation districts in the region; (7) encourage private investment in industrial, commercial, renewable energy, and other economic development projects in the region; and (8) cooperate with and assist State governments with economic development programs of participating States. (e) Administration In carrying out subsection (d), the Authority may— (1) hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, and print or otherwise reproduce and distribute a description of the proceedings and reports on actions by the Authority as the Authority considers appropriate; (2) authorize, through the Federal, State, or tribal cochairperson or any other member of the Authority designated by the Authority, the administration of oaths if the Authority determines that testimony should be taken or evidence received under oath; (3) request from any Federal, State, tribal, or local agency such information as may be available to or procurable by the agency that may be of use to the Authority in carrying out the duties of the Authority; (4) adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws and rules governing the conduct of business and the performance of duties of the Authority; (5) request the head of any Federal agency to detail to the Authority such personnel as the Authority requires to carry out duties of the Authority, each such detail to be without loss of seniority, pay, or other employee status; (6) request the head of any State agency, tribal government, or local government to detail to the Authority such personnel as the Authority requires to carry out duties of the Authority, each such detail to be without loss of seniority, pay, or other employee status; (7) provide for coverage of Authority employees in a suitable retirement and employee benefit system by— (A) making arrangements or entering into contracts with any participating State government or tribal government; or (B) otherwise providing retirement and other employee benefit coverage; (8) accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or real, personal, tangible, or intangible property; (9) enter into and perform such contracts, leases, cooperative agreements, or other transactions as are necessary to carry out Authority duties, including any contracts, leases, or cooperative agreements with— (A) any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States; (B) any State (including a political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the State); (C) any Indian tribe in the region; or (D) any person, firm, association, or corporation; and (10) establish and maintain a central office and field offices at such locations as the Authority may select. (f) Federal agency cooperation A Federal agency shall— (1) cooperate with the Authority; and (2) provide, on request of a cochairperson, appropriate assistance in carrying out this chapter, in accordance with applicable Federal laws (including regulations). (g) Administrative expenses (1) Federal share The Federal share of the administrative expenses of the Authority shall be— (A) for fiscal year 2014, 100 percent; (B) for fiscal year 2015, 75 percent; and (C) for fiscal year 2016 and each fiscal year thereafter, 50 percent. (2) Non-Federal share (A) In general The non-Federal share of the administrative expenses of the Authority shall be paid by non-Federal sources in the States that participate in the Authority. (B) Share paid by each State The share of administrative expenses of the Authority to be paid by non-Federal sources in each State shall be determined by the Authority. (C) No Federal participation The Federal cochairperson shall not participate or vote in any decision under subparagraph (B). (D) Delinquent States If a State is delinquent in payment of the State’s share of administrative expenses of the Authority under this subsection— (i) no assistance under this chapter shall be provided to the State (including assistance to a political subdivision or a resident of the State); and (ii) no member of the Authority from the State shall participate or vote in any action by the Authority. (h) Compensation (1) Federal and tribal cochairpersons The Federal cochairperson and the tribal cochairperson shall be compensated by the Federal Government at the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level III of the Executive Schedule in subchapter II of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Alternate Federal and tribal cochairpersons The alternate Federal cochairperson and the alternate tribal cochairperson— (A) shall be compensated by the Federal Government at the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule described in paragraph (1); and (B) when not actively serving as an alternate, shall perform such functions and duties as are delegated by the Federal cochairperson or the tribal cochairperson, respectively. (3) State members and alternates (A) In general A State shall compensate each member and alternate representing the State on the Authority at the rate established by State law. (B) No additional compensation No State member or alternate member shall receive any salary, or any contribution to or supplementation of salary from any source other than the State for services provided by the member or alternate member to the Authority. (4) Detailed employees (A) In general No person detailed to serve the Authority under subsection (e)(6) shall receive any salary or any contribution to or supplementation of salary for services provided to the Authority from— (i) any source other than the State, tribal, local, or intergovernmental agency from which the person was detailed; or (ii) the Authority. (B) Violation Any person that violates this paragraph shall be fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both. (C) Applicable law The Federal cochairperson, the alternate Federal cochairperson, and any Federal officer or employee detailed to duty on the Authority under subsection (e)(5) shall not be subject to subparagraph (A), but shall remain subject to sections 202 through 209 of title 18, United States Code. (5) Additional personnel (A) Compensation (i) In general The Authority may appoint and fix the compensation of an executive director and such other personnel as are necessary to enable the Authority to carry out the duties of the Authority. (ii) Exception Compensation under clause (i) shall not exceed the maximum rate for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5, United States Code, including any applicable locality-based comparability payment that may be authorized under section 5304(h)(2)(C) of that title. (B) Executive director The executive director shall be responsible for— (i) the carrying out of the administrative duties of the Authority; (ii) direction of the Authority staff; and (iii) such other duties as the Authority may assign. (C) No Federal employee status No member, alternate, officer, or employee of the Authority (except the Federal cochairperson of the Authority, the alternate and staff for the Federal cochairperson, and any Federal employee detailed to the Authority under subsection (e)(5)) shall be considered to be a Federal employee for any purpose. (i) Conflicts of interest (1) In general Except as provided under paragraph (2), no State member, Indian tribe member, State alternate, officer, or employee of the Authority shall participate personally and substantially as a member, alternate, officer, or employee of the Authority, through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, the rendering of advice, investigation, or otherwise, in any proceeding, application, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, controversy, or other matter in which, to knowledge of the member, alternate, officer, or employee, there is a financial interest of— (A) the member, alternate, officer, or employee; (B) the spouse, minor child, partner, or organization (other than a State or political subdivision of the State or the Indian tribe) of the member, alternate, officer, or employee, in which the member, alternate, officer, or employee is serving as officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee; or (C) any person or organization with whom the member, alternate, officer, or employee is negotiating or has any arrangement concerning prospective employment. (2) Disclosure Paragraph (1) shall not apply if the State member, Indian tribe member, alternate, officer, or employee— (A) immediately advises the Authority of the nature and circumstances of the proceeding, application, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, controversy, or other particular matter presenting a potential conflict of interest; (B) makes full disclosure of the financial interest; and (C) before the proceeding concerning the matter presenting the conflict of interest, receives a written determination by the Authority that the interest is not so substantial as to be likely to affect the integrity of the services that the Authority may expect from the State member, Indian tribe member, alternate, officer, or employee. (3) Violation Any person that violates this subsection shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both. (j) Validity of contracts, loans, and grants The Authority may declare void any contract, loan, or grant of or by the Authority in relation to which the Authority determines that there has been a violation of any provision under subsection (h)(4) or subsection (i) of this chapter, or sections 202 through 209 of title 18, United States Code. 3823. Interstate cooperation for economic opportunity and efficiency (a) In general The Authority shall provide assistance to States in developing regional plans to address multistate economic issues, including plans— (1) to develop a regional transmission system for movement of renewable energy to markets outside the region; (2) to address regional transportation concerns, including the establishment of a Northern Great Plains Regional Transportation Working Group; (3) to encourage and support interstate collaboration on federally funded research that is in the national interest; and (4) to establish a Regional Working Group on Agriculture Development and Transportation. (b) Economic issues The multistate economic issues referred to in subsection (a) shall include— (1) renewable energy development and transmission; (2) transportation planning and economic development; (3) information technology; (4) movement of freight and individuals within the region; (5) federally funded research at institutions of higher education; and (6) conservation land management. 3824. Economic and community development grants (a) In general The Authority may approve grants to States, Indian tribes, local governments, and public and nonprofit organizations for projects, approved in accordance with section 3830— (1) to assist the region in obtaining the job training, employment-related education, and business development (with an emphasis on entrepreneurship) that are needed to build and maintain strong local economies; (2) to develop the transportation, renewable energy transmission, and telecommunication infrastructure of the region for the purpose of facilitating economic development in the region (except that grants for this purpose may be made only to States, Indian tribes, local governments, and nonprofit organizations); (3) to provide assistance to severely distressed and underdeveloped areas that lack financial resources for improving basic public services; (4) to provide assistance to severely distressed and underdeveloped areas that lack financial resources for equipping industrial parks and related facilities; and (5) to otherwise achieve the purposes of this chapter. (b) Funding (1) In general Funds for grants under subsection (a) may be provided— (A) entirely from appropriations to carry out this section; (B) in combination with funds available under another Federal grant program; or (C) from any other source. (2) Priority of funding To best build the foundations for long-term economic development and to complement other Federal, State, and tribal resources in the region, Federal funds available under this chapter shall be focused on the following activities: (A) Basic public infrastructure in distressed counties and isolated areas of distress. (B) Transportation and telecommunication infrastructure for the purpose of facilitating economic development in the region. (C) Business development, with emphasis on entrepreneurship. (D) Job training or employment-related education, with emphasis on use of existing public educational institutions located in the region. 3825. Supplements to Federal grant programs (a) Finding Congress finds that certain States and local communities of the region may be unable to take maximum advantage of Federal grant programs for which the States and communities are eligible because— (1) the States and communities lack the economic resources to provide the required matching share; or (2) there are insufficient funds available under the applicable Federal law authorizing the Federal grant program to meet pressing needs of the region. (b) Federal grant program funding Notwithstanding any provision of law limiting the Federal share, the areas eligible for assistance, or the authorizations of appropriations, under any Federal grant program, and in accordance with subsection (c), the Authority, with the approval of the Federal cochairperson and with respect to a project to be carried out in the region— (1) may increase the Federal share of the costs of a project under any Federal grant program to not more than 90 percent (except as provided in section 3827(b)); and (2) shall use amounts made available to carry out this chapter to pay the increased Federal share. (c) Certifications (1) In general In the case of any project for which all or any portion of the basic Federal share of the costs of the project is proposed to be paid under this section, no Federal contribution shall be made until the Federal official administering the Federal law that authorizes the Federal grant program certifies that the project— (A) meets (except as provided in subsection (b)) the applicable requirements of the applicable Federal grant program; and (B) could be approved for Federal contribution under the Federal grant program if funds were available under the law for the project. (2) Certification by authority (A) In general The certifications and determinations required to be made by the Authority for approval of projects under this Act in accordance with section 3830 shall be— (i) controlling; and (ii) accepted by the Federal agencies. (B) Acceptance by Federal cochairperson In the case of any project described in paragraph (1), any finding, report, certification, or documentation required to be submitted with respect to the project to the head of the department, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government responsible for the administration of the Federal grant program under which the project is carried out shall be accepted by the Federal cochairperson. 3826. Multistate and local development districts and organizations and Northern Great Plains Inc (a) Definition of multistate and local development district or organization In this section, the term multistate and local development district or organization means an entity— (1) that— (A) is a planning district that is recognized by the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce; or (B) is— (i) organized and operated in a manner that ensures broad-based community participation and an effective opportunity for other nonprofit groups to contribute to the development and implementation of programs in the region; (ii) a nonprofit incorporated body organized or chartered under the law of the State in which the entity is located; (iii) a nonprofit agency or instrumentality of a State or local government; (iv) a public organization established before the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 under State law for creation of multijurisdictional, area-wide planning organizations; (v) a nonprofit agency or instrumentality of a State that was established for the purpose of assisting with multistate cooperation; or (vi) a nonprofit association or combination of bodies, agencies, and instrumentalities described in clauses (ii) through (v); and (2) that has not, as certified by the Authority (in consultation with the Federal cochairperson or Secretary, as appropriate)— (A) inappropriately used Federal grant funds from any Federal source; or (B) appointed an officer who, during the period in which another entity inappropriately used Federal grant funds from any Federal source, was an officer of the other entity. (b) Grants to multistate, local, or regional development districts and organizations (1) In general The Authority may make grants for administrative expenses under this section to multistate, local, and regional development districts and organizations. (2) Conditions for grants (A) Maximum amount The amount of any grant awarded under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 80 percent of the administrative expenses of the multistate, local, or regional development district or organization receiving the grant. (B) Maximum period No grant described in paragraph (1) shall be awarded for a period of greater than 3 years. (3) Local share The contributions of a multistate, local, or regional development district or organization for administrative expenses may be in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including space, equipment, and services. (c) Duties (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a local development district shall operate as a lead organization serving multicounty areas in the region at the local level. (2) Designation The Federal cochairperson may designate an Indian tribe or multijurisdictional organization to serve as a lead organization in such cases as the Federal cochairperson or Secretary, as appropriate, determines appropriate. (d) Northern Great Plains Inc Northern Great Plains Inc., a nonprofit corporation incorporated in the State of Minnesota to implement the recommendations of the Northern Great Plains Rural Development Commission established by the Northern Great Plains Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2661 note; Public Law 103–318 )— (1) shall serve as an independent, primary resource for the Authority on issues of concern to the region; (2) shall advise the Authority on development of international trade; (3) may provide research, education, training, and other support to the Authority; and (4) may carry out other activities on its own behalf or on behalf of other entities. 3827. Distressed counties and areas and nondistressed counties (a) Designations Each year, the Authority, in accordance with such criteria as the Authority may establish, shall designate— (1) as distressed counties, counties in the region that are the most severely and persistently distressed and underdeveloped and have high rates of poverty, unemployment, or outmigration; (2) as nondistressed counties, counties in the region that are not designated as distressed counties under paragraph (1); and (3) as isolated areas of distress, areas located in nondistressed counties (as designated under paragraph (2)) that have high rates of poverty, unemployment, or outmigration. (b) Distressed counties (1) In general The Authority shall allocate at least 50 percent of the appropriations made available under section 3834 for programs and projects designed to serve the needs of distressed counties and isolated areas of distress in the region. (2) Funding limitations The funding limitations under section 3825(b) shall not apply to a project to provide transportation or telecommunication or basic public services to residents of 1 or more distressed counties or isolated areas of distress in the region. (c) Transportation, telecommunication, renewable energy, and basic public infrastructure The Authority shall allocate at least 50 percent of any funds made available under section 3834 for transportation, telecommunication, renewable energy, and basic public infrastructure projects authorized under paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 3824(a). 3828. Development planning process (a) State development plan In accordance with policies established by the Authority, each State member shall submit a development plan for the area of the region represented by the State member. (b) Content of plan A State development plan submitted under subsection (a) shall reflect the goals, objectives, and priorities identified in the regional development plan developed under section 3823(d)(2). (c) Consultation with interested local parties In carrying out the development planning process (including the selection of programs and projects for assistance), a State may— (1) consult with— (A) multistate, regional, and local development districts and organizations; and (B) local units of government; and (2) take into consideration the goals, objectives, priorities, and recommendations of the entities described in paragraph (1). (d) Public participation (1) In general The Authority and applicable multistate, regional, and local development districts and organizations shall encourage and assist, to the maximum extent practicable, public participation in the development, revision, and implementation of all plans and programs under this chapter. (2) Regulations The Authority shall develop guidelines for providing public participation described in paragraph (1), including public hearings. 3829. Program development criteria (a) In general In considering programs and projects to be provided assistance under this chapter, and in establishing a priority ranking of the requests for assistance provided to the Authority, the Authority shall follow procedures that ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, consideration of— (1) the relationship of the project or class of projects to overall multistate or regional development; (2) the per capita income and poverty and unemployment and outmigration rates in an area; (3) the financial resources available to the applicants for assistance seeking to carry out the project, with emphasis on ensuring that projects are adequately financed to maximize the probability of successful economic development; (4) the importance of the project or class of projects in relation to other projects or classes of projects that may be in competition for the same funds; (5) the prospects that the project for which assistance is sought will improve, on a continuing rather than a temporary basis, the opportunities for employment, the average level of income, or the economic development of the area to be served by the project; and (6) the extent to which the project design provides for detailed outcome measurements by which grant expenditures and the results of the expenditures may be evaluated. (b) No relocation assistance (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), no financial assistance authorized by this chapter shall be used to assist a person or entity in relocating from 1 area to another. (2) Outside businesses Financial assistance under this chapter may be used as otherwise authorized by this title to attract businesses from outside the region to the region. (c) Maintenance of effort Funds may be provided for a program or project in a State under this chapter only if the Authority determines that the level of Federal or State financial assistance provided under a law other than this chapter, for the same type of program or project in the same area of the State within the region, will not be reduced as a result of funds made available by this chapter. 3830. Approval of development plans and projects (a) In general A State or regional development plan or any multistate subregional plan that is proposed for development under this chapter shall be reviewed by the Authority. (b) Evaluation by State member An application for a grant or any other assistance for a project under this chapter shall be made through and evaluated for approval by the State member of the Authority representing the applicant. (c) Certification An application for a grant or other assistance for a project shall be approved only on certification by the State member that the application for the project— (1) describes ways in which the project complies with any applicable State development plan; (2) meets applicable criteria under section 3829; (3) provides adequate assurance that the proposed project will be properly administered, operated, and maintained; and (4) otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter. (d) Votes for decisions On certification by a State member of the Authority of an application for a grant or other assistance for a specific project under this section, an affirmative vote of the Authority under section 3822(c) shall be required for approval of the application. 3831. Consent of States Nothing in this chapter requires any State to engage in or accept any program under this chapter without the consent of the State. 3832. Records (a) Records of the authority (1) In general The Authority shall maintain accurate and complete records of all transactions and activities of the Authority. (2) Availability All records of the Authority shall be available for audit and examination by the Comptroller General of the United States and the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture (including authorized representatives of the Comptroller General and the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture). (b) Records of recipients of Federal assistance (1) In general A recipient of Federal funds under this chapter shall, as required by the Authority, maintain accurate and complete records of transactions and activities financed with Federal funds and report to the Authority on the transactions and activities to the Authority. (2) Availability All records required under paragraph (1) shall be available for audit by the Comptroller General of the United States, the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture, and the Authority (including authorized representatives of the Comptroller General, the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture, and the Authority). (c) Annual audit The Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture shall audit the activities, transactions, and records of the Authority on an annual basis for any fiscal year for which funds are appropriated. 3833. Annual report Not later than 180 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Authority shall submit to the President and to Congress a report describing the activities carried out under this chapter. 3834. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to the Authority to carry out this chapter $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. (b) Administrative expenses Not more than 5 percent of the amount appropriated under subsection (a) for a fiscal year shall be used for administrative expenses of the Authority. (c) Minimum State share of grants Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, for any fiscal year, the aggregate amount of grants received by a State and all persons or entities in the State under this chapter shall be not less than 1/3 of the product obtained by multiplying— (1) the aggregate amount of grants under this chapter for the fiscal year; and (2) the ratio that— (A) the population of the State (as determined by the Secretary of Commerce based on the most recent decennial census for which data are available); bears to (B) the population of the region (as so determined). 3835. Termination of authority The authority provided by this chapter terminates effective October 1, 2018. C General provisions 3901. Full faith and credit (a) In general A guarantee executed by the Secretary under this title shall be an obligation supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. (b) Contestability A guarantee executed by the Secretary under this title shall be incontestable except for fraud or misrepresentation that the lender or any holder— (1) has actual knowledge of at the time the guarantee is executed; or (2) participates in or condones. 3902. Purchase and sale of guaranteed portions of loans (a) In general Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary may purchase, on such terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate, the guaranteed portion of a loan guaranteed under this title, if the Secretary determines that an adequate secondary market is not available in the private sector. (b) Maximum payment The Secretary may not pay for any guaranteed portion of a loan under subsection (a) in excess of an amount equal to the unpaid principal balance and accrued interest on the guaranteed portion of the loan. (c) Sources of funding The Secretary may use for the purchases— (1) funds from the Rural Development Insurance Fund with respect to rural development loans (as defined in section 3704(a)); and (2) funds from the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund with respect to all other loans under this title. (d) Sale of guaranteed loans (1) Sales (A) Regulation (i) In general The guaranteed portion of any loan made under this title may be sold by the lender, and by any subsequent holder, in accordance with such regulations governing the sales as the Secretary shall establish, subject to clauses (ii) and (iii). (ii) Fees to be paid in full All fees due the Secretary with respect to a guaranteed loan shall be paid in full before any sale. (iii) Loan to be fully disbursed The loan shall be fully disbursed to the borrower before the sale. (B) Post-sale After a loan is sold in the secondary market, the lender shall— (i) remain obligated under the guarantee agreement of the lender with the Secretary; and (ii) continue to service the loan in accordance with the terms and conditions of that agreement. (C) Procedures The Secretary shall develop such procedures as are necessary for— (i) the facilitation, administration, and promotion of secondary market operations; and (ii) determining the increase of access of farmers to capital at reasonable rates and terms as a result of secondary market operations. (D) Rights to prepay This subsection does not impede or extinguish— (i) the right of the borrower or the successor in interest to the borrower to prepay (in whole or in part) any loan made under this title; or (ii) the rights of any party under any provision of this title. (2) Issue pool certificates (A) In general The Secretary may, directly or through a market maker approved by the Secretary, issue pool certificates representing ownership of part or all of the guaranteed portion of any loan guaranteed by the Secretary under this title. (B) Approval Certificates under subparagraph (A) shall be based on and backed by a pool established or approved by the Secretary and composed solely of the entire guaranteed portion of the loans. (C) Guarantee of pool On such terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate, the Secretary may guarantee the timely payment of the principal and interest on pool certificates issued on behalf of the Secretary by approved market makers for purposes of this subsection. (D) Limitations A guarantee under subparagraph (C) shall be limited to the extent of principal and interest on the guaranteed portions of loans that compose the pool. (E) Prepayment If a loan in a pool is prepaid, either voluntarily or by reason of default, the guarantee of timely payment of principal and interest on the pool certificates shall be reduced in proportion to the amount of principal and interest that the prepaid loan represents in the pool. (F) Interest accrual Interest on prepaid or defaulted loans shall accrue and be guaranteed by the Secretary only through the date of payment on the guarantee. (G) Redemption During the term of the pool certificate, the certificate may be called for redemption due to prepayment or default of all loans constituting the pool. (H) Full faith and credit The full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the payment of all amounts that may be required to be paid under any guarantee of the pool certificates issued by approved market makers under this subsection. (I) Fees (i) In general The Secretary shall not collect any fee for any guarantee under this subsection. (ii) Secretarial functions Clause (i) does not preclude the Secretary from collecting a fee for the functions described in paragraph (3). (J) Default Not later than 30 days after a borrower of a guaranteed loan is in default of any principal or interest payment due for 60 days or more, the Secretary shall— (i) purchase the pool certificates representing ownership of the guaranteed portion of the loan; and (ii) pay the registered holder of the certificates an amount equal to the guaranteed portion of the loan represented by the certificate. (K) Payment of claims If the Secretary pays a claim under a guarantee issued under this subsection, the claim shall be subrogated fully to the rights satisfied by the payment, as may be provided by the Secretary. (L) Application of laws No State or local law, and no Federal law, shall preclude or limit the exercise by the Secretary of the ownership rights of the Secretary in the portions of loans constituting the pool against which the certificates are issued. (3) Duties of the Secretary (A) In general On the adoption of final rules and regulations, the Secretary shall— (i) provide for the central collection of registration information from all participating market makers for all loans and pool certificates sold under paragraphs (1) and (2), including, with respect to each original sale and any subsequent sale— (I) identification of the interest rate paid by the borrower to the lender; (II) the servicing fee of the lender; (III) disclosure of whether interest on the loan is at a fixed or variable rate; (IV) identification of each purchaser of a pool certificate; (V) the interest rate paid on the certificate; and (VI) such other information as the Secretary considers appropriate. (ii) before any sale, require the seller (as defined in subparagraph (B)) to disclose to each prospective purchaser of the portion of a loan guaranteed under this title and to each prospective purchaser of a pool certificate issued under paragraph (2) information on the terms, conditions, and yield of such instrument; (iii) provide for adequate custody of any pooled guaranteed loans; (iv) take such actions as are necessary, in restructuring pools of the guaranteed portion of loans, to minimize the estimated costs of paying claims under guarantees issued under this subsection; (v) require each market maker— (I) to service all pools formed, and participations sold, by the market maker; and (II) to provide the Secretary with information relating to the collection and disbursement of all periodic payments, prepayments, and default funds from lenders, to or from the reserve fund that the Secretary shall establish to enable the timely payment guarantee to be self-funding, and from all beneficial holders; and (vi) regulate market makers in pool certificates sold under this subsection. (B) Definition of seller For purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii), if the instrument being sold is a loan, the term seller does not include— (i) the person who made the loan; or (ii) any person who sells 3 or fewer guaranteed loans per year. (4) Contract for services The Secretary may contract for goods and services to be used for the purposes of this subsection without regard to titles 5, 40, and 41, United States Code (including any regulations issued under those titles). 3903. Administration (a) Powers of secretary The Secretary may— (1) (A) administer the powers and duties of the Secretary through such national, area, State, or local offices and employees in the United States as the Secretary determines to be necessary; and (B) authorize an office to serve an area composed of 2 or more States if the Secretary determines that the volume of business in the area is not sufficient to justify separate State offices; (2) (A) accept and use voluntary and uncompensated services; and (B) with the consent of the agency concerned, use the officers, employees, equipment, and information of any agency of the Federal Government, or of any State, territory, or political subdivision; (3) subject to appropriations, make necessary expenditures for the purchase or hire of passenger vehicles, and such other facilities and services as the Secretary may from time to time find necessary for the proper administration of this title; (4) subject to subsection (b), compromise, adjust, reduce, or charge-off debts or claims (including debts and claims arising from loan guarantees), and adjust, modify, subordinate, or release the terms of security instruments, leases, contracts, and agreements entered into or administered by the Farm Service Agency, the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Housing Service, the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, or successor agencies under this title, except for activities conducted under the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1441 et seq.); (5) (A) except for activities conducted under the Housing Act of 1949 ( 42 U.S.C. 1441 et seq. ), collect all claims and obligations administered by the Farm Service Agency, the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Housing Service, or the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, or under any mortgage, lease, contract, or agreement entered into or administered by the Agency or Service; and (B) if the Secretary determines the action is necessary and advisable, pursue the collection to final collection in any court having jurisdiction; (6) release mortgage and other contract liens if it appears that the mortgage and liens have no present or prospective value or that the enforcement of the mortgage and liens likely would be ineffectual or uneconomical; (7) obtain fidelity bonds protecting the Federal Government against fraud and dishonesty of officers and employees of the Farm Service Agency, the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Housing Service, or the Rural Business-Cooperative Service in lieu of faithful performance of duties bonds under section 14 of title 6, United States Code, but otherwise in accordance with the section; (8) consent to— (A) long-term leases of facilities financed under this title notwithstanding the failure of the lessee to meet any of the requirements of this title if the long-term leases are necessary to ensure the continuation of services for which financing was extended to the lessor; and (B) the transfer of property securing any loan or financed by any loan or grant made or guaranteed by the Farm Service Agency, the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Housing Service, or the Rural Business-Cooperative Service under this title, or any other law administered by the Secretary, on such terms as the Secretary considers necessary to carry out the purpose of the loan or grant or to protect the financial interest of the Federal Government, provided that the Secretary shall document the consent of the Secretary for the transfer of the property of a borrower in the file of the borrower; and (9) notwithstanding that an area ceases, or has ceased, to be rural, in a rural area, or an eligible area, make loans and grants, and approve transfers and assumptions, under this title on the same basis as though the area still was rural in connection with property securing any loan made or guaranteed by the Secretary under this title or in connection with any property held by the Secretary under this title. (b) Loan adjustments (1) No liquidation of property The Secretary may not require liquidation of property securing any farmer program loan or acceleration of any payment required under any farmer program loan as a prerequisite to initiating an action authorized under subsection (a). (2) Release of personal liability (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary may release a borrower or other person obligated on a debt (other than debt incurred under the Housing Act of 1949 ( 42 U.S.C. 1441 et seq. )) from personal liability with or without payment of any consideration at the time of the compromise, adjustment, reduction, or charge-off of any claim. (B) Exception No compromise, adjustment, reduction, or charge-off of any claim may be made or carried out after the claim has been referred to the Attorney General, unless the Attorney General approves. (3) Rural electrification security instruments In the case of a security instrument entered into under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), the Secretary shall notify the Attorney General of the intent of the Secretary to exercise the authority of the Secretary under paragraph (2). (c) Simplified application forms for loan guarantees (1) In general The Secretary shall provide to lenders a short, simplified application form for guarantees under this title of— (A) farmer program loans the principal amount of which is $125,000 or less; and (B) business and industry guaranteed loans under section 3601(a)(2)(A) the principal amount of which is— (i) $400,000 or less; or (ii) if the Secretary determines that there is not a significant increased risk of a default on the loan, $600,000 or less. (2) Water and waste disposal grants and loans The Secretary shall develop an application process that accelerates, to the maximum extent practicable, the processing of applications for water and waste disposal grants or direct or guaranteed loans under section 3501(a)(1) the grant award amount or principal loan amount, respectively, of which is $300,000 or less. (3) Administration In developing an application under this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) consult with commercial and cooperative lenders; and (B) ensure that— (i) the form can be completed manually or electronically, at the option of the lender; (ii) the form minimizes the documentation required to accompany the form; (iii) the cost of completing and processing the form is minimal; and (iv) the form can be completed and processed in an expeditious manner. (d) Use of attorneys for prosecution or defense of claims The Secretary may use for the prosecution or defense of any claim or obligation described in subsection (a)(5) the Attorney General, the General Counsel of the Department, or a private attorney who has entered into a contract with the Secretary. (e) Private collection agency The Secretary may use a private collection agency to collect a claim or obligation described in subsection (a)(5). (f) Security servicing (1) In general The Secretary may— (A) make advances, without regard to any loan or total indebtedness limitation, to preserve and protect the security for, or the lien or priority of the lien securing any loan or other indebtedness owing to or acquired by the Secretary under this title or under any other program administered by the Farm Service Agency, the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Housing Service, or the Rural Business-Cooperative Service applicable program, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) (i) bid for and purchase at any execution, foreclosure, or other sale or otherwise acquire property on which the United States has a lien by reason of a judgment or execution arising from, or that is pledged, mortgaged, conveyed, attached, or levied on to secure the payment of, the indebtedness regardless of whether the property is subject to other liens; (ii) accept title to any property so purchased or acquired; and (iii) sell, manage, or otherwise dispose of the property in accordance with this subsection. (2) Operation or lease of realty Except as provided in subsections (c) and (e), real property administered under this title may be operated or leased by the Secretary for such period as the Secretary may consider necessary to protect the investment of the Federal Government in the property. (g) Payments to lenders (1) Requirement Not later than 90 days after a court of competent jurisdiction confirms a plan of reorganization under chapter 12 of title 11, United States Code, for any borrower to whom a lender has made a loan guaranteed under this title, the Secretary shall pay the lender an amount estimated by the Secretary to be equal to the loss incurred by the lender for purposes of the guarantee. (2) Payment toward loan guarantee Any amount paid to a lender under this subsection with respect to a loan guaranteed under this title shall be treated as payment towards satisfaction of the loan guarantee. 3904. Loan moratorium and policy on foreclosures (a) In general In addition to any other authority that the Secretary may have to defer principal and interest and forgo foreclosure, the Secretary may permit, at the request of the borrower, the deferral of principal and interest on any outstanding loan made or guaranteed by the Secretary under this title, or under any other law administered by the Farm Service Agency, the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Housing Service, or the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and may forgo foreclosure of the loan, for such period as the Secretary considers necessary on a showing by the borrower that, due to circumstances beyond the control of the borrower, the borrower is temporarily unable to continue making payments of the principal and interest when due without unduly impairing the standard of living of the borrower. (b) Interest (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary may permit any loan deferred under this section to bear no interest during or after the deferral period. (2) Exception If the security instrument securing the loan is foreclosed, such interest as is included in the purchase price at the foreclosure shall become part of the principal and draw interest from the date of foreclosure at the rate prescribed by law. (c) Moratorium regarding civil rights claims (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, effective beginning on May 22, 2008, there shall be in effect a moratorium, with respect to farmer program loans made under subtitle A, on all acceleration and foreclosure proceedings instituted by the Department against any farmer who— (A) has pending against the Department a claim of program discrimination that is accepted by the Department as valid; or (B) files a claim of program discrimination that is accepted by the Department as valid. (2) Waiver of interest and offsets During the period of the moratorium, the Secretary shall waive the accrual of interest and offsets on all farmer program loans made under subtitle A for which loan acceleration or foreclosure proceedings have been suspended under paragraph (1). (3) Termination of moratorium The moratorium shall terminate with respect to a claim of discrimination by a farmer on the earlier of— (A) the date the Secretary resolves the claim; or (B) if the farmer appeals the decision of the Secretary on the claim to a court of competent jurisdiction, the date that the court renders a final decision on the claim. (4) Failure to prevail If a farmer does not prevail on a claim of discrimination described in paragraph (1), the farmer shall be liable for any interest and offsets that accrued during the period that loan acceleration or foreclosure proceedings have been suspended under paragraph (1). 3905. Oil and gas royalty payments on loans (a) In general The Secretary shall permit a borrower of a loan made or guaranteed under this title to make a prospective payment on the loan with proceeds from— (1) the leasing of oil, gas, or other mineral rights to real property used to secure the loan; or (2) the sale of oil, gas, or other minerals removed from real property used to secure the loan, if the value of the rights to the oil, gas, or other minerals has not been used to secure the loan. (b) Applicability Subsection (a) shall not apply to a borrower of a loan made or guaranteed under this title with respect to which a liquidation or foreclosure proceeding was pending on December 23, 1985. 3906. Taxation (a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), all property subject to a lien held by the United States or the title to which is acquired or held by the Secretary under this title (other than property used for administrative purposes) shall be subject to taxation by State, territory, district, and local political subdivisions in the same manner and to the same extent as other property is taxed. (b) Exceptions No tax shall be imposed or collected as described in subsection (a) if the tax (whether as a tax on the instrument or in connection with conveying, transferring, or recording the instrument) is based on— (1) the value of any notes or mortgages or other lien instruments held by or transferred to the Secretary; (2) any notes or lien instruments administered under this title that are made, assigned, or held by a person otherwise liable for the tax; or (3) the value of any property conveyed or transferred to the Secretary. (c) Failure To pay or collect tax The failure to pay or collect a tax under subsection (a) shall not— (1) be a ground for— (A) refusal to record or file an instrument; or (B) failure to provide notice; or (2) prevent the enforcement of the instrument in any Federal or State court. 3907. Conflicts of interest (a) Acceptance of consideration prohibited No officer, attorney, or other employee of the Department shall, directly or indirectly, be the beneficiary of or receive any fee, commission, gift, or other consideration for or in connection with any transaction or business under this title other than such salary, fee, or other compensation as the officer, attorney, or employee may receive as the officer, attorney, or employee. (b) Acquisition of interest in land prohibited (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), no officer or employee of the Department who acts on or reviews an application made by any person under this title for a loan to purchase land may acquire, directly or indirectly, any interest in the land for a period of 3 years after the date on which the action is taken or the review is made. (2) Former county committee members Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a former member of a county committee on a determination by the Secretary, prior to the acquisition of the interest, that the former member acted in good faith when acting on or reviewing the application. (c) Penalties Any person violating this section shall, on conviction of the violation, be punished by a fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or both. 3908. Loan summary statements (a) Definition of summary period In this section, the term summary period means the period beginning on the date of issuance of the preceding loan summary statement and ending on the date of issuance of the current loan summary statement. (b) Issuance of statements On the request of a borrower of a loan made (but not guaranteed) under this title, the Secretary shall issue to the borrower a loan summary statement that reflects the account activity during the summary period for each loan made under this title to the borrower, including— (1) the outstanding amount of principal due on each loan at the beginning of the summary period; (2) the interest rate charged on each loan; (3) the amount of payments made on, and the application of the payments to, each loan during the summary period and an explanation of the basis for the application of the payments; (4) the amount of principal and interest due on each loan at the end of the summary period; (5) the total amount of unpaid principal and interest on all loans at the end of the summary period; (6) any delinquency in the repayment of any loan; (7) a schedule of the amount and date of payments due on each loan; and (8) the procedure the borrower may use to obtain more information concerning the status of the loans. 3909. Certified lenders program (a) Certified lenders program (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a program under which the Secretary shall guarantee loans under this title that are made by lending institutions certified by the Secretary. (2) Certification requirements The Secretary shall certify a lending institution that meets such criteria as the Secretary may prescribe in regulations, including the ability of the institution to properly make, service, and liquidate the loans of the institution. (3) Condition of certification (A) In general As a condition of the certification, the Secretary shall require the institution to undertake to service the loans guaranteed by the Secretary under this section, using standards that are not less stringent than generally accepted banking standards concerning loan servicing employed by prudent commercial or cooperative lenders. (B) Monitoring The Secretary shall, at least annually, monitor the performance of each certified lender to ensure that the conditions of the certification are being met. (4) Effect of certification Notwithstanding any other provision of law: (A) Amount of loan guarantee In the case of a loan made or guaranteed under subtitle A, the Secretary shall guarantee not more than 80 percent of a loan made under this section by a certified lending institution as described in paragraph (1), subject to a determination that the borrower of the loan meets the eligibility requirements and such other criteria as may be applicable to loans guaranteed by the Secretary under other provisions of this title. (B) Certifications by lending institutions In the case of loans to be guaranteed by the Secretary under this section, the Secretary shall permit certified lending institutions to make appropriate certifications (as provided by regulations issued by the Secretary)— (i) relating to issues such as creditworthiness, repayment ability, adequacy of collateral, and feasibility of farm operation; and (ii) that the borrower is in compliance with all requirements of law, including regulations issued by the Secretary. (C) Approval process (i) In general The Secretary shall approve or disapprove a guarantee not later than 14 days after the date that the lending institution applies to the Secretary for the guarantee. (ii) Disapproval If the Secretary disapproves the loan application during the 14-day period, the Secretary shall state, in writing, all of the reasons the application was disapproved. (5) Relationship to other requirements Nothing in this section affects the responsibility of the Secretary to certify eligibility, review financial information, and otherwise assess an application. (b) Preferred certified lenders program (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a Preferred Certified Lenders Program for lenders under this title who establish— (A) knowledge of, and experience under, the program established under subsection (a); (B) knowledge of the regulations concerning the guaranteed loan program; and (C) proficiency related to the certified lender program requirements. (2) Revocation of designation (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the designation of a lender as a Preferred Certified Lender shall be revoked at any time— (i) that the Secretary determines that the lender is not adhering to the rules and regulations applicable to the program; or (ii) if the loss experiences of a Preferred Certified Lender are excessive as compared to other Preferred Certified Lenders. (B) Effect A suspension or revocation under subparagraph (A) shall not affect any outstanding guarantee. (3) Condition of certification As a condition of preferred certification, the Secretary shall require the institution to undertake to service the loans guaranteed by the Secretary under this subsection using generally accepted banking standards concerning loan servicing employed by prudent commercial or cooperative lenders. (4) Monitoring The Secretary shall, at least annually, monitor the performance of each Preferred Certified Lender to ensure that the conditions of certification are being met. (5) Effect of preferred lender certification (A) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall— (i) guarantee not more than 80 percent of an approved loan made by a certified lending institution as described in this subsection, subject to a determination that the borrower meets the eligibility requirements or such other criteria as may be applicable to loans guaranteed by the Secretary under other provisions of this title; (ii) permit certified lending institutions— (I) to make all decisions, with respect to loans to be guaranteed by the Secretary under this subsection relating to credit worthiness, the closing, monitoring, collection and liquidation of loans; and (II) to accept appropriate certifications, as provided by regulations issued by the Secretary, that the borrower is in compliance with all requirements of law or regulations promulgated by the Secretary; and (iii) be considered to have guaranteed 80 percent of a loan made by a preferred certified lending institution as described in paragraph (1), if the Secretary fails to approve or reject the application of such institution within 14 calendar days after the date that the lending institution presented the application to the Secretary. (B) Requirement If the Secretary rejects an application under subparagraph (A)(iii) during the 14-day period, the Secretary shall state, in writing, the reasons the application was rejected. (c) Administration of certified lenders and preferred certified lenders programs The Secretary may administer the loan guarantee programs under subsections (a) and (b) through central offices established in States or in multi-State areas. 3910. Loans to resident aliens (a) In general Notwithstanding the provisions of this title limiting the making of a loan to a citizen of the United States, the Secretary may make a loan under this title to an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.). (b) Regulations (1) In general No loan may be made under this title to an alien referred to in subsection (a) until the Secretary issues regulations establishing the terms and conditions under which the alien may receive the loan. (2) Requirement The Secretary shall submit the regulations to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate at least 30 days prior to the date on which the regulations are published in the Federal Register. 3911. Expedited clearing of title to inventory property (a) In general The Secretary may employ local attorneys, on a case-by-case basis, to process all legal procedures necessary to clear the title to foreclosed properties in the inventory of the Department. (b) Compensation Attorneys shall be compensated at not more than the usual and customary charges of the attorneys for the work. 3912. Transfer of land to Secretary The President may at any time, in the discretion of the President, transfer to the Secretary any right, interest, or title held by the United States in any land acquired in the program of national defense and no longer needed for that purpose that the President finds suitable for the purposes of this title, and the Secretary shall dispose of the transferred land in the manner and subject to the terms and conditions of this title. 3913. Competitive sourcing limitations The Secretary may not complete a study of, or enter into a contract with a private party to carry out, without specific authorization in a subsequent Act of Congress, a competitive sourcing activity of the Secretary, including support personnel of the Department, relating to rural development or farmer program loans. 3914. Regulations The Secretary may issue such regulations, prescribe such terms and conditions for making or guaranteeing loans, security instruments, and agreements, except as otherwise specified in this title, and make such delegations of authority as the Secretary considers necessary to carry out this title. . 6002. Conforming amendments (a) Section 17(c) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 917(c) ) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Subtitle B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. . (b) Section 305(c)(2)(B)(i)(I) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 935(c)(2)(B)(i)(I) ) is amended by striking section 307(a)(3)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1927(a)(3)(A) ) and inserting section 3701(b)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (c) Section 306F(a)(1) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 936f(a)(1) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B) chapter 1 of subtitle B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. . (d) Section 2333(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa–2(d) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (11), by adding and at the end; (2) by striking paragraph (12); and (3) by redesignating paragraph (13) as paragraph (12). (e) Section 601(b) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 950bb(b) ) is amended by striking paragraph (3). (f) Section 602(5) of the Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance Act of 1988 ( 7 U.S.C. 1471(5) ) is amended by striking section 355(e)(1)(D)(ii) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1985(e)(1)(D)(ii) ) and inserting section 3409(c)(1)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act) . (g) Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(7)(A), by striking section 371 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008f) and inserting section 3424 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ; and (2) in subsection (n)(2), by striking subtitle C of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1961 et seq.) and inserting chapter 3 of subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (h) Section 231(a) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 1632a(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)) and inserting section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ; and (2) in paragraph (4), by striking section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e)) and inserting section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (i) Section 14204(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2008q–1(a) ) is amended by striking an entity described in section 379C(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008q(a) ) and inserting an entity determined by the Secretary . (j) Section 607(c)(6) of the Rural Development Policy Act of 1972 ( 7 U.S.C. 2204b(c)(6) ) is amended in the last sentence— (1) by striking , and and inserting and any ; and (2) by striking required under section 306(a)(12) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (k) Section 901(b) of the Agricultural Act of 1970 ( 7 U.S.C. 2204b–1(b) ) is amended by striking rural areas as defined in the private business enterprise exception in section 306(a)(7) of the Consolidated Farmers Home Administration Act of 1961, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1926) and inserting rural areas, as defined in section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (l) Section 14220 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2206b ) is amended by striking section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act) and inserting section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act) . (m) Section 2501(c)(2)(D) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(c)(2)(D) ) is amended by striking sections 355(a)(1) and 355(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2003(a)(1) ) and inserting paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 3416(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (n) Section 2501A(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279–1(b) ) is amended by striking section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e)) and inserting section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (o) Section 7405(c)(8)(B) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f(c)(8)(B) ) is amended by striking section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2003(e) ) and inserting section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act) . (p) Section 1101(d)(2)(A) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8711(d)(2)(A) ) is amended by striking section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2003(e) ) and inserting section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act) . (q) Section 1302(d)(2)(A) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8752(d)(2)(A) ) is amended by striking section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2003(e) ) and inserting section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act) . (r) Section 2375(g) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6613(g) ) is amended by striking section 304(b), 306(a), or 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(b) , 1926(a), and 1932(e)) and inserting subtitle B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (s) Section 226B(a)(1) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6934(a)(1) ) is amended by striking section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a) ) and inserting section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (t) Section 196(i)(3)(B) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333(i)(3)(B) ) is amended by striking subtitle C of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1961 et seq. ) and inserting chapter 3 of subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (u) Section 9009(a)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8109(a)(1) ) is amended by striking section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A) )) and inserting section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (v) Section 9011(c)(2)(B)(v) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8111(c)(2)(B)(v) ) is amended by striking subclause (I) and inserting the following: (I) beginning farmers (as defined in accordance with section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act); or . (w) Section 7(b)(2)(B) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(b)(2)(B) ) is amended by striking section 321 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1961 ) and inserting section 3301 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (x) Section 8(b)(5)(B)(iii)(III)(bb) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590h(b)(5)(B)(iii)(III)(bb)) is amended by striking section 355(e)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2003(e)(1) ) and inserting section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act) . (y) Section 10(b)(3) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2106(b)(3) ) is amended in the last sentence by striking set out in the first clause of section 306(a)(7) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and inserting given the term in section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (z) Section 1201(a)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3801(a)(2) ) is amended by striking section 343(a)(8) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(8)) and inserting section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (aa) Section 1238(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838(2) ) is amended by striking section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a) ) and inserting section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (bb) Section 5 of Public Law 91–229 (25 U.S.C. 492) is amended by striking section 307(a)(3)(B) of the Consolidated Farmers Home Administration Act of 1961, as amended, and to the provisions of subtitle D of that Act except sections 340, 341, 342, and 343 and inserting 3105(b)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (cc) Section 6(c) of Public Law 91–229 (25 U.S.C. 493(c)) is amended by striking section 333B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983b ) and inserting subtitle H of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6991 et seq. ) . (dd) Section 181(a)(2)(B)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking section 2009aa–1 of title 7, United States Code and inserting section 3801 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (ee) Section 515(b)(3) of the Housing Act of 1949 ( 42 U.S.C. 1485(b)(3) ) is amended by striking all the provisions of section 309 and the second and third sentences of section 308 of the Consolidated Farmers Home Administration Act of 1961, including the authority in section 309(f)(1) of that Act and inserting section 3401 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (ff) Section 517(b) of the Housing Act of 1949 ( 42 U.S.C. 1487(b) ) is amended in the third sentence by striking (7 U.S.C. 1929) and inserting under section 3401 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (gg) Section 3(8) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3122(8) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B) the Delta Regional Authority established under chapter 4 of subtitle B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act; ; and (2) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the following: (D) the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority established under chapter 5 of subtitle B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. . (hh) Section 310(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5153(a) ) is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) Chapter 1 of subtitle B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. . (ii) Section 582(d)(1) of the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 ( 42 U.S.C. 5154a(d)(1) ) is amended by striking section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1961(a)) and inserting section 3301(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act . (jj) Section 213(c)(1) of the Biomass Energy and Alcohol Fuels Act of 1980 ( 42 U.S.C. 8813(c)(1) ) is amended in the first sentence by striking section 309 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act or the Rural Development Insurance Fund in section 309A of such Act and inserting under section 3401 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act or the Rural Development Insurance Fund under section 3704 of that Act . (kk) Section 1323(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( Public Law 99–198 ; 7 U.S.C. 1932 note) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and at the end and inserting a period; and (3) by striking subparagraph (C). B Rural electrification 6101. Definition of rural area Section 13(3) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 913(A)) is amended by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) any area described in section 3002(28)(A)(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act; and . 6102. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes Section 313A(f) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c–1(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6103. Expansion of 911 access Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940e(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6104. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 950bb ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking loans and and inserting grants, loans, and ; (2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Rural area The term rural area means any area described in section 3002 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. (4) Ultra-high speed service The term ultra-high speed service means broadband service operating at a 1 gigabit per second downstream transmission capacity. ; (3) in subsection (c)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking Loans and and inserting Grants, loans, and ; (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting make grants and after Secretary shall ; (C) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Priority (A) In general In making grants, loans, or loan guarantees under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (i) establish not less than 2, and not more than 4, evaluation periods for each fiscal year to compare grant, loan, and loan guarantee applications and to prioritize grants, loans, and loan guarantees to all or part of rural communities that do not have residential broadband service that meets the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e); (ii) give the highest priority to applicants that offer to provide broadband service to the greatest proportion of unserved rural households or rural households that do not have residential broadband service that meets the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e), as— (I) certified by the affected community, city, county, or designee; or (II) demonstrated on— (aa) the broadband map of the affected State if the map contains address-level data; or (bb) the National Broadband Map if address-level data is unavailable; and (iii) provide equal consideration to all qualified applicants, including those that have not previously received grants, loans, or loan guarantees under paragraph (1). (B) Other After giving priority to the applicants described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall then give priority to projects that serve rural communities— (i) with a population of less than 20,000 permanent residents; (ii) experiencing outmigration; (iii) with a high percentage of low-income residents; and (iv) that are isolated from other significant population centers. ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (3) Grant amounts (A) Eligibility To be eligible for a grant under this section, the project that is the subject of the grant shall be carried out in a rural area. (B) Maximum Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the amount of any grant made under this section shall not exceed 50 percent of the development costs of the project for which the grant is provided. (C) Grant rate The Secretary shall establish the grant rate for each project in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary that shall provide for a graduated scale of grant rates that establish higher rates for projects in communities that have— (i) remote locations; (ii) low community populations; (iii) low income levels; (iv) developed the applications of the communities with the participation of combinations of stakeholders, including— (I) State, local, and tribal governments; (II) nonprofit institutions; (III) institutions of higher education; (IV) private entities; and (V) philanthropic organizations; and (v) targeted funding to provide the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e) in all or part of an unserved community that is below that minimum acceptable level of broadband service. (D) Secretarial authority to adjust The Secretary may make grants of up to 75 percent of the development costs of the project for which the grant is provided to an eligible entity if the Secretary determines that the project serves a remote or low income area that does not have access to broadband service from any provider of broadband service (including the applicant). ; (4) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)(A)— (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking loan or and inserting grant, loan, or ; (ii) by striking clause (i) and inserting the following: (i) demonstrate the ability— (I) to furnish, improve in order to meet the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e), or extend broadband service to all or part of an unserved rural area or an area below the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e); or (II) to carry out a project under paragraph (4)(B)(ii); ; (iii) in clause (ii), by striking a loan application and inserting an application ; and (iv) in clause (iii)— (I) by striking the loan application and inserting the application ; and (II) by striking proceeds from the loan made or guaranteed under this section are and inserting assistance under this section is ; (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in the matter preceding clause (i)— (aa) by striking the proceeds of a loan made or guaranteed and inserting assistance ; and (bb) by striking for the loan or loan guarantee and inserting of the eligible entity ; (II) in clause (i), by striking is offered broadband service by not more than 1 incumbent service provider and inserting are unserved or have service levels below the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e) ; and (III) in clause (ii), by striking 3 and inserting 2 ; (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B) Adjustments (i) Increase The Secretary may increase the household percentage requirement under subparagraph (A)(i) if— (I) more than 25 percent of the costs of the project are funded by grants made under this section; or (II) the proposed service territory includes 1 or more communities with a population in excess of 20,000. (ii) Reduction The Secretary may reduce the household percentage requirement under subparagraph (A)(i)— (I) to not less than 15 percent, if the proposed service territory does not have a population in excess of 5,000 people; or (II) to not less than 18 percent, if the proposed service territory does not have a population in excess of 7,500 people. ; and (iii) in subparagraph (C)— (I) in the subparagraph heading, by striking 3 and inserting 2 ; (II) in clause (i), by inserting the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e) in after service to ; and (III) by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following: (ii) Exceptions Clause (i) shall not apply if— (I) the applicant is eligible for funding under another title of this Act; or (II) the project is being carried out under paragraph (4)(B)(ii), unless an incumbent service provider is providing ultra-high speed service as of the date of an application for assistance submitted to the Secretary under this section. ; (C) in paragraph (3)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking loan or and inserting grant, loan, or ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by adding at the end the following: (iii) Information Information submitted under this subparagraph shall be— (I) certified by the affected community, city, county, or designee; and (II) demonstrated on— (aa) the broadband map of the affected State if the map contains address-level data; or (bb) the National Broadband Map if address-level data is unavailable. ; (D) in paragraph (4)— (i) by striking Subject to paragraph (1), and inserting the following: (A) In general Subject to paragraph (1) and subparagraph (B), ; (ii) by striking loan or and inserting grant, loan, or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (B) Pilot programs The Secretary shall establish pilot programs under which the Secretary may, at the discretion of the Secretary, provide grants, loans, or loan guarantees under this section to eligible entities, including interested entities described in subparagraph (A)— (i) to address areas that are unserved or have service levels below the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e); or (ii) for the purposes of providing a proposed service territory with ultra-high speed service, subject to the conditions that— (I) not more than 5 projects, and not more than 1 project in any State, shall be carried out under this clause during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2018; (II) for each fiscal year, not more than 10 percent of the funds made available under subsection (l) shall be used to carry out this clause; (III) for each fiscal year, not more than 20 percent of the funds made available under subclause (II) shall be used for any 1 project; and (IV) paragraph (2)(A)(i) shall apply to the project, unless— (aa) the Secretary determines that no other project in the State is funded under this section; and (bb) no application for any other project that could be funded under this section, other than under this clause, is pending in the State. ; (E) in paragraph (5)— (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking loan or and inserting grant, loan, or ; and (ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting , and proportion relative to the service territory, after estimated number ; (F) in paragraph (6), by striking loan or and inserting grant, loan, or ; (G) in paragraph (7), by striking a loan application and inserting an application ; and (H) by adding at the end the following: (8) Transparency and reporting The Secretary— (A) shall require any entity receiving assistance under this section to submit quarterly, in a format specified by the Secretary, a report that describes— (i) the use by the entity of the assistance, including new equipment and capacity enhancements that support high-speed broadband access for educational institutions, health care providers, and public safety service providers (including the estimated number of end users who are currently using or forecasted to use the new or upgraded infrastructure); and (ii) the progress towards fulfilling the objectives for which the assistance was granted, including— (I) the number and location of residences and businesses that will receive new broadband service, existing network service improvements, and facility upgrades resulting from the Federal assistance; (II) the speed of broadband service; (III) the price of broadband service; (IV) any changes in broadband service adoption rates, including new subscribers generated from demand-side projects; and (V) any other metrics the Secretary determines to be appropriate; (B) shall maintain a fully searchable database, accessible on the Internet at no cost to the public, that contains, at a minimum— (i) a list of each entity that has applied for assistance under this section; (ii) a description of each application, including the status of each application; (iii) for each entity receiving assistance under this section— (I) the name of the entity; (II) the type of assistance being received; (III) the purpose for which the entity is receiving the assistance; and (IV) each quarterly report submitted under subparagraph (A); and (iv) such other information as is sufficient to allow the public to understand and monitor assistance provided under this section; (C) shall, in addition to other authority under applicable law, establish written procedures for all broadband programs administered by the Secretary that, to the maximum extent practicable— (i) recover funds from loan defaults; (ii) (I) deobligate awards to grantees that demonstrate an insufficient level of performance (including failure to meet build-out requirements, service quality issues, or other metrics determined by the Secretary) or wasteful or fraudulent spending; and (II) award those funds, on a competitive basis, to new or existing applicants consistent with this section; and (iii) consolidate and minimize overlap among the programs; (D) with respect to an application for assistance under this section, shall— (i) promptly post on the website of the Rural Utility Service— (I) an announcement that identifies— (aa) each applicant; (bb) the amount and type of support requested by each applicant; and (II) a list of the census block groups or proposed service territory, in a manner specified by the Secretary, that the applicant proposes to service; (ii) provide not less than 15 days for broadband service providers to voluntarily submit information about the broadband services that the providers offer in the groups or tracts listed under clause (i)(II) so that the Secretary may assess whether the applications submitted meet the eligibility requirements under this section; and (iii) if no broadband service provider submits information under clause (ii), consider the number of providers in the group or tract to be established by reference to— (I) the most current National Broadband Map of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; or (II) any other data regarding the availability of broadband service that the Secretary may collect or obtain through reasonable efforts; and (E) may establish additional reporting and information requirements for any recipient of any assistance under this section so as to ensure compliance with this section. ; (5) in subsection (e)— (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), for purposes of this section, the minimum acceptable level of broadband service for a rural area shall be at least— (A) a 4-Mbps downstream transmission capacity; and (B) a 1-Mbps upstream transmission capacity. (2) Adjustments (A) In general At least once every 2 years, the Secretary shall review, and may adjust, the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under paragraph (1) to ensure that high quality, cost-effective broadband service is provided to rural areas over time. (B) Considerations In making an adjustment to the minimum acceptable level of broadband service under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may consider establishing different transmission rates for fixed broadband service and mobile broadband service. ; (6) in subsection (f), by striking make a loan or loan guarantee and inserting provide assistance ; (7) in subsection (g), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Terms In determining the term and conditions of a loan or loan guarantee, the Secretary may— (A) consider whether the recipient would be serving an area that is unserved; and (B) if the Secretary makes a determination in the affirmative under subparagraph (A), establish a limited initial deferral period or comparable terms necessary to achieve the financial feasibility and long-term sustainability of the project. ; (8) in subsection (j)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking loan and loan guarantee ; (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting grants and after number of ; and (ii) by inserting , including any loan terms or conditions for which the Secretary provided additional assistance to unserved areas before the semicolon at the end; (C) in paragraph (2)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking loan ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking loans and and inserting grants, loans, and ; (D) in paragraph (3), by striking loan ; (E) in paragraph (5), by striking and at the end; (F) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (G) by adding at the end the following: (7) the overall progress towards fulfilling the goal of improving the quality of rural life by expanding rural broadband access, as demonstrated by metrics, including— (A) the number of residences and businesses receiving new broadband services; (B) network improvements, including facility upgrades and equipment purchases; (C) average broadband speeds and prices on a local and statewide basis; (D) any changes in broadband adoption rates; and (E) any specific activities that increased high speed broadband access for educational institutions, health care providers. and public safety service providers. ; and (9) by redesignating subsections (k) and (l) as subsections (l) and (m), respectively; (10) by inserting after subsection (j) the following: (k) Broadband buildout data (1) In general As a condition of receiving a grant, loan, or loan guarantee under this section, a recipient of assistance shall provide to the Secretary address-level broadband buildout data that indicates the location of new broadband service that is being provided or upgraded within the service territory supported by the grant, loan, or loan guarantee— (A) for purposes of inclusion in the semiannual updates to the National Broadband Map that is managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (referred to in this subsection as the Administration ); and (B) not later than 30 days after the earlier of— (i) the date of completion of any project milestone established by the Secretary; or (ii) the date of completion of the project. (2) Address-level data Effective beginning on the date the Administration receives data described in paragraph (1), the Administration shall use only address-level broadband buildout data for the National Broadband Map. (3) Corrections (A) In general The Secretary shall submit to the Administration any correction to the National Broadband Map that is based on the actual level of broadband coverage within the rural area, including any requests for a correction from an elected or economic development official. (B) Incorporation Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Administration receives a correction submitted under subparagraph (A), the Administration shall incorporate the correction into the National Broadband Map. (C) Use If the Secretary has submitted a correction to the Administration under subparagraph (A), but the National Broadband Map has not been updated to reflect the correct by the date on which the Secretary is making a grant or loan award decision under this section, the Secretary may use the correction submitted under that subparagraph for purposes of make the grant or loan award decision. ; (11) subsection (l) (as redesignated by paragraph (9))— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking $25,000,000 and inserting $50,000,000 ; and (ii) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(A)— (i) in clause (i), by striking and at the end; (ii) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (iii) set aside at least 1 percent to be used for— (I) conducting oversight under this section; and (II) implementing accountability measures and related activities authorized under this section. ; and (12) in subsection (m) (as redesignated by paragraph (9))— (A) by striking loan or and inserting grant, loan, or ; and (B) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Miscellaneous 6201. Distance learning and telemedicine (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 2335A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa–5) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Conforming amendment Section 1(b) of Public Law 102–551 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6202. Definition of rural area for purposes of the Housing Act of 1949 The second sentence of section 520 of the Housing Act of 1949 ( 42 U.S.C. 1490 ) is amended— (1) by striking 1990 or 2000 decennial census shall continue to be so classified until the receipt of data from the decennial census in the year 2010 and inserting 1990, 2000, or 2010 decennial census, and any area deemed to be a rural area for purposes of this title under any other provision of law at any time during the period beginning January 1, 2000, and ending December 31, 2010, shall continue to be so classified until the receipt of data from the decennial census in the year 2020 ; and (2) by striking 25,000 and inserting 35,000 . 6203. Rural energy savings program Subtitle E of title VI of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( Public Law 107–171 ; 116 Stat. 424) is amended by adding at the end the following: 6407. Rural energy savings program (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to create jobs, promote rural development, and help rural families and small businesses achieve cost savings by providing loans to qualified consumers to implement durable cost-effective energy efficiency measures. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) any public power district, public utility district, or similar entity, or any electric cooperative described in section 501(c)(12) or 1381(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, that borrowed and repaid, prepaid, or is paying an electric loan made or guaranteed by the Rural Utilities Service (or any predecessor agency); (B) any entity primarily owned or controlled by 1 or more entities described in subparagraph (A); or (C) any other entity that is an eligible borrower of the Rural Utility Service, as determined under section 1710.101 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (2) Energy efficiency measures The term energy efficiency measures means, for or at property served by an eligible entity, structural improvements and investments in cost-effective, commercial technologies to increase energy efficiency. (3) Qualified consumer The term qualified consumer means a consumer served by an eligible entity that has the ability to repay a loan made under subsection (d), as determined by the eligible entity. (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service. (c) Loans to Eligible Entities (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall make loans to eligible entities that agree to use the loan funds to make loans to qualified consumers for the purpose of implementing energy efficiency measures. (2) Requirements (A) In general As a condition of receiving a loan under this subsection, an eligible entity shall— (i) establish a list of energy efficiency measures that is expected to decrease energy use or costs of qualified consumers; (ii) prepare an implementation plan for use of the loan funds, including use of any interest to be received pursuant to subsection (d)(1)(A); (iii) provide for appropriate measurement and verification to ensure— (I) the effectiveness of the energy efficiency loans made by the eligible entity; and (II) that there is no conflict of interest in carrying out this section; and (iv) demonstrate expertise in effective use of energy efficiency measures at an appropriate scale. (B) Revision of list of energy efficiency measures Subject to the approval of the Secretary, an eligible entity may update the list required under subparagraph (A)(i) to account for newly available efficiency technologies. (C) Existing energy efficiency programs An eligible entity that, at any time before the date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, has established an energy efficiency program for qualified consumers may use an existing list of energy efficiency measures, implementation plan, or measurement and verification system of that program to satisfy the requirements of subparagraph (A) if the Secretary determines the list, plan, or systems are consistent with the purposes of this section. (3) No interest A loan under this subsection shall bear no interest. (4) Repayment With respect to a loan under paragraph (1)— (A) the term shall not exceed 20 years from the date on which the loan is closed; and (B) except as provided in paragraph (6), the repayment of each advance shall be amortized for a period not to exceed 10 years. (5) Amount of advances Any advance of loan funds to an eligible entity in any single year shall not exceed 50 percent of the approved loan amount. (6) Special advance for start-up activities (A) In general In order to assist an eligible entity in defraying the appropriate start-up costs (as determined by the Secretary) of establishing new programs or modifying existing programs to carry out subsection (d), the Secretary shall allow an eligible entity to request a special advance. (B) Amount No eligible entity may receive a special advance under this paragraph for an amount that is greater than 4 percent of the loan amount received by the eligible entity under paragraph (1). (C) Repayment Repayment of the special advance— (i) shall be required during the 10-year period beginning on the date on which the special advance is made; and (ii) at the election of the eligible entity, may be deferred to the end of the 10-year period. (7) Limitation All special advances shall be made under a loan described in paragraph (1) during the first 10 years of the term of the loan. (d) Loans to qualified consumers (1) Terms of loans Loans made by an eligible entity to qualified consumers using loan funds provided by the Secretary under subsection (c)— (A) may bear interest, not to exceed 3 percent, to be used for purposes that include— (i) to establish a loan loss reserve; and (ii) to offset personnel and program costs of eligible entities to provide the loans; (B) shall finance energy efficiency measures for the purpose of decreasing energy usage or costs of the qualified consumer by an amount that ensures, to the maximum extent practicable, that a loan term of not more than 10 years will not pose an undue financial burden on the qualified consumer, as determined by the eligible entity; (C) shall not be used to fund purchases of, or modifications to, personal property unless the personal property is or becomes attached to real property (including a manufactured home) as a fixture; (D) shall be repaid through charges added to the electric bill for the property for, or at which, energy efficiency measures are or will be implemented, on the condition that this requirement does not prohibit— (i) the voluntary prepayment of a loan by the owner of the property; or (ii) the use of any additional repayment mechanisms that are— (I) demonstrated to have appropriate risk mitigation features, as determined by the eligible entity; or (II) required if the qualified consumer is no longer a customer of the eligible entity; and (E) shall require an energy audit by an eligible entity to determine the impact of proposed energy efficiency measures on the energy costs and consumption of the qualified consumer. (2) Contractors In addition to any other qualified general contractor, eligible entities may serve as general contractors. (e) Contract for measurement and verification, training, and technical assistance (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary— (A) shall establish a plan for measurement and verification, training, and technical assistance of the program; and (B) may enter into 1 or more contracts with a qualified entity for the purposes of— (i) providing measurement and verification activities; and (ii) developing a program to provide technical assistance and training to the employees of eligible entities to carry out this section. (2) Use of subcontractors authorized A qualified entity that enters into a contract under paragraph (1) may use subcontractors to assist the qualified entity in carrying out the contract. (f) Fast Start demonstration projects (1) In general The Secretary shall offer to enter into agreements with eligible entities (or groups of eligible entities) that have energy efficiency programs described in subsection (c)(2)(C) to establish an energy efficiency loan demonstration projects consistent with the purposes of this section. (2) Evaluation criteria In determining which eligible entities to award loans under this section, the Secretary shall take into consideration eligible entities that— (A) implement approaches to energy audits and investments in energy efficiency measures that yield measurable and predictable savings; (B) use measurement and verification processes to determine the effectiveness of energy efficiency loans made by eligible entities; (C) include training for employees of eligible entities, including any contractors of such entities, to implement or oversee the activities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B); (D) provide for the participation of a majority of eligible entities in a State; (E) reduce the need for generating capacity; (F) provide efficiency loans to— (i) in the case of a single eligible entity, not fewer than 20,000 consumers; or (ii) in the case of a group of eligible entities, not fewer than 80,000 consumers; and (G) serve areas in which, as determined by the Secretary, a large percentage of consumers reside— (i) in manufactured homes; or (ii) in housing units that are more than 50 years old. (3) Deadline for implementation To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall enter into agreements described in paragraph (1) by not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section. (4) Effect on availability of loans nationally Nothing in this subsection shall delay the availability of loans to eligible entities on a national basis beginning not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section. (5) Additional demonstration project authority (A) In general The Secretary may conduct demonstration projects in addition to the project required by paragraph (1). (B) Inapplicability of certain criteria The additional demonstration projects may be carried out without regard to subparagraphs (D), (F), or (G) of paragraph (2). (g) Additional authority The authority provided in this section is in addition to any other authority of the Secretary to offer loans under any other law. (h) Effective Period Subject to the availability of funds and except as otherwise provided in this section, the loans and other expenditures required to be made under this section shall be available until expended, with the Secretary authorized to make new loans as loans are repaid. (i) Regulations (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement this section. (2) Procedure The promulgation of the regulations and administration of this section shall be made without regard to— (A) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and (B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act ). (3) Congressional review of agency rulemaking In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 5, United States Code. (4) Interim regulations Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), to the extent regulations are necessary to carry out any provision of this section, the Secretary shall implement such regulations through the promulgation of an interim rule. . 6204. Funding of pending rural development loan and grant applications (a) In general The Secretary shall use funds made available under subsection (b) to provide funds for applications that are pending on the date of enactment of this Act in accordance with the terms and conditions of section 6029 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1955). (b) Funding Notwithstanding any other provision of law, beginning in fiscal year 2014, of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $150,000,000, to remain available until expended. 6205. Study of rural transportation issues (a) In general The Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation shall jointly conduct a study of transportation issues regarding the movement of agricultural products, domestically produced renewable fuels, and domestically produced resources for the production of electricity for rural areas of the United States, and economic development in those areas. (b) Inclusions The study shall include an examination of— (1) the importance of freight transportation, including rail, truck, and barge, to— (A) the delivery of equipment, seed, fertilizer, and other products important to the development of agricultural commodities and products; (B) the movement of agricultural commodities and products to market; (C) the delivery of ethanol and other renewable fuels; (D) the delivery of domestically produced resources for use in the generation of electricity for rural areas; (E) the location of grain elevators, ethanol plants, and other facilities; (F) the development of manufacturing facilities in rural areas; and (G) the vitality and economic development of rural communities; (2) the sufficiency in rural areas of transportation capacity, the sufficiency of competition in the transportation system, the reliability of transportation services, and the reasonableness of transportation rates; (3) the sufficiency of facility investment in rural areas necessary for efficient and cost-effective transportation; and (4) the accessibility to shippers in rural areas of Federal processes for the resolution of grievances arising within various transportation modes. (c) Report to congress Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a report to Congress that contains the results of the study required under subsection (a). (d) Periodic updates The Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation shall publish triennially an updated version of the study described in subsection (a). 6206. Agricultural transportation policy Section 203 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622 ) is amended by striking subsection (j) and inserting the following: (j) Policy development proceedings The Secretary shall participate on behalf of the interests of agriculture and rural America in all policy development proceedings or other proceedings of the Surface Transportation Board that may establish freight rail transportation policy affecting agriculture and rural America. . 6207. Value-added agricultural market development program grants Section 231(b) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 1632a(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (6)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (D) veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )). ; and (2) in paragraph (7)(B), by striking 2012 and inserting 2017 . VII Research, Extension, and Related Matters A National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 7101. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 1408(h) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Duties of National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board Section 1408(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (5) consult with industry groups on agricultural research, extension, education, and economics, and make recommendations to the Secretary based on that consultation. . 7102. Specialty crop committee Section 1408A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking Individuals and inserting the following: (1) Eligibility Individuals ; (B) by striking Members and inserting the following: (2) Service Members ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (3) Diversity Membership of the specialty crops committee shall reflect diversity in the specialty crops represented. ; (2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following: (6) Analysis of alignment of specialty crop committee recommendations with specialty crop research initiative grants awarded under section 412(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632). ; (3) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (e) and (f), respectively; (4) by inserting after subsection (c) the following: (d) Consultation with specialty crop industry In studying the scope and effectiveness of programs under subsection (a), the specialty crops committee shall consult on an ongoing basis with diverse sectors of the specialty crop industry. ; and (5) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (3)), by striking subsection (d) and inserting subsection (e) . 7103. Veterinary services grant program The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1415A ( 7 U.S.C. 3151a ) the following: 1415B. Veterinary services grant program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Qualified entity The term qualified entity means— (A) a for-profit or nonprofit entity located in the United States that operates a veterinary clinic providing veterinary services— (i) in a rural area, as defined in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a) ); and (ii) in response to a veterinarian shortage situation; (B) a State, national, allied, or regional veterinary organization or specialty board recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association; (C) a college or school of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association; (D) a university research foundation or veterinary medical foundation; (E) a department of veterinary science or department of comparative medicine accredited by the Department of Education; (F) a State agricultural experiment station; and (G) a State, local, or tribal government agency. (2) Veterinarian shortage situation The term veterinarian shortage situation means a veterinarian shortage situation determined by the Secretary under section 1415A(b). (b) Establishment of program (1) Competitive grants The Secretary shall carry out a program to make competitive grants to qualified entities that carry out programs or activities described in paragraph (2) for the purpose of developing, implementing, and sustaining veterinary services. (2) Eligibility requirements To be eligible to receive a grant described in paragraph (1), a qualified entity shall carry out programs or activities that the Secretary determines will— (A) substantially relieve veterinarian shortage situations; (B) support or facilitate private veterinary practices engaged in public health activities; or (C) support or facilitate the practices of veterinarians who are participating in or have successfully completed a service requirement under section 1415A(a)(2). (c) Award processes and preferences (1) Application, evaluation, and input processes In administering the grant program under this section, the Secretary shall— (A) use an appropriate application and evaluation process, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) seek the input of interested persons. (2) Grant preferences In selecting recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes described in paragraphs (2) through (6) of subsection (d), the Secretary shall give a preference to qualified entities that provide documentation of coordination with other qualified entities, with respect to any such purpose. (3) Additional preferences In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary may develop additional preferences by taking into account the amount of funds available for grants and the purposes for which the grant funds will be used. (4) Applicability of other provisions Sections 1413B, 1462(a), 1469(a)(3), 1469(c), and 1470 apply to the administration of the grant program under this section. (d) Use of grants To relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services A qualified entity may use funds provided by grants under this section to relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services for the following purposes: (1) To assist veterinarians with establishing or expanding practices for the purpose of— (A) equipping veterinary offices; (B) sharing in the reasonable overhead costs of the practices, as determined by the Secretary; or (C) establishing mobile veterinary facilities in which a portion of the facilities will address education or extension needs. (2) To promote recruitment (including for programs in secondary schools), placement, and retention of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students of veterinary medicine, and students of veterinary technology. (3) To allow veterinary students, veterinary interns, externs, fellows, and residents, and veterinary technician students to cover expenses (other than the types of expenses described in 1415A(c)(5)) to attend training programs in food safety or food animal medicine. (4) To establish or expand accredited veterinary education programs (including faculty recruitment and retention), veterinary residency and fellowship programs, or veterinary internship and externship programs carried out in coordination with accredited colleges of veterinary medicine. (5) To assess veterinarian shortage situations and the preparation of applications submitted to the Secretary for designation as a veterinarian shortage situation under section 1415A(b). (6) To provide continuing education and extension, including veterinary telemedicine and other distance-based education, for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other health professionals needed to strengthen veterinary programs and enhance food safety. (e) Special requirements for certain grants (1) Terms of service requirements (A) In general Grants provided under this section for the purpose specified in subsection (d)(1) shall be subject to an agreement between the Secretary and the grant recipient that includes a required term of service for the recipient, as established by the Secretary. (B) Considerations In establishing a term of service under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider only— (i) the amount of the grant awarded; and (ii) the specific purpose of the grant. (2) Breach remedies (A) In general An agreement under paragraph (1) shall provide remedies for any breach of the agreement by the grant recipient, including repayment or partial repayment of the grant funds, with interest. (B) Waiver The Secretary may grant a waiver of the repayment obligation for breach of contract if the Secretary determines that the grant recipient demonstrates extreme hardship or extreme need. (C) Treatment of amounts recovered Funds recovered under this paragraph shall— (i) be credited to the account available to carry out this section; and (ii) remain available until expended. (f) Cost-Sharing requirements (1) Recipient share Subject to paragraph (2), to be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a qualified entity shall provide matching non-Federal funds, either in cash or in-kind support, in an amount equal to not less than 25 percent of the Federal funds provided by the grant. (2) Waiver The Secretary may establish, by regulation, conditions under which the cost-sharing requirements of paragraph (1) may be reduced or waived. (g) Prohibition on use of grant funds for construction Funds made available for grants under this section may not be used— (1) to construct a new building or facility; or (2) to acquire, expand, remodel, or alter an existing building or facility, including site grading and improvement and architect fees. (h) Regulations Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this section. (i) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended. . 7104. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education Section 1417(m) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3152(m) ) is amended by striking section $60,000,000 and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1990 through 2013; and (2) $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7105. Agricultural and food policy research centers Section 1419A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting Agricultural and food before policy ; (2) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1)— (A) by striking Secretary may and inserting Secretary shall, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, ; and (B) by inserting with a history of providing unbiased, nonpartisan economic analysis to Congress after subsection (b) ; (3) in subsection (b), by striking other research institutions and all that follows through shall be eligible and inserting other public research institutions and organizations shall be eligible ; (4) in subsection (c)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , with preference given to policy research centers having extensive databases, models, and demonstrated experience in providing Congress with agricultural market projections, rural development analysis, agricultural policy analysis, and baseline projections at the farm, multiregional, national, and international levels, including information, analysis, and research relating to drought mitigation, after with this section ; and (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting applied after theoretical ; and (5) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following: (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal year thereafter. . 7106. Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and Native Hawaiian serving institutions Section 1419B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3156 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking (or grants without regard to any requirement for competition) ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking (or grants without regard to any requirement for competition) ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7107. Nutrition education program Section 1425(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3175(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7108. Continuing animal health and disease research programs Section 1433 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3195 ) is amended by striking the section designation and heading and all that follows through subsection (a) and inserting the following: 1433. Appropriations for continuing animal health and disease research programs (a) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to support continuing animal health and disease research programs at eligible institutions such sums as are necessary, but not to exceed $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2018. (2) Use of funds Funds made available under this section shall be used— (A) to meet the expenses of conducting animal health and disease research, publishing and disseminating the results of such research, and contributing to the retirement of employees subject to the Act of March 4, 1940 ( 7 U.S.C. 331 ); (B) for administrative planning and direction; and (C) to purchase equipment and supplies necessary for conducting research described in subparagraph (A). . 7109. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7110. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions Section 1447B(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7111. Hispanic-serving institutions Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3241(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7112. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs Section 1459A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3292b ) is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7113. University research Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3311 ) is amended in each of subsections (a) and (b) by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . 7114. Extension service Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3312 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7115. Supplemental and alternative crops (a) Authorization of appropriations and termination Section 1473D of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319d ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013; and (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Competitive grants Section 1473D(c)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319d(c)(1)) is amended by striking use such research funding, special or competitive grants, or other means, as the Secretary determines, and inserting make competitive grants . 7116. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions Section 1473F(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319i(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7117. Aquaculture assistance programs (a) Competitive grants Section 1475(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3322(b)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by inserting competitive before grants . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 1477 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3324 ) is amended to read as follows: 1477. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle— (1) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (b) Prohibition on use Funds made available under this section may not be used to acquire or construct a building. . 7118. Rangeland research programs Section 1483(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3336(a) ) is amended by striking subtitle and all that follows and inserting the following: subtitle— (1) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7119. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response Section 1484(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3351(a) ) is amended by striking response such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: response— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7120. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education (a) Distance education grants for insular areas (1) Competitive grants Section 1490(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(a)) is amended by striking or noncompetitive . (2) Authorization of appropriations Section 1490(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3362(f) ) is amended by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Resident instruction grants for insular areas Section 1491(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3363(c)) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . B Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 7201. Best utilization of biological applications Section 1624 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5814 ) is amended— (1) by striking $40,000,000 for each fiscal year ; and (2) by inserting $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 after chapter . 7202. Integrated management systems Section 1627 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5821 ) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following: (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program Section 1628 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5831 ) is amended by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following: (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7204. National Training Program Section 1629 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5832 ) is amended by striking subsection (i) and inserting the following: (i) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the National Training Program $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7205. National Genetics Resources Program Section 1635(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5844(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking such funds as may be necessary ; and (2) by striking subtitle and all that follows and inserting the following: subtitle— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7206. National Agricultural Weather Information System Section 1641(c) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5855(c) ) is amended by inserting and $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 before the period at the end. 7207. Agricultural Genome Initiative Section 1671(c) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5924(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Consortia The Secretary shall encourage awards under this section to consortia of eligible entities. . 7208. High-priority research and extension initiatives Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925 ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking subsections (e) through (i) of ; (2) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) by striking the first sentence and inserting the following: (A) In general To facilitate the making of research and extension grants under subsection (d), the Secretary may appoint a task force to make recommendations to the Secretary. ; and (B) in the second sentence, by striking The Secretary may not incur costs in excess of $1,000 for any fiscal year in connection with each and inserting the following: (B) Costs The Secretary may not incur costs in excess of $1,000 for any fiscal year in connection with a ; (3) in subsection (e)— (A) by striking paragraphs (1) through (5), (7), (8), (11) through (43), (47), (48), (51), and (52); (B) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (9), (10), (44), (45), (46), (49), and (50) as paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8), respectively; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (9) Cervidae initiative Research and extension grants may be made under this section to support collaborative research focusing on the development of viable strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of parasites and diseases of farmed deer and elk such as epizootic hemorrhagic disease and chronic wasting disease and the mapping of the cervid genome. (10) Corn, soybean meal, cereal grains, and grain byproducts research and extension Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of carrying out or enhancing research to improve the digestibility, nutritional value, and efficiency of use of corn, soybean meal, cereal grains, and grain byproducts for the poultry and food animal production industries. ; (4) by striking subsections (f), (g), and (i); (5) by redesignating subsections (h) and (j) as subsections (j) and (k), respectively; (6) by inserting after subsection (e) the following: (f) Pulse health initiative (1) Definitions In this subsection; (A) Initiative The term Initiative means the pulse health initiative established by paragraph (2). (B) Pulse The term pulse means dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas or garbanzo beans. (2) Establishment Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 and ending on September 30, 2018, the Secretary shall carry out a pulse crop health and extension initiative to address the critical needs of the pulse crop industry by developing and disseminating science-based tools and information, including— (A) research in health and nutrition, such as— (i) identifying global dietary patterns of pulse crops in relation to population health; (ii) researching pulse crop diets and the ability of the diets to reduce obesity and associated chronic disease (including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer); and (iii) identifying the underlying mechanisms of the health benefits of pulse crop consumption (including disease biomarkers, bioactive components, and relevant plant genetic components to enhance the health promoting value of pulse crops); (B) research in functionality, such as— (i) improving the functional properties of pulse crops and pulse fractions; (ii) developing new and innovative technologies to improve pulse crops as an ingredient in food products; and (iii) developing nutrient-dense food product solutions to ameliorate chronic disease and enhance food security worldwide; (C) research in sustainability to enhance global food security, such as— (i) plant breeding, genetics and genomics to improve productivity, nutrient density, and phytonutrient content for a growing world population; (ii) pest and disease management, including resistance to pests and diseases resulting in reduced application management strategies; and (iii) improving nitrogen fixation to reduce the carbon and energy footprint of agriculture; (D) optimizing pulse cropping systems to reduce water usage; and (E) education and technical service, such as— (i) providing technical expertise to help food companies include nutrient-dense pulse crops in innovative and healthy foods; and (ii) establishing an educational program to encourage the consumption and production of pulse crops in the United States and other countries. (3) Eligible entities The Secretary may carry out the Initiative through— (A) Federal agencies, including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; (B) National Laboratories; (C) institutions of higher education; (D) research institutions or organizations; (E) private organizations or corporations; (F) State agricultural experiment stations; (G) individuals; or (H) groups consisting of 2 or more entities or individuals described in subparagraphs (A) through (G). (4) Research project grants (A) In general In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall award grants on a competitive basis. (B) In general The Secretary shall— (i) seek and accept proposals for grants; (ii) determine the relevance and merit of proposals through a system of peer review, in consultation with the pulse crop industry; and (iii) award grants on the basis of merit, quality, and relevance. (C) Priorities In making grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide a higher priority to projects that— (i) are multistate, multiinstitutional, and multidisciplinary; and (ii) include explicit mechanisms to communicate results to the pulse crop industry and the public. (5) Authorization of Appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (g) Forestry products advanced utilization research (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a forestry and forestry products research and extension initiative to develop and disseminate science-based tools that address the needs of the forestry sector and their respective regions, forest and timberland owners and managers, and forestry products engineering, manufacturing, and related interests, including— (A) research in wood quality improvement with respect to lumber strength and grade yield; (B) improvement in forestry products, lumber, and evaluation standards and valuation techniques; (C) research and development of novel engineered lumber products and renewable energy from wood; (D) efforts to improve lumber quality and value based on forest management techniques; (E) efforts to improve forestry products conversion and manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and profitability over the long term (including forestry product marketing); and (F) other research to support the longevity, sustainability, and profitability of timberland through sound management and utilization. (2) Grants (A) In general As part of the initiative described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities to carry out the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (F) of paragraph (1). (B) Eligible entities Entities eligible for grants described in subparagraph (A) shall include— (i) Federal agencies; (ii) National Laboratories (iii) colleges and universities; (iv) research institutions and organizations; (v) private organizations or corporations; (vi) State agricultural experiment stations; and (vii) groups consisting of 2 or more such entities. (C) Priorities In making grants, the Secretary shall give higher priority to projects that— (i) are multistate, multiinstitutional, or multidisciplinary; (ii) include explicit mechanisms to communicate results to producers, forestry industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public; and (iii) have— (I) extensive history and demonstrated experience in forestry and forestry products research; (II) existing capacity in forestry products research and dissemination; and (III) a demonstrated means of evaluating and responding to the needs of the related commercial sector. (D) Administration (i) Selection process In awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall— (I) seek and accept proposals; (II) determine the relevance and merit of proposals through a system of peer and merit review; and (III) award grants on the basis of merit, quality, and relevance. (ii) Terms The term of a grant made under this paragraph may not exceed 10 years. (iii) Matching funds The Secretary shall require the recipient of a grant to provide funds or in-kind support from non-Federal sources in an amount that is at least equal to the amount provided by the Federal Government. (iv) Buildings and facilities Funds made available under this paragraph shall not be used for the construction of a new building or facility or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an existing building or facility (including site grading and improvement, and architect fees). (v) Coordination The Secretary shall ensure that any activities carried out under this paragraph are done in coordination with the Forest Products Laboratory. (3) Authorization of appropriations (A) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (B) Matching funds To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall match any funds received under subparagraph (A) with funds received for the research and development program of the Forest Service under section 3 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642). (h) Training coordination for food and agriculture protection (1) In general The Secretary shall make grants and enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with eligible entities described in paragraph (2) for the purposes of establishing a Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network. (2) Eligibility (A) In general For purposes of this subsection, an eligible entity is a multiinstitutional consortium that includes— (i) a nonprofit institution that provides administering food protection training; and (ii) 1 or more training centers in institutions of higher education that have demonstrated expertise in developing and delivering community-based training in food and agricultural safety and defense. (B) Requirements To ensure that coordination and administration is provided across all the disciplines and provide comprehensive food protection training, the Secretary may only consider an entire consortium collectively rather than on an institution-by-institution basis. (C) Membership An eligible entity may alter the consortium membership to meet specific training expertise needs. (3) Duties of eligible entity As a condition of the receipt of assistance under this subsection, an eligible entity, in cooperation with the Secretary, shall establish and maintain the network for an internationally integrated training system to enhance protection of the United States food supply, including, at a minimum— (A) developing curricula and a training network to provide basic, technical, management, and leadership training to regulatory and public health officials, producers, processors, and other agrifood businesses; (B) serving as the hub for the administration of an open training network; (C) implementing standards to ensure the delivery of quality training through a national curricula; (D) building and overseeing a nationally recognized instructor cadre to ensure the availability of highly qualified instructors; (E) reviewing training proposed through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and other relevant Federal agencies that report to the Secretary on the quality and content of proposed and existing courses; (F) assisting Federal agencies in the implementation of food protection training requirements including requirements contained in the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act ( Public Law 111–353 ; 124 Stat. 3885), and amendments made by those Acts; and (G) performing evaluation and outcome-based studies to provide to the Secretary feedback on the effectiveness and impact of training and metrics on jurisdictions and sectors within the food safety system. (4) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. (i) Farm animal agriculture integrated research initiative (1) Definition of initiative In this subsection, the term Initiative means the farm animal integrated research initiative established under paragraph (2). (2) Establishment Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 and ending on September 30, 2018, the Secretary shall carry out a farm animal integrated research initiative to address the critical needs of animal agriculture, by developing and disseminating science-based tools and information, including— (A) research to promote food security, such as— (i) improving feed efficiency; (ii) improving energetic efficiency; (iii) connecting genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and related phenomena to animal production; (iv) improving reproductive efficiency; and (v) enhancing pre- and post-harvest food safety systems; (B) research on the interrelationship between animal and human health, such as— (i) exploring new approaches for vaccine development; (ii) understanding and controlling zoonoses, including the impact of zoonoses on food safety; (iii) improving animal health through feed; and (iv) enhancing product quality and nutritive value; and (C) research on stewardship, such as— (i) minimizing or reducing the flow of nutrients from animal production systems; (ii) improving sustainability and increasing efficiency of natural resource use; and (iii) better understanding animal production systems and the interactions between animals, plants, and human management. (3) Eligible entities The Secretary may carry out the Initiative through— (A) Federal agencies, including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; (B) National Laboratories; (C) institutions of higher education; (D) research institutions or organizations; (E) private organizations or corporations; (F) State agricultural experiment stations; (G) individuals; and (H) groups consisting of 2 or more entities or individuals described in subparagraphs (A) through (G). (4) Research project grants (A) In general In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall award grants on a competitive basis in accordance with subparagraphs (B) and (C). (B) Process for awarding grants The Secretary shall— (i) seek and accept proposals for grants; (ii) determine the relevance and merit of proposals through a system of peer review, in consultation with the animal agriculture industry; and (iii) award grants on the basis of merit, quality, and relevance. (C) Priorities In making grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that— (i) are multistate, multiinstitutional, and multidisciplinary; and (ii) include explicit mechanisms to communicate results to the animal agriculture industry and the public. (5) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (7) in subsection (j) (as redesignated by paragraph (5)), by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 ; and (8) in subsection (k) (as redesignated by paragraph (5)), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7209. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , education, after support research ; (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting and improvement after development ; (C) in paragraph (2), by striking to producers and processors who use organic methods and inserting of organic agricultural production and methods to producers, processors, and rural communities ; (D) in paragraph (5), by inserting and researching solutions to after identifying ; and (E) in paragraph (6), by striking and marketing and inserting , marketing, and food safety ; (2) by striking subsection (e); (3) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e); and (4) in paragraph (1) of subsection (e) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 ; (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (C) $16,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7210. Farm business management Section 1672D(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925f(d) ) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary to carry out this section. and inserting the following: to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7211. Regional centers of excellence Subtitle H of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 1672D ( 7 U.S.C. 5925 ) the following: 1673. Regional centers of excellence (a) Establishment The Secretary may prioritize regional centers of excellence established for specific agricultural commodities for the receipt of funding. (b) Composition A regional center of excellence shall be composed of 1 or more colleges and universities (including land-grant institutions, schools of forestry, schools of veterinary medicine, or NLGCA Institutions (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 ))) that provide financial support to the regional center of excellence. (c) Criteria for regional centers of excellence The criteria for consideration to be a regional center of excellence shall include efforts— (1) to ensure coordination and cost-effectiveness by reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts regarding research, teaching, and extension; (2) to leverage available resources by using public/private partnerships among agricultural industry groups, institutions of higher education, and the Federal Government; (3) to implement teaching initiatives to increase awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to target audiences through extension activities; (4) to increase the economic returns to rural communities by identifying, attracting, and directing funds to high-priority agricultural issues; and (5) to improve teaching capacity and infrastructure at colleges and universities (including land-grant institutions, schools of forestry, and schools of veterinary medicine, and NLGCA Institutions). (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7212. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities Section 1680(c)(1) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933(c)(1)) is amended— (1) by striking is and inserting are ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (A) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (B) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7213. National rural information center clearinghouse Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 7301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department Section 103(a)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7613(a)(2) ) is amended— (1) by striking the paragraph designation and heading and inserting the following: (2) Relevance and merit review of research, extension, and education grants ; (2) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by inserting relevance and before merit ; and (B) by striking extension or education and inserting, research, extension, or education ; and (3) in subparagraph (B) by inserting on a continuous basis after procedures . 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program Section 406(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7626(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7303. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale, and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum or by Tilletia indica Section 408(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7628(e)) is amended by striking such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2012 and inserting $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 7304. Grants for youth organizations Section 410(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7630(d)) is amended by striking section such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7305. Specialty crop research initiative Section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(3), by inserting handling and processing, after production efficiency, ; (2) in subsection (e)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: (D) consult with the specialty crops committee authorized under section 1408A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a ) during the peer and merit review process. ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by striking non-Federal and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting other sources in an amount that is at least equal to the amount provided by a grant received under this section. ; and (3) in subsection (h), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Subsequent funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section— (A) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; (B) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 and 2016; (C) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and (D) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter. . 7306. Food animal residue avoidance database program Section 604(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7642(e)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7307. Office of pest management policy Section 614(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7653(f)) is amended— (1) by striking such sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7308. Authorization of regional integrated pest management centers Subtitle B of title VI of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7651 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 621. Authorization of regional integrated pest management centers (a) In general There are established 4 regional integrated pest management centers (referred to in this section as the Centers ), which shall be located at such specific locations in the north central, northeastern, southern, and western regions of the United States as the Secretary shall specify. (b) Purposes The purposes of the Centers shall be— (1) to strengthen the connection of the Department with production agriculture, research, and extension programs, and agricultural stakeholders throughout the United States; (2) to increase the effectiveness of providing pest management solutions for the private and public sectors; (3) to quickly respond to information needs of the public and private sectors; and (4) to improve communication among the relevant stakeholders. (c) Duties In meeting the purposes described in subsection (b) and otherwise carrying out this section, the Centers shall— (1) develop regional strategies to address pest management needs; (2) assist the Department and partner institutions of the Department in identifying, prioritizing, and coordinating a national pest management research, extension, and education program implemented on a regional basis; (3) establish a national pest management communication network that includes— (A) the agencies of the Department and other government agencies; (B) scientists at institutions of higher education; and (C) stakeholders focusing on pest management issues; (4) serve as regional hubs responsible for ensuring efficient access to pest management expertise and data available through institutions of higher education; and (5) on behalf of the Department, manage grants that can be most effectively and efficiently delivered at the regional level, as determined by the Secretary. . D Other Laws 7401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act Section 16(a) of the Critical Agricultural Materials Act ( 7 U.S.C. 178n(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking such sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking Act and all that follows and inserting the following: Act— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (a) Definition of 1994 institutions Section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended to read as follows: 532. Definition of 1994 Institutions In this part, the term 1994 Institutions means any 1 of the following: (1) Aaniiih Nakoda College. (2) Bay Mills Community College. (3) Blackfeet Community College. (4) Cankdeska Cikana Community College. (5) Chief Dull Knife Memorial College. (6) College of Menominee Nation. (7) College of the Muscogee Nation. (8) D–Q University. (9) Dine College. (10) Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. (11) Fort Berthold Community College. (12) Fort Peck Community College. (13) Haskell Indian Nations University. (14) Ilisagvik College. (15) Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development. (16) Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College. (17) Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College. (18) Leech Lake Tribal College. (19) Little Big Horn College. (20) Little Priest Tribal College. (21) Navajo Technical College. (22) Nebraska Indian Community College. (23) Northwest Indian College. (24) Oglala Lakota College. (25) Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College. (26) Salish Kootenai College. (27) Sinte Gleska University. (28) Sisseton Wahpeton College. (29) Sitting Bull College. (30) Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. (31) Stone Child College. (32) Tohono O’odham Community College. (33) Turtle Mountain Community College. (34) United Tribes Technical College. (35) White Earth Tribal and Community College. . (b) Endowment for 1994 institutions (1) In general Section 533 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii), by striking of such Act as added by section 534(b)(1) of this part and inserting of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3) ) and for programs for children, youth, and families at risk and for Federally recognized tribes implemented under section 3(d) of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 343(d) ) ; and (B) in subsection (b), in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (2) Conforming amendment Section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(d)) is amended in the second sentence by inserting and, in the case of programs for children, youth, and families at risk and for Federally recognized tribes, the 1994 Institutions (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 )), before may compete for . (c) Institutional Capacity Building Grants Section 535 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c) and inserting 2018 . (d) Research grants (1) Authorization of appropriations Section 536(c) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (2) Research grant requirements Section 536(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended by striking with at least 1 other land-grant college or university and all that follows and inserting the following: with— (1) the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture; or (2) at least 1— (A) other land-grant college or university (exclusive of another 1994 Institution); (B) non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 )); or (C) cooperating forestry school (as defined in that section). . (e) Effective date The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), and (d)(2) take effect on October 1, 2013. 7403. Research Facilities Act Section 6(a) of the Research Facilities Act ( 7 U.S.C. 390d(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7404. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act Section 2 of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(11)(A)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (B) in clause (i), by striking integrated research and all that follows through ; and and inserting integrated research, extension, and education activities; and ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (l) Streamlining grant application process Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes— (1) an analysis of barriers that exist in the competitive grants process administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture that prevent eligible institutions and organizations with limited institutional capacity from successfully applying and competing for competitive grants; and (2) specific recommendations for future steps that the Department can take to streamline the competitive grants application process so as to remove the barriers and increase the success rates of applicants described in paragraph (1). . 7405. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program under Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 Section 308(b)(6) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125a note; Public Law 103–354) is amended by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) on September 30, 2018; or . 7406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 6 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1675 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Termination date Section 8 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1671 note; Public Law 95–306 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980 Section 10 of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 ( 16 U.S.C. 2809 ) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . 7408. Beginning farmer and rancher development program under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)(8)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (D) beginning farmers and ranchers who are veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code). ; and (2) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); (3) by inserting after subsection (g) the following: (h) State grants (1) Definition of eligible entity In this subsection, the term eligible entity means— (A) an agency of a State or political subdivision of a State; (B) a national, State, or regional organization of agricultural producers; and (C) any other entity determined appropriate by the Secretary. (2) Grants The Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of funds made available to carry out this section for each fiscal year under subsection (i) to make grants to States, on a competitive basis, which States shall use the grants to make grants to eligible entities to establish and improve farm safety programs at the local level. ; and (4) in subsection (i) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the heading, by striking for fiscal years 2009 through 2012 ; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: (C) $17,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. ; (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the heading, by striking for fiscal years 2009 through 2012 ; and (ii) striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (C) by striking paragraph (3). E Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 I Agricultural Security 7501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center Section 14112 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8912 ) is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response Section 14113 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8913 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) by striking such sums as may be necessary ; and (B) by striking subsection and all that follows and inserting the following: subsection— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection and all that follows and inserting the following: are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection— (1) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures Section 14121(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8921(b) ) is amended by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section and all that follows and inserting the following: are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program Section 14122(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8922(e) ) is amended— (1) by striking such sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013, to remain available until expended; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. . II Miscellaneous 7511. Grazinglands research laboratory Section 7502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 112 Stat. 2019) is amended by striking for the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and inserting until September 30, 2018 . 7512. Budget submission and funding Section 7506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7614c ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking (a) Definition of competitive programs .—In this section, the term ; and inserting the following: (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Competitive programs The term ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (2) Covered program The term covered program means— (A) each research program carried out by the Agricultural Research Service or the Economic Research Service for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President; and (B) each competitive program (as defined in section 251(f)(1) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1) )) carried out by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President. (3) Request for awards The term request for awards means a funding announcement published by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture that provides detailed information on funding opportunities at the Institute, including the purpose, eligibility, restriction, focus areas, evaluation criteria, regulatory information, and instructions on how to apply for such opportunities. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (e) Additional Presidential budget submission requirement (1) In general Each year, the President shall submit to Congress, together with the annual budget submission of the President, the information described in paragraph (2) for each funding request for a covered program. (2) Information described The information described in this paragraph includes— (A) baseline information, including with respect to each covered program— (i) the funding level for the program for the fiscal year preceding the year the annual budget submission of the President is submitted; (ii) the funding level requested in the annual budget submission of the President, including any increase or decrease in the funding level; and (iii) an explanation justifying any change from the funding level specified in clause (i) to the level specified in clause (ii); (B) with respect to each covered program that is carried out by the Economic Research Service or the Agricultural Research Service, the location and staff years of the program; (C) the proposed funding levels to be allocated to, and the expected publication date, scope, and allocation level for, each request for awards to be published under— (i) each priority area specified in section 2(b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2)); (ii) each research and extension project carried out under section 1621(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5811(a) ); (iii) each grant awarded under section 1672B(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b(a)); (iv) each grant awarded under section 412(b) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632(b)); and (v) each grant awarded under 7405(c)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f(c)(1) ); or (D) any other information the Secretary determines will increase congressional oversight with respect to covered programs. (f) Report of the Secretary of Agriculture Each year on a date that is not later than the date on which the President submits the annual budget submission, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing a description of the agricultural research, extension, and education activities carried out by the Federal Government during the fiscal year that immediately precedes the year for which the report is submitted, including— (1) a review of the extent to which those activities— (A) are duplicative or overlap within the Department of Agriculture; or (B) are similar to activities carried out by— (i) other Federal agencies; (ii) the States (including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and other territories or possessions of the United States); (iii) institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )); or (iv) the private sector; and (2) for each report submitted under this section on or after January 1, 2014, a 5-year projection of national priorities with respect to agricultural research, extension, and education, taking into account both domestic and international needs. . 7513. Natural products research program Section 7525 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5937 ) is amended by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following: (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7514. Sun grant program (a) In general Section 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8114 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(4)(B), by striking the Department of Energy and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies (as determined by the Secretary) ; (2) in subsection (b)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking at South Dakota State University ; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville ; (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking at Oklahoma State University ; (D) in subparagraph (D), by striking at Oregon State University ; (E) in subparagraph (E), by striking at Cornell University ; and (F) in subparagraph (F), by striking at the University of Hawaii ; (3) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking multistate and all that follows through technology implementation and inserting integrated, multistate research, extension, and education programs on technology development and technology implementation ; (B) by striking subparagraph (C); and (C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); (4) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking gasification and inserting bioproducts ; and (ii) by striking the Department of Energy and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies ; (B) by striking paragraph (2); (C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and (D) in paragraph (1), by striking in accordance with paragraph (2) ; and (5) in subsection (g), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Conforming amendments Section 7526(f) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8114(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking subsection (c)(1)(D)(i) and inserting subsection (c)(1)(C)(i) ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking subsection (d)(1) and inserting subsection (d) . F Miscellaneous 7601. Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Board The term Board means the Board of Directors described in subsection (e). (2) Department The term Department means the Department of Agriculture. (3) Foundation The term Foundation means the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research established under subsection (b). (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (b) Establishment (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a nonprofit corporation to be known as the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research . (2) Status The Foundation shall not be an agency or instrumentality of the United States Government. (c) Purposes The purposes of the Foundation shall be— (1) to advance the research mission of the Department by supporting agricultural research activities focused on addressing key problems of national and international significance including— (A) plant health, production, and plant products; (B) animal health, production, and products; (C) food safety, nutrition, and health; (D) renewable energy, natural resources, and the environment; (E) agricultural and food security; (F) agriculture systems and technology; and (G) agriculture economics and rural communities; and (2) to foster collaboration with agricultural researchers from the Federal Government, institutions of higher education, industry, and nonprofit organizations. (d) Duties (1) In general The Foundation shall— (A) award grants to, or enter into contracts, memoranda of understanding, or cooperative agreements with, scientists and entities, which may include agricultural research agencies in the Department, university consortia, public-private partnerships, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and industry, to efficiently and effectively advance the goals and priorities of the Foundation; (B) in consultation with the Secretary— (i) identify existing and proposed Federal intramural and extramural research and development programs relating to the purposes of the Foundation described in subsection (c); and (ii) coordinate Foundation activities with those programs so as to minimize duplication of existing efforts; (C) identify unmet and emerging agricultural research needs after reviewing the Roadmap for Agricultural Research, Education and Extension as required by section 7504 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7614a ); (D) facilitate technology transfer and release of information and data gathered from the activities of the Foundation to the agricultural research community; (E) promote and encourage the development of the next generation of agricultural research scientists; and (F) carry out such other activities as the Board determines to be consistent with the purposes of the Foundation. (2) Authority Subject to paragraph (3), the Foundation shall be the sole entity responsible for carrying out the duties enumerated in this subsection. (3) Relationship to other activities The activities described in paragraph (1) shall be supplemental to any other activities at the Department and shall not preempt any authority or responsibility of the Department under another provision of law. (e) Board of directors (1) Establishment The Foundation shall be governed by a Board of Directors. (2) Composition (A) In general The Board shall be composed of appointed and ex-officio, nonvoting members. (B) Ex-officio members The ex-officio members of the Board shall be the following individuals or designees: (i) The Secretary. (ii) The Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics. (iii) The Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service. (iv) The Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (v) The Director of the National Science Foundation. (C) Appointed members (i) In general The ex-officio members of the Board under subparagraph (B) shall, by majority vote, appoint to the Board 15 individuals, of whom— (I) 8 shall be selected from a list of candidates to be provided by the National Academy of Sciences; and (II) 7 shall be selected from lists of candidates provided by industry. (ii) Requirements (I) Expertise The ex-officio members shall ensure that a majority of the members of the Board have actual experience in agricultural research and, to the extent practicable, represent diverse sectors of agriculture. (II) Limitation No employee of the Federal Government may serve as an appointed member of the Board under this subparagraph. (III) Not Federal employment Appointment to the Board under this subparagraph shall not constitute Federal employment. (iii) Authority All appointed members of the Board shall be voting members. (D) Chair The Board shall, from among the members of the Board, designate an individual to serve as Chair of the Board. (3) Initial meeting Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the ex-officio members of the Board— (A) to incorporate the Foundation; and (B) to appoint the members of the Board in accordance with paragraph (2)(C)(i). (4) Duties (A) In general The Board shall— (i) establish bylaws for the Foundation that, at a minimum, include— (I) policies for the selection of future Board members, officers, employees, agents, and contractors of the Foundation; (II) policies, including ethical standards, for— (aa) the acceptance, solicitation, and disposition of donations and grants to the Foundation; and (bb) the disposition of assets of the Foundation, including appropriate limits on the ability of donors to designate, by stipulation or restriction, the use or recipient of donated funds; (III) policies that would subject all employees, fellows, trainees, and other agents of the Foundation (including members of the Board) to the conflict of interest standards under section 208 of title 18, United States Code; (IV) policies for writing, editing, printing, publishing, and vending of books and other materials; (V) policies for the conduct of the general operations of the Foundation, including a cap on administrative expenses for recipients of a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement from the Foundation; and (VI) specific duties for the Executive Director; (ii) prioritize and provide overall direction for the activities of the Foundation; (iii) evaluate the performance of the Executive Director; and (iv) carry out any other necessary activities regarding the Foundation. (B) Establishment of bylaws In establishing bylaws under subparagraph (A)(i), the Board shall ensure that the bylaws do not— (i) reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Foundation to carry out the duties of the Foundation in a fair and objective manner; or (ii) compromise, or appear to compromise, the integrity of any governmental agency or program, or any officer or employee employed by or involved in a governmental agency or program. (5) Terms and vacancies (A) Terms (i) In general The term of each member of the Board appointed under paragraph (2)(C) shall be 5 years. (ii) Partial terms If a member of the Board does not serve the full term applicable under clause (i), the individual appointed to fill the resulting vacancy shall be appointed for the remainder of the term of the predecessor of the individual. (iii) Transition A member of the Board may continue to serve after the expiration of the term of the member until a successor is appointed. (B) Vacancies Any vacancy in the membership of the Board shall be filled in the manner in which the original position was made and shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the duties of the Board. (6) Compensation Members of the Board may not receive compensation for service on the Board but may be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred in carrying out the duties of the Board. (7) Meetings and quorum A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting business of the Board. (f) Administration (1) Executive Director (A) In general The Board shall hire an Executive Director who shall carry out such duties and responsibilities as the Board may prescribe. (B) Service The Executive Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. (2) Administrative powers (A) In general In carrying out this section, the Board, acting through the Executive Director, may— (i) adopt, alter, and use a corporate seal, which shall be judicially noticed; (ii) hire, promote, compensate, and discharge 1 or more officers, employees, and agents, as may be necessary, and define the duties of the officers, employees, and agents; (iii) solicit and accept any funds, gifts, grants, devises, or bequests of real or personal property made to the Foundation, including such support from private entities; (iv) prescribe the manner in which— (I) real or personal property of the Foundation is acquired, held, and transferred; (II) general operations of the Foundation are to be conducted; and (III) the privileges granted to the Board by law are exercised and enjoyed; (v) with the consent of the applicable executive department or independent agency, use the information, services, and facilities of the department or agency in carrying out this section; (vi) enter into contracts with public and private organizations for the writing, editing, printing, and publishing of books and other material; (vii) hold, administer, invest, and spend any gift, devise, or bequest of real or personal property made to the Foundation; (viii) enter into such contracts, leases, cooperative agreements, and other transactions as the Board considers appropriate to conduct the activities of the Foundation; (ix) modify or consent to the modification of any contract or agreement to which the Foundation is a party or in which the Foundation has an interest; (x) take such action as may be necessary to obtain patents and licenses for devices and procedures developed by the Foundation and employees of the Foundation; (xi) sue and be sued in the corporate name of the Foundation, and complain and defend in courts of competent jurisdiction; (xii) appoint other groups of advisors as may be determined necessary to carry out the functions of the Foundation; and (xiii) exercise such other incidental powers as are necessary to carry out the duties and functions of the Foundation in accordance with this section. (B) Limitation No appointed member of the Board or officer or employee of the Foundation or of any program established by the Foundation (other than ex-officio members of the Board) shall exercise administrative control over any Federal employee. (3) Records (A) Audits The Foundation shall— (i) provide for annual audits of the financial condition of the Foundation; and (ii) make the audits, and all other records, documents, and other papers of the Foundation, available to the Secretary and the Comptroller General of the United States for examination or audit. (B) Reports (i) Annual report on foundation (I) In general Not later than 5 months following the end of each fiscal year, the Foundation shall publish a report for the preceding fiscal year that includes— (aa) a description of Foundation activities, including accomplishments; and (bb) a comprehensive statement of the operations and financial condition of the Foundation. (II) Financial condition Each report under subclause (I) shall include a description of all gifts or grants to the Foundation of real or personal property or money, which shall include— (aa) the source of the gifts or grants; and (bb) any restrictions on the purposes for which the gift or grant may be used. (III) Availability The Foundation shall— (aa) make copies of each report submitted under subclause (I) available for public inspection; and (bb) on request, provide a copy of the report to any individual. (IV) Public meeting The Board shall hold an annual public meeting to summarize the activities of the Foundation. (ii) Grant reporting Any recipient of a grant under subsection (d)(1)(A) shall provide the Foundation with a report at the conclusion of any research or studies conducted the describes the results of the research or studies, including any data generated. (4) Integrity (A) In general To ensure integrity in the operations of the Foundation, the Board shall develop and enforce procedures relating to standards of conduct, financial disclosure statements, conflict of interest (including recusal and waiver rules), audits, and any other matters determined appropriate by the Board. (B) Financial conflicts of interest Any individual who is an officer, employee, or member of the Board is prohibited from any participation in deliberations by the Foundation of a matter that would directly or predictably affect any financial interest of— (i) the individual; (ii) a relative (as defined in section 109 of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.)) of that individual; or (iii) a business organization or other entity in which the individual has an interest, including an organization or other entity with which the individual is negotiating employment. (5) Intellectual property The Board shall adopt written standards to govern ownership of any intellectual property rights derived from the collaborative efforts of the Foundation. (6) Liability The United States shall not be liable for any debts, defaults, acts, or omissions of the Foundation nor shall the full faith and credit of the United States extend to any obligations of the Foundation. (g) Funds (1) Mandatory funding (A) In general On October 1, 2013, of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall transfer to the Foundation to carry out this section $200,000,000, to remain available until expended under the conditions described in subparagraph (B). (B) Conditions on expenditure The Foundation may use the funds made available under subparagraph (A) to carry out the purposes of the Foundation only to the extent that the Foundation secures an equal amount of non-Federal matching funds for each expenditure. (C) Prohibition on construction None of the funds made available under subparagraph (A) may be used for construction. (2) Separation of funds The Executive Director shall ensure that any funds received under paragraph (1) are held in separate accounts from funds received from nongovernmental entities as described in subsection (f)(2)(A)(iii). 7602. Agricultural and food law research, legal tools, and information (a) Findings Congress finds that— (1) the farms, ranches, and forests of the United States are impacted by a complex and rapidly evolving web of competition and international, Federal, State, and local laws (including regulations); (2) objective, scholarly, and authoritative agricultural and food law research, legal tools, and information helps the farm, ranch, and forestry community contribute to the strength of the United States through improved conservation, environmental protection, job creation, economic development, renewable energy production, outdoor recreational opportunities, and increased and diversified local and regional supplies of food, fiber, and fuel; and (3) the vast agricultural community of the United States, including farmers, ranchers, foresters, attorneys, policymakers, and extension personnel, need access to agricultural and food law research and information provided by an objective, scholarly, and neutral source. (b) Partnerships The Secretary, acting through the National Agricultural Library, shall support the dissemination of objective, scholarly, and authoritative agricultural and food law research, legal tools, and information by entering into cooperative agreements with institutions of higher education that on the date of enactment of this Act are carrying out objective programs for research, legal tools, and information in agricultural and food law. (c) Authorization of appropriations For each fiscal year, the Secretary may use not more than $5,000,000 of the amounts made available to the National Agricultural Library to carry out this section. VIII Forestry A Repeal of certain forestry programs 8001. Forest land enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 4 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 8002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( Public Law 107–171 ; 16 U.S.C. 2103 note) is amended by striking subsection (a). (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 8002. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program (a) Repeal Section 8402 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 16 U.S.C. 1649a ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 8003. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program (a) Repeal Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6542 ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. B Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 programs 8101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources Section 2A(f)(1) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2101a(f)(1)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Reauthorization of other forestry-Related laws 8201. Rural revitalization technologies Section 2371(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6601(d)(2)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 8202. Office of International Forestry Section 2405(d) of the Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6704(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 8203. Insect and disease infestation Title VI of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6591 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 602. Designation of treatment areas (a) Definition of declining forest health In this section, the term declining forest health means a forest that is experiencing— (1) substantially increased tree mortality due to insect or disease infestation; or (2) dieback due to infestation or defoliation by insects or disease. (b) Designation of treatment areas (1) Initial areas Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , the Secretary shall, if requested by the Governor of the State, designate as part of an insect and disease treatment program 1 or more subwatersheds (sixth-level hydrologic units, according to the System of Hydrologic Unit Codes of the United States Geological Survey) in at least 1 national forest in each State that is experiencing an insect or disease epidemic. (2) Additional areas After the end of the 60-day period described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may designate additional subwatersheds under this section as needed to address insect or disease threats. (c) Requirements To be designated a subwatershed under subsection (b), the subwatershed shall be— (1) experiencing declining forest health, based on annual forest health surveys conducted by the Secretary; (2) at risk of experiencing substantially increased tree mortality over the next 15 years due to insect or disease infestation, based on the most recent National Insect and Disease Risk Map published by the Forest Service; or (3) in an area in which the risk of hazard trees poses an imminent risk to public infrastructure, health, or safety. (d) Treatment of areas (1) In general The Secretary may carry out priority projects on Federal land in the subwatersheds designated under subsection (b) to reduce the risk or extent of, or increase the resilience to, insect or disease infestation in the subwatersheds. (2) Authority Any project under paragraph (1) for which a public notice to initiate scoping is issued on or before September 30, 2018, may be carried out in accordance with subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 102, and sections 104, 105, and 106. (3) Effect Projects carried out under this subsection shall be considered authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects for purposes of the authorities described in paragraph (2). (4) Report Not later than September 30, 2018, the Secretary shall issue a report on actions taken to carry out this subsection, including— (A) an evaluation of the progress towards project goals; and (B) recommendations for modifications to the projects and management treatments. (e) Tree retention The Secretary shall carry out projects under subsection (d) in a manner that maximizes the retention of old-growth and large trees, as appropriate for the forest type, to the extent that the trees promote stands that are resilient to insects and disease. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8204. Stewardship end result contracting projects (a) In general Title VI of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6591 ) (as amended by section 8203) is amended by adding at the end the following: 603. Stewardship end result contracting projects (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Chief The term Chief means the Chief of the Forest Service. (2) Director The term Director means the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. (b) Projects The Chief and the Director, via agreement or contract as appropriate, may enter into stewardship contracting projects with private persons or other public or private entities to perform services to achieve land management goals for the national forests and the public lands that meet local and rural community needs. (c) Land management goals The land management goals of a project under subsection (b) may include— (1) road and trail maintenance or obliteration to restore or maintain water quality; (2) soil productivity, habitat for wildlife and fisheries, or other resource values; (3) setting of prescribed fires to improve the composition, structure, condition, and health of stands or to improve wildlife habitat; (4) removing vegetation or other activities to promote healthy forest stands, reduce fire hazards, or achieve other land management objectives; (5) watershed restoration and maintenance; (6) restoration and maintenance of wildlife and fish; or (7) control of noxious and exotic weeds and reestablishing native plant species. (d) Agreements or contracts (1) Procurement procedure A source for performance of an agreement or contract under subsection (b) shall be selected on a best-value basis, including consideration of source under other public and private agreements or contracts. (2) Contract for sale of property A contract entered into under this section may, at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture, be considered a contract for the sale of property under such terms as the Secretary may prescribe without regard to any other provision of law. (3) Term (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Chief and the Director may enter into a contract under subsection (b) in accordance with section 3903 of title 41, United States Code. (B) Maximum The period of the contract under subsection (b) may exceed 5 years but may not exceed 10 years. (4) Offsets (A) In general The Chief and the Director may apply the value of timber or other forest products removed as an offset against the cost of services received under the agreement or contract described in subsection (b). (B) Methods of appraisal The value of timber or other forest products used as an offset under subparagraph (A)— (i) shall be determined using appropriate methods of appraisal commensurate with the quantity of products to be removed; and (ii) may— (I) be determined using a unit of measure appropriate to the contracts; and (II) may include valuing products on a per-acre basis. (5) Relation to other laws Notwithstanding subsections (d) and (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ), the Chief may enter into an agreement or contract under subsection (b). (6) Contracting officer Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior may determine the appropriate contracting officer to enter into and administer an agreement or contract under subsection (b). (e) Receipts (1) In general The Chief and the Director may collect monies from an agreement or contract under subsection (b) if the collection is a secondary objective of negotiating the contract that will best achieve the purposes of this section. (2) Use Monies from an agreement or contract under subsection (b)— (A) may be retained by the Chief and the Director; and (B) shall be available for expenditure without further appropriation at the project site from which the monies are collected or at another project site. (3) Relation to other laws (A) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the value of services received by the Chief or the Director under a stewardship contract project conducted under this section, and any payments made or resources provided by the contractor, Chief, or Director shall not be considered monies received from the National Forest System or the public lands. (B) Knutson-Vanderberg Act The Act of June 9, 1930 (commonly known as the Knutson-Vanderberg Act ) ( 16 U.S.C. 576 et seq. ) shall not apply to any agreement or contract under subsection (b). (f) Costs of removal Notwithstanding the fact that a contractor did not harvest the timber, the Chief may collect deposits from a contractor covering the costs of removal of timber or other forest products under— (1) the Act of August 11, 1916 ( 16 U.S.C. 490 ); and (2) the Act of June 30, 1914 (16 U.S.C. 498). (g) Performance and payment guarantees (1) In general The Chief and the Director may require performance and payment bonds under sections 28.103–2 and 28.103–3 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, in an amount that the contracting officer considers sufficient to protect the investment in receipts by the Federal Government generated by the contractor from the estimated value of the forest products to be removed under a contract under subsection (b). (2) Excess offset value If the offset value of the forest products exceeds the value of the resource improvement treatments, the Chief and the Director may— (A) collect any residual receipts under the Act of June 9, 1930 (commonly known as the Knutson-Vanderberg Act ) ( 16 U.S.C. 576 et seq. ); and (B) apply the excess to other authorized stewardship projects. (h) Monitoring and evaluation (1) In general The Chief and the Director shall establish a multiparty monitoring and evaluation process that accesses the stewardship contracting projects conducted under this section. (2) Participants Other than the Chief and Director, participants in the process described in paragraph (1) may include— (A) any cooperating governmental agencies, including tribal governments; and (B) any other interested groups or individuals. (i) Reporting Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Chief and the Director shall report to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives on— (1) the status of development, execution, and administration of agreements or contracts under subsection (b); (2) the specific accomplishments that have resulted; and (3) the role of local communities in the development of agreements or contract plans. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 347 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 ( 16 U.S.C. 2104 note; Public Law 105–277 ) is repealed. 8205. Healthy forests reserve program (a) Definition of acreage owned by Indian tribes Section 502(e)(3) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6572(e)(3) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting clauses (i) and (ii) ; (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; and (3) by striking In the case of and inserting the following: (A) Definition of acreage owned by Indian tribes In this paragraph, the term acreage owned by Indian tribes includes— (i) land that is held in trust by the United States for Indian tribes or individual Indians; (ii) land, the title to which is held by Indian tribes or individual Indians subject to Federal restrictions against alienation or encumbrance; (iii) land that is subject to rights of use, occupancy, and benefit of certain Indian tribes; (iv) land that is held in fee title by an Indian tribe; or (v) land that is owned by a native corporation formed under section 17 of the Act of June 18, 1934 (commonly known as the Indian Reorganization Act ) ( 25 U.S.C. 477 ) or section 8 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1607 ); or (vi) a combination of 1 or more types of land described in clauses (i) through (v). (B) Enrollment of acreage In the case of . (b) Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve program Section 508 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6578 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking In general and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; (2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (d); and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: (b) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out this section $9,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (c) Additional source of funds In addition to funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use such amount of the funds appropriated for that fiscal year to carry out the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590a et seq.) as the Secretary determines necessary to cover the cost of technical assistance, management, and enforcement responsibilities for land enrolled in the healthy forests reserve program pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of section 504. . D Miscellaneous provisions 8301. McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act (a) 1890 waivers Section 4 of Public Law 87–788 (commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act ) (16 U.S.C. 582a–3) is amended by inserting The matching funds requirement shall not be applicable to eligible 1890 Institutions (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)) if the allocation is below $200,000. before The Secretary is authorized in the second sentence. (b) Participation Section 8 of Public Law 87–788 (commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act ) (16 U.S.C. 582a–7) is amended by inserting the Federated States of Micronesia, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the District of Columbia, before and Guam . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section take effect on October 1, 2013. 8302. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis (a) Revision required Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall revise the strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis initially prepared pursuant to section 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642(e)) to address the requirements imposed by subsection (b). (b) Elements of revised strategic plan In revising the strategic plan, the Secretary of Agriculture shall describe in detail the organization, procedures, and funding needed to achieve each of the following: (1) Complete the transition to a fully annualized forest inventory program and include inventory and analysis of interior Alaska. (2) Implement an annualized inventory of trees in urban settings, including the status and trends of trees and forests, and assessments of their ecosystem services, values, health, and risk to pests and diseases. (3) Report information on renewable biomass supplies and carbon stocks at the local, State, regional, and national level, including by ownership type. (4) Engage State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis in reevaluating the list of core data variables collected on forest inventory and analysis plots with an emphasis on demonstrated need. (5) Improve the timeliness of the timber product output program and accessibility of the annualized information on that database. (6) Foster greater cooperation among the forest inventory and analysis program, research station leaders, and State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis. (7) Availability of and access to non-Federal resources to improve information analysis and information management. (8) Collaborate with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and United States Geological Survey to integrate remote sensing, spatial analysis techniques, and other new technologies in the forest inventory and analysis program. (9) Understand and report on changes in land cover and use. (10) Expand existing programs to promote sustainable forest stewardship through increased understanding, in partnership with other Federal agencies, of the over 10 million family forest owners, their demographics, and the barriers to forest stewardship. (11) Implement procedures to improve the statistical precision of estimates at the sub-State level. (c) Submission of revised strategic plan The Secretary of Agriculture shall submit the revised strategic plan to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. 8303. Reimbursement of fire funds (a) Definition of State In this section, the term State means— (1) a State; and (2) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (b) In general If a State seeks reimbursement for amounts expended for resources and services provided to another State for the management and suppression of a wildfire, the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to subsections (c) and (d)— (1) may accept the reimbursement amounts from the other State; and (2) shall pay those amounts to the State seeking reimbursement. (c) Mutual assistance agreement As a condition of seeking and providing reimbursement under subsection (b), the State seeking reimbursement and the State providing reimbursement must each have a mutual assistance agreement with the Forest Service or another Federal agency for providing and receiving wildfire management and suppression resources and services. (d) Terms and conditions The Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe the terms and conditions determined to be necessary to carry out subsection (b). (e) Effect on prior reimbursements Any acceptance of funds or reimbursements made by the Secretary of Agriculture before the date of enactment of this Act that otherwise would have been authorized under this section shall be considered to have been made in accordance with this section. IX Energy 9001. Definitions Section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8101 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (9) through (12) and (13) and (14) as paragraphs (10) through (13) and (15) and (16) respectively; (2) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following: (9) Forest product The term forest product means a product made from materials derived from the practice of forestry or the management of growing timber, including— (A) pulp, paper, paperboard, pellets, lumber, and wood products; and (B) any recycled products derived from forest materials. ; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (13) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)) the following: (14) Renewable chemical The term renewable chemical means a monomer, polymer, plastic, formulated product, or chemical substance produced from renewable biomass. . 9002. Biobased markets program (a) In general Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8102 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2)(A)(i)— (i) in subclause (I), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subclause (II)(bb), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (III) establish a targeted biobased-only procurement requirement under which the procuring agency shall issue a certain number of biobased-only contracts when the procuring agency is purchasing products, or purchasing services that include the use of products, that are included in a biobased product category designated by the Secretary. ; and (B) in paragraph (3)— (i) in subparagraph (B)— (I) in clause (v), by inserting as determined to be necessary by the Secretary based on the availability of data, before provide information ; (II) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi) as clauses (vii) and (viii), respectively; and (III) by inserting after clause (iv) the following: (v) require reporting of quantities and types of biobased products purchased by procuring agencies; (vi) focus on products that meet the biobased content requirements, including forest products, that apply an innovative approach to growing, harvesting, sourcing, procuring, processing, manufacturing, or application of biobased products regardless of the date of entry of the products into the marketplace; ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: (F) Required designations Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the Secretary shall begin to designate intermediate ingredients or feedstocks and assembled and finished biobased products in the guidelines issued under this paragraph. ; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (3)— (i) by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (A) In general The Secretary ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: (B) Auditing and compliance The Secretary may carry out such auditing and compliance activities as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure compliance with subparagraph (A). ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (4) Assembled and finished products Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall begin issuing criteria for determining which assembled and finished products may qualify to receive the label under paragraph (1). ; (3) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h) as subsections (e), (f), (g), (i), and (j), respectively; (4) by inserting after subsection (c) the following: (d) Outreach, education, and promotion (1) In general The Secretary may engage in outreach, educational, and promotional activities intended to increase knowledge, awareness, and benefits of biobased products. (2) Authorized activities In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may— (A) conduct consumer education and outreach (including consumer and awareness surveys); (B) conduct outreach to and support for State and local governments interested in implementing biobased purchasing programs; (C) partner with industry and nonprofit groups to produce educational and outreach materials and conduct educational and outreach events; (D) sponsor special conferences and events to bring together buyers and sellers of biobased products; and (E) support pilot and demonstration projects. ; (5) in subsection (h) (as redesignated by paragraph (3))— (A) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking The report and inserting Each report under paragraph (1) ; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: (C) the progress made by other Federal agencies in compliance with the biobased procurement requirements, including the quantity of purchases made; and (D) the status of outreach, educational, and promotional activities carried out by the Secretary under subsection (d), including the attainment of specific milestones and overall results. ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (3) Economic impact study and report (A) In general The Secretary shall conduct a study to assess the economic impact of the biobased products industry, including— (i) the quantity of biobased products sold; (ii) the value of the biobased products; (iii) the quantity of jobs created; (iv) the quantity of petroleum displaced; (v) other environmental benefits; and (vi) areas in which the use or manufacturing of biobased products could be more effectively used, including identifying any technical and economic obstacles and recommending how those obstacles can be overcome. (B) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). . (6) by inserting after subsection (g) (as redesignated by paragraph (3)) the following: (h) Forest products laboratory coordination In determining whether products are eligible for the USDA Certified Biobased Product label, the Secretary (acting through the Forest Products Laboratory) shall provide appropriate technical and other assistance to the program and applicants for forest products. ; and (7) in subsection (j) (as redesignated by paragraph (3))— (A) in the heading of paragraph (1), by inserting for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 after funding ; (B) in the heading of paragraph (2), by inserting for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 after funding ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (3) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (4) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 944(c)(2)(A) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 16253(c)(2)(A) ) is amended by striking section 9002(h)(1) and inserting section 9002(b) . 9003. Biorefinery, renewable chemical, and biobased product manufacturing assistance (a) Program adjustments (1) In general Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8103 ) is amended— (A) in the section heading, by inserting , renewable chemical, and biobased product manufacturing after Biorefinery ; (B) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting renewable chemicals, and biobased product manufacturing after advanced biofuels, ; (C) in subsection (b)— (i) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and (ii) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) the following: (1) Biobased product manufacturing The term biobased product manufacturing means development, construction, and retrofitting of technologically new commercial-scale processing and manufacturing equipment and required facilities that will be used to convert renewable chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries into end-user products on a commercial scale. ; and (D) in subsection (c)— (i) in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end; (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (3) grants and loan guarantees to fund the development and construction of renewable chemical and biobased product manufacturing facilities. . (2) Effective date The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on October 1, 2013. (b) Funding Section 9003(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8103(h) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Mandatory funding (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use for the cost of loan guarantees under this section, to remain available until expended— (i) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; and (ii) $58,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 and 2016. (B) Biobased product manufacturing Of the total amount of funds made available for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 under subparagraph (A), the Secretary use for the cost of loan guarantees under this section not more than $25,000,000 to promote biobased product manufacturing. ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 . 9004. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels Section 9005(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8105(g) ) is amended— (1) in the heading of paragraph (1), by inserting for fiscal years 2009 through 2012 after funding ; (2) in the heading of paragraph (2), by inserting for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 after funding ; (3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and (4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 9005. Biodiesel fuel education program Section 9006(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8106(d) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the heading, by striking Fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting Mandatory funding ; and (B) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking fiscal year 2013 and inserting each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 9006. Rural Energy for America Program (a) Program adjustments (1) In general Section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (b)(2)— (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end; (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: (D) a council (as defined in section 1528 of the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 ( 16 U.S.C. 3451 )); and ; and (B) in subsection (c)— (i) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting , such as for agricultural and associated residential purposes after electricity ; (ii) by striking paragraph (3); (iii) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3); (iv) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) Grants The amount of a grant under this subsection shall not exceed the lesser of— (i) $500,000; and (ii) 25 percent of the cost of the activity carried out using funds from the grant. ; and (v) by adding at the end the following: (4) Tiered application process (A) In general In providing loan guarantees and grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall use a 3-tiered application process that reflects the size of proposed projects in accordance with this paragraph. (B) Tier 1 The Secretary shall establish a separate application process for projects for which the cost of the activity funded under this subsection is not more than $80,000. (C) Tier 2 The Secretary shall establish a separate application process for projects for which the cost of the activity funded under this subsection is greater than $80,000 but less than $200,000. (D) Tier 3 The Secretary shall establish a separate application process for projects for which the cost of the activity funded under this subsection is equal to or greater than $200,000. (E) Application process The Secretary shall establish an application, evaluation, and oversight process that is the most simplified for tier I projects and more comprehensive for each subsequent tier. . (2) Effective date The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on October 1, 2013. (b) Funding Section 9007(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107(g) ) is amended— (1) in the heading of paragraph (1), by inserting for fiscal years 2009 through 2012 after funding ; (2) in the heading of paragraph (2), by inserting for fiscal years 2009 through 2012 after funding ; (3) in the heading of paragraph (3), by inserting for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 after funding ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (4) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (5) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $68,200,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 9007. Biomass research and development Section 9008(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8108(h) ) is amended— (1) in the heading of paragraph (1), by inserting for fiscal years 2009 through 2012 after funding ; (2) in the heading of paragraph (2), by inserting for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 after funding ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (4) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $26,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 9008. Feedstock flexibility program for bioenergy producers Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8110(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 . 9009. Biomass Crop Assistance Program Section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8111 ) is amended to read as follows: 9011. Biomass Crop Assistance Program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) BCAP The term BCAP means the Biomass Crop Assistance Program established under this section. (2) BCAP project area The term BCAP project area means an area that— (A) has specified boundaries that are submitted to the Secretary by the project sponsor and subsequently approved by the Secretary; (B) includes producers with contract acreage that will supply a portion of the renewable biomass needed by a biomass conversion facility; and (C) is physically located within an economically practicable distance from the biomass conversion facility. (3) Contract acreage The term contract acreage means eligible land that is covered by a BCAP contract entered into with the Secretary. (4) Eligible crop (A) In general The term eligible crop means a crop of renewable biomass. (B) Exclusions The term eligible crop does not include— (i) any crop that is eligible to receive payments under title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq.) or an amendment made by that title; or (ii) any plant that is invasive or noxious or species or varieties of plants that credible risk assessment tools or other credible sources determine are potentially invasive, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with other appropriate Federal or State departments and agencies. (5) Eligible land (A) In general The term eligible land includes— (i) agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands (as defined in section 5(c) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103a(c) )); and (ii) land enrolled in the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter I of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) or the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program established under subtitle H of title XII of that Act under a contract that will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. (B) Exclusions The term eligible land does not include— (i) Federal- or State-owned land; (ii) land that is native sod, as of the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq.); (iii) land enrolled in the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ), other than land described in subparagraph (A)(ii); or (iv) land enrolled in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program established under subtitle H of title XII of that Act, other than land described in subparagraph (A)(ii). (6) Eligible material (A) In general The term eligible material means renewable biomass harvested directly from the land, including crop residue from any crop that is eligible to receive payments under title I of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 or an amendment made by that title. (B) Inclusions The term eligible material shall only include— (i) eligible material that is collected or harvested by the eligible material owner— (I) directly from— (aa) National Forest System; (bb) Bureau of Land Management land; (cc) non-Federal land; or (dd) land owned by an individual Indian or Indian tribe that is held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the individual Indian or Indian tribe or subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by the United States; (II) in a manner that is consistent with— (aa) a conservation plan; (bb) a forest stewardship plan; or (cc) a plan that the Secretary determines is equivalent to a plan described in item (aa) or (bb) and consistent with Executive Order 13112 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 note; relating to invasive species); (ii) if woody eligible material, woody eligible material that is produced on land other than contract acreage that— (I) is a byproduct of a preventative treatment that is removed to reduce hazardous fuel or to reduce or contain disease or insect infestation; and (II) if harvested from Federal land, is harvested in accordance with section 102(e) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6512(e) ); and (iii) eligible material that is delivered to a qualified biomass conversion facility to be used for heat, power, biobased products, research, or advanced biofuels. (C) Exclusions The term eligible material does not include— (i) material that is whole grain from any crop that is eligible to receive payments under title I of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 or an amendment made by that title, including— (I) barley, corn, grain sorghum, oats, rice, or wheat; (II) honey; (III) mohair; (IV) oilseeds, including canola, crambe, flaxseed, mustard seed, rapeseed, safflower seed, soybeans, sesame seed, and sunflower seed; (V) peanuts; (VI) pulse; (VII) chickpeas, lentils, and dry peas; (VIII) dairy products; (IX) sugar; and (X) wool and cotton boll fiber; (ii) animal waste and byproducts, including fat, oil, grease, and manure; (iii) food waste and yard waste; (iv) algae; (v) woody eligible material that— (I) is removed outside contract acreage; and (II) is not a byproduct of a preventative treatment to reduce hazardous fuel or to reduce or contain disease or insect infestation; (vi) any woody eligible material collected or harvested outside contract acreage that would otherwise be used for existing market products; or (vii) bagasse. (7) Producer The term producer means an owner or operator of contract acreage that is physically located within a BCAP project area. (8) Project sponsor The term project sponsor means— (A) a group of producers; or (B) a biomass conversion facility. (9) Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher The term socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher has the meaning given the term in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ). (b) Establishment and purpose The Secretary shall establish and administer a Biomass Crop Assistance Program to— (1) support the establishment and production of eligible crops for conversion to bioenergy in selected BCAP project areas; and (2) assist agricultural and forest land owners and operators with the collection, harvest, storage, and transportation of eligible material for use in a biomass conversion facility. (c) BCAP project area (1) In general The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to a producer of an eligible crop in a BCAP project area. (2) Selection of project areas (A) In general To be considered for selection as a BCAP project area, a project sponsor shall submit to the Secretary a proposal that, at a minimum, includes— (i) a description of the eligible land and eligible crops of each producer that will participate in the proposed BCAP project area; (ii) a letter of commitment from a biomass conversion facility that the facility will use the eligible crops intended to be produced in the proposed BCAP project area; (iii) evidence that the biomass conversion facility has sufficient equity available, as determined by the Secretary, if the biomass conversion facility is not operational at the time the proposal is submitted to the Secretary; and (iv) any other information about the biomass conversion facility or proposed biomass conversion facility that the Secretary determines necessary for the Secretary to be reasonably assured that the plant will be in operation by the date on which the eligible crops are ready for harvest. (B) BCAP project area selection criteria In selecting BCAP project areas, the Secretary shall consider— (i) the volume of the eligible crops proposed to be produced in the proposed BCAP project area and the probability that those crops will be used for the purposes of the BCAP; (ii) the volume of renewable biomass projected to be available from sources other than the eligible crops grown on contract acres; (iii) the anticipated economic impact in the proposed BCAP project area; (iv) the opportunity for producers and local investors to participate in the ownership of the biomass conversion facility in the proposed BCAP project area; (v) the participation rate by— (I) beginning farmers or ranchers (as defined in accordance with section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a) )); or (II) socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers; (vi) the impact on soil, water, and related resources; (vii) the variety in biomass production approaches within a project area, including (as appropriate)— (I) agronomic conditions; (II) harvest and postharvest practices; and (III) monoculture and polyculture crop mixes; (viii) the range of eligible crops among project areas; and (ix) any additional information that the Secretary determines to be necessary. (3) Contract (A) In general On approval of a BCAP project area by the Secretary, each producer in the BCAP project area shall enter into a contract directly with the Secretary. (B) Minimum terms At a minimum, a contract under this subsection shall include terms that cover— (i) an agreement to make available to the Secretary, or to an institution of higher education or other entity designated by the Secretary, such information as the Secretary considers to be appropriate to promote the production of eligible crops and the development of biomass conversion technology; (ii) compliance with the highly erodible land conservation requirements of subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ) and the wetland conservation requirements of subtitle C of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ); (iii) the implementation of (as determined by the Secretary)— (I) a conservation plan; (II) a forest stewardship plan; or (III) a plan that is equivalent to a conservation or forest stewardship plan; and (iv) any additional requirements that Secretary determines to be necessary. (C) Duration A contract under this subsection shall have a term of not more than— (i) 5 years for annual and perennial crops; or (ii) 15 years for woody biomass. (4) Relationship to other programs In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall provide for the preservation of cropland base and yield history applicable to the land enrolled in a BCAP contract. (5) Payments (A) In general The Secretary shall make establishment and annual payments directly to producers to support the establishment and production of eligible crops on contract acreage. (B) Amount of establishment payments (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), the amount of an establishment payment under this subsection shall be not more than 50 percent of the costs of establishing an eligible perennial crop covered by the contract but not to exceed $500 per acre, including— (I) the cost of seeds and stock for perennials; (II) the cost of planting the perennial crop, as determined by the Secretary; and (III) in the case of nonindustrial private forestland, the costs of site preparation and tree planting. (ii) Socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers In the case of socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, the costs of establishment may not exceed $750 per acre. (C) Amount of annual payments (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), the amount of an annual payment under this subsection shall be determined by the Secretary. (ii) Reduction The Secretary shall reduce an annual payment by an amount determined to be appropriate by the Secretary, if— (I) an eligible crop is used for purposes other than the production of energy at the biomass conversion facility; (II) an eligible crop is delivered to the biomass conversion facility; (III) the producer receives a payment under subsection (d); (IV) the producer violates a term of the contract; or (V) the Secretary determines a reduction is necessary to carry out this section. (D) Exclusion The Secretary shall not make any BCAP payments on land for which payments are received under the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) or the agricultural conservation easement program established under subtitle H of title XII of that Act. (d) Assistance with collection, harvest, storage, and transportation (1) In general The Secretary shall make a payment for the delivery of eligible material to a biomass conversion facility to— (A) a producer of an eligible crop that is produced on BCAP contract acreage; or (B) a person with the right to collect or harvest eligible material, regardless of whether the eligible material is produced on contract acreage. (2) Payments (A) Costs covered A payment under this subsection shall be in an amount described in subparagraph (B) for— (i) collection; (ii) harvest; (iii) storage; and (iv) transportation to a biomass conversion facility. (B) Amount Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary may provide matching payments at a rate of up to $1 for each $1 per ton provided by the biomass conversion facility, in an amount not to exceed $20 per dry ton for a period of 4 years. (3) Limitation on assistance for bcap contract acreage As a condition of the receipt of an annual payment under subsection (c), a producer receiving a payment under this subsection for collection, harvest, storage, or transportation of an eligible crop produced on BCAP acreage shall agree to a reduction in the annual payment. (e) Report Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , 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 report on the dissemination by the Secretary of the best practice data and information gathered from participants receiving assistance under this section. (f) Funding (1) In general Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $38,600,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Collection, harvest, storage, and transportation payments Of the amount made available under paragraph (1) for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not less than 10 percent, nor more than 50 percent, of the amount to make collection, harvest, transportation, and storage payments under subsection (d)(2). . 9010. Repeal of forest biomass for energy Section 9012 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8112 ) is repealed. 9011. Community wood energy program (a) Definition of biomass consumer cooperative Section 9013(a) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8113(a) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and (2) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) the following: (1) Biomass consumer cooperative The term biomass consumer cooperative means a consumer membership organization the purpose of which is to provide members with services or discounts relating to the purchase of biomass heating products or biomass heating systems. . (b) Grant program Section 9013(b)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8113(b)(1) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (C) grants of up to $50,000 to biomass consumer cooperatives for the purpose of establishing or expanding biomass consumer cooperatives that will provide consumers with services or discounts relating to— (i) the purchase of biomass heating systems; (ii) biomass heating products, including wood chips, wood pellets, and advanced biofuels; or (iii) the delivery and storage of biomass of heating products. . (c) Matching funds Section 9013(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8113(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking A State or local government that receives a grant under subsection (b) and inserting the following: (1) State and local governments A State or local government that receives a grant under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (b)(1) ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (2) Biomass consumer cooperatives A biomass consumer cooperative that receives a grant under subsection (b)(1)(C) shall contribute an amount of non-Federal funds (which may include State, local, and nonprofit funds and membership dues) toward the establishment or expansion of a biomass consumer cooperative that is at least equal to 50 percent of the amount of Federal funds received for that purpose. . (d) Authorization of appropriations Section 9013(e) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8113(e)) is amended by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 . 9012. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study Section 9003 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2096) is repealed. X Horticulture 10001. Specialty crops market news allocation Section 10107(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622b(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 10002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops Section 10403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622c ) is repealed. 10003. Farmers market and local food promotion program Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 ( 7 U.S.C. 3005 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by adding and local food after market ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting and Local Food after Market ; (B) by striking farmers’ markets and to promote ; and (C) by inserting and local food capacity development before the period at the end; (3) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) In general The purposes of the Program are to increase domestic consumption of and access to locally and regionally produced agricultural products by developing, improving, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to, or assisting in the development, improvement and expansion of— (A) domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities; and (B) local and regional food enterprises that are not direct producer-to-consumer markets but process, distribute, aggregate, store, and market locally or regionally produced food products. ; (4) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) by inserting or other business entity after cooperative ; and (B) by inserting , including a community supported agriculture network or association after association ; (5) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); (6) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: (e) Priorities In providing grants under the Program, priority shall be given to applications that include projects that— (1) benefit underserved communities; (2) develop market opportunities for small and mid-sized farm and ranch operations; and (3) include a strategic plan to maximize the use of funds to build capacity for local and regional food systems in a community. ; (7) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (5))— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the heading, by striking Fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting Mandatory funding ; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: (D) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (B) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5); (C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Authorization of appropriations In addition to funds made available under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (5) Use of funds (A) In general Of the funds made available to carry out the Program for each fiscal year, 50 percent shall be used for the purposes described in subsection (b)(1)(A) and 50 percent shall be used for the purposes described in subsection (b)(1)(B). (B) Cost share To be eligible to receive a grant for a project described in subsection (b)(1)(B), a recipient shall provide a match in the form of cash or in-kind contributions in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. (6) Administrative expenses Not more than 10 percent of the total amount made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year may be used for administrative expenses. (7) Limitations An eligible entity may not use a grant or other assistance provided under the Program for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of a building or structure. . 10004. Study on local food production and program evaluation (a) In general The Secretary shall— (1) collect data on the production and marketing of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (2) facilitate interagency collaboration and data sharing on programs related to local and regional food systems; and (3) monitor the effectiveness of programs designed to expand or facilitate local food systems. (b) Requirements In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall, at a minimum— (1) collect and distribute comprehensive reporting of prices of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (2) conduct surveys and analysis and publish reports relating to the production, handling, distribution, retail sales, and trend studies (including consumer purchasing patterns) of or on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs in growing local and regional food systems, including— (A) the impact of local food systems on job creation and economic development; (B) the level of participation in the Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program established under section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 ( 7 U.S.C. 3005 ), including the percentage of projects funded in comparison to applicants and the types of eligible entities receiving funds; (C) the ability for participants to leverage private capital and a synopsis of the places from which non-Federal funds are derived; and (D) any additional resources required to aid in the development or expansion of local and regional food systems; (4) expand the Agricultural Resource Management Survey to include questions on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; and (5) seek to establish or expand private-public partnerships to facilitate, to the maximum extent practicable, the collection of data on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products, including the development of a nationally coordinated and regionally balanced evaluation of the redevelopment of locally or regionally produced food systems. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act 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 report describing the progress that has been made in implementing this section and identifying any additional needs related to developing local and regional food systems. 10005. Organic agriculture (a) Organic production and market data initiatives Section 7407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925c ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting and annually thereafter after this subsection ; (B) in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end; (C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) describes how data collection agencies (such as the Agricultural Marketing Service and the National Agricultural Statistics Service) are coordinating with data user agencies (such as the Risk Management Agency) to ensure that data collected under this section can be used by data user agencies, including by the Risk Management Agency to offer price elections for all organic crops; and ; and (2) in subsection (d)— (A) by striking paragraph (3); (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) Mandatory funding In addition to any funds available under paragraph (1), of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $5,000,000, to remain available until expended. ; and (D) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by subparagraph (B))— (i) in the heading, by striking for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 ; (ii) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting paragraphs (1) and (2) ; and (iii) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program Section 2123 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6522 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (5), by striking and at the end; (B) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following: (6) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018; and ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (c) Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program (1) In general The Secretary shall modernize database and technology systems of the national organic program. (2) Funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation and in addition to any other funds made available for that purpose, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain available until expended. . 10006. Food safety education initiatives Section 10105(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7655a(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 10007. Coordinated plant management program (a) In general Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7721) is amended— (1) by striking the section heading and inserting Coordinated plant management program. ; (2) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and (3) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: (e) National clean plant network (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a program to be known as the National Clean Plant Network (referred to in this subsection as the Program ). (2) Requirements Under the Program, the Secretary shall establish a network of clean plant centers for diagnostic and pathogen elimination services— (A) to produce clean propagative plant material; and (B) to maintain blocks of pathogen-tested plant material in sites located throughout the United States. (3) Availability of clean plant source material Clean plant source material produced or maintained under the Program may be made available to— (A) a State for a certified plant program of the State; and (B) private nurseries and producers. (4) Consultation and collaboration In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall— (A) consult with— (i) State departments of agriculture; and (ii) land-grant colleges and universities and NLGCA Institutions (as those terms are defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); and (B) to the extent practicable and with input from the appropriate State officials and industry representatives, use existing Federal or State facilities to serve as clean plant centers. . (b) Funding Subsection (f) of section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ) (as redesignated by subsection (a)(2)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking and each fiscal year thereafter. and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (5) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (6) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter. . (c) Repeal of existing provision Section 10202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7761 ) is repealed. (d) Clarification of use of funds for technical assistance Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ) (as amended by subsection (a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Relationship to other law The use of Commodity Credit Corporation funds under this section to provide technical assistance shall not be considered an allotment or fund transfer from the Commodity Credit Corporation for purposes of the limit on expenditures for technical assistance imposed by section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714i). . 10008. Specialty crop block grants Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108–465 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking subsection (j) and inserting subsection (l) ; and (B) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following: (b) Grants based on value and acreage Subject to subsection (c), in the case of each State with an application for a grant for a fiscal year that is accepted by the Secretary of Agriculture under subsection (f), the amount of a grant for a fiscal year to a State under this section shall bear the same ratio to the total amount made available under subsection (l) for that fiscal year as— (1) the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in the State and the acreage of specialty crop production in the State, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data; bears to (2) the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in all States and the acreage of specialty crop production in all States, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data. ; (3) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (l); (4) by inserting after subsection (i) the following: (j) Multistate projects (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue guidance for the purpose of making grants to multistate projects under this section for projects involving— (A) food safety; (B) plant pests and disease; (C) crop-specific projects addressing common issues; and (D) any other area that furthers the purposes of this section, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Funding Of the funds provided under subsection (l), the Secretary of Agriculture may allocate for grants under this subsection, to remain available until expended— (A) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; (B) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (C) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; (D) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and (E) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. (k) Administration (1) Department The Secretary of Agriculture may not use more than 3 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year for administrative expenses. (2) States A State receiving a grant under this section may not use more than 8 percent of the funds received under the grant for a fiscal year for administrative expenses. ; and (5) in subsection (l) (as redesignated by paragraph (3))— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (4) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. . 10009. Recordkeeping, investigations, and enforcement The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 2120 (7 U.S.C. 6519) the following: 2120A. Recordkeeping, investigations, and enforcement (a) Recordkeeping (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this title, all persons, including producers, handlers, and certifying agents, required to report information to the Secretary under this title shall maintain, and make available to the Secretary on the request of the Secretary, all contracts, agreements, receipts, and other records associated with the organic certification program established by the Secretary under this title. (2) Duration of recordkeeping requirement A record covered by paragraph (1) shall be maintained— (A) by a person covered by this title, except for a certifying agent, for a period of 5 years beginning on the date of the creation of the record; and (B) by a certifying agent, for a period of 10 years beginning on the date of the creation of the record. (b) Confidentiality (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), and except as provided in section 2107(a)(9) and as otherwise directed by the Secretary or the Attorney General for enforcement purposes, no officer, employee, or agent of the United States shall make available to the public information, statistics, or documents obtained from or made available by any person under this title, other than in a manner that ensures that confidentiality is preserved regarding the identity of persons, including parties to a contract, and proprietary business information. (2) Violators and nature of actions The Secretary may release the name of the violator and the nature of the actions triggering an order or revocation under subsection (e). (c) Investigation (1) In general The Secretary may take such investigative actions as the Secretary considers to be necessary to carry out this title— (A) to verify the accuracy of any information reported or made available under this title; and (B) to determine, with regard to actions, practices, or information required under this title, whether a person covered by this title has committed, or will commit, a violation of any provision of this title, including an order or regulation promulgated by the Secretary. (2) Investigative powers The Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel attendance of witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of any records required to be maintained under subsection (a) or section 2112(d) or 2116(c) that are relevant to the investigation. (d) Unlawful Act It shall be unlawful and a violation of this title for any person covered by this title— (1) to fail or refuse to provide, or delay the timely provision of, accurate information required by the Secretary under this section; (2) to violate— (A) an order of the Secretary; (B) a revocation of the organic certification of a producer or handler; or (C) a revocation of the accreditation of a certifying agent; or (3) to sell, or attempt to sell, a product that is represented as being organically produced under this title (including an order or regulation promulgated under this title) if in fact the product has been produced or handled by an operation that is not yet a certified organic producer or handler under this title. (e) Enforcement (1) Order (A) In general The Secretary may issue an order to stop the sale of an agricultural product that is labeled or otherwise represented as being organically produced in cases of suspected fraudulent or otherwise unlawful acts as described in subsection (d) that are willful, noncorrectable, or the subject of a combined noncompliance and adverse action until the product can be verified— (i) as meeting the national and State standards for organic production and handling as provided in sections 2105 through 2114; (ii) as having been produced or handled without the use of a prohibited substance listed under section 2118; and (iii) as being produced and handled by a certified organic operation. (B) Affirmative defense to stop sale order (i) In general If a producer or handler has a valid organic certification from the Department of Agriculture, the burden shall shift to the Secretary to prove fraud or unlawful activity that is willful, noncorrectable, or the subject of a combined noncompliance and adverse action before a stop sale order under subparagraph (A) may be implemented. (ii) Information (I) In general The producer or handler shall comply with any requests of the Secretary for documents and other information not later than 30 days after a request is made. (II) Noncompliance If the producer or handler fails to comply within the period described in subclause (I), the Secretary may issue a stop sale order. (C) Appeal of stop sale order (i) In general If the Secretary proves fraud or unlawful activity that is willful, noncorrectable, or the subject of a combined noncompliance and adverse action, the determination may be appealed through an expedited administrative appeal process. (ii) Deadline The expedited appeal process shall be completed not later than 30 days after the date of the issuance of the stop sale order. (iii) Stay Any stop sale order shall be stayed pending the 30 day-expedited appeal under this subparagraph. (2) Certification or accreditation After notice and opportunity for an administrative appeal under section 2121, if a violation described in subparagraph (A)(ii) is determined to have occurred and is an unlawful act under subsection (d), the Secretary shall revoke the organic certification of the producer or handler, or the accreditation of the certifying agent. (3) Violation of order or revocation A person who violates an order to stop the sale of a product as an organically produced product under paragraph (1), or a revocation of certification or accreditation under paragraph (2), shall be subject to 1 or more of the penalties provided under subsections (a) and (b) of section 2120. (f) Appeal (1) In general An order under subsection (e)(1), or a revocation of certification or accreditation under subsection (e)(2)(B), shall be final and conclusive unless the affected person files an appeal of the order— (A) first, to the administrative appeals process established under section 2121(a); and (B) after a final decision of the Secretary, if the affected person so elects, to a United States district court as provided in section 2121(b) not later than 30 days after the date of the determination under subparagraph (A). (2) Standard An order under subsection (e)(1)(A), or a revocation of certification or accreditation under subsection (e)(2), shall be set aside if the order, or the revocation of certification or accreditation, fails to comply with section 706 of title 5, United States Code. (g) Noncompliance (1) In general If a person covered by this title fails to obey an order, or a revocation of certification or accreditation, described in subsection (f)(2) after the order or revocation has become final and conclusive or after the appropriate United States district court has entered a final judgment in favor of the Secretary, the United States may apply to the appropriate United States district court for enforcement of the order, or the revocation of certification or accreditation. (2) Enforcement If the court determines that the order or revocation was lawfully made and duly served and that the person violated the order or revocation, the court shall enforce the order or revocation. (3) Civil penalty If the court finds that the person violated the order or revocation, the person shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each offense. . 10010. Report on honey (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with affected stakeholders, shall submit to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs a report describing how an appropriate Federal standard for the identity of honey would promote honesty and fair dealing and would be in the interest of consumers, the honey industry, and United States agriculture. (b) Contents In preparing the report under subsection (a), the Secretary shall take into consideration the March 2006 Standard of Identity citizens petition filed with the Food and Drug Administration, including any current industry amendments or clarifications necessary to update that 2006 petition. 10011. Removal of AMS inspection authority over apples in bulk bins (a) Definition of bulk bin In this section, the term bulk bin means a bin that contains a quantity of apples weighing more than 100 pounds. (b) Prohibition Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Agricultural Marketing Service, shall have no authority to inspect apples in bulk bins prior to export to Canada. 10012. Organic product promotion orders (a) Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments Section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401 ) is amended by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following: (e) Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments (1) In general Notwithstanding any provision of a commodity promotion law, a person that produces, handles, markets, or imports organic products may be exempt from the payment of an assessment under a commodity promotion law with respect to any agricultural commodity that is certified as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)). (2) Split operations The exemption described in paragraph (1) shall apply to an agricultural commodity described in that paragraph regardless of whether the agricultural commodity subject to the exemption is produced, handled, or marketed by a person that also produces, handles, or markets conventional or nonorganic agricultural products, including conventional or nonorganic agricultural products of the same agricultural commodity as that for which the exemption is claimed. (3) Approval The Secretary shall approve the exemption of a person under this subsection if the person maintains a valid organic certificate issued under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.). (4) Termination of effectiveness This subsection shall be effective until the date on which the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order in accordance with subsection (f). (5) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1). . (b) Organic commodity promotion order Section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401 ) (as amended by subsection (a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Organic commodity promotion order (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Certified organic farm The term certified organic farm has the meaning given the term in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 ). (B) Covered person The term covered person means a producer, handler, marketer, or importer of an organic agricultural commodity. (C) Dual-covered agricultural commodity The term dual-covered agricultural commodity means an agricultural commodity that— (i) is produced on a certified organic farm; and (ii) is covered under both— (I) an organic commodity promotion order issued under paragraph (2); and (II) any other agricultural commodity promotion order issued under this section. (2) Authorization The Secretary may issue an organic commodity promotion order under section 514 that includes any agricultural commodity that— (A) is— (i) produced or handled (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 )); and (ii) certified to be sold or labeled as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)); or (B) is imported with a valid organic certificate (as defined in that part). (3) Election If the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order described in paragraph (2), a covered person may elect, for applicable dual-covered agricultural commodities and in the sole discretion of the covered person, whether to be assessed under the organic commodity promotion order or another applicable agricultural commodity promotion order. (4) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1). . (c) Definition of agricultural commodity Section 513(1) of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7412(1)) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following: (E) products, as a class, that are produced on a certified organic farm (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 )) and that are certified to be sold or labeled as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)); . 10013. Effective date This title and the amendments made by this title take effect on October 1, 2013. XI Crop insurance 11001. Supplemental coverage option (a) Availability of supplemental coverage option Section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c) ) is amended by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Yield and loss basis options A producer shall have the option of purchasing additional coverage based on— (A) (i) an individual yield and loss basis; or (ii) an area yield and loss basis; or (B) an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis to cover part of the deductible under the individual yield and loss policy, as authorized in paragraph (4)(C). . (b) Level of coverage Section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c) ) is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) Level of coverage (A) Dollar denomination and percentage of yield Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the level of coverage— (i) shall be dollar denominated; and (ii) may be purchased at any level not to exceed 85 percent of the individual yield or 95 percent of the area yield (as determined by the Corporation). (B) Information The Corporation shall provide producers with information on catastrophic risk and additional coverage in terms of dollar coverage (within the allowable limits of coverage provided in this paragraph). (C) Supplemental coverage option (i) In general Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of the supplemental coverage option described in paragraph (3)(B), the Corporation shall offer producers the opportunity to purchase coverage in combination with an individual buy up policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle that would allow indemnities to be paid to a producer equal to part of the deductible under the policy or plan of insurance, if sufficient area data is available (as determined by the Corporation). (ii) Deductible Coverage offered under this subparagraph shall be subject to a deductible in an amount equal to— (I) in the case of a producer who participates in the agriculture risk coverage program under section 1108(c) of the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , 22 percent of the expected value of the crop of the producer covered by the underlying policy or plan of insurance, as determined by the Corporation; and (II) in the case of all other producers, 10 percent of the expected value of the crop of the producer covered by the underlying policy or plan of insurance, as determined by the Corporation. (iii) Coverage Subject to the deductible imposed by clause (ii), coverage offered under this subparagraph shall cover the first loss incurred by the producer, not to exceed the difference between— (I) 100 percent; and (II) the coverage level selected by the producer for the underlying policy or plan of insurance. (iv) Calculation of premium Notwithstanding subsection (d), the premium shall— (I) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and (II) include an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with subsection (k)(4)(F). . (c) Payment of portion of premium by Corporation Section 508(e)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (H) In the case of the supplemental coverage option authorized in subsection (c)(4)(C), the amount shall be equal to the sum of— (i) 65 percent of the additional premium associated with the coverage; and (ii) the amount determined under subsection (c)(4)(C)(iv)(II) for the coverage to cover operating and administrative expenses. . (d) Conforming amendment Section 508(k)(4)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)(F) ) is amended by inserting or authorized under subsection (c)(4)(C) after of this subparagraph . (e) Effective date The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall begin to provide additional coverage based on an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis, not later than for the 2014 crop year. 11002. Crop margin coverage option (a) Availability of crop margin coverage option Section 508(c)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c) ) (as amended by section 11001(a)) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking or at the end; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (C) a margin basis alone or in combination with— (i) individual yield and loss coverage; or (ii) area yield and loss coverage. . 11003. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection Section 508(d)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(d)(2) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) In the case of catastrophic risk protection, the amount of the premium established by the Corporation for each crop for which catastrophic risk protection is available shall be reduced by the percentage equal to the difference between the average loss ratio for the crop and 100 percent, plus a reasonable reserve, as determined by the Corporation. . 11004. Permanent enterprise unit Section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) In general The Corporation may pay a portion of the premiums for plans or policies of insurance for which the insurable unit is defined on a whole farm or enterprise unit basis that is higher than would otherwise be paid in accordance with paragraph (2). . 11005. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops Section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (D) Nonirrigated crops Beginning with the 2014 crop year, the Corporation shall make available separate enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated acreages of crops in counties. . 11006. Data collection Section 508(g)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (E) Sources of yield data To determine yields under this paragraph, the Corporation— (i) shall use county data collected by the Risk Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics Service, or both; or (ii) if sufficient county data is not available, may use other data considered appropriate by the Secretary. . 11007. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields Section 508(g)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(4)(B) ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting for the 2013 crop year or any prior crop year, or 65 percent of the applicable transitional yield for the 2014 or any subsequent crop year, after transitional yield ; and (2) in clause (ii), by striking 60 percent of the applicable transitional yield and inserting the applicable percentage of the transitional yield described in this subparagraph . 11008. Submission and review of policies Section 508(h)(1) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(h)(1) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (2) by striking (1) In general .— and inserting the following: (1) Submission and review of policies (A) Submissions In addition ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (B) Review The Corporation shall review any policy developed under section 522(c) or any pilot program developed under section 523 and submit the policy or program to the Board under this subsection if the Corporation, at the sole discretion of the Corporation, finds that the policy or program— (i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection; (ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form; and (iii) adequately protects the interests of producers. . 11009. Board review and approval (a) Review and approval by the board Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(h) ) is amended by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Review and approval by the board (A) In general A policy, plan of insurance, or other material submitted to the Board under this subsection shall be reviewed by the Board and shall be approved by the Board for reinsurance and for sale by approved insurance providers to producers at actuarially appropriate rates and under appropriate terms and conditions if the Board, at the sole discretion of the Board, determines that— (i) the interests of producers are adequately protected; (ii) the rates of premium and price election methodology are actuarially appropriate; (iii) the terms and conditions for the proposed policy or plan of insurance are appropriate and would not unfairly discriminate among producers; (iv) the proposed policy or plan of insurance will, at the sole discretion of the Board— (I) likely result in a viable and marketable policy that can reasonably attain levels of participation similar to other like policies or plans of insurance; (II) provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form or in a manner that addresses a recognized flaw or problem in an existing policy; or (III) provide a new kind of coverage for a commodity that previously had no available crop insurance, or has demonstrated a low level of participation under existing coverage; (v) the proposed policy or plan of insurance will, at the sole discretion of the Board, not have a significant adverse impact on the crop insurance delivery system; and (vi) the proposed policy or plan of insurance meets such other requirements as are determined appropriate by the Board. (B) Priorities (i) Establishment The Board, at the sole discretion of the Board, may— (I) annually establish priorities under this subsection that specify types of submissions needed to fulfill the portfolio of policies or plans of insurance to be reviewed and approved under this subsection; and (II) make the priorities available on the website of the Corporation. (ii) Process (I) In general Policies or plans of insurance that satisfy the priorities established by the Board under this subsection shall be considered by the Board for approval prior to other submissions. (II) Considerations In approving policies or plans of insurance, the Board shall— (aa) consider providing the highest priorities for policies or plans of insurance that address underserved commodities, including commodities for which there is no insurance; and (bb) consider providing the highest priorities for existing policies for which there is inadequate coverage or there exists low levels of participation. (iii) Other criteria The Board may establish such other criteria as the Board determines to meet the needs of producers and the priorities of this subsection, consistent with the purposes of this subtitle. . 11010. Consultation Section 508(h)(4) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(h) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (E) Consultation (i) Requirement As part of the feasibility and research associated with the development of a policy or other material conducted prior to making a submission to the Board under this subsection, the submitter shall consult with groups representing producers of agricultural commodities in all major producing areas for the commodities to be served or potentially impacted, either directly or indirectly. (ii) Submission to the board Any submission made to the Board under this subsection shall contain a summary and analysis of the feasibility and research findings from the impacted groups described in clause (i), including a summary assessment of the support for or against development of the policy and an assessment on the impact of the proposed policy to the general marketing and production of the crop from both a regional and national perspective. (iii) Evaluation by the board In evaluating whether the interests of producers are adequately protected pursuant to paragraph (3) with respect to an submission made under this subsection, the Board shall review the information provided pursuant to clause (ii) to determine if the submission will create adverse market distortions with respect to the production of commodities that are the subject of the submission. . 11011. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the Standard Reinsurance Agreement Section 508(k)(8) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (F) Budget (i) In general The Board shall ensure that any Standard Reinsurance Agreement negotiated under subparagraph (A)(ii), as compared to the previous Standard Reinsurance Agreement— (I) to the maximum extent practicable, shall be budget neutral; and (II) in no event, may significantly depart from budget neutrality. (ii) Use of savings To the extent that any budget savings is realized in the renegotiation of a Standard Reinsurance Agreement under subparagraph (A)(ii), and the savings are determined not to be a significant departure from budget neutrality under clause (i), the savings shall be used for programs administered or managed by the Risk Management Agency. . 11012. Test weight for corn Section 508(m) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(m) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (6) Test weight for corn (A) In general The Corporation shall establish procedures to allow insured producers not more than 120 days to settle claims, in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary, involving corn that is determined to have low test weight. (B) Implementation As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall implement subparagraph (A) on a regional basis based on market conditions and the interests of producers. (C) Termination of effectiveness The authority provided by this paragraph terminates effective on the date that is 5 years after the date on which subparagraph (A) is implemented. . 11013. Stacked Income Protection Plan for producers of upland cotton (a) Availability of stacked income protection plan The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508A ( 7 U.S.C. 1508a ) the following: 508B. Stacked Income Protection Plan for producers of upland cotton (a) Availability Beginning not later than the 2014 crop of upland cotton, if practicable, the Corporation shall make available to producers of maximum eligible acres of upland cotton an additional policy (to be known as the Stacked Income Protection Plan ), which shall provide coverage consistent with the Group Risk Income Protection Plan (and the associated Harvest Revenue Option Endorsement) offered by the Corporation for the 2011 crop year. (b) Required terms The Corporation may modify the Stacked Income Protection Plan on a program-wide basis, except that the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall comply with the following requirements: (1) (A) Provide coverage for revenue loss of not more than 30 percent of expected county revenue, specified in increments of 5 percent. (B) The deductible is the minimum percent of revenue loss at which indemnities are triggered under the plan, not to be less than 10 percent of the expected county revenue. (C) Once the deductible is met, any losses in excess of the deductible will be paid up to the coverage selected by the producer. (2) Be offered to producers of upland cotton in all counties with upland cotton production— (A) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent practicable; or (B) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis of such larger geographical area as the Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of providing the coverage. (3) Be purchased in addition to any other individual or area coverage in effect on the producer’s acreage or as a stand-alone policy, except that if a producer has an individual or area coverage for the same acreage, the maximum coverage available under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not exceed the deductible for the individual or area coverage. (4) Establish coverage based on— (A) an expected price that is the expected price established under existing Group Risk Income Protection or area wide policy offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year; and (B) an expected county yield that is the higher of— (i) the expected county yield established for the existing area-wide plans offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year (or, in geographic areas where area-wide plans are not offered, an expected yield determined in a manner consistent with those of area-wide plans); or (ii) (I) the average of the applicable yield data for the county (or area) for the most recent 5 years, excluding the highest and lowest observations, from the Risk Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics, or both; or (II) if sufficient county data is not available, such other data considered appropriate by the Secretary. (5) Use a multiplier factor to establish maximum protection per acre (referred to as a protection factor ) of not more than 120 percent. (6) Pay an indemnity based on the amount that the expected county revenue exceeds the actual county revenue, as applied to the individual coverage of the producer. Indemnities under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not include or overlap the amount of the deductible selected under paragraph (1). (7) To the maximum extent practicable, in all counties for which data are available, establish separate coverage for irrigated and nonirrigated practices. (8) Notwithstanding section 508(d), include a premium that— (A) is sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and (B) includes an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with section 508(k)(4)(F). (c) Relation to other coverages (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Stacked Income Protection Plan is in addition to all other coverages available to producers of upland cotton. (2) Limitation Acreage of upland cotton insured under the Supplemental Coverage Option shall not be eligible for the Stacked Income Protection Plan. (d) Payment of portion of premium by Corporation Subject to section 508(e)(4), the amount of premium paid by the Corporation for all qualifying coverage levels of the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall be— (1) 80 percent of the amount of the premium established under subsection (b)(8)(A) for the coverage level selected; and (2) the amount determined under subsection (b)(8)(B) to cover administrative and operating expenses. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 508(k)(4)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)(F) ) (as amended by section 11001(d)) is amended by inserting or under section 508B after subsection (c)(4)(C) . 11014. Peanut revenue crop insurance The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508B (as added by section 11013(a)) the following: 508C. Peanut revenue crop insurance (a) In general Effective beginning with the 2014 crop year, the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall make available to producers of peanuts a revenue crop insurance program for peanuts. (b) Effective price (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), for purposes of the policies and plans of insurance offered under subsections (a) and (b) of section 508, the effective price for peanuts shall be equal to the Rotterdam price index for peanuts, as adjusted to reflect the farmer stock price of peanuts in the United States. (2) Adjustments (A) In general The effective price for peanuts established under paragraph (1) may be adjusted by the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation to correct distortions. (B) Administration If an adjustment is made under subparagraph (A), the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall— (i) make the adjustment in an open and transparent manner; and (ii) 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 describes the reasons for the adjustment. . 11015. Authority to correct errors Section 515(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1515(c) ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; (2) in the second sentence, by striking Beginning with and inserting the following: (2) Frequency Beginning with ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) Corrections (A) In general The Corporation shall establish procedures that allow an agent and approved insurance provider within a reasonable amount of time following the applicable sales closing date to correct information regarding the entity name, social security number, tax identification number, or such other eligibility information as determined by the Corporation that is provided by a producer for the purpose of obtaining coverage under any policy or plan of insurance made available under this subtitle to ensure that the eligibility information is consistent with the information reported by the producer to the Farm Service Agency. (B) Limitation In accordance with the procedures of the Corporation, procedures under subparagraph (A) may include any subsequent correction to the eligibility information described in that subparagraph made by the Farm Service Agency if the corrections do not allow the producer— (i) to obtain a disproportionate benefit under the crop insurance program or any related program of the Department of Agriculture; (ii) to avoid ineligibility requirements for insurance; or (iii) to avoid an obligation or requirement under any Federal or State law. . 11016. Implementation Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1515 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (j), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Systems maintenance and upgrades (A) In general The Secretary shall maintain and upgrade the information management systems of the Corporation used in the administration and enforcement of this subtitle. (B) Requirement (i) In general In maintaining and upgrading the systems, the Secretary shall ensure that new hardware and software are compatible with the hardware and software used by other agencies of the Department to maximize data sharing and promote the purposes of this section. (ii) Acreage report streamlining initiative project As soon as practicable, the Secretary shall develop and implement an acreage report streamlining initiative project to allow producers to report acreage and other information directly to the Department. ; and (2) in subsection (k), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Information technology (A) In general For purposes of subsection (j)(1), the Corporation may use, from amounts made available from the insurance fund established under section 516(c), not more than— (i) (I) for fiscal year 2014, $25,000,000; and (II) for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, $10,000,000; or (ii) if the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project is substantially completed by September 30, 2013, not more than $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018. (B) Notification Not later than July 1, 2013, the Secretary shall notify the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on the status of the substantial completion of the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project. . 11017. Crop insurance fraud Section 516(b)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1516(b)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C) Reviews, compliance, and program integrity For each of the 2014 and subsequent reinsurance years, the Corporation may use the insurance fund established under subsection (c), but not to exceed $5,000,000 for each fiscal year, to pay the following: (i) Costs to reimburse expenses incurred for the review of policies, plans of insurance, and related materials and to assist the Corporation in maintaining program integrity. (ii) In addition to other available funds, costs incurred by the Risk Management Agency for compliance operations associated with activities authorized under this title. . 11018. Approval of costs for research and development Section 522(b)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(b)(2) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting the following: (E) Approval (i) In general The Board may approve up to 50 percent of the projected total research and development costs to be paid in advance to an applicant, in accordance with the procedures developed by the Board for the making of the payments, if, after consideration of the reviewer reports described in subparagraph (D) and such other information as the Board determines appropriate, the Board determines that— (I) the concept, in good faith, will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with section 508(h); (II) at the sole discretion of the Board, the concept, if developed into a policy and approved by the Board, would provide crop insurance coverage— (aa) in a significantly improved form or that addresses a unique need of agricultural producers; (bb) to a crop or region not traditionally served by the Federal crop insurance program; or (cc) in a form that addresses a recognized flaw or problem in the program; (III) the applicant agrees to provide such reports as the Corporation determines are necessary to monitor the development effort; (IV) the proposed budget and timetable are reasonable, as determined by the Board; and (V) the concept proposal meets any other requirements that the Board determines appropriate. (ii) Waiver The Board may waive the 50-percent limitation and, upon request of the submitter after the submitter has begun research and development activities, the Board may approve an additional 25 percent advance payment to the submitter for research and development costs, if, at the sole discretion of the Board, the Board determines that— (I) the intended policy or plan of insurance developed by the submitter will provide coverage for a region or crop that is underserved by the Federal crop insurance program, including specialty crops; (II) the submitter is making satisfactory progress towards developing a viable and marketable policy or plan of insurance consistent with section 508(h); and (III) the submitter does not have sufficient financial resources to complete the development of the submission into a viable and marketable policy or plan of insurance consistent with section 508(h). . 11019. Whole farm risk management insurance Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (18) Whole farm diversified risk management insurance plan (A) In general The Corporation shall conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to develop a whole farm risk management insurance plan, with a liability limitation of $1,500,000, that allows a diversified crop or livestock producer the option to qualify for an indemnity if actual gross farm revenue is below 85 percent of the average gross farm revenue or the expected gross farm revenue that can reasonably be expected of the producer, as determined by the Corporation. (B) Eligible producers The Corporation shall permit producers (including direct-to-consumer marketers, and producers servicing local and regional and farm identity-preserved markets) who produce multiple agricultural commodities, including specialty crops, industrial crops, livestock, and aquaculture products, to participate in the plan in lieu of any other plan under this subtitle. (C) Diversification The Corporation may provide diversification-based additional coverage payment rates, premium discounts, or other enhanced benefits in recognition of the risk management benefits of crop and livestock diversification strategies for producers that grow multiple crops or that may have income from the production of livestock that uses a crop grown on the farm. (D) Market readiness The Corporation may include coverage for the value of any packing, packaging, or any other similar on-farm activity the Corporation determines to be the minimum required in order to remove the commodity from the field. (E) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results and feasibility of the research and development conducted under this paragraph, including an analysis of potential adverse market distortions. . 11020. Study of food safety insurance Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) (as amended by section 11018) is amended by adding at the end the following: (19) Study of food safety insurance (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with 1 or more qualified entities to conduct a study to determine whether offering policies that provide coverage for specialty crops from food safety and contamination issues would benefit agricultural producers. (B) Subject The study described in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate policies and plans of insurance coverage that provide protection for production or revenue impacted by food safety concerns including, at a minimum, government, retail, or national consumer group announcements of a health advisory, removal, or recall related to a contamination concern. (C) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). . 11021. Crop insurance for livestock Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (as amended by section 11019) is amended by adding at the end the following: (20) Study on swine catastrophic disease program (A) In general The Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of insuring swine producers for a catastrophic event. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). . 11022. Margin coverage for catfish Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (as amended by section 11020) is amended by adding at the end the following: (21) Margin coverage for catfish (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with a qualified entity to conduct research and development regarding a policy to insure producers against reduction in the margin between the market value of catfish and selected costs incurred in the production of catfish. (B) Eligibility Eligibility for the policy described in subparagraph (A) shall be limited to freshwater species of catfish that are propagated and reared in controlled or selected environments. (C) Implementation The Board shall review the policy described in subparagraph (B) under subsection 508(h) and approve the policy if the Board finds that the policy— (i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection; (ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form; (iii) adequately protects the interests of producers; and (iv) the proposed policy meets other requirements of this subtitle determined appropriate by the Board. . 11023. Poultry business disruption insurance policy Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) (as amended by section 11021) is amended by adding at the end the following: (22) Poultry business disruption insurance policy and catastrophic disease program (A) Definition of poultry In this paragraph, the term poultry has the meaning given the term in section 2(a) of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 ( 7 U.S.C. 182(a) ). (B) Authority The Corporation shall offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with qualified entities to carry out— (i) a study to determine the feasibility of insuring commercial poultry production against business disruptions caused by integrator bankruptcy; and (ii) a study to determine the feasibility of insuring poultry producers for a catastrophic event. (C) Business disruption study The study described in subparagraph (B)(i) shall— (i) evaluate the market place for business disruption insurance that is available to poultry producers; (ii) assess the feasibility of a policy to allow producers to ensure against a portion of losses from loss under contract due to business disruption from integrator bankruptcy; and (iii) analyze the costs to the Federal Government of a Federal business disruption insurance program for poultry producers. (D) Reports Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of— (i) the study carried out under subparagraph (B)(i); and (ii) the study carried out under subparagraph (B)(ii). . 11024. Study of crop insurance for seafood harvesters Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) (as amended by section 11022) is amended by adding at the end the following: (23) Feasibility study to assist seafood harvesters (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with a qualified entity to conduct a feasibility study to determine the best method of insuring seafood harvesters, including such data collection and analysis as is necessary to conduct the study. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Corporation 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 describing the results of the study. . 11025. Biomass and sweet sorghum energy crop insurance policies Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) (as amended by section 11023) is amended by adding at the end the following: (24) Biomass and sweet sorghum energy crop insurance policies (A) Authority The Corporation shall offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with qualified entities to carry out research and development regarding— (i) a policy to insure biomass sorghum that is grown expressly for the purpose of producing a feedstock for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity, or biobased products; and (ii) a policy to insure sweet sorghum that is grown for a purpose described in clause (i). (B) Research and development Research and development with respect to each of the policies described in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools for the production of biomass sorghum or sweet sorghum, including policies and plans of insurance that— (i) are based on market prices and yields; (ii) to the extent that insufficient data exist to develop a policy based on market prices and yields, are based on the use of weather indices, including, at a minimum, excessive or inadequate rainfall, to protect the interests of crop producers; and (iii) provide protection for production or revenue losses, or both. . 11026. Alfalfa crop insurance policy Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) (as amended by section 11024) is amended by adding at the end the following: (25) Alfalfa crop insurance policy (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with qualified entities to carry out research and development regarding a policy to insure alfalfa. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). . 11027. Crop insurance for organic crops (a) In general Section 508(c)(6) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c)(6) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (D) Organic crops (i) In general As soon as possible, but not later than the 2015 reinsurance year, the Corporation shall offer producers of organic crops price elections for all organic crops produced in compliance with standards issued by the Department of Agriculture under the national organic program established under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) that reflect the actual retail or wholesale prices, as appropriate, received by producers for organic crops, as determined by the Secretary using all relevant sources of information. (ii) Annual report The Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate an annual report on progress made in developing and improving Federal crop insurance for organic crops, including— (I) the numbers and varieties of organic crops insured; (II) the progress of implementing the price elections required under this subparagraph, including the rate at which additional price elections are adopted for organic crops; (III) the development of new insurance approaches relevant to organic producers; and (IV) any recommendations the Corporation considers appropriate to improve Federal crop insurance coverage for organic crops. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) (as amended by section 11024) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (10); and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (11) through (24) as paragraphs (10) through (23), respectively. 11028. Research and development (a) In general Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by striking Contracting ; (2) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking may enter into contracts to carry out research and development to and inserting may conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to maintain or improve existing policies or develop new policies to ; (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting conduct research and development or after The Corporation may ; and (B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B) Consultation Before conducting research and development or entering into a contract under subparagraph (A), the Corporation shall follow the consultation requirements described in section 508(h)(4)(E). ; (4) in paragraph (5), by inserting after expert review in accordance with section 505(e) and procedures of the Board after approved by the Board ; and (5) in paragraph (6), by striking a pasture, range, and forage program and inserting policies that increase participation by producers of underserved agricultural commodities, including sweet sorghum, sorghum for biomass, specialty crops, sugarcane, and dedicated energy crops . (b) Funding Section 522(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking (A) Authority .— and inserting (A) Conducting and contracting for research and development .— ; (B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting conduct research and development and after the Corporation may use to ; and (C) in subparagraph (B), by inserting conduct research and development and after for the fiscal year to ; (2) in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking to provide either reimbursement payments or contract payments ; and (3) by striking paragraph (4). 11029. Pilot programs Section 523(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1523(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting , at the sole discretion of the Corporation, after may ; and (2) by striking paragraph (5). 11030. Index-based weather insurance pilot program Section 523(a)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1523(a)(2) ) is amended— (1) by striking Under inserting the following: (A) In general Under ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (B) Index-based weather insurance pilot program (i) In general Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Corporation, at the sole discretion of the Corporation, may conduct a pilot program to provide financial assistance for producers of underserved crops and livestock (including specialty crops) to purchase an index-based weather insurance product from a private insurance company, subject to the requirements of this subparagraph. (ii) Payment of premium (I) In general Subject to subclause (II) and clause (v), the Corporation may pay a portion of the premium for producers who purchase index-based weather insurance protection from a private insurance company for a crop and policy that is not reinsured under this subtitle, as determined by the Corporation. (II) Condition The premium assistance under subclause (I) shall not exceed 60 percent of the estimated premium amount, based on expected losses, representative operating expenses, and representative profit margins, as determined by the Corporation. (iii) Eligible providers Before providing premium assistance to producers to purchase index-based weather insurance from a private insurance company pursuant to this subparagraph, the Corporation shall verify that the company has adequate experience— (I) to develop and manage the index-based weather insurance products, including adequate resources, experience, and assets or sufficient reinsurance to meet the obligations of the company under this subparagraph; and (II) to support and deliver the index-based weather insurance products. (iv) Procedures The Corporation shall develop and publish procedures to administer the pilot program under this subparagraph that— (I) require each applicable private insurance company to report claim and sales data, and any other data the Corporation determines to be appropriate, to allow the Corporation to evaluate product pricing and performance; (II) allow the private insurance companies exclusive rights over the private insurance offered under this subparagraph, including rating of policies, protection of intellectual property rights on the product or policy, and associated rating methodology, for the period during which the companies are eligible under clause (iii); and (III) contain such other requirements as the Corporation determines to be necessary to ensure that— (aa) the interests of producers are protected; and (bb) the program operates in an actuarially sound manner. (v) Funding Of the funds of the Corporation, the Corporation shall use to carry out this subparagraph $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. . 11031. Enhancing producer self-help through farm financial benchmarking (a) Definition Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (9) as paragraphs (7) through (10), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following: (6) Farm financial benchmarking The term farm financial benchmarking means— (A) the process of comparing the performance of an agricultural enterprise against the performance of other similar enterprises, through the use of comparable and reliable data, in order to identify business management strengths, weaknesses, and steps necessary to improve management performance and business profitability; and (B) benchmarking of the type conducted by farm management and producer associations consistent with the activities described in or funded pursuant to section 1672D of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925f). . (b) Partnerships for risk management for producers of specialty crops and underserved agricultural commodities Section 522(d)(3)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(d)(3)(F) ) is amended by inserting farm financial benchmarking, after management, . (c) Crop insurance education and risk management assistance Section 524(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting farm financial benchmarking, after risk reduction, ; and (2) in paragraph (4), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting (including farm financial benchmarking) after management strategies . 11032. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions (a) Definition Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ) (as amended by section 11029(a)) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (10) as paragraphs (4) through (11), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Beginning farmer or rancher The term beginning farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who has not actively operated and managed a farm or ranch with a bona fide insurable interest in a crop or livestock as an owner-operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper for more than 5 crop years, as determined by the Secretary. . (b) Premium adjustments Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(5)(E), by inserting and beginning farmers or ranchers after limited resource farmers ; (2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following: (8) Premium for beginning farmers or ranchers Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection regarding payment of a portion of premiums, a beginning farmer or rancher shall receive premium assistance that is 10 percentage points greater than premium assistance that would otherwise be available under paragraphs (2) (except for subparagraph (A) of that paragraph), (5), (6), and (7) for the applicable policy, plan of insurance, and coverage level selected by the beginning farmer or rancher. ; and (3) in subsection (g)— (A) in paragraph (2)(B)— (i) in clause (i), by striking or at the end; (ii) in clause (ii)(III), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (iii) if the producer is a beginning farmer or rancher who was previously involved in a farming or ranching operation, including involvement in the decisionmaking or physical involvement in the production of the crop or livestock on the farm, for any acreage obtained by the beginning farmer or rancher, a yield that is the higher of— (I) the actual production history of the previous producer of the crop or livestock on the acreage determined under subparagraph (A); or (II) a yield of the producer, as determined in clause (i). ; and (B) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii) (as amended by section 11007)— (i) by inserting (I) after (ii) ; (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (II) in the case of beginning farmers or ranchers, replace each excluded yield with a yield equal to 80 percent of the applicable transitional yield. . 11033. Limitation on premium subsidy based on average adjusted gross income Section 508(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e) ) (as amended by section 11030(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (9) Limitation on premium subsidy based on average adjusted gross income (A) Definition of average adjusted gross income In this paragraph, the term average adjusted gross income has the meaning given the term in section 1001D(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(a)). (B) Limitation Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle and beginning with the 2014 reinsurance year, in the case of any producer that is a person or legal entity that has an average adjusted gross income in excess of $750,000 based on the most recent data available from the Farm Service Agency as of the beginning of the reinsurance year, the total amount of premium subsidy provided with respect to additional coverage under subsection (c), section 508B, or section 508C issued on behalf of the producer for a reinsurance year shall be 15 percentage points less than the premium subsidy provided in accordance with this subsection that would otherwise be available for the applicable policy, plan of insurance, and coverage level selected by the producer. (C) Application (i) Study Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Government Accountability Office, shall carry out a study to determine the effects of the limitation described in subparagraph (B) on— (I) the overall operations of the Federal crop insurance program; (II) the number of producers participating in the Federal crop insurance program; (III) the level of coverage purchased by participating producers; (IV) the amount of premiums paid by participating producers and the Federal Government; (V) any potential liability for participating producers, approved insurance providers, and the Federal Government; (VI) different crops or growing regions; (VII) program rating structures; (VIII) creation of schemes or devices to evade the impact of the limitation; and (IX) administrative and operating expenses paid to approved insurance providers and underwriting gains and loss for the Federal government and approved insurance providers. (ii) Effectiveness The limitation described in subparagraph (B) shall not take effect unless the Secretary determines, through the study described in clause (i), that the limitation would not— (I) significantly increase the premium amount paid by producers with an average adjusted gross income of less than $750,000; (II) result in a decline in the crop insurance coverage available to producers; and (III) increase the total cost of the Federal crop insurance program. . 11034. Agricultural management assistance, risk management education, and organic certification cost share assistance Section 524 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524 ) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following: (b) Agricultural management assistance, risk management education, and organic certification cost share assistance (1) Authority for provision of assistance The Secretary shall provide assistance under this section as follows: (A) Provision of organic certification cost share assistance pursuant to section 10606 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 6523 ). (B) Activities to support risk management education and community outreach partnerships pursuant to section 522(d), including— (i) entering into futures or hedging; (ii) entering into agricultural trade options as a hedging transaction to reduce production, price, or revenue risk; or (iii) conducting any other activity relating to an activity described in clause (i) or (ii), including farm financial benchmarking, as determined by the Secretary. (C) Provision of agricultural management assistance grants to producers in States in which there has been traditionally, and continues to be, a low level of Federal crop insurance participation and availability, and producers underserved by the Federal crop insurance program, as determined by the Secretary, for the purposes of— (i) constructing or improving— (I) watershed management structures; or (II) irrigation structures; (ii) planting trees to form windbreaks or to improve water quality; and (iii) mitigating financial risk through production or marketing diversification or resource conservation practices, including— (I) soil erosion control; (II) integrated pest management; (III) organic farming; or (IV) to develop and implement a plan to create marketing opportunities for the producer, including through value-added processing. (2) Payment limitation The total amount of payments made to a person (as defined in section 1001(a)(5) of the Food Security Act (7 U.S.C. 1308(a)(5))) (as in existence before the amendment made by section 1603(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1730)) under paragraph (1) for any year may not exceed $50,000. (3) Funding (A) In general The Secretary shall carry out this subsection through the Commodity Credit Corporation. (B) Funding For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Commodity Credit Corporation shall make available to carry out this subsection $23,000,000. (C) Distribution of funds Of the amount made available to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year, the Commodity Credit Corporation shall use not less than— (i) 50 percent to carry out paragraph (1)(A); (ii) 26 percent to carry out paragraph (1)(B); and (iii) 24 percent to carry out paragraph (1)(C). . 11035. Crop production on native sod (a) Federal crop insurance Section 508(o) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(o) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled, after tilled ; (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking for benefits under— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “for— (i) a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under this subtitle in accordance with paragraph (3); (ii) benefits under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ); and (iii) payments described in section 1001(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(b)). ; and (3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Administration (A) In general During the first 4 crop years of planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in paragraph (2)— (i) paragraph (2) shall apply to 65 percent of the applicable transitional yield; and (ii) the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the producer under this subtitle shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply. (B) Yield substitution During the period native sod acreage is covered by this subsection, a producer may not substitute yields for the native sod acreage. . (b) Noninsured crop disaster assistance Section 196(a)(4) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333(a)(4)) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled, after tilled ; (2) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking for benefits under— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “for— (I) benefits under this section; (II) a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) in accordance with subparagraph (C); and (III) payments described in section 1001(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(b)). ; and (3) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following: (C) Administration (i) In general During the first 4 crop years of planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in subparagraph (B)— (I) subparagraph (B) shall apply to 65 percent of the applicable transitional yield; and (II) the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the producer under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply. (ii) Yield substitution During the period native sod acreage is covered by this paragraph, a producer may not substitute yields for the native sod acreage. . (c) Cropland report (1) Baseline Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 describes the cropland acreage in each county and State, and the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each county and State, beginning with calendar year 2000 and including that information for the most recent year for which that information is available. (2) Annual updates Not later than January 1, 2014, and each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 2018, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 describes— (A) the cropland acreage in each county and State as of the date of submission of the report; (B) the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each county and State; and (C) the number of acres of native sod that have been converted to cropland or to any other use in the preceding year in each county and State. 11036. Technical amendments Section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (7); and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (11) as paragraphs (7) through (10), respectively. 11037. Greater accessibility for crop insurance (a) Findings Congress finds that— (1) due to changes in commodity and other agricultural programs made by the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 , it is more important than ever that agricultural producers be able to fully understand the terms of plans and policies of crop insurance offered under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.); and (2) proposed reductions by the Secretary in the number of State and local offices of the Farm Service Agency will reduce the services available to assist agricultural producers in understanding crop insurance. (b) Requirement for use of plain language (1) In general In issuing regulations and guidance relating to plans and policies of crop insurance, the Risk Management Agency and the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall, to the greatest extent practicable, use plain language, as required under Executive Orders 12866 (5 U.S.C. 601 note; relating to regulatory planning and review) and 12988 (28 U.S.C. 519 note; relating to civil justice reform). (2) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 report describing the efforts of the Secretary to accelerate compliance with the Executive orders described in paragraph (1). (c) Website (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the approved insurance providers (as defined in section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ), shall improve the existing Internet website through which agricultural producers in any State may identify crop insurance options in that State. (2) Requirements The website described in paragraph (1) shall— (A) provide answers in an easily accessible format to frequently asked questions; and (B) include published materials of the Department of Agriculture that relate to plans and policies of crop insurance offered under that Act. (d) Administration Nothing in this section authorizes the Risk Management Agency to sell a crop insurance policy or plan of insurance. 11038. GAO crop insurance fraud report Section 515(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1515(d) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (6) GAO crop insurance fraud report As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct, and submit to Congress a report describing the results of, a study regarding fraudulent claims filed, and benefits provided, under this subtitle. . XII Miscellaneous A Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers 12001. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers (a) Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting and veteran farmers and ranchers after ranchers ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; and (B) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in the heading, by striking Fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting Mandatory funding ; (II) in clause (i), by striking and at the end; (III) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (IV) by adding at the end the following: (iii) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (3) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting or veteran farmers and ranchers after socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers ; and (4) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members . (b) Definition of veteran farmer or rancher Section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (7) Veteran farmer or rancher The term veteran farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released from the service under conditions other than dishonorable. . 12002. Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers policy research center Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279) is amended by adding at the end the following: (i) Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers policy research center The Secretary shall award a grant, through a competitive grant program, to an eligible 1890 Institution (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7601 )) to establish a policy research center, to be known as the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center , for the purpose of developing policy recommendations for the protection and promotion of the interests of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. . 12003. Office of Advocacy and Outreach Section 226B(f)(3) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6934(f)(3) ) is amended to read as follows: (3) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection— (A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013; and (B) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . B Livestock 12101. Wildlife reservoir zoonotic disease initiative Title IV of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7621 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 413. Wildlife reservoir zoonotic disease initiative (a) Definition of covered disease In this section, the term covered disease means a zoonotic disease affecting domestic livestock that is transmitted primarily from wildlife. (b) Establishment There is established within the Department a wildlife reservoir zoonotic disease initiative to provide assistance through Coordinated Agricultural Project grants for research and development of surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, or diagnostic tests for covered diseases. (c) Covered disease (1) In general To be eligible for a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall conduct research and development of surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, or diagnostic tests for covered diseases in— (A) a wildlife reservoir in the United States; or (B) domestic livestock or wildlife presenting a potential concern to public health. (2) Priority In making grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to grants that address— (A) Brucella abortus (Bovine Brucellosis); (B) Mycobacterium bovis (Bovine Tuberculosis); or (C) other zoonotic disease in livestock that is covered by a high-priority research and extension initiative conducted under section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925). (d) Eligible entities The Secretary shall carry out the initiative established under subsection (b) through public scientific research consortia that may consist of members from— (1) Federal agencies; (2) National Laboratories; (3) institutions of higher education; (4) research institutions and organizations; or (5) State agricultural experiment stations. (e) Research projects In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall award grants on a competitive basis. (f) Administration (1) In general In the case of grants awarded under this section, the Secretary shall— (A) seek and accept proposals for grants; (B) determine the relevance and merit of proposals through a system of peer and merit review in accordance with section 103; (C) award grants on the basis of merit, quality, and relevance; and (D) manage the initiative established under subsection (b) using a Coordinated Agricultural Project format. (2) Term The term of a grant under this section may not exceed 10 years. (3) Matching funds required The Secretary shall require the recipient of a grant under this section to provide funds or in-kind support from non-Federal sources in an amount that is not less than 25 percent of the amount provided by the Federal Government. (4) Other conditions The Secretary may set such other conditions on the award of a grant under this section as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (g) Buildings and facilities Funds made available under this section shall not be used for— (1) the construction of a new building or facility; or (2) the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an existing building or facility (including site grading and improvement and architect fees). (h) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Allocation Of the amount made available for a fiscal year under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use not less than 30 percent of the amount for the fiscal year to carry out activities under each of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (c)(2). . 12102. Trichinae certification program (a) Alternative certification process (1) In general The Secretary shall amend the regulation issued under section 11010(a)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8304(a)(2) ) to implement the voluntary trichinae certification program established under section 11010(a)(1) of that Act, to include a requirement to establish an alternative trichinae certification process based on surveillance or other methods consistent with international standards for categorizing compartments as having negligible risk for trichinae. (2) Final regulations Not later than 1 year after the date on which the international standards described in paragraph (1) are adopted, the Secretary shall finalize the rule amended under paragraph (1). (b) Reauthorization Section 10405(d)(1) of the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8304(d)(1) ) is amended in subparagraphs (A) and (B) by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . 12103. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan Section 11013(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8322(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 12104. Sheep production and marketing grant program (a) In general Subtitle A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 209. Sheep production and marketing grant program (a) Establishment The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service (referred to in this section as the Secretary ) shall establish a competitive grant program for the purposes of improving the United States sheep industry. (b) Purpose The purpose of the grant program shall be to strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products, including improvement of— (1) infrastructure; (2) business; (3) resource development; and (4) innovative approaches to solve long-term needs. (c) Eligibility The Secretary shall make grants under this section to 1 or more national entities the mission of which is consistent with the purpose of the grant program. (d) Funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain available until expended. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 374 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008j ) (as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of this Act) is— (1) amended in subsection (e)— (A) in paragraph (3)(D), by striking 3 percent and inserting 10 percent ; and (B) by striking paragraph (6); and (2) redesignated as section 210 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946; and (3) moved so as to appear at the end of subtitle A of that Act (as amended by subsection (a)). 12105. Feral swine eradication pilot program (a) In general To eradicate or control the threat feral swine pose to the domestic swine population, the entire livestock industry, and the destruction of crops and natural plant communities and native habitats, the Secretary of Agriculture may establish a feral swine eradication pilot program. (b) Pilot Subject to the availability of appropriations under this section, the Secretary may provide financial assistance for the cost of carrying out a pilot program— (1) to study and assess the nature and extent of damage to the pilot area caused by feral swine; (2) to develop methods to eradicate or control feral swine in the pilot area; and (3) to develop methods to restore damage caused by feral swine. (c) Coordination The Secretary shall ensure that the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service coordinate to carry out the pilot program. (d) Cost sharing (1) Federal share The Federal share of the costs of the pilot program under this section may not exceed 75 percent of the total costs of carrying out the pilot program. (2) In-kind contributions The non-Federal share of the costs of the pilot program may be provided in the form of in-kind contributions of materials or services. (e) Limitation on administrative expenses Not more than 10 percent of financial assistance provided by the Secretary under this section may be used for administrative expenses. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. 12106. National animal health laboratory network Subtitle E of title X of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq. ) is amended by inserting after section 10409 the following: 10409A. National animal health laboratory network (a) Definition of eligible laboratory In this section, the term eligible laboratory means a diagnostic laboratory that meets specific criteria developed by the Secretary, in consultation with State animal health officials, State veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and veterinary diagnostic laboratories at institutions of higher education. (b) Contracts The Secretary, in consultation with State veterinarians, shall offer to enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with eligible laboratories— (1) to enhance the capability of the Secretary to respond in a timely manner to emerging or existing bioterrorist threats to animal health; and (2) to provide the capacity and capability for standardized— (A) test procedures, reference materials, and equipment; (B) laboratory biosafety and biosecurity levels; (C) quality management system requirements; (D) interconnected electronic reporting and transmission of data; and (E) evaluation for emergency preparedness; and (3) to coordinate the development, implementation, and enhancement of national veterinary diagnostic laboratory capabilities, with special emphasis on surveillance planning and vulnerability analysis, technology development and validation, training, and outreach. (c) Priority To the extent practicable and to the extent capacity and specialized expertise may be necessary, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible laboratories at existing Federal facilities, State facilities, and facilities at institutions of higher education. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 12107. National poultry improvement plan (NPIP) (a) Surveillance program The Secretary shall ensure that the Department of Agriculture continues to administer the avian influenza surveillance program in commercial poultry through the National Poultry Improvement Program. (b) Standards The Secretary shall ensure that the program described in subsection (a) meets any relevant standards established by the World Organization for Animal Health. C Other miscellaneous provisions 12201. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 218 ( 7 U.S.C. 6918 ) the following: 219. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (a) Authorization The Secretary shall establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. (b) Duties The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall— (1) provide information to returning veterans about, and connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate to the needs and interests of returning veterans, including assisting veterans in using Federal veterans educational benefits for purposes relating to beginning a farming or ranching career; (2) provide information to veterans concerning the availability of and eligibility requirements for participation in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs; (3) serving as a resource for assisting veteran farmers and ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying for participation in agricultural programs; and (4) advocating on behalf of veterans in interactions with employees of the Department. (c) Contracts and cooperative agreements For purposes of carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with the research centers of the Agricultural Research Service, institutions of higher education, or nonprofit organizations for— (1) the conduct of regional research on the profitability of small farms; (2) the development of educational materials; (3) the conduct of workshops, courses, and certified vocational training; (4) the conduct of mentoring activities; or (5) the provision of internship opportunities. . 12202. Information gathering Section 1619(b)(3) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8791 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (B) Cooperation with State and local governments (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), in the case of a State agency, political subdivision, or local governmental agency that is charged with implementing an agriculture or conservation program under State law, on request of the State agency, political subdivision, or local governmental agency, the information described in paragraph (2) shall be disclosed to the State agency, political subdivision, or local governmental agency if the Secretary determines that the State agency, political subdivision, or local governmental agency demonstrates that the disclosure is required for implementing the State program. (ii) Restriction Any information disclosed to a State agency, political subdivision, or local governmental agency under clause (i) shall be— (I) used solely by the State agency, political subdivision, or local governmental agency; and (II) exempt from disclosure to the public, including under any State law that allows a citizen to petition a State agency for that information. . 12203. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force Section 14204(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2008q–1(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 12204. Noninsured crop assistance program (a) In general Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) In general (A) Coverages In the case of an eligible crop described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Agriculture shall operate a noninsured crop disaster assistance program to provide coverages based on individual yields (other than for value-loss crops) equivalent to— (i) catastrophic risk protection available under section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(b) ); or (ii) additional coverage available under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) that does not exceed 65 percent. (B) Administration The Secretary shall carry out this section through the Farm Service Agency (referred to in this section as the Agency ). ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in the matter before clause (i), by striking (except livestock) and inserting (except livestock and crops and grasses used for grazing) ; (II) in clause (i), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (III) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and (IV) by inserting after clause (i) the following: (ii) for which additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is not available; and ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B)— (I) by inserting (except ferns) after floricultural ; (II) by inserting (except ferns) after ornamental nursery ; and (III) by striking (including ornamental fish) and inserting (including ornamental fish, but excluding tropical fish) ; (2) in subsection (d), by striking The Secretary and inserting Subject to subsection (l), the Secretary ; (3) in subsection (k)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking $250 and inserting $260 ; and (B) in subparagraph (B)— (i) by striking $750 and inserting $780 ; and (ii) by striking $1,875 and inserting $1,950 ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (l) Payment equivalent to additional coverage (1) In general The Secretary shall make available to a producer eligible for noninsured assistance under this section a payment equivalent to an indemnity for additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) that does not exceed 65 percent, computed by multiplying— (A) the quantity that is less than 50 to 65 percent of the established yield for the crop, as determined by the Secretary, specified in increments of 5 percent; (B) 100 percent of the average market price for the crop, as determined by the Secretary; and (C) a payment rate for the type of crop, as determined by the Secretary, that reflects— (i) in the case of a crop that is produced with a significant and variable harvesting expense, the decreasing cost incurred in the production cycle for the crop that is, as applicable— (I) harvested; (II) planted but not harvested; or (III) prevented from being planted because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) in the case of a crop that is produced without a significant and variable harvesting expense, such rate as shall be determined by the Secretary. (2) Premium To be eligible to receive a payment under this subsection, a producer shall pay— (A) the service fee required by subsection (k); and (B) a premium for the applicable crop year that is equal to— (i) the product obtained by multiplying— (I) the number of acres devoted to the eligible crop; (II) the yield, as determined by the Secretary under subsection (e); (III) the coverage level elected by the producer; (IV) the average market price, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) 5.25-percent premium fee. (3) Limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers The additional coverage made available under this subsection shall be available to limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged producers, as determined by the Secretary, in exchange for a premium that is 50 percent of the premium determined for a producer under paragraph (2). (4) Additional availability (A) In general As soon as practicable after October 1, 2013, the Secretary shall make assistance available to producers of an otherwise eligible crop described in subsection (a)(2) that suffered losses— (i) to a 2012 annual fruit crop grown on a bush or tree; and (ii) in a county covered by a declaration by the Secretary of a natural disaster for production losses due to a freeze or frost. (B) Assistance The Secretary shall make assistance available under subparagraph (A) in an amount equivalent to assistance available under paragraph (1), less any fees not previously paid under paragraph (2). . (b) Termination date (1) In general Effective October 1, 2018, subsection (a) and the amendments made by subsection (a) (other than the amendments made by clauses (i)(I) and (ii) of subsection (a)(1)(B)) are repealed. (2) Administration Effective October 1, 2018, section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ) shall be applied and administered as if subsection (a) and the amendments made by subsection (a) (other than the amendments made by clauses (i)(I) and (ii) of subsection (a)(1)(B)) had not been enacted. 12205. Bioenergy coverage in noninsured crop assistance program Section 196(a)(2)(B) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333(a)(2)(B)) is amended by inserting (including those grown expressly for the purpose of producing a feedstock for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity, or biobased products) after industrial crops . 12206. Regional economic and infrastructure development Section 15751 of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking Not more than and inserting the following: (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), not more than ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (2) Limited funding In a case in which less than $10,000,000 is made available to a Commission for a fiscal year under this section, paragraph (1) shall not apply. . 12207. Office of Tribal Relations Title III of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by adding after section 308 (7 U.S.C. 3125a note; Public Law 103–354 ) the following: 309. Office of Tribal Relations The Secretary shall establish in the Office of the Secretary an Office of Tribal Relations. . 12208. Acer access and development program (a) Grants authorized; authorized activities The Secretary of Agriculture may make grants to States and tribal governments to support their efforts to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through the following activities: (1) Promotion of research and education related to maple syrup production. (2) Promotion of natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry. (3) Market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap products. (4) Encouragement of owners and operators of privately held land containing species of tree in the genus Acer— (A) to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the land; or (B) to voluntarily make the land available, including by lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-sugaring activities. (b) Applications In submitting an application for a grant under this section, a State or tribal government shall include— (1) a description of the activities to be supported using the grant funds; (2) a description of the benefits that the State or tribal government intends to achieve as a result of engaging in such activities; and (3) an estimate of the increase in maple-sugaring activities or maple syrup production that the State or tribal government anticipates will occur as a result of engaging in such activities. (c) Relationship to other laws Nothing in this section preempts a State or tribal government law, including any State or tribal government liability law. (d) Definition of maple sugaring In this section, the term maple-sugaring means the collection of sap from any species of tree in the genus Acer for the purpose of boiling to produce food. (e) Regulations The Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 and 2015. 12209. Prohibition on attending an animal fight or causing a minor to attend an animal fight; enforcement of animal fighting provisions (a) Prohibition on attending an animal fight or causing a minor To attend an animal fight Section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2156) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in the heading, by striking Sponsoring or Exhibiting an Animal in and inserting Sponsoring or Exhibiting an Animal in, Attending, or Causing a Minor To Attend ; (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the heading, by striking In general and inserting Sponsoring or Exhibiting ; and (ii) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting paragraph (3) ; (C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) Attending or causing a minor to attend It shall be unlawful for any person to— (A) knowingly attend an animal fighting venture; or (B) knowingly cause a minor to attend an animal fighting venture. ; and (2) in subsection (g), by adding at the end the following: (5) the term minor means a person under the age of 18 years old. . (b) Enforcement of animal fighting prohibitions Section 49 of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking Whoever and inserting (a) In general.— Whoever ; (2) in subsection (a), as designated by paragraph (1) of this section, by striking subsection (a), and inserting subsection (a)(1), ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (b) Attending an animal fighting venture Whoever violates subsection (a)(2)(A) of section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2156 ) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both, for each violation. (c) Causing a minor T o attend an animal fighting venture Whoever violates subsection (a)(2)(B) of section 26 ( 7 U.S.C. 2156 ) of the Animal Welfare Act shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 3 years, or both, for each violation. . 12210. Pima cotton trust fund (a) Establishment of trust fund There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Pima Cotton Trust Fund , consisting of such amounts as may be transferred to the Pima Cotton Trust Fund pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under subsection (e). (b) Distribution of funds From amounts in the Pima Cotton Trust Fund, the Secretary may make payments annually beginning in fiscal year 2014 as follows: (1) To nationally recognized associations established for the promotion of pima cotton for use in textile and apparel goods. (2) To yarn spinners of pima cotton that produce ring spun cotton yarns in the United States, to be allocated to each spinner in an amount that bears the same ratio as— (A) the spinner’s production of ring spun cotton yarns, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number) from pima cotton in single and plied form during the period January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2003 (as evidenced by an affidavit provided by the spinner that meets the requirements of subsection (c)) bears to— (B) the production of the yarns described in subparagraph (A) during the period January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2003, for all spinners who qualify under this paragraph. (3) To manufacturers who cut and sew cotton shirts in the United States who certify that they used imported cotton fabric during the period January 1, 1998, through July 1, 2003, to be allocated to each such manufacturer in an amount that bears the same ratio as— (A) the dollar value (excluding duty, shipping, and related costs) of imported woven cotton shirting fabric of 80s or higher count and 2-ply in warp purchased by the manufacturer during calendar year 2002 (as evidenced by an affidavit provided by the manufacturer that meets the requirements of subsection (d)) used in the manufacturing of men’s and boys’ cotton shirts, bears to— (B) the dollar value (excluding duty, shipping, and related costs) of the fabric described in subparagraph (A) purchased during calendar year 2002 by all manufacturers who qualify under this paragraph. (c) Affidavit of yarn spinners The affidavit required by subsection (c)(2)(A) is a notarized affidavit provided annually by an officer of a producer of ring spun yarns that affirms— (1) that the producer used pima cotton during the year in which the affidavit is filed and during the period January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2002, to produce ring spun cotton yarns in the United States, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number), in single and plied form during 2002; (2) the quantity, measured in pounds, of ring spun cotton yarns, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number), in single and plied form during calendar year 2002; and (3) that the producer maintains supporting documentation showing the quantity of such yarns produced, and evidencing the yarns as ring spun cotton yarns, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number), in single and plied form during calendar year 2002. (d) Affidavit of shirting manufacturers The affidavit required by subsection (c)(3)(A) is a notarized affidavit provided annually by an officer of a manufacturer of men’s and boys’ shirts that affirms— (1) that the manufacturer used imported cotton fabric during the year in which the affidavit is filed and during the period January 1, 1998, through July 1, 2003, to cut and sew men’s and boys’ woven cotton shirts in the United States; (2) the dollar value of imported woven cotton shirting fabric of 80s or higher count and 2-ply in warp purchased by the manufacturer during calendar year 2002; (3) that the manufacturer maintains invoices along with other supporting documentation (such as price lists and other technical descriptions of the fabric qualities) showing the dollar value of such fabric purchased, the date of purchase, and evidencing the fabric as woven cotton fabric of 80s or higher count and 2-ply in warp; and (4) that the fabric was suitable for use in the manufacturing of men’s and boys’ cotton shirts. (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2019. 12211. Agriculture wool apparel manufacturers trust fund (a) Establishment of trust fund There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund (in this section referred to as the Wool Trust Fund ), consisting of such amounts as may be transferred to the Wool Trust Fund pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under subsection (e). (b) Distribution of funds From amounts in the Wool Trust Fund, the Secretary of Agriculture may make payments annually beginning in fiscal year 2014 for calendar years 2010 through 2019 as follows: (1) To eligible manufactures under paragraph (3) of section 4002(c) of the Wool Suit and Textile Trade Extension Act of 2004 ( Public Law 108–429 ; 118 Stat. 2600), as amended by section 1633(c) of the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2006 ( Public Law 109–280 ; 120 Stat. 1166) and section 325(b) of the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 (division C of Public Law 110–343 ; 122 Stat. 3875), who filed an affidavit with U.S. Customs and Border Protection not later than April 15 of the year of the payment, so that the amount of such payments, when added to any other payments made to eligible manufacturers under that paragraph in calendar years 2010 through 2019, equal the total amount of payments authorized to be provided to eligible manufacturers under that paragraph, or the provisions of this section, in such calendar years. (2) To eligible manufacturers under paragraph (6) of such section 4002(c), so that the amount of such payments, when added to any other payments made to eligible manufacturers under that paragraph in calendar years 2010 through 2019, equal the total amount of payments authorized to be provided to eligible manufacturers under that paragraph, or the provisions of this section, in such calendar years. (c) Payment of amounts The Secretary of Agriculture shall make payments to eligible manufacturers described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b)— (1) for calendar years 2010 through 2013, not later than 30 days after the transfer of amounts from the general fund of the Treasury to the Wool Trust Fund under this section; and (2) for calendar years 2014 through 2019, not later than April 15 of the year of the payment. (d) Relationship to other law The payments authorized under this section shall be made through the end of fiscal year 2019 notwithstanding any lapse of authority under any other provision of law to transfer funds to— (1) the Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund established by section 4002(c) of the Wool Suit and Textile Trade Extension Act of 2004 ( Public Law 108–429 ; 118 Stat. 2600), as amended by section 1633(c) of the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–280; 120 Stat. 1166) and section 325(b) of the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 (division C of Public Law 110–343 ; 122 Stat. 3875); or (2) the Wool Research, Development, and Promotion Trust Fund established by 506 of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 7101 note). (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2019. 12212. Citrus disease research and development trust fund (a) Establishment of trust fund There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund (in this section referred to as the Citrus Trust Fund ), consisting of such amounts as may be transferred to the Citrus Trust Fund pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under subsection (f). (b) Distribution of funds From amounts in the Citrus Trust Fund, the Secretary may make payments annually beginning in fiscal year 2014 to the following: (1) Entities engaged in scientific research concerning diseases and pests, both domestic and invasive, afflicting the citrus industry. (2) Entities engaged in dissemination and commercialization of relevant information, techniques, or technologies, or in research projects intended to solve problems caused by citrus production diseases and invasive pests. (3) The Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund Advisory Board, if established under subsection (c). (c) Citrus advisory board (1) In general From amounts in the Citrus Trust Fund, and with the advice and recommendations of citrus producers and other entities with an interest in the citrus industry, the Secretary may establish a Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund Advisory Board (in this subsection referred to as the Citrus Advisory Board ). (2) Membership The Citrus Advisory Board, if established under paragraph (1), shall consist of 9 members, who shall be appointed by the Secretary as follows: (A) Five members who are domestic producers of citrus in Florida. (B) Three members who are domestic producers of citrus in Arizona or California. (C) One member who is a domestic producer of citrus in Texas. (3) Regulations The Secretary may prescribe such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out this subsection, including rules establishing procedures for disqualification from service on the Citrus Advisory Board, appointment terms for members of the Citrus Advisory Board, compensation for those members, and powers and responsibilities of the Citrus Advisory Board. (4) Limitation on expenditures The Secretary shall ensure that not more than 5 percent of total expenditures from the Citrus Trust Fund in any year are used for the operations of the Citrus Advisory Board. (d) Secretarial discretion of fund allocation Subject to subsection (e), in distributing amounts under subsection (b), the Secretary shall give strong deference to providing funding for research projects exploring the proximity of citrus producers to the effects of diseases such as huanglongbing and the quickly evolving nature of scientific understanding of the effect of the diseases on citrus production. (e) Other funding The Secretary should take into account other public and private citrus-related research and development projects and funding. (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2019.

Secretary

tv_txt: I 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2642 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture. Title I—Commodities Subtitle A—Repeals and reforms Sec. 1101. Repeal of direct payments. Sec. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments. Sec. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program. Sec. 1104. Definitions. Sec. 1105. Base acres. Sec. 1106. Payment yields. Sec. 1107. Farm risk management election. Sec. 1108. Producer agreements. Subtitle B—Marketing loans Sec. 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities. Sec. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans. Sec. 1203. Term of loans. Sec. 1204. Repayment of loans. Sec. 1205. Loan deficiency payments. Sec. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage. Sec. 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton. Sec. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton. Sec. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton. Sec. 1210. Adjustments of loans. Subtitle C—Sugar Sec. 1301. Sugar program. Subtitle D—Dairy Part I—Dairy Producer Margin Insurance Program Sec. 1401. Dairy producer margin insurance program. Sec. 1402. Rulemaking. Part II—Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-related provisions Sec. 1411. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs. Sec. 1412. Repeal of dairy export incentive program. Sec. 1413. Extension of dairy forward pricing program. Sec. 1414. Extension of dairy indemnity program. Sec. 1415. Extension of dairy promotion and research program. Sec. 1416. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission. Part III—Effective date Sec. 1421. Effective date. Subtitle E—Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance. Sec. 1502. National Drought Council and National Drought Policy Action Plan. Subtitle F—Administration Sec. 1601. Administration generally. Sec. 1602. Repeal of permanent price support authority. Sec. 1603. Payment limitations. Sec. 1603A. Payments limited to active farmers. Sec. 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation. Sec. 1605. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Sec. 1606. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies. Sec. 1607. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs. Sec. 1608. Technical corrections. Sec. 1609. Assignment of payments. Sec. 1610. Tracking of benefits. Sec. 1611. Signature authority. Sec. 1612. Implementation. Sec. 1613. Protection of producer information. Title II—Conservation Subtitle A—Conservation Reserve Program Sec. 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program. Sec. 2002. Farmable wetland program. Sec. 2003. Duties of owners and operators. Sec. 2004. Duties of the Secretary. Sec. 2005. Payments. Sec. 2006. Contract requirements. Sec. 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses. Sec. 2008. Effective date. Subtitle B—Conservation Stewardship Program Sec. 2101. Conservation stewardship program. Subtitle C—Environmental Quality Incentives Program Sec. 2201. Purposes. Sec. 2202. Establishment and administration. Sec. 2203. Evaluation of applications. Sec. 2204. Duties of producers. Sec. 2205. Limitation on payments. Sec. 2206. Conservation innovation grants and payments. Sec. 2207. Effective date. Subtitle D—Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Sec. 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program. Subtitle E—Regional Conservation Partnership Program Sec. 2401. Regional conservation partnership program. Subtitle F—Other Conservation Programs Sec. 2501. Conservation of private grazing land. Sec. 2502. Grassroots source water protection program. Sec. 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program. Sec. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program. Sec. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program. Sec. 2506. Agricultural management assistance program. Sec. 2507. Emergency watershed protection program. Subtitle G—Funding and Administration Sec. 2601. Funding. Sec. 2602. Technical assistance. Sec. 2603. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access. Sec. 2604. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance. Sec. 2605. Review of conservation practice standards. Sec. 2606. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation programs. Sec. 2607. Standards for State technical committees. Sec. 2608. Rulemaking authority. Sec. 2609. Wetlands mitigation. Sec. 2610. Lesser prairie-chicken conservation report. Subtitle H—Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments Sec. 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program. Sec. 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program. Sec. 2703. Wetlands reserve program. Sec. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program. Sec. 2705. Grassland reserve program. Sec. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program. Sec. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program. Sec. 2708. Great Lakes basin program. Sec. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program. Sec. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative. Sec. 2711. Environmental easement program. Sec. 2712. Technical amendments. Title III—Trade Subtitle A—Food for Peace Act Sec. 3001. General authority. Sec. 3002. Support for organizations through which assistance is provided. Sec. 3003. Food aid quality. Sec. 3004. Minimum levels of assistance. Sec. 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group. Sec. 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation. Sec. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods. Sec. 3008. General provisions. Sec. 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities. Sec. 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities. Sec. 3011. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance. Sec. 3012. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs. Sec. 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program. Subtitle B—Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 Sec. 3101. Funding for export credit guarantee program. Sec. 3102. Funding for market access program. Sec. 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program. Subtitle C—Other Agricultural Trade Laws Sec. 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985. Sec. 3202. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust. Sec. 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets. Sec. 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Sec. 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops. Sec. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust. Sec. 3207. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services. Sec. 3208. Department of Agriculture certificates of origin. Title IV—Credit Subtitle A—Farm ownership loans Sec. 4001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans. Sec. 4002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program. Sec. 4003. Down payment loan program. Sec. 4004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement. Subtitle B—Operating loans Sec. 4101. Eligibility for farm operating loans. Sec. 4102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth. Sec. 4103. Authority to waive personal liability for youth loans due to circumstances beyond borrower control. Sec. 4104. Microloans. Subtitle C—Emergency loans Sec. 4201. Eligibility for emergency loans. Subtitle D—Administrative provisions Sec. 4301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program. Sec. 4302. Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers. Sec. 4303. Loan authorization levels. Sec. 4304. Priority for participation loans. Sec. 4305. Loan fund set-asides. Sec. 4306. Conforming amendment to borrower training provision, relating to eligibility changes. Subtitle E—State agricultural mediation programs Sec. 4401. State agricultural mediation programs. Subtitle F—Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land Sec. 4501. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land. Title V—Rural development Subtitle A—Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act Sec. 5001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants. Sec. 5002. Rural business opportunity grants. Sec. 5003. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant program funds. Sec. 5004. Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities. Sec. 5005. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program. Sec. 5006. Tribal college and university essential community facilities. Sec. 5007. Essential community facilities technical assistance and training. Sec. 5008. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program. Sec. 5009. Household water well systems. Sec. 5010. Rural business and industry loan program. Sec. 5011. Rural cooperative development grants. Sec. 5012. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products. Sec. 5013. Intermediary relending program. Sec. 5014. Rural college coordinated strategy. Sec. 5015. Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure. Sec. 5016. Simplified applications. Sec. 5017. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters. Sec. 5018. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program. Sec. 5019. Delta Regional Authority. Sec. 5020. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority. Sec. 5021. Rural business investment program. Subtitle B—Rural Electrification Act of 1936 Sec. 5101. Relending for certain purposes. Sec. 5102. Fees for certain loan guarantees. Sec. 5103. Rural utilities service contracting authority. Sec. 5104. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes. Sec. 5105. Expansion of 911 access. Sec. 5106. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas. Subtitle C—Miscellaneous Sec. 5201. Distance learning and telemedicine. Sec. 5202. Value-added agricultural market development program grants. Sec. 5203. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program. Sec. 5204. Program metrics. Sec. 5205. Study of rural transportation issues. Sec. 5206. Certain Federal actions not to be considered major. Sec. 5207. Telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas. Sec. 5208. Regional economic and infrastructure development. Title VI—Research, Extension, and Related Matters Subtitle A—National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 Sec. 6101. Option to be included as non-land-grant college of agriculture. Sec. 6102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. Sec. 6103. Specialty crop committee. Sec. 6104. Veterinary services grant program. Sec. 6105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education. Sec. 6106. Policy research centers. Sec. 6107. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program. Sec. 6108. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research. Sec. 6109. Nutrition education program. Sec. 6110. Continuing animal health and disease research programs. Sec. 6111. Repeal of appropriations for research on national or regional problems. Sec. 6112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Sec. 6113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions. Sec. 6114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers. Sec. 6115. Hispanic-serving institutions. Sec. 6116. Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth. Sec. 6117. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs. Sec. 6118. Repeal of research equipment grants. Sec. 6119. University research. Sec. 6120. Extension service. Sec. 6121. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements. Sec. 6122. Supplemental and alternative crops. Sec. 6123. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions. Sec. 6124. Aquaculture assistance programs. Sec. 6125. Rangeland research programs. Sec. 6126. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response. Sec. 6127. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education. Sec. 6128. Matching funds requirement. Sec. 6129. Sense of Congress regarding expansion of the land grant program to include enhanced funding and additional institutions. Subtitle B—Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 Sec. 6201. Best utilization of biological applications. Sec. 6202. Integrated management systems. Sec. 6203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program. Sec. 6204. National training program. Sec. 6205. National Genetics Resources Program. Sec. 6206. Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System. Sec. 6207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program. Sec. 6208. Repeal of agricultural genome initiative. Sec. 6209. High-priority research and extension initiatives. Sec. 6210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension initiative. Sec. 6211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative. Sec. 6212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative. Sec. 6213. Farm business management. Sec. 6214. Centers of excellence. Sec. 6215. Repeal of red meat safety research center. Sec. 6216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities. Sec. 6217. National rural information center clearinghouse. Subtitle C—Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 Sec. 6301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department. Sec. 6302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program. Sec. 6303. Repeal of coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations. Sec. 6304. Fusarium Graminearum grants. Sec. 6305. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program. Sec. 6306. Grants for youth organizations. Sec. 6307. Specialty crop research initiative. Sec. 6308. Food animal residue avoidance database program. Sec. 6309. Repeal of national swine research center. Sec. 6310. Office of pest management policy. Sec. 6311. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and education. Subtitle D—Other Laws Sec. 6401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act. Sec. 6402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 . Sec. 6403. Research Facilities Act. Sec. 6404. Repeal of carbon cycle research. Sec. 6405. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act. Sec. 6406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 . Sec. 6407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980 . Sec. 6408. Repeal of use of remote sensing data. Sec. 6409. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 . Sec. 6410. Beginning farmer and rancher development program. Sec. 6411. Inclusion of American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands as a State under McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act. Subtitle E—Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 Part 1—Agricultural Security Sec. 6501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center. Sec. 6502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response. Sec. 6503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures. Sec. 6504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program. Part 2—Miscellaneous Sec. 6511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program. Sec. 6512. Grazinglands research laboratory. Sec. 6513. Budget submission and funding. Sec. 6514. Research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Sec. 6515. Repeal of farm and ranch stress assistance network. Sec. 6516. Repeal of seed distribution. Sec. 6517. Natural products research program. Sec. 6518. Sun grant program. Sec. 6519. Repeal of study and report on food deserts. Sec. 6520. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and education. Subtitle F—Miscellaneous provisions Sec. 6601. Agreements with nonprofit organizations for National Arboretum. Sec. 6602. Cotton Disease Research Report. Sec. 6603. Acceptance of facility for Agricultural Research Service. Sec. 6604. Miscellaneous technical corrections. Sec. 6605. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research. Title VII—Forestry Subtitle A—Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs Sec. 7001. Forest land enhancement program. Sec. 7002. Watershed forestry assistance program. Sec. 7003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing program. Sec. 7004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program. Sec. 7005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program. Sec. 7006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process. Subtitle B—Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Programs Sec. 7101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources. Sec. 7102. Forest Legacy Program. Sec. 7103. Community forest and open space conservation program. Subtitle C—Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws Sec. 7201. Rural revitalization technologies. Sec. 7202. Office of International Forestry. Sec. 7203. Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve program. Sec. 7204. Stewardship end result contracting project authority. Subtitle D—National Forest Critical Area Response Sec. 7301. Definitions. Sec. 7302. Designation of critical areas. Sec. 7303. Application of expedited procedures and activities of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to critical areas. Sec. 7304. Good neighbor authority. Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Provisions Sec. 7401. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis. Sec. 7402. Forest Service participation in ACES Program. Sec. 7403. Green science and technology transfer research under Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978. Sec. 7404. Extension of stewardship contracts authority regarding use of designation by prescription to all thinning sales under National Forest Management Act of 1976. Sec. 7405. Reimbursement of fire funds expended by a State for management and suppression of certain wildfires. Sec. 7406. Ability of National Forest System lands to meet needs of local wood producing facilities for raw materials. Sec. 7407. Report on the National Forest System roads. Sec. 7408. Forest Service large airtanker and aerial asset firefighting recapitalization pilot program. Sec. 7409. Land conveyance, Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia. Sec. 7410. Categorical exclusion for forest projects in response to emergencies. Title VIII—Energy Sec. 8001. Definition of renewable energy system. Sec. 8002. Biobased markets program. Sec. 8003. Biorefinery assistance. Sec. 8004. Repowering assistance program. Sec. 8005. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels. Sec. 8006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program. Sec. 8007. Rural Energy for America Program. Sec. 8008. Biomass Research and Development. Sec. 8009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers. Sec. 8010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Sec. 8011. Community wood energy program. Sec. 8012. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study. Sec. 8013. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study. Sec. 8014. Energy efficiency report for USDA facilities. Title IX—Horticulture Sec. 9001. Specialty crops market news allocation. Sec. 9002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops. Sec. 9003. Farmers market and local food promotion program. Sec. 9004. Organic agriculture. Sec. 9005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 . Sec. 9006. Food safety education initiatives. Sec. 9007. Specialty crop block grants. Sec. 9008. Department of Agriculture consultation regarding enforcement of certain labor law provisions. Sec. 9009. Report on honey. Sec. 9010. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada. Sec. 9011. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs. Sec. 9012. Modification, cancellation, or suspension on basis of a biological opinion. Sec. 9013. Use and discharges of authorized pesticides. Sec. 9014. Seed not pesticide or device for purposes of importation. Sec. 9015. Stay of regulations related to Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order. Sec. 9016. Study on proposed order pertaining to sulfuryl fluoride. Sec. 9017. Study on local and regional food production and program evaluation. Sec. 9018. Annual report on invasive species. Title X—Crop Insurance Sec. 10001. Information sharing. Sec. 10002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium adjustments. Sec. 10003. Supplemental coverage option. Sec. 10004. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection. Sec. 10005. Repeal of performance-based discount. Sec. 10006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy. Sec. 10007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops. Sec. 10008. Data collection. Sec. 10009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields. Sec. 10010. Submission and review of policies. Sec. 10011. Equitable relief for specialty crop policies. Sec. 10012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance agreement. Sec. 10013. Crop production on native sod. Sec. 10014. Coverage levels by practice. Sec. 10015. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions. Sec. 10016. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton. Sec. 10017. Peanut revenue crop insurance. Sec. 10018. Authority to correct errors. Sec. 10019. Implementation. Sec. 10020. Research and development priorities. Sec. 10021. Additional research and development contracting requirements. Sec. 10022. Program compliance partnerships. Sec. 10023. Pilot programs. Sec. 10024. Technical amendments. Sec. 10025. Advance public notice of crop insurance policy and plan changes. Title XI—Miscellaneous Subtitle A—Livestock Sec. 11101. Repeal of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center. Sec. 11102. Repeal of certain regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 . Sec. 11103. Trichinae certification program. Sec. 11104. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan. Sec. 11105. Country of origin labeling. Sec. 11106. National animal health laboratory network. Sec. 11107. Repeal of duplicative catfish inspection program. Sec. 11108. National Poultry Improvement Program. Sec. 11109. Report on bovine tuberculosis in Texas. Sec. 11110. Economic fraud in wild and farm-raised seafood. Subtitle B—Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers Sec. 11201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers. Sec. 11202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach. Sec. 11203. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center. Sec. 11204. Receipt for service or denial of service from certain department of agriculture agencies. Subtitle C—Other miscellaneous provisions Sec. 11301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force. Sec. 11302. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high plains water study. Sec. 11303. Office of Tribal Relations. Sec. 11304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. Sec. 11305. Prohibition on keeping GSA leased cars overnight. Sec. 11306. Noninsured crop assistance program. Sec. 11307. Ensuring high standards for agency use of scientific information. Sec. 11308. Evaluation required for purposes of prohibition on closure or relocation of county offices for the Farm Service Agency. Sec. 11309. Acer access and development program. Sec. 11310. Regulatory review by the Secretary of Agriculture. Sec. 11311. Prohibition on attending an animal fighting venture or causing a minor to attend an animal fighting venture. Sec. 11312. Prohibition against interference by State and local governments with production or manufacture of items in other States. Sec. 11313. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Missouri River Basin. Sec. 11314. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Black Dirt region. Sec. 11315. Protection of honey bees and other pollinators. Sec. 11316. Produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. Sec. 11317. Urban agriculture coordination. Sec. 11318. Sense of Congress on increased business opportunities for black farmers, women, minorities, and small businesses. Sec. 11319. Sense of Congress regarding agriculture security programs. Sec. 11320. Report on water sharing. Sec. 11321. Scientific and economic analysis of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. Sec. 11322. Improved Department of Agriculture consideration of economic impact of regulations on small business. Sec. 11323. Silvicultural activities. Sec. 11324. Applicability of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule. Sec. 11325. Agricultural producer information disclosure. Sec. 11326. Report on National Ocean Policy. Sec. 11327. Sunsetting of programs. Subtitle D—Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Sec. 11401. Short title. Sec. 11402. Chesapeake Bay Crosscut Budget. Sec. 11403. Restoration through adaptive management. Sec. 11404. Independent Evaluator for the Chesapeake Bay Program. Sec. 11405. Definitions. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture In this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. I Commodities A Repeals and reforms 1101. Repeal of direct payments (a) Repeal Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 , 8753) are repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 , 8753), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm. (c) Continued application for 2014 and 2015 crop years Subject to this subtitle, the amendments made by sections 1603 and 1604 of this Act, and sections 1607 and 1611 of this Act, section 1103 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2014 and 2015 crop years with respect to upland cotton only (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )), except that, in applying such section 1103, the term payment acres means the following: (1) For crop year 2014, 70 percent of the base acres of upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made. (2) For crop year 2015, 60 percent of the base acres of upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments (a) Repeal Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8714 , 8754) are repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8714 , 8754), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program (a) Repeal Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8715 ) is repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8715 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm for which the irrevocable election under section 1105 of that Act was made before the date of enactment of this Act. 1104. Definitions In this subtitle and subtitle B: (1) Actual county revenue The term actual county revenue , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1107(c)(4) to determine whether revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year. (2) Base acres The term base acres , with respect to a covered commodity and cotton on a farm, means the number of acres established under sections 1101 and 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 , 7952) or sections 1101 and 1302 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8711 , 8752), as in effect on September 30, 2013, subject to any adjustment under section 1105 of this Act. For purposes of making payments under subsections (b) and (c) of section 1107, base acres are reduced by the payment acres calculated in section 1101(c). (3) County revenue loss coverage trigger The term county revenue loss coverage trigger , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1107(c)(5) to determine whether revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year. (4) Covered commodity The term covered commodity means wheat, oats, and barley (including wheat, oats, and barley used for haying and grazing), corn, grain sorghum, long grain rice, medium grain rice, pulse crops, soybeans, other oilseeds, and peanuts. (5) Effective price The term effective price , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the price calculated by the Secretary under section 1107(b)(2) to determine whether price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year. (6) Extra long staple cotton The term extra long staple cotton means cotton that— (A) is produced from pure strain varieties of the Barbadense species or any hybrid of the species, or other similar types of extra long staple cotton, designated by the Secretary, having characteristics needed for various end uses for which United States upland cotton is not suitable and grown in irrigated cotton-growing regions of the United States designated by the Secretary or other areas designated by the Secretary as suitable for the production of the varieties or types; and (B) is ginned on a roller-type gin or, if authorized by the Secretary, ginned on another type gin for experimental purposes. (7) Farm base acres The term farm base acres means the sum of the base acreage for all covered commodities and cotton on a farm in effect as of September 30, 2013, and subject to any adjustment under section 1105. (8) Medium grain rice The term medium grain rice includes short grain rice. (9) Midseason price The term midseason price means the applicable national average market price received by producers for the first 5 months of the applicable marketing year, as determined by the Secretary. (10) Other oilseed The term other oilseed means a crop of sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, crambe, sesame seed, or any oilseed designated by the Secretary. (11) Payment acres (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) through (D), the term payment acres , with respect to the provision of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss coverage payments, means— (i) 85 percent of total acres planted for the year to each covered commodity on a farm; and (ii) 30 percent of total acres approved as prevented from being planted for the year to each covered commodity on a farm. (B) Maximum The total quantity of payment acres determined under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed the farm base acres. (C) Reduction If the sum of all payment acres for a farm exceeds the limits established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall reduce the payment acres applicable to each crop proportionately. (D) Exclusion The term payment acres does not include any crop subsequently planted during the same crop year on the same land for which the first crop is eligible for payments under this subtitle, unless the crop was approved for double cropping in the county, as determined by the Secretary. (12) Payment yield The term payment yield means the yield established for counter-cyclical payments under section 1102 or 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7912 , 7952), section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8712 ), as in effect on September 30, 2013, or under section 1106 of this Act, for a farm for a covered commodity. (13) Price loss coverage The term price loss coverage means coverage provided under section 1107(b). (14) Producer (A) In general The term producer means an owner, operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper that shares in the risk of producing a crop and is entitled to share in the crop available for marketing from the farm, or would have shared had the crop been produced. (B) Hybrid seed In determining whether a grower of hybrid seed is a producer, the Secretary shall— (i) not take into consideration the existence of a hybrid seed contract; and (ii) ensure that program requirements do not adversely affect the ability of the grower to receive a payment under this title. (15) Pulse crop The term pulse crop means dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas. (16) Reference price The term reference price , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the following: (A) Wheat, $5.50 per bushel. (B) Corn, $3.70 per bushel. (C) Grain sorghum, $3.95 per bushel. (D) Barley, $4.95 per bushel. (E) Oats, $2.40 per bushel. (F) Long grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight. (G) Medium grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight. (H) Soybeans, $8.40 per bushel. (I) Other oilseeds, $20.15 per hundredweight. (J) Peanuts $535.00 per ton. (K) Dry peas, $11.00 per hundredweight. (L) Lentils, $19.97 per hundredweight. (M) Small chickpeas, $19.04 per hundredweight. (N) Large chickpeas, $21.54 per hundredweight. (17) Revenue loss coverage The term revenue loss coverage means coverage provided under section 1107(c). (18) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (19) State The term State means— (A) a State; (B) the District of Columbia; (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (D) any other territory or possession of the United States. (20) Temperate japonica rice The term temperate japonica rice means rice that is grown in high altitudes or temperate regions of high latitudes with cooler climate conditions, in the Western United States, as determined by the Secretary. (21) Transitional yield The term transitional yield has the meaning given the term in section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ). (22) United States The term United States , when used in a geographical sense, means all of the States. (23) United States premium factor The term United States Premium Factor means the percentage by which the difference in the United States loan schedule premiums for Strict Middling (SM) 1 1/8 -inch upland cotton and for Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch upland cotton exceeds the difference in the applicable premiums for comparable international qualities. 1105. Base acres (a) Adjustment of base acres (1) In general The Secretary shall provide for an adjustment, as appropriate, in the base acres for covered commodities and cotton for a farm whenever any of the following circumstances occurs: (A) A conservation reserve contract entered into under section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 ) with respect to the farm expires or is voluntarily terminated. (B) Cropland is released from coverage under a conservation reserve contract by the Secretary. (C) The producer has eligible oilseed acreage as the result of the Secretary designating additional oilseeds, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under section 1101(a)(1)(D) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8711(a)(1)(D) ). (2) Special conservation reserve acreage payment rules For the crop year in which a base acres adjustment under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) is first made, the owner of the farm shall elect to receive price loss coverage or revenue loss coverage with respect to the acreage added to the farm under this subsection or a prorated payment under the conservation reserve contract, but not both. (b) Prevention of excess base acres (1) Required reduction If the sum of the base acres for a farm, together with the acreage described in paragraph (2) exceeds the actual cropland acreage of the farm, the Secretary shall reduce the base acres for 1 or more covered commodities or cotton for the farm so that the sum of the base acres and acreage described in paragraph (2) does not exceed the actual cropland acreage of the farm. (2) Other acreage For purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include the following: (A) Any acreage on the farm enrolled in the conservation reserve program or wetlands reserve program (or successor programs) under chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq. ). (B) Any other acreage on the farm enrolled in a Federal conservation program for which payments are made in exchange for not producing an agricultural commodity on the acreage. (C) If the Secretary designates additional oilseeds, any eligible oilseed acreage, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under subsection (a)(1)(C). (3) Selection of acres The Secretary shall give the owner of the farm the opportunity to select the base acres for a covered commodity or cotton for the farm against which the reduction required by paragraph (1) will be made. (4) Exception for double-cropped acreage In applying paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make an exception in the case of double cropping, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Reduction in base acres (1) Reduction at option of owner (A) In general The owner of a farm may reduce, at any time, the base acres for any covered commodity or cotton for the farm. (B) Effect of reduction A reduction under subparagraph (A) shall be permanent and made in a manner prescribed by the Secretary. (2) Required action by Secretary (A) In general The Secretary shall proportionately reduce base acres on a farm for covered commodities and cotton for land that has been subdivided and developed for multiple residential units or other nonfarming uses if the size of the tracts and the density of the subdivision is such that the land is unlikely to return to the previous agricultural use, unless the producers on the farm demonstrate that the land— (i) remains devoted to commercial agricultural production; or (ii) is likely to be returned to the previous agricultural use. (B) Requirement The Secretary shall establish procedures to identify land described in subparagraph (A). 1106. Payment yields (a) Establishment and purpose For the purpose of making payments under this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide for the establishment of a yield for each farm for any designated oilseed for which a payment yield was not established under section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8712 ) in accordance with this section. (b) Payment yields for designated oilseeds (1) Determination of average yield In the case of designated oilseeds, the Secretary shall determine the average yield per planted acre for the designated oilseed on a farm for the 1998 through 2001 crop years, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the designated oilseed was zero. (2) Adjustment for payment yield (A) In general The payment yield for a farm for a designated oilseed shall be equal to the product of the following: (i) The average yield for the designated oilseed determined under paragraph (1). (ii) The ratio resulting from dividing the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1981 through 1985 crops by the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1998 through 2001 crops. (B) No national average yield information available To the extent that national average yield information for a designated oilseed is not available, the Secretary shall use such information as the Secretary determines to be fair and equitable to establish a national average yield under this section. (3) Use of county average yield If the yield per planted acre for a crop of a designated oilseed for a farm for any of the 1998 through 2001 crop years was less than 75 percent of the county yield for that designated oilseed, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the county yield for the purpose of determining the average under paragraph (1). (4) No historic yield data available In the case of establishing yields for designated oilseeds, if historic yield data is not available, the Secretary shall use the ratio for dry peas calculated under paragraph (2)(A)(ii) in determining the yields for designated oilseeds, as determined to be fair and equitable by the Secretary. (c) Effect of lack of payment yield (1) Establishment by secretary If no payment yield is otherwise established for a farm for which a covered commodity is planted and eligible to receive price loss coverage payments, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm under paragraph (2). (2) Use of similarly situated farms To establish an appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law. (d) Single opportunity To update yields used To determine price loss coverage payments (1) Election to update At the sole discretion of the owner of a farm, the owner of a farm shall have a 1-time opportunity to update the payment yields on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis that would otherwise be used in calculating any price loss coverage payment for covered commodities on the farm. (2) Time for election The election under paragraph (1) shall be made at a time and manner to be in effect for the 2014 crop year as determined by the Secretary. (3) Method of updating yields If the owner of a farm elects to update yields under this subsection, the payment yield for a covered commodity on the farm, for the purpose of calculating price loss coverage payments only, shall be equal to 90 percent of the average of the yield per planted acre for the crop of the covered commodity on the farm for the 2008 through 2012 crop years, as determined by the Secretary, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the crop of the covered commodity was zero. (4) Use of county average yield If the yield per planted acre for a crop of the covered commodity for a farm for any of the 2008 through 2012 crop years was less than 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for that commodity, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for the purposes of determining the average yield under paragraph (3). (5) Effect of lack of payment yield (A) Establishment by secretary For purposes of this subsection, if no payment yield is otherwise established for a covered commodity on a farm, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate updated payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm under subparagraph (B). (B) Use of similarly situated farms To establish an appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall take into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law. 1107. Farm risk management election (a) In general (1) Payments required Except as provided in paragraph (2), if the Secretary determines that payments are required under subsection (b)(1) or (c)(2) for a covered commodity, the Secretary shall make payments for that covered commodity available under such subsection to producers on a farm pursuant to the terms and conditions of this section. (2) Prohibition on payments; exceptions Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a producer on a farm may not receive price loss coverage payments or revenue loss coverage payments if the sum of the planted acres of covered commodities on the farm is 10 acres or less, as determined by the Secretary, unless the producer is— (A) a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (as defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2003(e) )); or (B) a limited resource farmer or rancher, as defined by the Secretary. (b) Price loss coverage (1) Payments For the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary shall make price loss coverage payments to producers on a farm for a covered commodity if the Secretary determines that— (A) the effective price for the covered commodity for the crop year; is less than (B) the reference price for the covered commodity for the crop year. (2) Effective price The effective price for a covered commodity for a crop year shall be the higher of— (A) the midseason price; or (B) the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such crop year under subtitle B. (3) Payment rate The payment rate shall be equal to the difference between— (A) the reference price for the covered commodity; and (B) the effective price determined under paragraph (2) for the covered commodity. (4) Payment amount If price loss coverage payments are required to be provided under this subsection for the 2014 crop year or any succeding crop year for a covered commodity, the amount of the price loss coverage payment to be paid to the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the payment rate for the covered commodity under paragraph (3); (B) the payment yield for the covered commodity; and (C) the payment acres for the covered commodity. (5) Time for payments If the Secretary determines under this subsection that price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, the payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity. (6) Special rule for barley In determining the effective price for barley in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall use the all-barley price. (7) Special rule for temperate japonica rice The Secretary shall provide a reference price with respect to temperate japonica rice in an amount equal to 115 percent of the amount established in subparagraphs (F) and (G) of section 1104(16) in order to reflect price premiums. (c) Revenue loss coverage (1) Available as an alternative As an alternative to receiving price loss coverage payments under subsection (b) for a covered commodity, all of the owners of the farm may make a one-time, irrevocable election on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis to receive revenue loss coverage payments for each covered commodity in accordance with this subsection. If any of the owners of the farm make different elections on the same covered commodity on the farm, all of the owners of the farm shall be deemed to have not made the election available under this paragraph. (2) Payments In the case of owners of a farm that make the election described in paragraph (1) for a covered commodity, the Secretary shall make revenue loss coverage payments available under this subsection for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year if the Secretary determines that— (A) the actual county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity; is less than (B) the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the crop year for the covered commodity. (3) Time for payments If the Secretary determines under this subsection that revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity. (4) Actual county revenue The amount of the actual county revenue for a crop year of a covered commodity shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the actual county yield, as determined by the Secretary, for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity; and (B) the higher of— (i) the midseason price; or (ii) the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such crop year under subtitle B. (5) County revenue loss coverage trigger (A) In general The county revenue loss coverage trigger for a crop year for a covered commodity on a farm shall equal 85 percent of the benchmark county revenue. (B) Benchmark county revenue (i) In general The benchmark county revenue shall be the product obtained by multiplying— (I) subject to clause (ii), the average historical county yield as determined by the Secretary for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest yields; and (II) subject to clause (iii), the average national marketing year average price for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest prices. (ii) Yield conditions If the historical county yield in clause (i)(I) for any of the 5 most recent crop years, as determined by the Secretary, is less than 70 percent of the transitional yield, as determined by the Secretary, the amounts used for any of those years in clause (i)(I) shall be 70 percent of the transitional yield. (iii) Reference price If the national marketing year average price in clause (i)(II) for any of the 5 most recent crop years is lower than the reference price for the covered commodity, the Secretary shall use the reference price for any of those years for the amounts in clause (i)(II). (6) Payment rate The payment rate shall be equal to the lesser of— (A) the difference between— (i) the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the covered commodity; and (ii) the actual county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity; or (B) 10 percent of the benchmark county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity. (7) Payment amount If revenue loss coverage payments under this subsection are required to be provided for the 2014 crop year or any succeeding crop year of a covered commodity, the amount of the revenue loss coverage payment to be provided to the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the payment rate under paragraph (6); and (B) the payment acres of the covered commodity on the farm. (8) Duties of the secretary In providing revenue loss coverage payments under this subsection, the Secretary— (A) shall ensure that producers on a farm do not reconstitute the farm of the producers to void or change the election made under paragraph (1); (B) to the maximum extent practicable, shall use all available information and analysis, including data mining, to check for anomalies in the provision of revenue loss coverage payments; (C) to the maximum extent practicable, shall calculate a separate county revenue loss coverage trigger for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities and a separate actual county revenue for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities; (D) shall assign a benchmark county yield for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity on the basis of the yield history of representative farms in the State, region, or crop reporting district, as determined by the Secretary, if— (i) the Secretary cannot establish the benchmark county yield for each planted acre for a crop year for a covered commodity in the county in accordance with paragraph (5); or (ii) the yield determined under paragraph (5) is an unrepresentative average yield for the county (as determined by the Secretary); and (E) to the maximum extent practicable, shall ensure that in order to be eligible for a payment under this subsection, the producers on the farm suffered an actual loss on the covered commodity for the crop year for which payment is sought. (d) Annual report 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 report annually containing an evaluation of the impact of price loss coverage and revenue loss coverage— (1) on the planting, production, price, and export of covered commodities; and (2) on the cost of each commodity program. (e) Cap on total obligations and expenditures Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the total amount of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss coverage payments made under this section during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2020 shall not exceed $16,956,500,000. Producer agreements required by section 1108 shall specifically state that payments made under this section shall be reduced as necessary to comply with this subsection. 1108. Producer agreements (a) Compliance with certain requirements (1) Requirements Before the producers on a farm may receive payments under this subtitle with respect to the farm, the producers shall agree, during the crop year for which the payments are made and in exchange for the payments— (A) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ); (B) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ); and (C) to effectively control noxious weeds and otherwise maintain the land in accordance with sound agricultural practices, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Compliance The Secretary may issue such rules as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure producer compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1). (3) Modification At the request of the transferee or owner, the Secretary may modify the requirements of this subsection if the modifications are consistent with the objectives of this subsection, as determined by the Secretary. (b) Transfer or change of interest in farm (1) Termination (A) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a transfer of (or change in) the interest of the producers on a farm for which payments under this subtitle are provided shall result in the termination of the payments, unless the transferee or owner of the acreage agrees to assume all obligations under subsection (a). (B) Effective date The termination shall take effect on the date determined by the Secretary. (2) Exception If a producer entitled to a payment under this subtitle dies, becomes incompetent, or is otherwise unable to receive the payment, the Secretary shall make the payment in accordance with rules issued by the Secretary. (c) Acreage reports As a condition on the receipt of any benefits under this subtitle or subtitle B, the Secretary shall require producers on a farm to submit to the Secretary annual acreage reports with respect to all cropland on the farm. (d) Tenants and sharecroppers In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers. (e) Sharing of payments The Secretary shall provide for the sharing of payments made under this subtitle among the producers on a farm on a fair and equitable basis. B Marketing loans 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities (a) Definition of loan commodity In this subtitle, the term loan commodity means wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, peanuts, soybeans, other oilseeds, graded wool, nongraded wool, mohair, honey, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas. (b) Nonrecourse loans available (1) In general For the 2014 crops and each succeeding annual crops of each loan commodity, the Secretary shall make available to producers on a farm nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities produced on the farm. (2) Terms and conditions The marketing assistance loans shall be made under terms and conditions that are prescribed by the Secretary and at the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity. (c) Eligible production The producers on a farm shall be eligible for a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b) for any quantity of a loan commodity produced on the farm. (d) Compliance with conservation and wetlands requirements As a condition of the receipt of a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b), the producer shall comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ) and applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ) during the term of the loan. (e) Special rules for peanuts (1) In general This subsection shall apply only to producers of peanuts. (2) Options for obtaining loan A marketing assistance loan under this section, and loan deficiency payments under section 1205, may be obtained at the option of the producers on a farm through— (A) a designated marketing association or marketing cooperative of producers that is approved by the Secretary; or (B) the Farm Service Agency. (3) Storage of loan peanuts As a condition on the approval by the Secretary of an individual or entity to provide storage for peanuts for which a marketing assistance loan is made under this section, the individual or entity shall agree— (A) to provide the storage on a nondiscriminatory basis; and (B) to comply with such additional requirements as the Secretary considers appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this section and promote fairness in the administration of the benefits of this section. (4) Storage, handling, and associated costs (A) In general To ensure proper storage of peanuts for which a loan is made under this section, the Secretary shall pay handling and other associated costs (other than storage costs) incurred at the time at which the peanuts are placed under loan, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Redemption and forfeiture The Secretary shall— (i) require the repayment of handling and other associated costs paid under subparagraph (A) for all peanuts pledged as collateral for a loan that is redeemed under this section; and (ii) pay storage, handling, and other associated costs for all peanuts pledged as collateral that are forfeited under this section. (5) Marketing A marketing association or cooperative may market peanuts for which a loan is made under this section in any manner that conforms to consumer needs, including the separation of peanuts by type and quality. (6) Reimbursable agreements and payment of administrative expenses The Secretary may implement any reimbursable agreements or provide for the payment of administrative expenses under this subsection only in a manner that is consistent with those activities in regard to other loan commodities. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans (a) In general For purposes of the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the loan rate for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity shall be equal to the following: (1) In the case of wheat, $2.94 per bushel. (2) In the case of corn, $1.95 per bushel. (3) In the case of grain sorghum, $1.95 per bushel. (4) In the case of barley, $1.95 per bushel. (5) In the case of oats, $1.39 per bushel. (6) In the case of base quality of upland cotton, for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the simple average of the adjusted prevailing world price for the 2 immediately preceding marketing years, as determined by the Secretary and announced October 1 preceding the next domestic plantings, but in no case less than $0.47 per pound or more than $0.52 per pound. (7) In the case of extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 per pound. (8) In the case of long grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight. (9) In the case of medium grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight. (10) In the case of soybeans, $5.00 per bushel. (11) In the case of other oilseeds, $10.09 per hundredweight for each of the following kinds of oilseeds: (A) Sunflower seed. (B) Rapeseed. (C) Canola. (D) Safflower. (E) Flaxseed. (F) Mustard seed. (G) Crambe. (H) Sesame seed. (I) Other oilseeds designated by the Secretary. (12) In the case of dry peas, $5.40 per hundredweight. (13) In the case of lentils, $11.28 per hundredweight. (14) In the case of small chickpeas, $7.43 per hundredweight. (15) In the case of large chickpeas, $11.28 per hundredweight. (16) In the case of graded wool, $1.15 per pound. (17) In the case of nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound. (18) In the case of mohair, $4.20 per pound. (19) In the case of honey, $0.69 per pound. (20) In the case of peanuts, $355 per ton. (b) Single county loan rate for other oilseeds The Secretary shall establish a single loan rate in each county for each kind of other oilseeds described in subsection (a)(11). 1203. Term of loans (a) Term of loan In the case of each loan commodity, a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 shall have a term of 9 months beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the loan is made. (b) Extensions prohibited The Secretary may not extend the term of a marketing assistance loan for any loan commodity. 1204. Repayment of loans (a) General rule The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity (other than upland cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, extra long staple cotton, peanuts and confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed)) at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); (2) a rate (as determined by the Secretary) that— (A) is calculated based on average market prices for the loan commodity during the preceding 30-day period; and (B) will minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries; or (3) a rate that the Secretary may develop using alternative methods for calculating a repayment rate for a loan commodity that the Secretary determines will— (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures; (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of the commodity by the Federal Government; (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing the commodity; (D) allow the commodity produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and (E) minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries. (b) Repayment rates for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice The Secretary shall permit producers to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) the prevailing world market price for the commodity, as determined and adjusted by the Secretary in accordance with this section. (c) Repayment rates for extra long staple cotton Repayment of a marketing assistance loan for extra long staple cotton shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )). (d) Prevailing world market price For purposes of this section and section 1207, the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation— (1) a formula to determine the prevailing world market price for each of upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice; and (2) a mechanism by which the Secretary shall announce periodically those prevailing world market prices. (e) Adjustment of prevailing world market price for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice (1) Rice The prevailing world market price for long grain rice and medium grain rice determined under subsection (d) shall be adjusted to United States quality and location. (2) Cotton The prevailing world market price for upland cotton determined under subsection (d)— (A) shall be adjusted to United States quality and location, with the adjustment to include— (i) a reduction equal to any United States Premium Factor for upland cotton of a quality higher than Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch; and (ii) the average costs to market the commodity, including average transportation costs, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) may be further adjusted, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on July 31, 2019, if the Secretary determines the adjustment is necessary— (i) to minimize potential loan forfeitures; (ii) to minimize the accumulation of stocks of upland cotton by the Federal Government; (iii) to ensure that upland cotton produced in the United States can be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and (iv) to ensure an appropriate transition between current-crop and forward-crop price quotations, except that the Secretary may use forward-crop price quotations prior to July 31 of a marketing year only if— (I) there are insufficient current-crop price quotations; and (II) the forward-crop price quotation is the lowest such quotation available. (3) Guidelines for additional adjustments In making adjustments under this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a mechanism for determining and announcing the adjustments in order to avoid undue disruption in the United States market. (f) Repayment rates for confectionery and other kinds of sunflower seeds The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed) at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) the repayment rate established for oil sunflower seed. (g) Payment of cotton storage costs Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary shall make cotton storage payments available in the same manner, and at the same rates as the Secretary provided storage payments for the 2006 crop of cotton, except that the rates shall be reduced by 10 percent. (h) Repayment rate for peanuts The Secretary shall permit producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan for peanuts under section 1201 at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for peanuts under section 1202(a)(20), plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) a rate that the Secretary determines will— (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures; (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of peanuts by the Federal Government; (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing peanuts; and (D) allow peanuts produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally. (i) Authority To temporarily adjust repayment rates (1) Adjustment authority In the event of a severe disruption to marketing, transportation, or related infrastructure, the Secretary may modify the repayment rate otherwise applicable under this section for marketing assistance loans under section 1201 for a loan commodity. (2) Duration Any adjustment made under paragraph (1) in the repayment rate for marketing assistance loans for a loan commodity shall be in effect on a short-term and temporary basis, as determined by the Secretary. 1205. Loan deficiency payments (a) Availability of loan deficiency payments (1) In general Except as provided in subsection (d), the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available to producers on a farm that, although eligible to obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 with respect to a loan commodity, agree to forgo obtaining the loan for the commodity in return for loan deficiency payments under this section. (2) Unshorn pelts, hay, and silage (A) Marketing assistance loans Subject to subparagraph (B), nongraded wool in the form of unshorn pelts and hay and silage derived from a loan commodity are not eligible for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201. (B) Loan deficiency payment Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available under this section to producers on a farm that produce unshorn pelts or hay and silage derived from a loan commodity. (b) Computation A loan deficiency payment for a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (1) the payment rate determined under subsection (c) for the commodity; by (2) the quantity of the commodity produced by the eligible producers, excluding any quantity for which the producers obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201. (c) Payment rate (1) In general In the case of a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204. (2) Unshorn pelts In the case of unshorn pelts, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for ungraded wool; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for ungraded wool may be repaid under section 1204. (3) Hay and silage In the case of hay or silage derived from a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity from which the hay or silage is derived; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204. (d) Exception for extra long staple cotton This section shall not apply with respect to extra long staple cotton. (e) Effective date for payment rate determination The Secretary shall determine the amount of the loan deficiency payment to be made under this section to the producers on a farm with respect to a quantity of a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) using the payment rate in effect under subsection (c) as of the date the producers request the payment. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage (a) Eligible producers (1) In general Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, in the case of a producer that would be eligible for a loan deficiency payment under section 1205 for wheat, barley, or oats, but that elects to use acreage planted to the wheat, barley, or oats for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of the wheat, barley, or oats on that acreage. (2) Grazing of triticale acreage Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, with respect to a producer on a farm that uses acreage planted to triticale for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of triticale on that acreage. (b) Payment amount (1) In general The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(1) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying— (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying— (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of wheat, barley, or oats; and (ii) (I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to that loan commodity on the farm; or (II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for that loan commodity, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act. (2) Grazing of triticale acreage The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying— (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect for wheat, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying— (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of triticale; and (ii) (I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to wheat on the farm; or (II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for wheat, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act. (c) Time, manner, and availability of payment (1) Time and manner A payment under this section shall be made at the same time and in the same manner as loan deficiency payments are made under section 1205. (2) Availability (A) In general The Secretary shall establish an availability period for the payments authorized by this section. (B) Certain commodities In the case of wheat, barley, and oats, the availability period shall be consistent with the availability period for the commodity established by the Secretary for marketing assistance loans authorized by this subtitle. (d) Prohibition on crop insurance indemnity or noninsured crop assistance A 2014 crop or succeeding annual crop of wheat, barley, oats, or triticale planted on acreage that a producer elects, in the agreement required by subsection (a), to use for the grazing of livestock in lieu of any other harvesting of the crop shall not be eligible for an indemnity under a policy or plan of insurance authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) or noninsured crop assistance under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ). 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton (a) Special import quota (1) Definition of special import quota In this subsection, the term special import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota. (2) Establishment (A) In general The President shall carry out an import quota program beginning on August 1, 2014, as provided in this subsection. (B) Program requirements Whenever the Secretary determines and announces that for any consecutive 4-week period, the Friday through Thursday average price quotation for the lowest-priced United States growth, as quoted for Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch cotton, delivered to a definable and significant international market, as determined by the Secretary, exceeds the prevailing world market price, there shall immediately be in effect a special import quota. (3) Quantity The quota shall be equal to the consumption during a 1-week period of cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary. (4) Application The quota shall apply to upland cotton purchased not later than 90 days after the date of the Secretary’s announcement under paragraph (2) and entered into the United States not later than 180 days after that date. (5) Overlap A special quota period may be established that overlaps any existing quota period if required by paragraph (2), except that a special quota period may not be established under this subsection if a quota period has been established under subsection (b). (6) Preferential tariff treatment The quantity under a special import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of— (A) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2703(d) ); (B) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3203 ); (C) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2463(d) ); and (D) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. (7) Limitation The quantity of cotton entered into the United States during any marketing year under the special import quota established under this subsection may not exceed the equivalent of 10 weeks’ consumption of upland cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the 3 months immediately preceding the first special import quota established in any marketing year. (b) Limited global import quota for upland cotton (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Demand The term demand means— (i) the average seasonally adjusted annual rate of domestic mill consumption of cotton during the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary; and (ii) the larger of— (I) average exports of upland cotton during the preceding 6 marketing years; or (II) cumulative exports of upland cotton plus outstanding export sales for the marketing year in which the quota is established. (B) Limited global import quota The term limited global import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota. (C) Supply The term supply means, using the latest official data of the Department of Agriculture— (i) the carry-over of upland cotton at the beginning of the marketing year (adjusted to 480-pound bales) in which the quota is established; (ii) production of the current crop; and (iii) imports to the latest date available during the marketing year. (2) Program The President shall carry out an import quota program that provides that whenever the Secretary determines and announces that the average price of the base quality of upland cotton, as determined by the Secretary, in the designated spot markets for a month exceeded 130 percent of the average price of the quality of cotton in the markets for the preceding 36 months, notwithstanding any other provision of law, there shall immediately be in effect a limited global import quota subject to the following conditions: (A) Quantity The quantity of the quota shall be equal to 21 days of domestic mill consumption of upland cotton at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary. (B) Quantity if prior quota If a quota has been established under this subsection during the preceding 12 months, the quantity of the quota next established under this subsection shall be the smaller of 21 days of domestic mill consumption calculated under subparagraph (A) or the quantity required to increase the supply to 130 percent of the demand. (C) Preferential tariff treatment The quantity under a limited global import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of— (i) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2703(d) ); (ii) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3203 ); (iii) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2463(d) ); and (iv) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. (D) Quota entry period When a quota is established under this subsection, cotton may be entered under the quota during the 90-day period beginning on the date the quota is established by the Secretary. (3) No overlap Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a quota period may not be established that overlaps an existing quota period or a special quota period established under subsection (a). (c) Economic adjustment assistance to users of upland cotton (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, on a monthly basis, make economic adjustment assistance available to domestic users of upland cotton in the form of payments for all documented use of that upland cotton during the previous monthly period regardless of the origin of the upland cotton. (2) Value of assistance Effective beginning on August 1, 2013, the value of the assistance provided under paragraph (1) shall be 3 cents per pound. (3) Allowable purposes Economic adjustment assistance under this subsection shall be made available only to domestic users of upland cotton that certify that the assistance shall be used only to acquire, construct, install, modernize, develop, convert, or expand land, plant, buildings, equipment, facilities, or machinery. (4) Review or audit The Secretary may conduct such review or audit of the records of a domestic user under this subsection as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this subsection. (5) Improper use of assistance If the Secretary determines, after a review or audit of the records of the domestic user, that economic adjustment assistance under this subsection was not used for the purposes specified in paragraph (3), the domestic user shall be— (A) liable for the repayment of the assistance to the Secretary, plus interest, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) ineligible to receive assistance under this subsection for a period of 1 year following the determination of the Secretary. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton (a) Competitiveness program Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall carry out a program— (1) to maintain and expand the domestic use of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; (2) to increase exports of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; and (3) to ensure that extra long staple cotton produced in the United States remains competitive in world markets. (b) Payments under program; trigger Under the program, the Secretary shall make payments available under this section whenever— (1) for a consecutive 4-week period, the world market price for the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is below the prevailing United States price for a competing growth of extra long staple cotton; and (2) the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is less than 134 percent of the loan rate for extra long staple cotton. (c) Eligible recipients The Secretary shall make payments available under this section to domestic users of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States and exporters of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States that enter into an agreement with the Commodity Credit Corporation to participate in the program under this section. (d) Payment amount Payments under this section shall be based on the amount of the difference in the prices referred to in subsection (b)(1) during the fourth week of the consecutive 4-week period multiplied by the amount of documented purchases by domestic users and sales for export by exporters made in the week following such a consecutive 4-week period. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton (a) High moisture feed grains (1) Definition of high moisture state In this subsection, the term high moisture state means corn or grain sorghum having a moisture content in excess of Commodity Credit Corporation standards for marketing assistance loans made by the Secretary under section 1201. (2) Recourse loans available For the 2014 crop and each succeeding annual crop of corn and grain sorghum, the Secretary shall make available recourse loans, as determined by the Secretary, to producers on a farm that— (A) normally harvest all or a portion of their crop of corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state; (B) present— (i) certified scale tickets from an inspected, certified commercial scale, including a licensed warehouse, feedlot, feed mill, distillery, or other similar entity approved by the Secretary, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary; or (ii) field or other physical measurements of the standing or stored crop in regions of the United States, as determined by the Secretary, that do not have certified commercial scales from which certified scale tickets may be obtained within reasonable proximity of harvest operation; (C) certify that the producers on the farm were the owners of the feed grain at the time of delivery to, and that the quantity to be placed under loan under this subsection was in fact harvested on the farm and delivered to, a feedlot, feed mill, or commercial or on-farm high-moisture storage facility, or to a facility maintained by the users of corn and grain sorghum in a high moisture state; and (D) comply with deadlines established by the Secretary for harvesting the corn or grain sorghum and submit applications for loans under this subsection within deadlines established by the Secretary. (3) Eligibility of acquired feed grains A loan under this subsection shall be made on a quantity of corn or grain sorghum of the same crop acquired by the producer equivalent to a quantity determined by multiplying— (A) the acreage of the corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state harvested on the farm of the producer; by (B) the lower of the farm program payment yield used to make payments under subtitle A or the actual yield on a field, as determined by the Secretary, that is similar to the field from which the corn or grain sorghum was obtained. (b) Recourse loans available for seed cotton For the 2014 crop and each succeeding annual crop of upland cotton and extra long staple cotton, the Secretary shall make available recourse seed cotton loans, as determined by the Secretary, on any production. (c) Repayment rates Repayment of a recourse loan made under this section shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity by the Secretary, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )). 1210. Adjustments of loans (a) Adjustment authority Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rates for any loan commodity (other than cotton) for differences in grade, type, quality, location, and other factors. (b) Manner of adjustment The adjustments under subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in such a manner that the average loan level for the commodity will, on the basis of the anticipated incidence of the factors, be equal to the level of support determined in accordance with this subtitle and subtitle C. (c) Adjustment on county basis (1) In general The Secretary may establish loan rates for a crop for producers in individual counties in a manner that results in the lowest loan rate being 95 percent of the national average loan rate, if those loan rates do not result in an increase in outlays. (2) Prohibition Adjustments under this subsection shall not result in an increase in the national average loan rate for any year. (d) Adjustment in loan rate for cotton (1) In general The Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rate for cotton for differences in quality factors. (2) Types of adjustments Loan rate adjustments under paragraph (1) may include— (A) the use of non-spot market price data, in addition to spot market price data, that would enhance the accuracy of the price information used in determining quality adjustments under this subsection; (B) adjustments in the premiums or discounts associated with upland cotton with a staple length of 33 or above due to micronaire with the goal of eliminating any unnecessary artificial splits in the calculations of the premiums or discounts; and (C) such other adjustments as the Secretary determines appropriate, after consultations conducted in accordance with paragraph (3). (3) Consultation with private sector (A) Prior to revision In making adjustments to the loan rate for cotton (including any review of the adjustments) as provided in this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the United States cotton industry. (B) Inapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to consultations under this subsection. (4) Review of adjustments The Secretary may review the operation of the upland cotton quality adjustments implemented pursuant to this subsection and may make further adjustments to the administration of the loan program for upland cotton, by revoking or revising any adjustment taken under paragraph (2). (e) Rice The Secretary shall not make adjustments in the loan rates for long grain rice and medium grain rice, except for differences in grade and quality (including milling yields). C Sugar 1301. Sugar program (a) Continuation of current program and loan rates (1) Sugarcane Section 156(a)(5) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(a)(5) ) is amended by striking the 2012 crop year and inserting the 2012 crop year and each succeeding crop year . (2) Sugar beets Section 156(b)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(b)(2) ) is amended by striking each of the 2009 through 2012 crop years and inserting the 2009 crop year and each succeeding crop year . (3) Effective period Section 156(i) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(i) ) is repealed. (b) Flexible marketing allotments for sugar (1) Sugar estimates Section 359b(a)(1) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359bb(a)(1) ) is amended by striking each of the 2008 through 2012 crop years and inserting the 2008 crop year and each succeeding crop year . (2) Effective period Section 359i(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359ii(a) ) is amended by striking only for the 2008 through 2012 crop years and inserting for the 2008 crop year and each succeeding crop year . D Dairy I Dairy Producer Margin Insurance Program 1401. Dairy producer margin insurance program Subtitle E of title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8771 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1511. Dairy producer margin insurance program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Actual dairy producer margin The term actual dairy producer margin means the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost, as calculated under subsection (b)(2). (2) All-milk price The term all-milk price means the average price received, per hundredweight of milk, by dairy producers for all milk sold to plants and dealers in the United States, as reported by the National Agricultural Statistics Service. (3) Average feed cost The term average feed cost means the average cost of feed used by a dairy operation to produce a hundredweight of milk, determined under subsection (b)(1) using the sum of the following: (A) The product determined by multiplying— (i) 1.0728; by (ii) the price of corn per bushel. (B) The product determined by multiplying— (i) 0.00735; by (ii) the price of soybean meal per ton. (C) The product determined by multiplying— (i) 0.0137; by (ii) the price of alfalfa hay per ton. (4) Consecutive 2-month period The term consecutive 2-month period refers to the 2-month period consisting of the months of January and February, March and April, May and June, July and August, September and October, or November and December, respectively. (5) Dairy producer The term dairy producer means an individual or entity that directly or indirectly (as determined by the Secretary)— (A) shares in the risk of producing milk; and (B) makes contributions (including land, labor, management, equipment, or capital) to the dairy operation of the individual or entity that are at least commensurate with the share of the individual or entity of the proceeds of the operation. (6) Margin insurance program The term margin insurance program means the dairy producer margin insurance program required by this section. (7) Participating dairy producer The term participating dairy producer means a dairy producer that registers under subsection (d)(2) to participate in the margin insurance program. (8) Production history The term production history means the quantity of annual milk marketings determined for a dairy producer under subsection (e)(1). (9) United States The term United States , in a geographical sense, means the 50 States. (b) Calculation of average feed cost and actual dairy producer margins (1) Calculation of average feed cost The Secretary shall calculate the national average feed cost for each month using the following data: (A) The price of corn for a month shall be the price received during that month by agricultural producers in the United States for corn, as reported in the monthly Agriculture Prices report by the Secretary. (B) The price of soybean meal for a month shall be the central Illinois price for soybean meal, as reported in the Market News–Monthly Soybean Meal Price Report by the Secretary. (C) The price of alfalfa hay for a month shall be the price received during that month by agricultural producers in the United States for alfalfa hay, as reported in the monthly Agriculture Prices report by the Secretary. (2) Calculation of actual dairy producer margins The Secretary shall calculate the actual dairy producer margin for each consecutive 2-month period by subtracting— (A) the average feed cost for that consecutive 2-month period, determined in accordance with paragraph (1); from (B) the all-milk price for that consecutive 2-month period. (c) Establishment of dairy producer margin insurance program The Secretary shall establish and administer a dairy producer margin insurance program for the purpose of protecting dairy producer income by paying participating dairy producers margin insurance payments when actual dairy producer margins are less than the threshold levels for the payments. (d) Eligibility and registration of dairy producers for margin insurance program (1) Eligibility All dairy producers in the United States shall be eligible to participate in the margin insurance program. (2) Registration process (A) Registration (i) Annual registration On an annual basis, the Secretary shall register all interested dairy producers in the margin insurance program. (ii) Manner and form The Secretary shall specify the manner and form by which a dairy producer shall register for the margin insurance program. (B) Treatment of multi-producer operations If a dairy operation consists of more than 1 dairy producer, all of the dairy producers of the operation shall be treated as a single dairy producer for purposes of— (i) purchasing margin insurance; and (ii) payment of producer premiums under subsection (f)(4). (C) Treatment of producers with multiple dairy operations If a dairy producer operates 2 or more dairy operations, each dairy operation of the producer shall require a separate registration to participate and purchase margin insurance. (3) Time for registration (A) Existing dairy producers During the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, a dairy producer that is actively engaged in a dairy operation as of that date may register with the Secretary to participate in the margin insurance program. (B) New Entrants A dairy producer that has no existing interest in a dairy operation as of the date of enactment of this section, but that, after that date, establishes a new dairy operation, may register with the Secretary during the 180-day period beginning on the date on which the dairy operation first markets milk commercially to participate in the margin insurance program. (4) Retroactivity (A) Notice of availability of retroactive protection Not later than 30 days after the effective date of this section, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register to inform dairy producers of the availability of retroactive margin insurance, subject to the condition that interested producers must file a notice of intent (in such form and manner as the Secretary specifies in the Federal Register notice) to participate in the margin insurance program. (B) Retroactive margin insurance (i) Availability If a dairy producer files a notice of intent under subparagraph (A) to participate in the margin insurance program before the initiation of the sign-up period for the margin insurance program and subsequently signs up for the margin insurance program, the producer shall receive margin insurance retroactive to the effective date of this section. (ii) Duration Retroactive margin insurance under this paragraph for a dairy producer shall apply from the effective date of this section until the date on which the producer signs up for the margin insurance program. (C) Notice of intent and obligation to participate In no way does filing a notice of intent under this paragraph obligate a dairy producer to sign up for the margin insurance program once the program rules are final, but if a producer does file a notice of intent and subsequently signs up for the margin insurance program, that dairy producer is obligated to pay premiums for any retroactive margin insurance selected in the notice of intent. (5) Reconstitution The Secretary shall ensure that a dairy producer does not reconstitute a dairy operation for the sole purpose of purchasing margin insurance. (e) Production history of participating dairy producers (1) Determination of production history (A) In general The Secretary shall determine the production history of the dairy operation of each participating dairy producer in the margin insurance program. (B) Calculation Except as provided in subparagraphs (C) and (D), the production history of a participating dairy producer shall be equal to the highest annual milk marketings of the dairy producer during any 1 of the 3 calendar years immediately preceding the registration of the dairy producer for participation in the margin insurance program. (C) Updating production history So long as a participating producer remains registered, the production history of the participating producer shall be annually updated based on the highest annual milk marketings of the dairy producer during any one of the 3 immediately preceding calendar years. (D) New producers If a dairy producer has been in operation for less than 1 year, the Secretary shall determine the initial production history of the dairy producer under subparagraph (B) by extrapolating the actual milk marketings for the months that the dairy producer has been in operation to a yearly amount. (2) Required information A participating dairy producer shall provide all information that the Secretary may require in order to establish the production history of the dairy operation of the dairy producer. (3) Transfer of production history (A) Transfer by sale (i) Request for transfer If an existing dairy producer sells an entire dairy operation to another party, the seller and purchaser may jointly request that the Secretary transfer to the purchaser the interest of the seller in the production history of the dairy operation. (ii) Transfer If the Secretary determines that the seller has sold the entire dairy operation to the purchaser, the Secretary shall approve the transfer and, thereafter, the seller shall have no interest in the production history of the sold dairy operation. (B) Transfer by Lease (i) Request for transfer If an existing dairy producer leases an entire dairy operation to another party, the lessor and lessee may jointly request that the Secretary transfer to the lessee for the duration of the term of the lease the interest of the lessor in the production history of the dairy operation. (ii) Transfer If the Secretary determines that the lessor has leased the entire dairy operation to the lessee, the Secretary shall approve the transfer and, thereafter, the lessor shall have no interest for the duration of the term of the lease in the production history of the leased dairy operation. (C) Coverage level A purchaser or lessee to whom the Secretary transfers a production history under this paragraph may not obtain a different level of margin insurance coverage held by the seller or lessor from whom the transfer was obtained. (D) New entrants The Secretary may not transfer the production history determined for a dairy producer described in subsection (d)(3)(B) to another person. (4) Movement and transfer of production history (A) Movement and transfer authorized Subject to subparagraph (B), if a dairy producer moves from 1 location to another location, the dairy producer may maintain the production history associated with the operation. (B) Notification requirement A dairy producer shall notify the Secretary of any move of a dairy operation under subparagraph (A). (C) Subsequent occupation of vacated location A party subsequently occupying a dairy operation location vacated as described in subparagraph (A) shall have no interest in the production history previously associated with the operation at that location. (f) Margin insurance (1) In general At the time of the registration of a dairy producer in the margin insurance program under subsection (d) and annually thereafter during the duration of the margin insurance program, an eligible dairy producer may purchase margin insurance. (2) Selection of payment threshold A participating dairy producer purchasing margin insurance shall elect a coverage level in any increment of $0.50, with a minimum of $4.00 and a maximum of $8.00. (3) Selection of coverage percentage A participating dairy producer purchasing margin insurance shall elect a percentage of coverage, equal to not more than 80 percent nor less than 25 percent, of the production history of the dairy operation of the participating dairy producer. (4) Producer Premiums (A) Premiums required A participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance shall pay an annual premium equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (i) the percentage selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (3); (ii) the production history applicable to the dairy producer; and (iii) the premium per hundredweight of milk, as specified in the applicable table under subparagraph (B) or (C). (B) Premium per hundredweight for first 4 million pounds of production For the first 4,000,000 pounds of milk marketings included in the annual production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level specified in the following table is as follows: Coverage Level Premium per Cwt. $4.00 $0.00 $4.50 $0.01 $5.00 $0.02 $5.50 $0.035 $6.00 $0.045 $6.50 $0.09 $7.00 $0.18 $7.50 $0.60 $8.00 $0.95 (C) Premium per hundredweight for production in excess of 4 million pounds For milk marketings in excess of 4,000,000 pounds included in the annual production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level is as follows: Coverage Level Premium per Cwt. $4.00 $0.030 $4.50 $0.045 $5.00 $0.066 $5.50 $0.11 $6.00 $0.185 $6.50 $0.29 $7.00 $0.38 $7.50 $0.83 $8.00 $1.06 (D) Time for payment (i) First year As soon as practicable after a dairy producer registers to participate in the margin insurance program and purchases margin insurance, the dairy producer shall pay the premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for the first calendar year of the margin insurance. (ii) Subsequent years (I) In general When the dairy producer first purchases margin insurance, the dairy producer shall also elect the method by which the dairy producer will pay premiums under this subsection for subsequent years in accordance with 1 of the schedules described in subclauses (II) and (III). (II) Single annual payment The participating dairy producer may elect to pay 100 percent of the annual premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for a calendar year by not later than January 15 of the calendar year. (III) Semi-annual payments The participating dairy producer may elect to pay— (aa) 50 percent of the annual premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for a calendar year by not later than January 15 of the calendar year; and (bb) the remaining 50 percent of the premium by not later than June 15 of the calendar year. (5) Producer premium obligations (A) Pro-ration of first year premium A participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance after initial registration in the margin insurance program shall pay a pro-rated premium for the first calendar year based on the date on which the producer purchases the coverage. (B) Subsequent premiums Except as provided in subparagraph (A), the annual premium for a participating dairy producer shall be determined under paragraph (4) for each year in which the margin insurance program is in effect. (C) Legal obligation (i) In general Except as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii), a participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance shall be legally obligated to pay the applicable premiums for the entire period of the margin insurance program (as provided in the payment schedule elected under paragraph (4)(B)), and may not opt out of the margin insurance program. (ii) Death If the dairy producer dies, the estate of the deceased may cancel the margin insurance and shall not be responsible for any further premium payments. (iii) Retirement If the dairy producer retires, the producer may request that Secretary cancel the margin insurance if the producer has terminated the dairy operation entirely and certifies under oath that the producer will not be actively engaged in any dairy operation for at least the next 7 years. (6) Payment threshold A participating dairy producer with margin insurance shall receive a margin insurance payment whenever the average actual dairy producer margin for a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2). (7) Margin insurance payments (A) In general The Secretary shall make a margin insurance protection payment to each participating dairy producer whenever the average actual dairy producer margin for a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2). (B) Amount of payment The margin insurance payment for the dairy operation of a participating dairy producer shall be determined as follows: (i) The Secretary shall calculate the difference between— (I) the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2); and (II) the average actual dairy producer margin for the consecutive 2-month period. (ii) The amount determined under clause (i) shall be multiplied by— (I) the percentage selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (3); and (II) the lesser of— (aa) the quotient obtained by dividing— (AA) the production history applicable to the producer under subsection (e)(1); by (BB) 6; and (bb) the actual quantity of milk marketed by the dairy operation of the dairy producer during the consecutive 2-month period. (g) Effect of failure To pay premiums (1) Loss of benefits A participating dairy producer that is in arrears on premium payments for margin insurance— (A) remains legally obligated to pay the premiums; and (B) may not receive margin insurance until the premiums are fully paid. (2) Enforcement The Secretary may take such action as is necessary to collect premium payments for margin insurance. (h) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation The Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and the authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this section. (i) Program start date The Secretary shall conduct the margin insurance program beginning on October 1, 2013. . 1402. Rulemaking (a) Procedure The promulgation of regulations for the initiation of the margin insurance program, and for administration of the margin insurance program, shall be made— (1) without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act); (2) without regard to the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and (3) subject to subsection (b), pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code. (b) Special rulemaking requirements (1) Interim rules authorized With respect to the margin insurance program, the Secretary may promulgate interim rules under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of section 553(b) of title 5, United States Code, if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed. Any such interim rules for the margin insurance program shall be effective on publication. (2) Final rules With respect to the margin insurance program, the Secretary shall promulgate final rules, with an opportunity for public notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Inclusion of additional order Section 143(a)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7253(a)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: Subsection (b)(2) does not apply to the authority of the Secretary under this subsection. . II Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-related provisions 1411. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs (a) Repeal of dairy product price support program Section 1501 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8771 ) is repealed. (b) Repeal of milk income loss contract program Section 1506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8773 ) is repealed. 1412. Repeal of dairy export incentive program (a) Repeal Section 153 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 15 U.S.C. 713a–14 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendments Section 902(2) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 ( 22 U.S.C. 7201(2) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (D); and (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively. 1413. Extension of dairy forward pricing program Section 1502(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8772(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2015 and inserting 2021 . 1414. Extension of dairy indemnity program Section 3 of Public Law 90–484 ( 7 U.S.C. 450l ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 1415. Extension of dairy promotion and research program Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 ( 7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 1416. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission Section 1509 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1726) is repealed. III Effective date 1421. Effective date This subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013. E Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible producer on a farm (A) In general The term eligible producer on a farm means an individual or entity described in subparagraph (B) that, as determined by the Secretary, assumes the production and market risks associated with the agricultural production of crops or livestock. (B) Description An individual or entity referred to in subparagraph (A) is— (i) a citizen of the United States; (ii) a resident alien; (iii) a partnership of citizens of the United States; or (iv) a corporation, limited liability corporation, or other farm organizational structure organized under State law. (2) Farm-raised fish The term farm-raised fish means any aquatic species that is propagated and reared in a controlled environment. (3) Livestock The term livestock includes— (A) cattle (including dairy cattle); (B) bison; (C) poultry; (D) sheep; (E) swine; (F) horses; and (G) other livestock, as determined by the Secretary. (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (b) Livestock indemnity payments (1) Payments For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to make livestock indemnity payments to eligible producers on farms that have incurred livestock death losses in excess of the normal mortality, as determined by the Secretary, due to— (A) attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government or protected by Federal law, including wolves and avian predators; or (B) adverse weather, as determined by the Secretary, during the calendar year, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat, and extreme cold. (2) Payment rates Indemnity payments to an eligible producer on a farm under paragraph (1) shall be made at a rate of 75 percent of the market value of the applicable livestock on the day before the date of death of the livestock, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Special rule for payments made due to disease The Secretary shall ensure that payments made to an eligible producer under paragraph (1) are not made for the same livestock losses for which compensation is provided pursuant to section 10407(d) of the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8306(d) ). (c) Livestock forage disaster program (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Covered livestock (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the term covered livestock means livestock of an eligible livestock producer that, during the 60 days prior to the beginning date of a qualifying drought or fire condition, as determined by the Secretary, the eligible livestock producer— (I) owned; (II) leased; (III) purchased; (IV) entered into a contract to purchase; (V) is a contract grower; or (VI) sold or otherwise disposed of due to qualifying drought conditions during— (aa) the current production year; or (bb) subject to paragraph (3)(B)(ii), 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year. (ii) Exclusion The term covered livestock does not include livestock that were or would have been in a feedlot, on the beginning date of the qualifying drought or fire condition, as a part of the normal business operation of the eligible livestock producer, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Drought monitor The term drought monitor means a system for classifying drought severity according to a range of abnormally dry to exceptional drought, as defined by the Secretary. (C) Eligible livestock producer (i) In general The term eligible livestock producer means an eligible producer on a farm that— (I) is an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of covered livestock that provides the pastureland or grazing land, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land, for the livestock; (II) provides the pastureland or grazing land for covered livestock, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land that is physically located in a county affected by drought; (III) certifies grazing loss; and (IV) meets all other eligibility requirements established under this subsection. (ii) Exclusion The term eligible livestock producer does not include an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of livestock that rents or leases pastureland or grazing land owned by another person on a rate-of-gain basis. (D) Normal carrying capacity The term normal carrying capacity , with respect to each type of grazing land or pastureland in a county, means the normal carrying capacity, as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i), that would be expected from the grazing land or pastureland for livestock during the normal grazing period, in the absence of a drought or fire that diminishes the production of the grazing land or pastureland. (E) Normal grazing period The term normal grazing period , with respect to a county, means the normal grazing period during the calendar year for the county, as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i). (2) Program For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide compensation for losses to eligible livestock producers due to grazing losses for covered livestock due to— (A) a drought condition, as described in paragraph (3); or (B) fire, as described in paragraph (4). (3) Assistance for losses due to drought conditions (A) Eligible losses (i) In general An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this subsection only for grazing losses for covered livestock that occur on land that— (I) is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover; or (II) is planted to a crop planted specifically for the purpose of providing grazing for covered livestock. (ii) Exclusions An eligible livestock producer may not receive assistance under this subsection for grazing losses that occur on land used for haying or grazing under the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ). (B) Monthly payment rate (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the payment rate for assistance under this paragraph for 1 month shall, in the case of drought, be equal to 60 percent of the lesser of— (I) the monthly feed cost for all covered livestock owned or leased by the eligible livestock producer, as determined under subparagraph (C); or (II) the monthly feed cost calculated by using the normal carrying capacity of the eligible grazing land of the eligible livestock producer. (ii) Partial compensation In the case of an eligible livestock producer that sold or otherwise disposed of covered livestock due to drought conditions in 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year, as determined by the Secretary, the payment rate shall be 80 percent of the payment rate otherwise calculated in accordance with clause (i). (C) Monthly feed cost (i) In general The monthly feed cost shall equal the product obtained by multiplying— (I) 30 days; (II) a payment quantity that is equal to the feed grain equivalent, as determined under clause (ii); and (III) a payment rate that is equal to the corn price per pound, as determined under clause (iii). (ii) Feed grain equivalent For purposes of clause (i)(II), the feed grain equivalent shall equal— (I) in the case of an adult beef cow, 15.7 pounds of corn per day; or (II) in the case of any other type of weight of livestock, an amount determined by the Secretary that represents the average number of pounds of corn per day necessary to feed the livestock. (iii) Corn price per pound For purposes of clause (i)(III), the corn price per pound shall equal the quotient obtained by dividing— (I) the higher of— (aa) the national average corn price per bushel for the 12-month period immediately preceding March 1 of the year for which the disaster assistance is calculated; or (bb) the national average corn price per bushel for the 24-month period immediately preceding that March 1; by (II) 56. (D) Normal grazing period and drought monitor intensity (i) F SA county committee determinations (I) In general The Secretary shall determine the normal carrying capacity and normal grazing period for each type of grazing land or pastureland in the county served by the applicable committee. (II) Changes No change to the normal carrying capacity or normal grazing period established for a county under subclause (I) shall be made unless the change is requested by the appropriate State and county Farm Service Agency committees. (ii) Drought intensity (I) D 2 An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D2 (severe drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 8 consecutive weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph in an amount equal to 1 monthly payment using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B). (II) D 3 An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having at least a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph— (aa) in an amount equal to 3 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B); (bb) if the county is rated as having a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4 weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, or is rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to 4 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B); or (cc) if the county is rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4 weeks during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to 5 monthly payments using the monthly rate determined under subparagraph (B). (4) Assistance for losses due to fire on public managed land (A) In general An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this paragraph only if— (i) the grazing losses occur on rangeland that is managed by a Federal agency; and (ii) the eligible livestock producer is prohibited by the Federal agency from grazing the normal permitted livestock on the managed rangeland due to a fire. (B) Payment rate The payment rate for assistance under this paragraph shall be equal to 50 percent of the monthly feed cost for the total number of livestock covered by the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer, as determined under paragraph (3)(C). (C) Payment duration (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), an eligible livestock producer shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph for the period— (I) beginning on the date on which the Federal agency excludes the eligible livestock producer from using the managed rangeland for grazing; and (II) ending on the last day of the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer. (ii) Limitation An eligible livestock producer may only receive assistance under this paragraph for losses that occur on not more than 180 days per year. (5) No duplicative payments An eligible livestock producer may elect to receive assistance for grazing or pasture feed losses due to drought conditions under paragraph (3) or fire under paragraph (4), but not both for the same loss, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Emergency assistance for livestock, honey bees, and farm-Raised fish (1) In general For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not more than $20,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease (including cattle tick fever), adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary, that are not covered under subsection (b) or (c). (2) Use of funds Funds made available under this subsection shall be used to reduce losses caused by feed or water shortages, disease, or other factors as determined by the Secretary. (3) Availability of funds Any funds made available under this subsection shall remain available until expended. (e) Tree assistance program (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Eligible orchardist The term eligible orchardist means a person that produces annual crops from trees for commercial purposes. (B) Natural disaster The term natural disaster means plant disease, insect infestation, drought, fire, freeze, flood, earthquake, lightning, or other occurrence, as determined by the Secretary. (C) Nursery tree grower The term nursery tree grower means a person who produces nursery, ornamental, fruit, nut, or Christmas trees for commercial sale, as determined by the Secretary. (D) Tree The term tree includes a tree, bush, and vine. (2) Eligibility (A) Loss Subject to subparagraph (B), for fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide assistance— (i) under paragraph (3) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that planted trees for commercial purposes but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) under paragraph (3)(B) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that have a production history for commercial purposes on planted or existing trees but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Limitation An eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower shall qualify for assistance under subparagraph (A) only if the tree mortality of the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower, as a result of damaging weather or related condition, exceeds 15 percent (adjusted for normal mortality). (3) Assistance Subject to paragraph (4), the assistance provided by the Secretary to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers for losses described in paragraph (2) shall consist of— (A) (i) reimbursement of 65 percent of the cost of replanting trees lost due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent mortality (adjusted for normal mortality); or (ii) at the option of the Secretary, sufficient seedlings to reestablish a stand; and (B) reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost of pruning, removal, and other costs incurred by an eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower to salvage existing trees or, in the case of tree mortality, to prepare the land to replant trees as a result of damage or tree mortality due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent damage or mortality (adjusted for normal tree damage and mortality). (4) Limitations on assistance (A) Definitions of legal entity and person In this paragraph, the terms legal entity and person have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(a) ). (B) Amount The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this subsection may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year, or an equivalent value in tree seedlings. (C) Acres The total quantity of acres planted to trees or tree seedlings for which a person or legal entity shall be entitled to receive payments under this subsection may not exceed 500 acres. (f) Payment limitations (1) Definitions of legal entity and person In this subsection, the terms legal entity and person have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(a) ). (2) Amount The total amount of disaster assistance payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this section (excluding payments received under subsection (e)) may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year. (3) Direct attribution Subsections (e) and (f) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) or any successor provisions relating to direct attribution shall apply with respect to assistance provided under this section. 1502. National Drought Council and National Drought Policy Action Plan (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Council The term Council means the National Drought Council established by this section. (2) Drought The term drought means a natural disaster that is caused by a deficiency in precipitation— (A) that may lead to a deficiency in surface and subsurface water supplies (including rivers, streams, wetlands, ground water, soil moisture, reservoir supplies, lake levels, and snow pack); and (B) that causes or may cause— (i) substantial economic or social impacts; or (ii) physical damage or injury to individuals, property, or the environment. (3) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (4) Member The term member , with respect to the National Drought Council, means a member of the Council specified or appointed under this section or, in the absence of the member, the member’s designee. (5) Mitigation The term mitigation means a short- or long-term action, program, or policy that is implemented in advance of or during a drought to minimize any risks and impacts of drought. (6) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (7) State The term State means the several States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. (8) Trigger The term trigger means the thresholds or criteria that must be satisfied before mitigation or emergency assistance may be provided to an area— (A) in which drought is emerging; or (B) that is experiencing a drought. (9) Watershed The term watershed means a region or area with common hydrology, an area drained by a waterway that drains into a lake or reservoir, the total area above a given point on a stream that contributes water to the flow at that point, or the topographic dividing line from which surface streams flow in two different directions. In no case shall a watershed be larger than a river basin. (10) Watershed group The term watershed group means a group of individuals, formally recognized by the appropriate State or States, who represent the broad scope of relevant interests within a watershed and who work together in a collaborative manner to jointly plan the management of the natural resources contained within the watershed. (b) Effect of section This section does not affect— (1) the authority of a State to allocate quantities of water under the jurisdiction of the State; or (2) any State water rights established as of the date of enactment of this Act. (c) National drought council (1) Establishment There is established in the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture a council to be known as the National Drought Council . (2) Membership (A) Composition The Council shall be composed of— (i) the Secretary (or the designee of the Secretary); (ii) the Secretary of Commerce (or the designee of the Secretary of Commerce); (iii) the Secretary of the Army (or the designee of the Secretary of the Army); (iv) the Secretary of the Interior (or the designee of the Secretary of the Interior); (v) the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or the designee of the Director); (vi) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (or the designee of the Administrator); (vii) 4 members appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Governors Association, each of whom shall be the Governor of a State (or the designee of the Governor) and who collectively shall represent the geographic diversity of the Nation; (viii) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Association of Counties; (ix) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the United States Conference of Mayors; (x) 1 member appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with Indian tribes, to represent the interests of tribal governments; and (xi) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Association of Conservation Districts, to represent local soil and water conservation districts. (B) Date of appointment The appointment of each member of the Council shall be made not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (3) Term; vacancies (A) Term A non-Federal member of the Council appointed under paragraph (2) shall be appointed for a term of two years. (B) Vacancies A vacancy on the Council— (i) shall not affect the powers of the Council; and (ii) shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made. (C) Terms of members filling vacancies Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member’s predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term. (4) Meetings (A) In general The Council shall meet at the call of the co-chairs. (B) Frequency The Council shall meet at least semiannually. (5) Quorum A majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings or conduct other business. (6) Council leadership (A) In general There shall be a Federal co-chair and non-Federal co-chair of the Council. (B) Appointment (i) Federal co-chair The Secretary shall be the Federal co-chair. (ii) Non-Federal co-chair The non-Federal members of the Council shall elect, on a biannual basis, a non-Federal co-chair of the Council from among the members appointed under paragraph (2). (d) Duties of the council (1) In general The Council shall— (A) not later than one year after the date of the first meeting of the Council, develop a comprehensive National Drought Policy Action Plan that— (i) (I) delineates and integrates responsibilities for activities relating to drought (including drought preparedness, mitigation, research, risk management, training, and emergency relief) among Federal agencies; and (II) ensures that those activities are coordinated with the activities of the States, local governments, Indian tribes, and neighboring countries; (ii) is consistent with— (I) this Act and other applicable Federal laws; and (II) the laws and policies of the States for water management; (iii) is integrated with drought management programs of the States, Indian tribes, local governments, watershed groups, and private entities; and (iv) avoids duplicating Federal, State, tribal, local, watershed, and private drought preparedness and monitoring programs in existence on the date of enactment of this Act; (B) evaluate Federal drought-related programs in existence on the date of enactment of this Act and make recommendations to Congress and the President on means of eliminating— (i) discrepancies between the goals of the programs and actual service delivery; (ii) duplication among programs; and (iii) any other circumstances that interfere with the effective operation of the programs; (C) make recommendations to the President, Congress, and appropriate Federal agencies on— (i) the establishment of common interagency triggers for authorizing Federal drought mitigation programs; and (ii) improving the consistency and fairness of assistance among Federal drought relief programs; (D) encourage and facilitate the development of drought preparedness plans under subtitle C, including establishing the guidelines under this section; (E) based on a review of drought preparedness plans, develop and make available to the public drought planning models to reduce water resource conflicts relating to water conservation and droughts; (F) develop and coordinate public awareness activities to provide the public with access to understandable and informative materials on drought, including— (i) explanations of the causes of drought, the impacts of drought, and the damages from drought; (ii) descriptions of the value and benefits of land stewardship to reduce the impacts of drought and to protect the environment; (iii) clear instructions for appropriate responses to drought, including water conservation, water reuse, and detection and elimination of water leaks; (iv) information on State and local laws applicable to drought; and (v) opportunities for assistance to resource-dependent businesses and industries in times of drought; and (G) establish operating procedures for the Council. (2) Consultation In carrying out this subsection, the Council shall consult with groups affected by drought emergencies. (3) Reports to congress (A) Annual report (i) In general Not later than one year after the date of the first meeting of the Council, and annually thereafter, the Council shall submit to Congress a report on the activities carried out under this section. (ii) Inclusions (I) In general The annual report shall include a summary of drought preparedness plans. (II) Initial report The initial report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include any recommendations of the Council. (B) Final report Not later than seven years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Council shall submit to Congress a report that recommends— (i) amendments to this section; and (ii) whether the Council should continue. (e) Powers of the council (1) Hearings The Council may hold hearings, meet and act at any time and place, take any testimony and receive any evidence that the Council considers advisable to carry out this section. (2) Information from Federal agencies (A) In general The Council may obtain directly from any Federal agency any information that the Council considers necessary to carry out this section. (B) Provision of information (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), on request of the Secretary or the non-Federal co-chair of the Council, the head of a Federal agency may provide information to the Council. (ii) Limitation The head of a Federal agency shall not provide any information to the Council that the Federal agency head determines the disclosure of which may cause harm to national security interests. (3) Postal services The Council may use the United States mail in the same manner and under the same conditions as other agencies of the Federal Government. (4) Gifts The Council may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. (f) Council personnel matters (1) Compensation of members (A) Non-Federal employees A member of the Council who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve without compensation. (B) Federal employees A member of the Council who is an officer or employee of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to the compensation received for services of the member as an officer or employee of the Federal Government. (2) Travel expenses A member of the Council shall be allowed travel expenses at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Council. (g) Termination of council The Council shall terminate at the end of the eighth fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. F Administration 1601. Administration generally (a) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation The Secretary of Agriculture shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this title. (b) Determinations by Secretary A determination made by the Secretary under this title shall be final and conclusive. (c) Regulations (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Commodity Credit Corporation, as appropriate, shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement this title and the amendments made by this title. (2) Procedure The promulgation of the regulations and administration of this title and the amendments made by this title and sections 10003 and 10016 of this Act shall be made— (A) pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, including by interim rules effective on publication under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of subsection (b) of such section if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed and final rules, with an opportunity for notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of this Act; (B) without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act ); and (C) without regard to the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking. (d) Adjustment Authority Related to Trade Agreements Compliance (1) Required determination; adjustment If the Secretary determines that expenditures under this title that are subject to the total allowable domestic support levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements (as defined in section 2 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3501 )) will exceed the allowable levels for any applicable reporting period, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make adjustments in the amount of the expenditures during that period to ensure that the expenditures do not exceed the allowable levels. (2) Congressional notification Before making any adjustment under paragraph (1), 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 report describing the determination made under that paragraph and the extent of the adjustment to be made. 1602. Repeal of permanent price support authority (a) Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (1) Repeals The following provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 are repealed: (A) Parts II through V of subtitle B of title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1326 et seq. ). (B) Subtitle D of title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1379a et seq. ). (C) Title IV ( 7 U.S.C. 1401 et seq. ). (2) Inapplicability to upland cotton Section 377 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1377 ) is amended by striking was not fully planted and inserting was not fully planted: Provided further , That effective on the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, this section shall not apply to upland cotton . (b) Agricultural Act of 1949 The following provisions of the Agricultural Act of 1949 are repealed: (1) Section 101 ( 7 U.S.C. 1441 ). (2) Section 103(a) ( 7 U.S.C. 1444(a) ). (3) Section 105 ( 7 U.S.C. 1444b ). (4) Section 107 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445a ). (5) Section 110 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445e ). (6) Section 112 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445g ). (7) Section 115 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445k ). (8) Section 201 ( 7 U.S.C. 1446 ). (9) Title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1447 et seq. ). (10) Title IV ( 7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq. ), other than sections 404, 412, and 416 ( 7 U.S.C. 1424 , 1429, and 1431). (11) Title V ( 7 U.S.C. 1461 et seq. ). (12) Title VI ( 7 U.S.C. 1471 et seq. ). (c) Suspension of certain quota provisions The joint resolution entitled A joint resolution relating to corn and wheat marketing quotas under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended , approved May 26, 1941 ( 7 U.S.C. 1330 , 1340), is repealed. 1603. Payment limitations (a) In general Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Legal entity (A) In general The term legal entity means— (i) an organization that (subject to the requirements of this section and section 1001A) is eligible to receive a payment under a provision of law referred to in subsection (b), (c), or (d); (ii) a corporation, joint stock company, association, limited partnership, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, charitable organization, estate, irrevocable trust, grantor of a revocable trust, or other similar entity (as determined by the Secretary); and (iii) an organization that is participating in a farming operation as a partner in a general partnership or as a participant in a joint venture. (B) Exclusion The term legal entity does not include a general partnership or joint venture. ; (2) by striking subsections (b) through (d) and inserting the following: (b) Limitation on payments for covered commodities and peanuts The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity for any crop year for 1 or more covered commodities and peanuts under title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 may not exceed $125,000, of which— (1) not more than $75,000 may consist of marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments under subtitle B of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013; and (2) not more than $50,000 may consist of any other payments made for covered commodities and peanuts under title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. (c) Spousal equity (1) In general Notwithstanding subsection (b), except as provided in paragraph (2), if a person and the spouse of the person are covered by paragraph (2) and receive, directly or indirectly, any payment or gain covered by this section, the total amount of payments or gains (as applicable) covered by this section that the person and spouse may jointly receive during any crop year may not exceed an amount equal to twice the applicable dollar amounts specified in subsection (b). (2) Exceptions (A) Separate farming operations In the case of a married couple in which each spouse, before the marriage, was separately engaged in an unrelated farming operation, each spouse shall be treated as a separate person with respect to a farming operation brought into the marriage by a spouse, subject to the condition that the farming operation shall remain a separate farming operation, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Election to receive separate payments A married couple may elect to receive payments separately in the name of each spouse if the total amount of payments and benefits described in subsection (b) that the married couple receives, directly or indirectly, does not exceed an amount equal to twice the applicable dollar amounts specified in those subsections. ; (3) in paragraph (3)(B) of subsection (f), by adding at the end the following: (iii) Irrevocable trusts In promulgating regulations to define the term legal entity as the term applies to irrevocable trusts, the Secretary shall ensure that irrevocable trusts are legitimate entities that have not been created for the purpose of avoiding a payment limitation. ; and (4) in subsection (h), in the second sentence, by striking or other entity and inserting or legal entity . (b) Conforming amendments (1) Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (e), by striking subsections (b) and (c) each place it appears in paragraphs (1) and (3)(B) and inserting subsection (b) ; (B) in subsection (f)— (i) in paragraph (2), by striking Subsections (b) and (c) and inserting Subsection (b) ; (ii) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking subsection (b) or (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; (iii) in paragraph (5)— (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking subsection (d) ; and (II) in subparagraph (B), by striking subsection (b), (c), or (d) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (iv) in paragraph (6)— (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking Notwithstanding subsection (d), except as provided in subsection (g) and inserting Except as provided in subsection (f) ; and (II) in subparagraph (B), by striking subsections (b), (c), and (d) and inserting subsection (b) ; (C) in subsection (g)— (i) in paragraph (1)— (I) by striking subsection (f)(6)(A) and inserting subsection (e)(6)(A) ; and (II) by striking subsection (b) or (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (ii) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (D) by redesignating subsections (e) through (h) as subsections (d) through (g), respectively. (2) Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–1 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (a), by striking subsections (b) and (c) of section 1001 and inserting section 1001(b) ; and (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 and inserting section 1001(b) . (3) Section 1001B(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–2(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking subsections (b) and (c) of section 1001 and inserting section 1001(b) . (c) Application The amendments made by this section shall apply beginning with the 2014 crop year. 1603A. Payments limited to active farmers Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–1 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) by striking or active personal management each place it appears in subparagraphs (A)(i)(II) and (B)(ii); and (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking , as applied to the legal entity, are met by the legal entity, the partners or members making a significant contribution of personal labor or active personal management and inserting are met by partners or members making a significant contribution of personal labor, those partners or members ; and (2) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) the landowner share-rents the land at a rate that is usual and customary; ; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (C) the share of the payments received by the landowner is commensurate with the share of the crop or income received as rent. ; (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking active personal management or ; (C) in paragraph (5)— (i) by striking (5) and all that follows through (A) In general .—A person and inserting the following: (5) Custom farming services A person ; (ii) by inserting under usual and customary terms after services ; and (iii) by striking subparagraph (B); and (D) by adding at the end the following: (7) Farm managers A person who otherwise meets the requirements of this subsection other than (b)(2)(A)(i)(II) shall be considered to be actively engaged in farming, as determined by the Secretary, with respect to the farming operation, including a farming operation that is a sole proprietorship, a legal entity such as a joint venture or general partnership, or a legal entity such as a corporation or limited partnership, if the person— (A) makes a significant contribution of management to the farming operation necessary for the farming operation, taking into account— (i) the size and complexity of the farming operation; and (ii) the management requirements normally and customarily required by similar farming operations; (B) (i) is the only person in the farming operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming by using the farm manager special class designation under this paragraph; and (ii) together with any other persons in the farming operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming under subsection (b)(2) or as part of a special class under this subsection, does not collectively receive, directly or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the applicable limits under section 1001(b); (C) does not use the management contribution under this paragraph to qualify as actively engaged in more than 1 farming operation; and (D) manages a farm operation that does not substantially share equipment, labor, or management with persons or legal entities that with the person collectively receive, directly or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the applicable limits under section 1001(b). . 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation (a) Limitations and covered benefits Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by striking Limitations and inserting Limitations on Commodity and Conservation Programs ; (2) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs: (1) Limitation Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person or legal entity shall not be eligible to receive any benefit described in paragraph (2) during a crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, if the average adjusted gross income of the person or legal entity exceeds $950,000. (2) Covered benefits Paragraph (1) applies with respect to a payment or benefit under subtitle A, B, or E of title I, or title II of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , title II of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, title II of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, section 524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b) ), or section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ). . (b) Elimination of unused definitions Paragraph (1) of section 1001D(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(a)) is amended to read as follows: (1) Average adjusted gross income In this section, the term average adjusted gross income , with respect to a person or legal entity, means the average of the adjusted gross income or comparable measure of the person or legal entity over the 3 taxable years preceding the most immediately preceding complete taxable year, as determined by the Secretary. . (c) Income determination Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (c); and (2) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively. (d) Conforming amendments Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) by striking subparagraph (A) or (B) of ; and (B) by striking , the average adjusted gross farm income, and the average adjusted gross nonfarm income ; (2) in subsection (a)(3), by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income both places it appears; (3) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income both places it appears; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) and inserting subsection (b)(2) ; and (4) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)— (A) by striking paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) and inserting subsection (b)(2) ; and (B) by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, or average adjusted gross nonfarm income . (e) Effective period Subsection (e) of section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ), as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section, is repealed. (f) Limitation on applicability Section 1001(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: or title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . (g) Transition Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ), as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall apply with respect to the 2013 crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, for each program described in paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) of that section (as so in effect on that day). 1605. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers Section 1621(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8792(d) ) is amended by striking each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting fiscal year 2009 and each succeeding fiscal year . 1606. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies Section 164 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7284 ) is amended by striking and title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 each place it appears and inserting title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq. ), and title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . 1607. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs (a) Reconciliation At least twice each year, the Secretary shall reconcile Social Security numbers of all individuals who receive payments under this title, whether directly or indirectly, with the Commissioner of Social Security to determined if the individuals are alive. (b) Preclusion The Secretary shall preclude the issuance of payments to, and on behalf of, deceased individuals that were not eligible for payments. 1608. Technical corrections (a) Missing punctuation Section 359f(c)(1)(B) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359ff(c)(1)(B) ) is amended by adding a period at the end. (b) Erroneous cross reference (1) Amendment Section 1603(g) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1739) is amended in paragraphs (2) through (6) and the amendments made by those paragraphs by striking 1703(a) each place it appears and inserting 1603(a) . (2) Effective date This subsection and the amendments made by this subsection take effect as if included in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1651). (c) Continued applicability of appropriations general provision Section 767 of division A of Public Law 108–7 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 note; 117 Stat. 48) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking sections 1101 and 1102 of Public Law 107–171 and inserting subtitle A of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 ; and (B) by striking such section 1102 and inserting such subtitle ; and (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) This section, as amended by section 1608(c) of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , shall take effect beginning with the 2014 crop year. . 1609. Assignment of payments (a) In general The provisions of section 8(g) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590h(g) ), relating to assignment of payments, shall apply to payments made under this title. (b) Notice The producer making the assignment, or the assignee, shall provide the Secretary with notice, in such manner as the Secretary may require, of any assignment made under this section. 1610. Tracking of benefits As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may track the benefits provided, directly or indirectly, to individuals and entities under titles I and II and the amendments made by those titles. 1611. Signature authority (a) In general In carrying out this title and title II and amendments made by those titles, if the Secretary approves a document, the Secretary shall not subsequently determine the document is inadequate or invalid because of the lack of authority of any person signing the document on behalf of the applicant or any other individual, entity, general partnership, or joint venture, or the documents relied upon were determined inadequate or invalid, unless the person signing the program document knowingly and willfully falsified the evidence of signature authority or a signature. (b) Affirmation (1) In general Nothing in this section prohibits the Secretary from asking a proper party to affirm any document that otherwise would be considered approved under subsection (a). (2) No retroactive effect A denial of benefits based on a lack of affirmation under paragraph (1) shall not be retroactive with respect to third-party producers who were not the subject of the erroneous representation of authority, if the third-party producers— (A) relied on the prior approval by the Secretary of the documents in good faith; and (B) substantively complied with all program requirements. 1612. Implementation (a) Streamlining In implementing this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and other administrative requirements; (2) improve coordination, information sharing, and administrative work with the Risk Management Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and (3) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery to producers. (b) Maintenance of base acres and payment yields (1) In general The Secretary shall maintain, for each covered commodity and upland cotton, base acres and payment yields on a farm established under— (A) (i) in the case of covered commodities and upland cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 , 7912); and (ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7952 ); and (B) (i) in the case of covered commodities and upland cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8711 , 8712); and (ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8752 ). (2) Special rule for long grain and medium grain rice (A) In general The Secretary shall maintain separate base acres for long grain rice and medium grain rice. (B) Limitation In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall use the same total base acres and payment yields established with respect to rice under sections 1108 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8718 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, subject to any adjustment under section 1105. (c) Implementation The Secretary shall make available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title $100,000,000. 1613. Protection of producer information (a) Prohibition of public disclosure of protected information Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary, any officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture, any contractor or cooperator of the Department, and any officer or employee of another Federal agency shall not disclose— (1) information submitted by a producer or owner of agricultural land to the Federal Government pursuant to title I or II of this Act; or (2) other information provided by a producer or owner of agricultural land concerning the agricultural operation, farming or conservation practices, or the land itself in order to participate in programs of the Department of Agriculture or other Federal agencies. (b) Exceptions Information described in subsection (a) may be disclosed if— (1) the information is required to be made publicly available under any other provision of Federal law; (2) the producer or owner of agricultural land who provided the information has lawfully publicly disclosed the information; (3) the producer or owner of agricultural land who provided the information consents to the disclosure; or (4) the information is disclosed to the Attorney General, to the extent necessary, to ensure compliance and law enforcement. (c) Notice of disclosure Any disclosure of information pursuant to an exception provided in subsection (b) shall be reported to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate within 24 hours after the disclosure. (d) Producer defined In this section, the term producer has the meaning given that term in section 1104(14) of this Act. II Conservation A Conservation Reserve Program 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program (a) Extension Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Eligible land Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and inserting the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 ; (2) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); (3) by inserting before paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: (3) grasslands that— (A) contain forbs or shrubland (including improved rangeland and pastureland) for which grazing is the predominant use; (B) are located in an area historically dominated by grasslands; and (C) could provide habitat for animal and plant populations of significant ecological value if the land is retained in its current use or restored to a natural condition; ; (4) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking filterstrips devoted to trees or shrubs and inserting filterstrips or riparian buffers devoted to trees, shrubs, or grasses ; and (5) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraph: (5) the portion of land in a field not enrolled in the conservation reserve in a case in which— (A) more than 50 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a buffer or filterstrip, or more than 75 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a conservation practice other than as a buffer or filterstrip; and (B) the remainder of the field is— (i) infeasible to farm; and (ii) enrolled at regular rental rates. . (c) Planting Status of Certain Land Section 1231(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(c) ) is amended by striking if and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting if, during the crop year, the land was devoted to a conserving use. . (d) Enrollment Subsection (d) of section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Enrollment (1) Maximum acreage enrolled The Secretary may maintain in the conservation reserve at any one time during— (A) fiscal year 2014, no more than 27,500,000 acres; (B) fiscal year 2015, no more than 26,000,000 acres; (C) fiscal year 2016, no more than 25,000,000 acres; (D) fiscal year 2017, no more than 24,000,000 acres; and (E) fiscal year 2018, no more than 24,000,000 acres. (2) Grasslands (A) Limitation For purposes of applying the limitations in paragraph (1), no more than 2,000,000 acres of the land described in subsection (b)(3) may be enrolled in the program at any one time during the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years. (B) Priority In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may give priority to land with expiring conservation reserve program contracts. (C) Method of enrollment In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall make the program available to owners or operators of eligible land on a continuous enrollment basis with one or more ranking periods. . (e) Duration of contract Section 1231(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(e) ) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Special rule for certain land In the case of land devoted to hardwood trees, shelterbelts, windbreaks, or wildlife corridors under a contract entered into under this subchapter, the owner or operator of the land may, within the limitations prescribed under paragraph (1), specify the duration of the contract. . (f) Conservation priority areas Section 1231(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking watershed areas of the Chesapeake Bay Region, the Great Lakes Region, the Long Island Sound Region, and other ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking watersheds.— Watersheds and inserting areas.— Areas ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking a watershed’s designation— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting an area’s designation if the Secretary finds that the area no longer contains actual and significant adverse water quality or habitat impacts related to agricultural production activities. . 2002. Farmable wetland program (a) Extension Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(a)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by striking a program and inserting a farmable wetland program . (b) Eligible acreage Section 1231B(b)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(b)(1)(B) ) is amended by striking flow from a row crop agriculture drainage system and inserting surface and subsurface flow from row crop agricultural production . (c) Acreage limitation Section 1231B(c)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(c)(1)(B) ) is amended by striking 1,000,000 and inserting 750,000 . (d) Clerical amendment The heading of section 1231B of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b ) is amended to read as follows: Farmable wetland program . . 2003. Duties of owners and operators (a) Limitation on harvesting, grazing, or commercial use of forage Section 1232(a)(8) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832(a)(8) ) is amended by striking except that and all that follows through the semicolon at the end of the paragraph and inserting except as provided in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1233; . (b) Conservation plan requirements Subsection (b) of section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832 ) is amended to read as follows: (b) Conservation plans The plan referred to in subsection (a)(1) shall set forth— (1) the conservation measures and practices to be carried out by the owner or operator during the term of the contract; and (2) the commercial use, if any, to be permitted on the land during the term. . (c) Rental payment reduction Section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832 ) is amended by striking subsection (d). 2004. Duties of the Secretary Section 1233 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3833 ) is amended to read as follows: 1233. Duties of the Secretary (a) Cost-Share and rental payments In return for a contract entered into by an owner or operator under the conservation reserve program, the Secretary shall— (1) share the cost of carrying out the conservation measures and practices set forth in the contract for which the Secretary determines that cost sharing is appropriate and in the public interest; and (2) for a period of years not in excess of the term of the contract, pay an annual rental payment in an amount necessary to compensate for— (A) the conversion of highly erodible cropland or other eligible lands normally devoted to the production of an agricultural commodity on a farm or ranch to a less intensive use; (B) the retirement of any base history that the owner or operator agrees to retire permanently; and (C) the development and management of grasslands for multiple natural resource conservation benefits, including to soil, water, air, and wildlife. (b) Specified activities permitted The Secretary shall permit certain activities or commercial uses of land that is subject to a contract under the conservation reserve program in a manner that is consistent with a plan approved by the Secretary, as follows: (1) Harvesting, grazing, or other commercial use of the forage in response to a drought or other emergency created by a natural disaster, without any reduction in the rental rate. (2) Consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat (including habitat during nesting seasons for birds in the area), and in exchange for a reduction of not less than 25 percent in the annual rental rate for the acres covered by the authorized activity— (A) managed harvesting and other commercial use (including the managed harvesting of biomass), except that in permitting managed harvesting, the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee— (i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements; and (ii) shall identify periods during which managed harvesting may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every three years; (B) routine grazing or prescribed grazing for the control of invasive species, except that in permitting such routine grazing or prescribed grazing, the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee— (i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements and stocking rates for the land that are suitable for continued routine grazing; and (ii) shall identify the periods during which routine grazing may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every two years, taking into consideration regional differences such as— (I) climate, soil type, and natural resources; (II) the number of years that should be required between routine grazing activities; and (III) how often during a year in which routine grazing is permitted that routine grazing should be allowed to occur; and (C) the installation of wind turbines and associated access, except that in permitting the installation of wind turbines, the Secretary shall determine the number and location of wind turbines that may be installed, taking into account— (i) the location, size, and other physical characteristics of the land; (ii) the extent to which the land contains wildlife and wildlife habitat; and (iii) the purposes of the conservation reserve program under this subchapter. (3) The intermittent and seasonal use of vegetative buffer practices incidental to agricultural production on lands adjacent to the buffer such that the permitted use does not destroy the permanent vegetative cover. (c) Authorized activities on grasslands For eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall permit the following activities: (1) Common grazing practices, including maintenance and necessary cultural practices, on the land in a manner that is consistent with maintaining the viability of grassland, forb, and shrub species appropriate to that locality. (2) Haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed production, subject to appropriate restrictions during the nesting season for critical bird species in the area. (3) Fire presuppression, fire-related rehabilitation, and construction of fire breaks. (4) Grazing-related activities, such as fencing and livestock watering. (d) Resource conserving use (1) In general Beginning on the date that is 1 year before the date of termination of a contract under the program, the Secretary shall allow an owner or operator to make conservation and land improvements that facilitate maintaining protection of enrolled land after expiration of the contract. (2) Conservation plan The Secretary shall require an owner or operator carrying out the activities described in paragraph (1) to develop and implement a conservation plan. (3) Re-enrollment prohibited Land improved under paragraph (1) may not be re-enrolled in the conservation reserve program for 5 years after the date of termination of the contract. . 2005. Payments (a) Trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife corridors Section 1234(b)(3)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(b)(3)(A) ) is amended— (1) in clause (i), by inserting and after the semicolon; (2) by striking clause (ii); and (3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii). (b) Annual rental payments Section 1234(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting or other eligible lands after highly erodible cropland both places it appears; and (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Methods of Determination (A) In general The amounts payable to owners or operators in the form of rental payments under contracts entered into under this subchapter may be determined through— (i) the submission of bids for such contracts by owners and operators in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe; or (ii) such other means as the Secretary determines are appropriate. (B) Grasslands In the case of eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall make annual payments in an amount that is not more than 75 percent of the grazing value of the land covered by the contract. . (c) Payment schedule Subsection (d) of section 1234 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Payment schedule (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this section, payments under this subchapter shall be made in cash in such amount and on such time schedule as is agreed on and specified in the contract. (2) Advance payment Payments under this subchapter may be made in advance of determination of performance. . (d) Payment limitation Section 1234(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking , including rental payments made in the form of in-kind commodities, ; (2) by striking paragraph (3); and (3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2). 2006. Contract requirements (a) Early termination by owner or operator Section 1235(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A)— (A) by striking The Secretary and inserting During fiscal year 2014, the Secretary ; and (B) by striking before January 1, 1995, ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following: (C) Land devoted to hardwood trees. (D) Wildlife habitat, duck nesting habitat, pollinator habitat, upland bird habitat buffer, wildlife food plots, State acres for wildlife enhancement, shallow water areas for wildlife, and rare and declining habitat. (E) Farmable wetland and restored wetland. (F) Land that contains diversions, erosion control structures, flood control structures, contour grass strips, living snow fences, salinity reducing vegetation, cross wind trap strips, and sediment retention structures. (G) Land located within a federally-designated wellhead protection area. (H) Land that is covered by an easement under the conservation reserve program. (I) Land located within an average width, according to the applicable Natural Resources Conservation Service field office technical guide, of a perennial stream or permanent water body. ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking 60 days after the date on which the owner or operator submits the notice required under paragraph (1)(C) and inserting upon approval by the Secretary . (b) Transition option for certain farmers or ranchers Section 1235(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Duties and all that follows through a beginning farmer and inserting Transition to covered farmer or rancher.— In the case of a contract modification approved in order to facilitate the transfer of land subject to a contract from a retired farmer or rancher to a beginning farmer ; (B) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting , including preparing to plant an agricultural crop after improvements ; (C) in subparagraph (D), by striking the farmer or rancher and inserting the covered farmer or rancher ; and (D) in subparagraph (E), by striking section 1001A(b)(3)(B) and inserting section 1001 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking requirement of section 1231(h)(4)(B) and inserting option pursuant to section 1234(c)(2)(A)(ii) . (c) Final year contract Section 1235 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections: (g) Final year of contract The Secretary shall not consider an owner or operator to be in violation of a term or condition of the conservation reserve contract if— (1) during the year prior to expiration of the contract, the land is enrolled in the conservation stewardship program; and (2) the activity required under the conservation stewardship program pursuant to such enrollment is consistent with this subchapter. (h) Land enrolled in agricultural conservation easement program The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under this subchapter if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H. . 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses Section 1235A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835a ) is repealed. 2008. Effective date (a) In general The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013, except the amendment made by section 2001(d), which shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Effect on existing contracts (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Updating of existing contracts The Secretary shall permit an owner or operator of land subject to a contract entered into under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, to update the contract to reflect the activities and uses of land under contract permitted under the terms and conditions of section 1233(b) of that Act (as amended by section 2004), as determined appropriate by the Secretary. B Conservation Stewardship Program 2101. Conservation stewardship program (a) Revision of current program Subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq. ) is amended to read as follows: B Conservation stewardship program 1238D. Definitions In this subchapter: (1) Agricultural operation The term agricultural operation means all eligible land, whether or not contiguous, that is— (A) under the effective control of a producer at the time the producer enters into a contract under the program; and (B) operated with equipment, labor, management, and production or cultivation practices that are substantially separate from other agricultural operations, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Conservation activities (A) In general The term conservation activities means conservation systems, practices, or management measures. (B) Inclusions The term conservation activities includes— (i) structural measures, vegetative measures, and land management measures, including agriculture drainage management systems, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) planning needed to address a priority resource concern. (3) Conservation stewardship plan The term conservation stewardship plan means a plan that— (A) identifies and inventories priority resource concerns; (B) establishes benchmark data and conservation objectives; (C) describes conservation activities to be implemented, managed, or improved; and (D) includes a schedule and evaluation plan for the planning, installation, and management of the new and existing conservation activities. (4) Eligible land (A) In general The term eligible land means— (i) private or tribal land on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-related products are produced; and (ii) lands associated with the land described in clause (i) on which priority resource concerns could be addressed through a contract under the program. (B) Inclusions The term eligible land includes— (i) cropland; (ii) grassland; (iii) rangeland; (iv) pasture land; (v) nonindustrial private forest land; and (vi) other agricultural areas (including cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land used or capable of being used for the production of livestock), as determined by the Secretary. (5) Priority resource concern The term priority resource concern means a natural resource concern or problem, as determined by the Secretary, that— (A) is identified at the national, State, or local level as a priority for a particular area of a State; (B) represents a significant concern in a State or region; and (C) is likely to be addressed successfully through the implementation of conservation activities under this program. (6) Program The term program means the conservation stewardship program established by this subchapter. (7) Stewardship threshold The term stewardship threshold means the level of management required, as determined by the Secretary, to conserve and improve the quality and condition of a natural resource. 1238E. Conservation stewardship program (a) Establishment and purpose During each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall carry out a conservation stewardship program to encourage producers to address priority resource concerns in a comprehensive manner— (1) by undertaking additional conservation activities; and (2) by improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities. (b) Exclusions (1) Land enrolled in other conservation programs Subject to paragraph (2), the following land (even if covered by the definition of eligible land) is not eligible for enrollment in the program: (A) Land enrolled in the conservation reserve program, unless— (i) the conservation reserve contract will expire at the end of the fiscal year in which the land is to be enrolled in the program; and (ii) conservation reserve program payments for land enrolled in the program cease before the first program payment is made to the applicant under this subchapter. (B) Land enrolled in a wetland easement through the agricultural conservation easement program. (C) Land enrolled in the conservation security program. (2) Conversion to cropland Eligible land used for crop production after October 1, 2013, that had not been planted, considered to be planted, or devoted to crop production for at least 4 of the 6 years preceding that date shall not be the basis for any payment under the program, unless the land does not meet the requirement because— (A) the land had previously been enrolled in the conservation reserve program; (B) the land has been maintained using long-term crop rotation practices, as determined by the Secretary; or (C) the land is incidental land needed for efficient operation of the farm or ranch, as determined by the Secretary. 1238F. Stewardship contracts (a) Submission of contract offers To be eligible to participate in the conservation stewardship program, a producer shall submit to the Secretary a contract offer for the agricultural operation that— (1) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the producer, at the time of the contract offer, meets or exceeds the stewardship threshold for at least 2 priority resource concerns; and (2) would, at a minimum, meet or exceed the stewardship threshold for at least 1 additional priority resource concern by the end of the stewardship contract by— (A) installing and adopting additional conservation activities; and (B) improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities across the entire agricultural operation in a manner that increases or extends the conservation benefits in place at the time the contract offer is accepted by the Secretary. (b) Evaluation of contract offers (1) Ranking of applications In evaluating contract offers submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary shall rank applications based on— (A) the level of conservation treatment on all applicable priority resource concerns at the time of application; (B) the degree to which the proposed conservation activities effectively increase conservation performance; (C) the number of applicable priority resource concerns proposed to be treated to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract; (D) the extent to which other priority resource concerns will be addressed to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract period; (E) the extent to which the actual and anticipated conservation benefits from the contract are provided at the least cost relative to other similarly beneficial contract offers; and (F) the extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed when transitioning from the conservation reserve program to agricultural production. (2) Prohibition The Secretary may not assign a higher priority to any application because the applicant is willing to accept a lower payment than the applicant would otherwise be eligible to receive. (3) Additional criteria The Secretary may develop and use such additional criteria that the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure that national, State, and local priority resource concerns are effectively addressed. (c) Entering into contracts After a determination that a producer is eligible for the program under subsection (a), and a determination that the contract offer ranks sufficiently high under the evaluation criteria under subsection (b), the Secretary shall enter into a conservation stewardship contract with the producer to enroll the eligible land to be covered by the contract. (d) Contract provisions (1) Term A conservation stewardship contract shall be for a term of 5 years. (2) Required provisions The conservation stewardship contract of a producer shall— (A) state the amount of the payment the Secretary agrees to make to the producer for each year of the conservation stewardship contract under section 1238G(d); (B) require the producer— (i) to implement a conservation stewardship plan that describes the program purposes to be achieved through 1 or more conservation activities; (ii) to maintain and supply information as required by the Secretary to determine compliance with the conservation stewardship plan and any other requirements of the program; and (iii) not to conduct any activities on the agricultural operation that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program; (C) permit all economic uses of the eligible land that— (i) maintain the agricultural nature of the land; and (ii) are consistent with the conservation purposes of the conservation stewardship contract; (D) include a provision to ensure that a producer shall not be considered in violation of the contract for failure to comply with the contract due to circumstances beyond the control of the producer, including a disaster or related condition, as determined by the Secretary; (E) include provisions requiring that upon the violation of a term or condition of the contract at any time the producer has control of the land— (i) if the Secretary determines that the violation warrants termination of the contract— (I) the producer shall forfeit all rights to receive payments under the contract; and (II) the producer shall refund all or a portion of the payments received by the producer under the contract, including any interest on the payments, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) if the Secretary determines that the violation does not warrant termination of the contract, the producer shall refund or accept adjustments to the payments provided to the producer, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; (F) include provisions in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of this section; and (G) include any additional provisions the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the program. (3) Change of interest in land subject to a contract (A) In general At the time of application, a producer shall have control of the eligible land to be enrolled in the program. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a change in the interest of a producer in eligible land covered by a contract under the program shall result in the termination of the contract with regard to that land. (B) Transfer of duties and rights Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if— (i) within a reasonable period of time (as determined by the Secretary) after the date of the change in the interest in eligible land covered by a contract under the program, the transferee of the land provides written notice to the Secretary that all duties and rights under the contract have been transferred to, and assumed by, the transferee for the portion of the land transferred; (ii) the transferee meets the eligibility requirements of the program; and (iii) the Secretary approves the transfer of all duties and rights under the contract. (4) Modification and termination of contracts (A) Voluntary modification or termination The Secretary may modify or terminate a contract with a producer if— (i) the producer agrees to the modification or termination; and (ii) the Secretary determines that the modification or termination is in the public interest. (B) Involuntary termination The Secretary may terminate a contract if the Secretary determines that the producer violated the contract. (5) Repayment If a contract is terminated, the Secretary may, consistent with the purposes of the program— (A) allow the producer to retain payments already received under the contract; or (B) require repayment, in whole or in part, of payments received and assess liquidated damages. (e) Contract renewal At the end of the initial 5-year contract period, the Secretary may allow the producer to renew the contract for 1 additional 5-year period if the producer— (1) demonstrates compliance with the terms of the initial contract; (2) agrees to adopt and continue to integrate conservation activities across the entire agricultural operation, as determined by the Secretary; and (3) agrees, by the end of the contract period— (A) to meet the stewardship threshold of at least two additional priority resource concerns on the agricultural operation; or (B) to exceed the stewardship threshold of two existing priority resource concerns that are specified by the Secretary in the initial contract. 1238G. Duties of the secretary (a) In general To achieve the conservation goals of a contract under the conservation stewardship program, the Secretary shall— (1) make the program available to eligible producers on a continuous enrollment basis with 1 or more ranking periods, one of which shall occur in the first quarter of each fiscal year; (2) identify not less than 5 priority resource concerns in a particular watershed or other appropriate region or area within a State; and (3) establish a science-based stewardship threshold for each priority resource concern identified under paragraph (2). (b) Allocation to states The Secretary shall allocate acres to States for enrollment, based— (1) primarily on each State’s proportion of eligible land to the total acreage of eligible land in all States; and (2) also on consideration of— (A) the extent and magnitude of the conservation needs associated with agricultural production in each State; (B) the degree to which implementation of the program in the State is, or will be, effective in helping producers address those needs; and (C) other considerations to achieve equitable geographic distribution of funds, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Acreage enrollment limitation During the period beginning on October 1, 2013, and ending on September 30, 2021, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) enroll in the program an additional 8,695,000 acres for each fiscal year; and (2) manage the program to achieve a national average rate of $18 per acre, which shall include the costs of all financial assistance, technical assistance, and any other expenses associated with enrollment or participation in the program. (d) Conservation stewardship payments (1) Availability of payments The Secretary shall provide annual payments under the program to compensate the producer for— (A) installing and adopting additional conservation activities; and (B) improving, maintaining, and managing conservation activities in place at the agricultural operation of the producer at the time the contract offer is accepted by the Secretary. (2) Payment amount The amount of the conservation stewardship annual payment shall be determined by the Secretary and based, to the maximum extent practicable, on the following factors: (A) Costs incurred by the producer associated with planning, design, materials, installation, labor, management, maintenance, or training. (B) Income forgone by the producer. (C) Expected conservation benefits. (D) The extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed through the installation and adoption of conservation activities on the agricultural operation. (E) The level of stewardship in place at the time of application and maintained over the term of the contract. (F) The degree to which the conservation activities will be integrated across the entire agricultural operation for all applicable priority resource concerns over the term of the contract. (G) Such other factors as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (3) Exclusions A payment to a producer under this subsection shall not be provided for— (A) the design, construction, or maintenance of animal waste storage or treatment facilities or associated waste transport or transfer devices for animal feeding operations; or (B) conservation activities for which there is no cost incurred or income forgone to the producer. (4) Delivery of payments In making payments under this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable— (A) prorate conservation performance over the term of the contract so as to accommodate, to the extent practicable, producers earning equal annual payments in each fiscal year; and (B) make payments as soon as practicable after October 1 of each fiscal year for activities carried out in the previous fiscal year. (e) Supplemental payments for resource-conserving crop rotations (1) Availability of payments The Secretary shall provide additional payments to producers that, in participating in the program, agree to adopt or improve resource-conserving crop rotations to achieve beneficial crop rotations as appropriate for the eligible land of the producers. (2) Beneficial crop rotations The Secretary shall determine whether a resource-conserving crop rotation is a beneficial crop rotation eligible for additional payments under paragraph (1) based on whether the resource-conserving crop rotation is designed to provide natural resource conservation and production benefits. (3) Eligibility To be eligible to receive a payment described in paragraph (1), a producer shall agree to adopt and maintain beneficial resource-conserving crop rotations for the term of the contract. (4) Resource-conserving crop rotation In this subsection, the term resource-conserving crop rotation means a crop rotation that— (A) includes at least 1 resource-conserving crop (as defined by the Secretary); (B) reduces erosion; (C) improves soil fertility and tilth; (D) interrupts pest cycles; and (E) in applicable areas, reduces depletion of soil moisture or otherwise reduces the need for irrigation. (f) Payment limitations A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, payments under the program that, in the aggregate, exceed $200,000 under all contracts entered into during fiscal years 2014 through 2018, excluding funding arrangements with Indian tribes, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under the program by the person or legal entity. (g) Specialty crop and organic producers The Secretary shall ensure that outreach and technical assistance are available, and program specifications are appropriate to enable specialty crop and organic producers to participate in the program. (h) Coordination with organic certification The Secretary shall establish a transparent means by which producers may initiate organic certification under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ) while participating in a contract under the program. (i) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations that— (1) prescribe such other rules as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under subsection (f); and (2) otherwise enable the Secretary to carry out the program. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. (c) Effect on existing contracts (1) In general The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Conservation stewardship program Funds made available under section 1241(a)(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(4) ) (as amended by section 2601(a) of this title) may be used to administer and make payments to program participants that enrolled into contracts during any of fiscal years 2009 through 2013. C Environmental Quality Incentives Program 2201. Purposes Section 1240 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C) and, in such subparagraph, by inserting and after the semicolon; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: (B) developing and improving wildlife habitat; and ; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (3) by striking paragraph (5). 2202. Establishment and administration Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2014 and inserting 2018 ; (2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Term A contract under the program shall have a term that does not exceed 10 years. ; (3) in subsection (d)(4)— (A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting , veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )), before or a beginning farmer or rancher ; and (B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (B) Advance payments (i) In general Not more than 50 percent of the amount determined under subparagraph (A) may be provided in advance for the purpose of purchasing materials or contracting. (ii) Return of funds If funds provided in advance are not expended during the 90-day period beginning on the date of receipt of the funds, the funds shall be returned within a reasonable time frame, as determined by the Secretary. ; (4) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following new subsection: (f) Allocation of funding (1) Livestock For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, at least 60 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices relating to livestock production. (2) Wildlife habitat For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, 7.5 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices benefitting wildlife habitat. ; (5) in subsection (g)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking Federally Recognized Native American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations and inserting Indian Tribes ; (B) by striking federally recognized Native American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations (including their affiliated membership organizations) and inserting Indian tribes ; and (C) by striking or Native Corporation ; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (j) Wildlife habitat incentive practice The Secretary shall provide payments to producers under the program for practices, including recurring practices for the term of the contract, that support the restoration, development, protection, and improvement of wildlife habitat on eligible land, including— (1) upland wildlife habitat; (2) wetland wildlife habitat; (3) habitat for threatened and endangered species; (4) fish habitat; (5) habitat on pivot corners and other irregular areas of a field; and (6) other types of wildlife habitat, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (k) Funding for community irrigation associations (1) In general The Secretary may enter into an alternative funding arrangement with an eligible irrigation association if the Secretary determines that— (A) the purposes of the program will be met by such an arrangement; and (B) statutory limitations regarding contracts with individual producers will not be exceeded by any member of the irrigation association. (2) Eligible irrigation associations In this subsection, the term eligible irrigation association means an irrigation association that is— (A) comprised of producers; and (B) a local government entity, but does not have the authority to impose taxes or levies. . 2203. Evaluation of applications Section 1240C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–3(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking environmental and inserting conservation ; and (2) in paragraph (3), by striking purpose of the environmental quality incentives program specified in section 1240(1) and inserting purposes of the program . 2204. Duties of producers Section 1240D(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–4(2) ) is amended by striking farm, ranch, or forest and inserting enrolled . 2205. Limitation on payments Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–7 ) is amended to read as follows: 1240G. Limitation on payments A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, cost-share or incentive payments under this chapter that, in aggregate, exceed $450,000 for all contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or legal entity during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or legal entity. . 2206. Conservation innovation grants and payments Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–8 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: (E) facilitate on-farm conservation research and demonstration activities; and (F) facilitate pilot testing of new technologies or innovative conservation practices. ; and (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Reporting Not later than December 31, 2014, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the status of projects funded under this section, including— (1) funding awarded; (2) project results; and (3) incorporation of project findings, such as new technology and innovative approaches, into the conservation efforts implemented by the Secretary. . 2207. Effective date (a) In general The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013. (b) Effect on existing contracts The amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. D Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program (a) Establishment Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle: H Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 1265. Establishment and purposes (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish an agricultural conservation easement program for the conservation of eligible land and natural resources through easements or other interests in land. (b) Purposes The purposes of the program are to— (1) combine the purposes and coordinate the functions of the wetlands reserve program established under section 1237, the grassland reserve program established under section 1238N, and the farmland protection program established under section 1238I, as such sections were in effect on September 30, 2013; (2) restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible land; (3) protect the agricultural use and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land; and (4) protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring and conserving eligible land. 1265A. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Agricultural land easement The term agricultural land easement means an easement or other interest in eligible land that— (A) is conveyed for the purpose of protecting natural resources and the agricultural nature of the land; and (B) permits the landowner the right to continue agricultural production and related uses subject to an agricultural land easement plan, as approved by the Secretary. (2) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) an agency of State or local government or an Indian tribe (including a farmland protection board or land resource 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 170(h)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (ii) an organization described in section 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 section 509(a) of that Code; or (II) section 509(a)(3) of that Code and is controlled by an organization described in section 509(a)(2) of that Code. (3) Eligible land The term eligible land means private or tribal land that is— (A) in the case of an agricultural land easement, agricultural land, including land on a farm or ranch— (i) that is subject to a pending offer for purchase of an agricultural land easement from an eligible entity; (ii) that— (I) has prime, unique, or other productive soil; (II) contains historical or archaeological resources; or (III) the protection of which will further a State or local policy consistent with the purposes of the program; and (iii) that is— (I) cropland; (II) rangeland; (III) grassland or land that contains forbs, or shrubland for which grazing is the predominate use; (IV) pastureland; or (V) nonindustrial private forest land that contributes to the economic viability of an offered parcel or serves as a buffer to protect such land from development; (B) in the case of a wetland easement, a wetland or related area, including— (i) farmed or converted wetlands, together with adjacent land that is functionally dependent on that land, if the Secretary determines it— (I) is likely to be successfully restored in a cost-effective manner; and (II) will maximize the wildlife benefits and wetland functions and values, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior at the local level; (ii) cropland or grassland that was used for agricultural production prior to flooding from the natural overflow of— (I) a closed basin lake and adjacent land that is functionally dependent upon it, if the State or other entity is willing to provide 50 percent share of the cost of an easement; and (II) a pothole and adjacent land that is functionally dependent on it; (iii) farmed wetlands and adjoining lands that— (I) are enrolled in the conservation reserve program; (II) have the highest wetland functions and values, as determined by the Secretary; and (III) are likely to return to production after they leave the conservation reserve program; (iv) riparian areas that link wetlands that are protected by easements or some other device that achieves the same purpose as an easement; or (v) other wetlands of an owner that would not otherwise be eligible, if the Secretary determines that the inclusion of such wetlands in a wetland easement would significantly add to the functional value of the easement; or (C) in the case of either an agricultural land easement or wetland easement, other land that is incidental to land described in subparagraph (A) or (B), if the Secretary determines that it is necessary for the efficient administration of the easements under this program. (4) Program The term program means the agricultural conservation easement program established by this subtitle. (5) Wetland easement The term wetland easement means a reserved interest in eligible land that— (A) is defined and delineated in a deed; and (B) stipulates— (i) the rights, title, and interests in land conveyed to the Secretary; and (ii) the rights, title, and interests in land that are reserved to the landowner. 1265B. Agricultural land easements (a) Availability of assistance The Secretary shall facilitate and provide funding for— (1) the purchase by eligible entities of agricultural land easements and other interests in eligible land; and (2) technical assistance to provide for the conservation of natural resources pursuant to an agricultural land easement plan. (b) Cost-Share assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall protect the agricultural use, including grazing, and related conservation values of eligible land through cost-share assistance to eligible entities for purchasing agricultural land easements. (2) Scope of assistance available (A) Federal share An agreement described in paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share determined by the Secretary of an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement or other interest in land, as determined by the Secretary using— (i) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice; (ii) an area-wide market analysis or survey; or (iii) another industry-approved method. (B) Non-federal share (i) In general Under the agreement, the eligible entity shall provide a share that is at least equivalent to that provided by the Secretary. (ii) Source of contribution An eligible entity may include as part of its share a charitable donation or qualified conservation contribution (as defined by section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the private landowner if the eligible entity contributes its own cash resources in an amount that is at least 50 percent of the amount contributed by the Secretary. (C) Exception In the case of grassland of special environmental 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. (3) Evaluation and ranking of applications (A) Criteria The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program. (B) Considerations In establishing the criteria, the Secretary shall emphasize support for— (i) protecting agricultural uses and related conservation values of the land; and (ii) maximizing the protection of areas devoted to agricultural use. (C) Bidding down If the Secretary determines that 2 or more applications for cost-share assistance are comparable in achieving the purpose of the program, the Secretary shall not assign a higher priority to any of those applications solely on the basis of lesser cost to the program. (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 shall be for a term that is— (i) in the case of an eligible entity certified under the process described in paragraph (5), a minimum of five years; and (ii) for all other eligible entities, at least three, but not more than five years. (C) Minimum terms and conditions An eligible entity shall be authorized to use its own terms and conditions for agricultural land easements so long as the Secretary determines such terms and conditions— (i) are consistent with the purposes of the program; (ii) permit effective enforcement of the conservation purposes of such easements; (iii) include a right of enforcement for the Secretary, that may be used only if the terms of the easement are not enforced by the holder of the easement; (iv) subject the land in which an interest is purchased to an agricultural land easement plan that— (I) describes the activities which promote the long-term viability of the land to meet the purposes for which the easement was acquired; (II) requires the management of grasslands according to a grasslands management plan; and (III) includes a conservation plan, where appropriate, and requires, at the option of the Secretary, the conversion of highly erodible cropland to less intensive uses; and (v) include a limit on the impervious surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with the agricultural activities to be conducted. (D) Substitution of qualified projects An agreement shall allow, upon mutual agreement of the parties, substitution of qualified projects that are identified at the time of the proposed substitution. (E) Effect of violation If a violation occurs of a term or condition of an agreement under this subsection— (i) the Secretary may terminate the agreement; and (ii) the Secretary may require the eligible entity to refund all or part of any payments received by the entity under the program, with interest on the payments as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (5) Certification of eligible entities (A) Certification process The Secretary shall establish a process under which the Secretary may— (i) directly certify eligible entities that meet established criteria; (ii) enter into long-term agreements with certified eligible entities; and (iii) accept proposals for cost-share assistance for the purchase of agricultural land easements throughout the duration of such agreements. (B) Certification criteria In order to be certified, an eligible entity shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the entity will maintain, at a minimum, for the duration of the agreement— (i) a plan for administering easements that is consistent with the purpose of this subtitle; (ii) the capacity and resources to monitor and enforce agricultural land easements; and (iii) policies and procedures to ensure— (I) the long-term integrity of agricultural land easements on eligible land; (II) timely completion of acquisitions of such easements; and (III) timely and complete evaluation and reporting to the Secretary on the use of funds provided under the program. (C) Review and revision (i) Review The Secretary shall conduct a review of eligible entities certified under subparagraph (A) every three years to ensure that such entities are meeting the criteria established under subparagraph (B). (ii) Revocation If the Secretary finds that the certified eligible entity no longer meets the criteria established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary may— (I) allow the certified eligible entity a specified period of time, at a minimum 180 days, in which to take such actions as may be necessary to meet the criteria; and (II) revoke the certification of the eligible entity, if, after the specified period of time, the certified eligible entity does not meet such criteria. (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 allowed under applicable State laws. (d) Technical assistance The Secretary may provide technical assistance, if requested, to assist in— (1) compliance with the terms and conditions of easements; and (2) implementation of an agricultural land easement plan. 1265C. Wetland easements (a) Availability of assistance The Secretary shall provide assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands through— (1) wetland easements and related wetland easement plans; and (2) technical assistance. (b) Easements (1) Method of enrollment The Secretary shall enroll eligible land under this section through the use of— (A) 30-year easements; (B) permanent easements; (C) easements for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws; or (D) as an option for Indian tribes only, 30-year contracts (which shall be considered to be 30-year easements for the purposes of this subtitle). (2) Limitations (A) Ineligible land The Secretary may not acquire easements on— (i) land established to trees under the conservation reserve program, except in cases where the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program; and (ii) farmed wetlands or converted wetlands where the conversion was not commenced prior to December 23, 1985. (B) Changes in ownership No wetland easement shall be created on land that has changed ownership during the preceding 24-month period unless— (i) the new ownership was acquired by will or succession as a result of the death of the previous owner; (ii) (I) the ownership change occurred because of foreclosure on the land; and (II) immediately before the foreclosure, the owner of the land exercises a right of redemption from the mortgage holder in accordance with State law; or (iii) the Secretary determines that the land was acquired under circumstances that give adequate assurances that such land was not acquired for the purposes of placing it in the program. (3) Evaluation and ranking of offers (A) Criteria The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program. (B) Considerations When evaluating offers from landowners, the Secretary may consider— (i) the conservation benefits of obtaining a wetland easement, including the potential environmental benefits if the land was removed from agricultural production; (ii) the cost-effectiveness of each wetland easement, so as to maximize the environmental benefits per dollar expended; (iii) whether the landowner or another person is offering to contribute financially to the cost of the wetland easement to leverage Federal funds; and (iv) such other factors as the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the purposes of the program. (C) Priority The Secretary shall place priority on acquiring wetland easements based on the value of the wetland easement for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. (4) Agreement To be eligible to place eligible land into the program through a wetland easement, the owner of such land shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary to— (A) grant an easement on such land to the Secretary; (B) authorize the implementation of a wetland easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f); (C) create and record an appropriate deed restriction in accordance with applicable State law to reflect the easement agreed to; (D) provide a written statement of consent to such easement signed by those holding a security interest in the land; (E) comply with the terms and conditions of the easement and any related agreements; and (F) permanently retire any existing base history for the land on which the easement has been obtained. (5) Terms and conditions of easement (A) In general A wetland easement shall include terms and conditions that— (i) permit— (I) repairs, improvements, and inspections on the land that are necessary to maintain existing public drainage systems; and (II) owners to control public access on the easement areas while identifying access routes to be used for restoration activities and management and easement monitoring; (ii) prohibit— (I) the alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural features of such land, unless specifically authorized by the Secretary; (II) the spraying of such land with chemicals or the mowing of such land, except where such spraying or mowing is authorized by the Secretary or is necessary— (aa) to comply with Federal or State noxious weed control laws; (bb) to comply with a Federal or State emergency pest treatment program; or (cc) to meet habitat needs of specific wildlife species; (III) any activities to be carried out on the owner’s or successor’s land that is immediately adjacent to, and functionally related to, the land that is subject to the easement if such activities will alter, degrade, or otherwise diminish the functional value of the eligible land; and (IV) the adoption of any other practice that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary; (iii) provide for the efficient and effective establishment of wildlife functions and values; and (iv) include such additional provisions as the Secretary determines are desirable to carry out the program or facilitate the practical administration thereof. (B) Violation On the violation of the terms or conditions of a wetland easement, the wetland easement shall remain in force and the Secretary may require the owner to refund all or part of any payments received by the owner under the program, together with interest thereon as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (C) Compatible uses Land subject to a wetland easement may be used for compatible economic uses, including such activities as hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, or periodic haying or grazing, if such use is specifically permitted by the wetland easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f) and is consistent with the long-term protection and enhancement of the wetland resources for which the easement was established. (D) Reservation of grazing rights The Secretary may include in the terms and conditions of a wetland easement a provision under which the owner reserves grazing rights if— (i) the Secretary determines that the reservation and use of the grazing rights— (I) is compatible with the land subject to the easement; (II) is consistent with the historical natural uses of the land and the long-term protection and enhancement goals for which the easement was established; and (III) complies with the wetland easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f); and (ii) the agreement provides for a commensurate reduction in the easement payment to account for the grazing value, as determined by the Secretary. (6) Compensation (A) Determination (i) Permanent easements The Secretary shall pay as compensation for a permanent wetland easement acquired under the program an amount necessary to encourage enrollment in the program, based on the lowest of— (I) the fair market value of the land, as determined by the Secretary, using the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice or an area-wide market analysis or survey; (II) the amount corresponding to a geographical cap, as determined by the Secretary in regulations; or (III) the offer made by the landowner. (ii) 30-year easements Compensation for a 30-year wetland easement shall be not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the compensation that would be paid for a permanent wetland easement. (B) Form of payment Compensation for a wetland easement shall be provided by the Secretary in the form of a cash payment, in an amount determined under subparagraph (A). (C) Payment schedule (i) Easements valued at $500,000 or less For wetland easements valued at $500,000 or less, the Secretary may provide easement payments in not more than 10 annual payments. (ii) Easements valued at more than $500,000 For wetland easements valued at more than $500,000, the Secretary may provide easement payments in at least 5, but not more than 10 annual payments, except that, if the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program, the Secretary may make a lump-sum payment for such an easement. (c) Easement restoration (1) In general The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to owners of eligible land to carry out the establishment of conservation measures and practices and protect wetland functions and values, including necessary maintenance activities, as set forth in a wetland easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f). (2) Payments The Secretary shall— (A) in the case of a permanent wetland easement, pay an amount that is not less than 75 percent, but not more than 100 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) in the case of a 30-year wetland easement, pay an amount that is not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Technical assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall assist owners in complying with the terms and conditions of wetland easements. (2) Contracts or agreements The Secretary may enter into 1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements with a State, non-governmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out necessary restoration, enhancement, or maintenance of a wetland easement if the Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will advance the purposes of the program. (e) Wetland enhancement option The Secretary may enter into 1 or more agreements with a State (including a political subdivision or agency of a State), nongovernmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out a special wetland enhancement option that the Secretary determines would advance the purposes of program. (f) Administration (1) Wetland easement plan The Secretary shall develop a wetland easement plan for eligible lands subject to a wetland easement, which shall include practices and activities necessary to restore, protect, enhance, and maintain the enrolled lands. (2) Delegation of easement administration The Secretary may delegate— (A) any of the easement management, monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary to other Federal or State agencies that have the appropriate authority, expertise, and resources necessary to carry out such delegated responsibilities; and (B) any of the easement management responsibilities of the Secretary to other conservation organizations if the Secretary determines the organization has the appropriate expertise and resources. (3) Payments (A) Timing of payments The Secretary shall provide payment for obligations incurred by the Secretary under this section— (i) with respect to any easement restoration obligation under subsection (c), as soon as possible after the obligation is incurred; and (ii) with respect to any annual easement payment obligation incurred by the Secretary, as soon as possible after October 1 of each calendar year. (B) Payments to others If an owner who is entitled to a payment under this section dies, becomes incompetent, is otherwise unable to receive such payment, or is succeeded by another person or entity who renders or completes the required performance, the Secretary shall make such payment, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary and without regard to any other provision of law, in such manner as the Secretary determines is fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances. 1265D. Administration (a) Ineligible land The Secretary may not use program funds for the purposes of acquiring an easement on— (1) lands owned by an agency of the United States, other than land held in trust for Indian tribes; (2) lands owned in fee title by a State, including an agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of local government; (3) land subject to an easement or deed restriction which, as determined by the Secretary, provides similar protection as would be provided by enrollment in the program; or (4) lands where the purposes of the program would be undermined due to on-site or off-site conditions, such as risk of hazardous substances, proposed or existing rights of way, infrastructure development, or adjacent land uses. (b) Priority In evaluating applications under the program, the Secretary may give priority to land that is currently enrolled in the conservation reserve program in a contract that is set to expire within 1 year and— (1) in the case of an agricultural land easement, is grassland that would benefit from protection under a long-term easement; and (2) in the case of a wetland easement, is a wetland or related area with the highest functions and value and is likely to return to production after the land leaves the conservation reserve program. (c) Subordination, exchange, modification, and termination (1) In general The Secretary may subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the Secretary determines that— (A) it is in the Federal Government’s interest to subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate the interest in land; (B) the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action— (i) will address a compelling public need for which there is no practicable alternative; or (ii) such action will further the practical administration of the program; and (C) the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action will result in comparable conservation value and equivalent or greater economic value to the United States. (2) Consultation The Secretary shall work with the owner, and eligible entity if applicable, to address any subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of the interest, or portion of such interest, in land. (3) Notice At least 90 days before taking any termination action described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide written notice of such action to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. (d) Land enrolled in conservation reserve program The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under section 1231(a) if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the program. (e) Allocation of funds for agricultural land easements Of the funds made available under section 1241 to carry out the program for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, use for agricultural land easements— (1) no less than 40 percent in each of fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (2) no less than 50 percent in fiscal year 2018. . (b) Compliance with certain requirements Before an eligible entity or owner of eligible land may receive assistance under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, the eligible entity or person shall agree, during the crop year for which the assistance is provided and in exchange for the assistance— (1) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ); and (2) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ). (c) Cross reference; calculation Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3844 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (A); (ii) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); and (iii) by striking subparagraph (C); (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (2) the agricultural conservation easement program established under subtitle H; and ; and (2) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking programs administered under subchapters B and C of chapter 1 of subtitle D and inserting conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D and wetland easements under section 1265C ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking an easement acquired under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D and inserting a wetland easement under section 1265C ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) Calculation In calculating the percentages described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include any acreage that was included in calculations of percentages made under such paragraph, as in effect on September 30, 2013, and that remains enrolled when the calculation is made after that date under paragraph (1). . (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. E Regional Conservation Partnership Program 2401. Regional conservation partnership program (a) In general Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after subtitle H, as added by section 2301, the following new subtitle: I Regional Conservation Partnership Program 1271. Establishment and purposes (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a regional conservation partnership program to implement eligible activities on eligible land through— (1) partnership agreements with eligible partners; and (2) contracts with producers. (b) Purposes The purposes of the program are as follows: (1) To use covered programs to accomplish purposes and functions similar to those of the following programs, as in effect on September 30, 2013: (A) The agricultural water enhancement program established under section 1240I. (B) The Chesapeake Bay watershed program established under section 1240Q. (C) The cooperative conservation partnership initiative established under section 1243. (D) The Great Lakes basin program for soil erosion and sediment control established under section 1240P. (2) To further the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife, and related natural resources on eligible land on a regional or watershed scale. (3) To encourage eligible partners to cooperate with producers in— (A) meeting or avoiding the need for national, State, and local natural resource regulatory requirements related to production on eligible land; and (B) implementing projects that will result in the carrying out of eligible activities that affect multiple agricultural or nonindustrial private forest operations on a local, regional, State, or multistate basis. 1271A. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Covered program The term covered program means the following: (A) The agricultural conservation easement program. (B) The environmental quality incentives program. (C) The conservation stewardship program. (D) The healthy forests reserve program established under section 501 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6571 ). (2) Eligible activity The term eligible activity means any of the following conservation activities: (A) Water quality or quantity conservation, restoration, or enhancement projects relating to surface water and groundwater resources, including— (i) the conversion of irrigated cropland to the production of less water-intensive agricultural commodities or dryland farming; or (ii) irrigation system improvement and irrigation efficiency enhancement. (B) Drought mitigation. (C) Flood prevention. (D) Water retention. (E) Air quality improvement. (F) Habitat conservation, restoration, and enhancement. (G) Erosion control and sediment reduction. (H) Other related activities that the Secretary determines will help achieve conservation benefits. (3) Eligible land The term eligible land means land on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-related products are produced, including— (A) cropland; (B) grassland; (C) rangeland; (D) pastureland; (E) nonindustrial private forest land; and (F) other land incidental to agricultural production (including wetlands and riparian buffers) on which significant natural resource issues could be addressed under the program. (4) Eligible partner The term eligible partner means any of the following: (A) An agricultural or silvicultural producer association or other group of producers. (B) A State or unit of local government. (C) An Indian tribe. (D) A farmer cooperative. (E) A water district, irrigation district, rural water district or association, or other organization with specific water delivery authority to producers on agricultural land. (F) An institution of higher education. (G) An organization or entity with an established history of working cooperatively with producers on agricultural land, as determined by the Secretary, to address— (i) local conservation priorities related to agricultural production, wildlife habitat development, or nonindustrial private forest land management; or (ii) critical watershed-scale soil erosion, water quality, sediment reduction, or other natural resource issues. (5) Partnership agreement The term partnership agreement means an agreement entered into under section 1271B between the Secretary and an eligible partner. (6) Program The term program means the regional conservation partnership program established by this subtitle. 1271B. Regional conservation partnerships (a) Partnership agreements authorized The Secretary may enter into a partnership agreement with an eligible partner to implement a project that will assist producers with installing and maintaining an eligible activity on eligible land. (b) Length A partnership agreement shall be for a period not to exceed 5 years, except that the Secretary may extend the agreement one time for up to 12 months when an extension is necessary to meet the objectives of the program. (c) Duties of partners (1) In general Under a partnership agreement, the eligible partner shall— (A) define the scope of a project, including— (i) the eligible activities to be implemented; (ii) the potential agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land operations affected; (iii) the local, State, multistate, or other geographic area covered; and (iv) the planning, outreach, implementation, and assessment to be conducted; (B) conduct outreach to producers for potential participation in the project; (C) at the request of a producer, act on behalf of a producer participating in the project in applying for assistance under section 1271C; (D) leverage financial or technical assistance provided by the Secretary with additional funds to help achieve the project objectives; (E) conduct an assessment of the project’s effects; and (F) at the conclusion of the project, report to the Secretary on its results and funds leveraged. (2) Contribution An eligible partner shall provide a significant portion of the overall costs of the scope of the project that is the subject of the agreement entered into under subsection (a), as determined by the Secretary. (d) Applications (1) Competitive process The Secretary shall conduct a competitive process to select applications for partnership agreements and may assess and rank applications with similar conservation purposes as a group. (2) Criteria used In carrying out the process described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make public the criteria used in evaluating applications. (3) Content An application to the Secretary shall include a description of— (A) the scope of the project, as described in subsection (c)(1)(A); (B) the plan for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on progress made toward achieving the project’s objectives; (C) the program resources requested for the project, including the covered programs to be used and estimated funding needed from the Secretary; (D) eligible partners collaborating to achieve project objectives, including their roles, responsibilities, capabilities, and financial contribution; and (E) any other elements the Secretary considers necessary to adequately evaluate and competitively select applications for funding under the program. (4) Priority to certain applications The Secretary may give a higher priority to applications that— (A) assist producers in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory requirement; (B) have a high percentage of eligible producers in the area to be covered by the agreement; (C) significantly leverage non-Federal financial and technical resources and coordinate with other local, State, or national efforts; (D) deliver high percentages of applied conservation to address conservation priorities or regional, State, or national conservation initiatives; (E) provide innovation in conservation methods and delivery, including outcome-based performance measures and methods; or (F) meet other factors that are important for achieving the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary. 1271C. Assistance to producers (a) In general The Secretary shall enter into contracts with producers to provide financial and technical assistance to— (1) producers participating in a project with an eligible partner, as described in section 1271B; or (2) producers that fit within the scope of a project described in section 1271B or a critical conservation area designated under section 1271F, but who are seeking to implement an eligible activity on eligible land independent of a partner. (b) Terms and conditions (1) Consistency with program rules Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall ensure that the terms and conditions of a contract under this section are consistent with the applicable rules of the covered programs to be used as part of the project, as described in the application under section 1271B(d)(3)(C). (2) Adjustments Except with respect to statutory program requirements governing appeals, payment limitations, and conservation compliance, the Secretary may adjust the discretionary program rules of a covered program— (A) to provide a simplified application and evaluation process; and (B) to better reflect unique local circumstances and purposes if the Secretary determines such adjustments are necessary to achieve the purposes of the program. (c) Payments (1) In general In accordance with statutory requirements of the covered programs involved, the Secretary may make payments to a producer in an amount determined by the Secretary to be necessary to achieve the purposes of the program. (2) Payments to producers in States with water quantity concerns The Secretary may provide payments to producers participating in a project that addresses water quantity concerns for a period of five years in an amount sufficient to encourage conversion from irrigated farming to dryland farming. (3) Waiver authority To assist in the implementation of the program, the Secretary may waive the applicability of the limitation in section 1001D(b)(2) of this Act for participating producers if the Secretary determines that the waiver is necessary to fulfill the objectives of the program. 1271D. Funding (a) Availability of funds The Secretary shall use $100,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out the program. (b) Duration of availability Funds made available under subsection (a) shall remain available until expended. (c) Additional funding and acres (1) In general In addition to the funds made available under subsection (a), the Secretary shall reserve 6 percent of the funds and acres made available for a covered program for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 in order to ensure additional resources are available to carry out this program. (2) Unused funds and acres Any funds or acres reserved under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from a covered program that are not obligated under this program by April 1 of that fiscal year shall be returned for use under the covered program. (d) Allocation of funding Of the funds and acres made available for the program under subsections (a) and (c), the Secretary shall allocate— (1) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a State competitive process administered by the State Conservationist, with the advice of the State technical committee established under subtitle G; (2) 50 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a national competitive process to be established by the Secretary; and (3) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects for the critical conservation areas designated under section 1271F. (e) Limitation on administrative expenses None of the funds made available under the program may be used to pay for the administrative expenses of eligible partners. 1271E. Administration (a) Disclosure In addition to the criteria used in evaluating applications as described in section 1271B(d)(2), the Secretary shall make publicly available information on projects selected through the competitive process described in section 1271B(d)(1). (b) Reporting Not later than December 31, 2014, and every two years 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 report on the status of projects funded under the program, including— (1) the number and types of eligible partners and producers participating in the partnership agreements selected; (2) the number of producers receiving assistance; and (3) total funding committed to projects, including from Federal and non-Federal resources. 1271F. Critical conservation areas (a) In general In administering funds under section 1271D(d)(3), the Secretary shall select applications for partnership agreements and producer contracts within critical conservation areas designated under this section. (b) Critical conservation area designations (1) Priority In designating critical conservation areas under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to geographical areas based on the degree to which the geographical area— (A) includes multiple States with significant agricultural production; (B) is covered by an existing regional, State, binational, or multistate agreement or plan that has established objectives, goals, and work plans and is adopted by a Federal, State, or regional authority; (C) would benefit from water quality improvement, including through reducing erosion, promoting sediment control, and addressing nutrient management activities affecting large bodies of water of regional, national, or international significance; (D) would benefit from water quantity improvement, including improvement relating to— (i) groundwater, surface water, aquifer, or other water sources; or (ii) a need to promote water retention and flood prevention; or (E) contains producers that need assistance in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory requirement that could have a negative economic impact on agricultural operations within the area. (2) Limitation The Secretary may not designate more than 8 geographical areas as critical conservation areas under this section. (c) Administration (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall administer any partnership agreement or producer contract under this section in a manner that is consistent with the terms of the program. (2) Relationship to existing activity The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that eligible activities carried out in critical conservation areas designated under this section complement and are consistent with other Federal and State programs and water quality and quantity strategies. (3) Additional authority For a critical conservation area described in subsection (b)(1)(D), the Secretary may use authorities under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq. ), other than section 14 of such Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012 ), to carry out projects for the purposes of this section. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. F Other Conservation Programs 2501. Conservation of private grazing land Section 1240M(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 2502. Grassroots source water protection program Section 1240O(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–2 ) is amended to read as follows: (b) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018. (2) Availability of funds In addition to funds made available under paragraph (1), of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use $5,000,000, to remain available until expended. . 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program (a) Funding Section 1240R(f)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5(f)(1) ) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: and $30,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Report on program effectiveness Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 evaluating the effectiveness of the voluntary public access program established by section 1240R of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5 ), including— (1) identifying cooperating agencies; (2) identifying the number of land holdings and total acres enrolled by each State and tribal government; (3) evaluating the extent of improved access on eligible lands, improved wildlife habitat, and related economic benefits; and (4) any other relevant information and data relating to the program that would be helpful to such committees. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program (a) Funding Subsection (c) of section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3851 ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Funding (1) In general The Secretary may carry out the ACES program using funds made available to carry out each program under this title. (2) Exclusion Funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program may not be used to carry out the ACES program. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program (a) Availability of Funds Section 14(h)(1) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(1) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; (3) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (H) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain available until expended. . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 14(h)(2)(E) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 2506. Agricultural management assistance program (a) Uses Section 524(b)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (B) and redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (F) as subparagraphs (B) through (E), respectively; and (2) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking or resource conservation practices ; and (B) by striking clause (i) and redesignating clauses (ii) through (iv) as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively. (b) Commodity Credit Corporation (1) Funding Section 524(b)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(B) ) is amended to read as follows: (B) Funding The Commodity Credit Corporation shall make available to carry out this subsection not less than $10,000,000 for each fiscal year. . (2) Certain uses Section 524(b)(4)(C) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(C) ) is amended— (A) in clause (i)— (i) by striking 50 and inserting 30 ; and (ii) by striking (A), (B), and (C) and inserting (A) and (B) ; and (B) in clause (iii), by striking 40 and inserting 60 . 2507. Emergency watershed protection program Section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2203 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: In evaluating requests for assistance under this section, the Secretary shall give priority consideration to projects that address runoff retardation and soil-erosion preventive measures needed to mitigate the risks and remediate the effects of catastrophic wildfire on land that is the source of drinking water for landowners and land users. . G Funding and Administration 2601. Funding (a) In general Subsection (a) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended to read as follows: (a) Annual funding For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the following programs under this title (including the provision of technical assistance): (1) The conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D, including, to the maximum extent practicable, $25,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out section 1235(f) to facilitate the transfer of land subject to contracts from retired or retiring owners and operators to beginning farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. (2) The agriculture conservation easement program under subtitle H, using, to the maximum extent practicable— (A) $425,000,000 in fiscal year 2014; (B) $450,000,000 in fiscal year 2015; (C) $475,000,000 in fiscal year 2016; (D) $500,000,000 in fiscal year 2017; and (E) $200,000,000 in fiscal year 2018. (3) The conservation security program under subchapter A of chapter 2 of subtitle D, using such sums as are necessary to administer contracts entered into before September 30, 2008. (4) The conservation stewardship program under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D. (5) The environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D, using, to the maximum extent practicable, $1,750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Regional equity; guaranteed availability of funds Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (d); (2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: (b) Availability of funds Amounts made available by subsection (a) shall be used by the Secretary to carry out the programs specified in such subsection for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 and shall remain available until expended. Amounts made available for the programs specified in such subsection during a fiscal year through modifications, cancellations, terminations, and other related administrative actions and not obligated in that fiscal year shall remain available for obligation during subsequent fiscal years, but shall reduce the amount of additional funds made available in the subsequent fiscal year by an amount equal to the amount remaining unobligated. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2602. Technical assistance (a) In general Subsection (c) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ), as redesignated by section 2601(b)(2) of this Act, is amended to read as follows: (c) Technical assistance (1) Availability of funds Commodity Credit Corporation funds made available for a fiscal year for each of the programs specified in subsection (a)— (A) shall be available for the provision of technical assistance for the programs for which funds are made available as necessary to implement the programs effectively; and (B) shall not be available for the provision of technical assistance for conservation programs specified in subsection (a) other than the program for which the funds were made available. (2) Report Not later than December 31, 2013, the Secretary shall submit (and update as necessary in subsequent years) to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report— (A) detailing the amount of technical assistance funds requested and apportioned in each program specified in subsection (a) during the preceding fiscal year; and (B) any other data relating to this subsection that would be helpful to such committees. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2603. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access (a) In general Subsection (g) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) Preference In providing assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )) that qualifies under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1). . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2604. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance (a) In general Subsection (h) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking wetlands reserve program and inserting agricultural conservation easement program ; (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and (3) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking agricultural water enhancement program and inserting regional conservation partnership program ; and (B) by striking 1240I(g) and inserting 1271C(c)(3) . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2605. Review of conservation practice standards Section 1242(h)(1)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3842(h)(1)(A) ) is amended by striking the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and inserting the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . 2606. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation programs (a) In general Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3844 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )). ; (2) in subsection (d), by inserting , H, and I before the period at the end; (3) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking country and inserting county ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by striking subsection (c)(2)(B) or (f)(4) and inserting subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii) or (f)(2) ; (4) in subsection (h)(2), by inserting , including, to the extent practicable, practices that maximize benefits for honey bees after pollinators ; and (5) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (j) Improved administrative efficiency and effectiveness In administrating a conservation program under this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining conservation planning and program resources; and (2) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. (k) Relation to other payments Any payment received by an owner or operator under this title, including an easement payment or rental payment, shall be in addition to, and not affect, the total amount of payments that the owner or operator is otherwise eligible to receive under any of the following: (1) This Act. (2) The Agricultural Act of 1949 ( 7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq. ). (3) The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. (4) Any law that succeeds a law specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3). . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2607. Standards for State technical committees Section 1261(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3861(b) ) is amended by striking Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary shall develop and inserting The Secretary shall review and update as necessary . 2608. Rulemaking authority Subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1246. Regulations (a) In general The Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement programs under this title, including such regulations as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under section 1244(f). (b) Rulemaking procedure The promulgation of regulations and administration of programs under this title— (1) shall be carried out without regard to— (A) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and (B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act); and (2) shall be made pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, including by interim rules effective on publication under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of subsection (b) of such section if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed and final rules, with an opportunity for notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. . 2609. Wetlands mitigation Section 1222 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3822 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (2)(D), by striking unless more acreage is needed to provide equivalent functions and values that will be lost as a result of the wetland conversion to be mitigated ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(E)— (i) by inserting not before greater than ; and (ii) by striking if more acreage is needed to provide equivalent functions and values that will be lost as a result of the wetland conversion that is mitigated ; and (2) by striking subsection (g). 2610. Lesser prairie-chicken conservation report (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 report containing the results of a review and analysis of each of the programs administered by the Secretary that pertain to the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken, including the conservation reserve program, the environmental quality incentives program, the wildlife habitat incentive program, and the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative. (b) Contents The Secretary shall include in the report required by this section, at a minimum— (1) with respect to each program described in subsection (a) as it relates to the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken, findings regarding— (A) the cost of the program to the Federal Government, impacted State governments, and the private sector; (B) the conservation effectiveness of the program; and (C) the cost-effectiveness of the program; and (2) a ranking of the programs described in subsection (a) based on their relative cost-effectiveness. H Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 1230 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment The heading of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq. ) is amended to read as follows: Conservation Reserve . 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program (a) Repeal Section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831a ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831a ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2703. Wetlands reserve program (a) Repeal Subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program (a) Repeal Subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment The heading of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838 et seq. ) is amended by striking and Farmland Protection . (c) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendments made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2705. Grassland reserve program (a) Repeal Subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program (a) Repeal Section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq. ) to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2708. Great Lakes basin program (a) Repeal Section 1240P of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–3 ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program (a) Repeal Section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative (a) Repeal Section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3843 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3843 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2711. Environmental easement program Chapter 3 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839 et seq. ) is repealed. 2712. Technical amendments (a) Definitions Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3801(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking E and inserting I . (b) Program ineligibility Section 1211(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811(a) ) is amended by striking predominate each place it appears and inserting predominant . (c) Specialty crop producers Section 1242(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3842(i) ) is amended in the header by striking Speciality and inserting Specialty . III Trade A Food for Peace Act 3001. General authority Section 201 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1721 ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting (to be implemented by the Administrator) after under this title ; and (2) by striking paragraph (7) and the second sentence and inserting the following new paragraph: (7) build resilience to mitigate and prevent food crises and reduce the future need for emergency aid. . 3002. Support for organizations through which assistance is provided Section 202(e)(1) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1722(e)(1) ) is amended by striking 13 percent and inserting 11 percent . 3003. Food aid quality Section 202(h) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1722(h) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)— (i) by striking The Administrator shall use funds made available for fiscal year 2009 and inserting In consultation with the Secretary, the Administrator shall use funds made available for fiscal year 2013 ; and (ii) by inserting to establish a mechanism after this title ; (B) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); and (C) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs: (C) to evaluate, as necessary, the use of current and new agricultural commodities and products thereof in different program settings and for particular recipient groups, including the testing of prototypes; (D) to establish and implement appropriate protocols for quality assurance of food products procured by the Secretary for food aid programs; and (E) to periodically update program guidelines on the recommended use of agricultural commodities and food products in food aid programs to reflect findings from the implementation of this subsection and other relevant information. ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking The Administrator and inserting In consultation with the Secretary, the Administrator ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking section 207(f) and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: section 207(f)— (A) for fiscal years 2009 through 2013, not more than $4,500,000 may be used to carry out this subsection; and (B) for fiscal years 2014 through 2018, not more than $1,000,000 may be used to carry out this subsection. . 3004. Minimum levels of assistance Section 204(a) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1724(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group (a) Membership Section 205(b) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1725(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking and at the end of paragraph (6); (2) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph: (7) representatives from the United States agricultural processing sector involved in providing agricultural commodities for programs under this Act; and . (b) Consultation Section 205(d) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1725(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking the first sentence and inserting the following: (1) Consultation in advance of issuance of implementation regulations, handbooks, and guidelines Not later than 45 days before a proposed regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this title, or a proposed significant revision to a regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this title, becomes final, the Administrator shall provide the proposal to the Group for review and comment. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Consultation regarding food aid quality efforts The Administrator shall seek input from and consult with the Group on the implementation of section 202(h). . (c) Reauthorization Section 205(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1725(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation (a) Regulations and guidance Section 207(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(c) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by inserting and Guidance after Regulations ; (2) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new sentence: Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , the Administrator shall issue all regulations and revisions to agency guidance necessary to implement the amendments made to this title by such Act. ; and (3) in paragraph (2), by inserting and guidance after develop regulations . (b) Funding Section 207(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)— (A) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (D); (B) by striking ; and at the end of subparagraph (E) and inserting the period; and (C) by striking subparagraph (F); (2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and (3) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and (4) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking 2012 and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 2013, and up to $10,000,000 of such funds for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (c) Implementation reports Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Agency for International Development shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committees on Agriculture and Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report describing— (1) the implementation of section 207(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(c) ); (2) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements for programs conducted under title II of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq. ) by an eligible organization that is a nongovernmental organization (as such term is defined in section 402 of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1732 )); and (3) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements for such programs by an eligible organization that is an intergovernmental organization, such as the World Food Program or other multilateral organization. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726b(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3008. General provisions (a) Impact on Local Farmers and Economy Section 403(b) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733(b) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: The Secretary or the Administrator, as appropriate, shall seek information, as part of the regular proposal and submission process, from implementing agencies on the potential benefits to the local economy of sales of agricultural commodities within the recipient country. . (b) Prevention of price disruptions Section 403(e) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2), by striking reasonable market price and inserting fair market value ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Coordination on assessments The Secretary and the Administrator shall coordinate in assessments to carry out paragraph (1) and in the development of approaches to be used by implementing agencies for determining the fair market value described in paragraph (2). . (c) Report on use of funds Section 403 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (m) Report on use of funds Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report— (1) specifying the amount of funds (including funds for administrative costs, indirect cost recovery, and internal transportation, storage and handling, and associated distribution costs) provided to each eligible organization that received assistance under this Act in the previous fiscal year; and (2) describing how those funds were used by the eligible organization. . 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities Section 407(c)(4) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736a(c)(4) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (B) by striking for each such fiscal year not more than $10,000,000 of such funds and inserting for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2013 not more than $10,000,000 of such funds and for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 not more than $15,000,000 of such funds ; and (2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (B) Additional prepositioning sites The Administrator may establish additional sites for prepositioning in foreign countries or change the location of current sites for prepositioning in foreign countries after conducting, and based on the results of, assessments of need, the availability of appropriate technology for long-term storage, feasibility, and cost. . 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities Section 407(f)(1) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736a(f)(1) ) is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking agricultural trade and inserting food aid ; (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: and the total number of beneficiaries of the project and the activities carried out through such project ; and (3) in subparagraph (B)(iii)— (A) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by inserting , and the total number of beneficiaries in, after commodities made available to ; (B) by striking and at the end of subclause (I); (C) by inserting and at the end of subclause (II); and (D) by inserting after subclause (II) the following new subclause: (III) the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program established by section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1 ); . 3011. 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 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3012. Authorization of appropriations (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 412(a)(1) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736f(a)(1) ) is amended by striking for fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter, $2,500,000,000 and inserting $2,500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013 and $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance Paragraph (1) of section 412(e) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736f(e) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Funds and commodities For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, of the amounts made available to carry out emergency and nonemergency food assistance programs under title II, not less than $400,000,000 shall be expended for nonemergency food assistance programs under such title. . 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs (a) Elimination of obsolete reference to study Section 415(a)(2)(B) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(a)(2)(B) ) is amended by striking , using recommendations and all that follows through quality enhancements . (b) Extension Section 415(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1737 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2013, and not less than the greater of $15,000,000 or 0.5 percent of the amounts made available for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, ; and (2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . B Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 3101. Funding for export credit guarantee program Section 211(b) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5641(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3102. Funding for market access program Section 211(c)(1)(A) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5641(c)(1)(A) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program Section 703(a) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5723(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Other Agricultural Trade Laws 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985 (a) Extension The Food for Progress Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o ) is amended— (1) in subsection (f)(3), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (2) in subsection (g), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (3) in subsection (k), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (4) in subsection (l)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Repeal of completed project Subsection (f) of the Food for Progress Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o ) is amended by striking paragraph (6). 3202. 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 2012 both places it appears and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (h), by striking 2012 both places it appears and inserting 2018 . 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets (a) Direct credits or export credit guarantees Section 1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101–624 ; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Development of agricultural systems Section 1542(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101–624 ; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (a) Reauthorization Section 3107(l)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(l)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Technical correction Section 3107(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(d) ) is amended by striking to in the matter preceding paragraph (1). 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops (a) Purpose Section 3205(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5680(b) ) is amended by striking related barriers to trade and inserting technical barriers to trade . (b) Funding Section 3205(e)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5680(e)(2) ) is amended— (1) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (C); and (2) by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (D) $9,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2018. . (c) U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish study Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct an economic study on the existing market in the United States for U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust Section 3202(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 22 U.S.C. 2220a note) is amended by striking section and all that follows through the period and inserting the following: section— (1) $60,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 3207. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services (a) In general Subtitle B of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 225 ( 7 U.S.C. 6931 ) the following new section: 225A. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services (a) Authorization The Secretary is authorized to establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services. (b) Confirmation required If the Secretary establishes the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (c) Functions of under secretary (1) Principal functions Upon establishment, the Secretary shall delegate to the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services those functions under the jurisdiction of the Department that are related to foreign agricultural services. (2) Additional functions The Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services shall perform such other functions as may be required by law or prescribed by the Secretary. (d) Succession Any official who is serving as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services on the date of the enactment of this section and who was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall not be required to be reappointed under subsection (b) or section 225(b) to the successor position authorized under subsection (a) or section 225(a) if the Secretary establishes the position, and the official occupies the new position, with 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section (or such later date set by the Secretary if litigation delays rapid succession). . (b) Conforming amendments Section 225 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6931 ) is amended— (1) by striking Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services each place it appears and inserting Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Services ; and (2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking and foreign agricultural . (c) Permanent authority Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (6)(C), by striking or at the end; (2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (8) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services in accordance with section 225A; . 3208. Department of Agriculture certificates of origin The Secretary of Agriculture shall seek to ensure that Department of Agriculture certificates of origin are accepted by any country with respect to which the United States has entered into a free trade agreement providing for preferential duty treatment. IV Credit A Farm ownership loans 4001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans (a) In general Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking (a) In general.— The and inserting the following: (a) In general (1) Eligibility requirements The ; (2) in the 1st sentence, by inserting after limited liability companies the following: , and such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; (3) in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1) through (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively; (4) in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking and limited liability companies each place it appears and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) in the 3rd sentence, by striking (3) and (4) and inserting (C) and (D) , respectively; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (2) Special deeming rules (A) Eligibility of certain operating-only entities An entity that is or will become only the operator of a family farm is deemed to meet the owner-operator requirements of paragraph (1) if the individuals that are the owners of the family farm own more than 50 percent (or such other percentage as the Secretary determines is appropriate) of the entity. (B) Eligibility of certain embedded entities An entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph (1), or an operator described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph that is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities, is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . (b) Direct farm ownership experience requirement Section 302(b)(1) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922(b)(1) ) is amended by inserting or has other acceptable experience for a period of time, as determined by the Secretary, after 3 years . (c) Conforming amendments (1) Section 304(c)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(c)(2) ) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 302(a) and inserting clauses (A) and (B) of section 302(a)(1) . (2) Section 310D of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1934 ) is amended— (A) by inserting after partnership the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; and (B) by striking or partners each place it appears and inserting partners, or owners . 4002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program (a) Eligibility Section 304(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(c) ) is amended by inserting after limited liability companies the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, . (b) Limitation on loan guarantee amount Section 304(e) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(e) ) is amended by striking 75 percent and inserting 90 percent . (c) Extension of program Section 304(h) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4003. Down payment loan program (a) In general Section 310E(b)(1)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1935(b)(1)(C) ) is amended by striking $500,000 and inserting $667,000 . (b) Technical correction Section 310E(b) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1935(b) ) is amended by striking the 2nd paragraph (2). 4004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement Section 307 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1927 ) is amended by striking subsection (d) and redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d). B Operating loans 4101. Eligibility for farm operating loans Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking (a) In general.— The and inserting the following: (a) In general (1) Eligibility requirements The ; (2) in the 1st sentence, by inserting after limited liability companies the following: , and such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; (3) in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1) through (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively; (4) in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking and limited liability companies each place it appears and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) in the 3rd sentence, by striking (3) and (4) and inserting (C) and (D) , respectively; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (2) Special deeming rule An entity that is an operator described in paragraph (1) that is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities, is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . 4102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth Section 311(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(b)(1) ) is amended by striking who are rural residents . 4103. Authority to waive personal liability for youth loans due to circumstances beyond borrower control Section 311(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(b) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) The Secretary may, on a case-by-case basis, waive the personal liability of a borrower for a loan made under this subsection if any default on the loan was due to circumstances beyond the control of the borrower. . 4104. Microloans (a) In general Section 313 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1943 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Microloans (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may establish a program to make or guarantee microloans. (2) Limitation The Secretary shall not make or guarantee a microloan under this subsection that exceeds $35,000 or that would cause the total principal indebtedness outstanding at any 1 time for microloans made under this chapter to any 1 borrower to exceed $70,000. (3) Applications To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall limit the administrative burdens and streamline the application and approval process for microloans under this subsection. (4) Cooperative lending projects (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may contract with community-based and nongovernmental organizations, State entities, or other intermediaries, as the Secretary determines appropriate— (i) to make or guarantee a microloan under this subsection; and (ii) to provide business, financial, marketing, and credit management services to borrowers. (B) Requirements Before contracting with an entity described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary— (i) shall review and approve— (I) the loan loss reserve fund for microloans established by the entity; and (II) the underwriting standards for microloans of the entity; and (ii) establish such other requirements for contracting with the entity as the Secretary determines necessary. . (b) Exceptions for direct loans Section 311(c)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(c)(2) ) is amended to read as follows: (2) Exceptions In this subsection, the term direct operating loan shall not include— (A) a loan made to a youth under subsection (b); or (B) a microloan made to a beginning farmer or rancher or a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ). . (c) Section 312(a) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1942(a) ) is amended by inserting (including a microloan, as defined by the Secretary) after A direct loan . (d) Section 316(a)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1946(a)(2) ) is amended by inserting a microloan to a beginning farmer or rancher or veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ), or after The interest rate on . C Emergency loans 4201. Eligibility for emergency loans Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1961(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking owner-operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle A) or operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B) each place it appears and inserting (in the case of farm ownership loans in accordance with subtitle A) owner-operators or operators, or (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B) operators ; (2) by inserting after limited liability companies the 1st place it appears the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate ; (3) by inserting after limited liability companies the 2nd place it appears the following: , or other legal entities ; (4) by striking and limited liability companies, and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) by striking ownership and operator and inserting ownership or operator ; and (6) by adding at the end the following: An entity that is an owner-operator or operator described in this subsection is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under this subsection if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . D Administrative provisions 4301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program Section 333B(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983b(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4302. Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers (a) Conforming amendments relating to changes in eligibility rules Section 343(a)(11) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11) ) is amended— (1) by inserting after joint operation, the 1st place it appears the following: or such other legal entity as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; (2) by striking or joint operators each place it appears and inserting joint operators, or owners ; and (3) by inserting after joint operation, the 2nd and 3rd place it appears the following: or such other legal entity, . (b) Modification of acreage ownership limitation Section 343(a)(11)(F) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)(F) ) is amended by striking median acreage and inserting average acreage . 4303. Loan authorization levels Section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(1) ) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4304. Priority for participation loans Section 346(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(i) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (III) Priority In order to maximize the number of borrowers served under this clause, the Secretary— (aa) shall give priority to applicants who apply under the down payment loan program under section 310E or joint financing arrangements under section 307(a)(3)(D); and (bb) may offer other financing options under this subtitle to applicants only if the Secretary determines that down payment or other participation loan options are not a viable approach for the applicants. . 4305. Loan fund set-asides Section 346(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) ) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by striking of the total amount . 4306. Conforming amendment to borrower training provision, relating to eligibility changes Section 359(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2006a(c)(2) ) is amended by striking section 302(a)(2) or 311(a)(2) and inserting section 302(a)(1)(B) or 311(a)(1)(B) . E State agricultural mediation programs 4401. State agricultural mediation programs Section 506 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 ( 7 U.S.C. 5106 ) is amended by striking 2015 and inserting 2018 . F Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land 4501. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land The first section of Public Law 91–229 ( 25 U.S.C. 488 ) is amended in subsection (b)(1) by striking pursuant to section 205(c) of the Indian Land Consolidation Act ( 25 U.S.C. 2204(c) ) and inserting or to intermediaries in order to establish revolving loan funds for the purchase of highly fractionated land . V Rural development A Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 5001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants Section 306(a)(2)(B)(vii) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)(vii) ) is amended by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 5002. Rural business opportunity grants Section 306(a)(11)(D) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11)(D) ) is amended by striking $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5003. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant program funds Section 306(a)(19) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (C). 5004. Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities Section 306(a)(24) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(24) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C) Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities The Secretary shall consider the benefits to communities that result from using loan guarantees in the Community Facilities Program and to the maximum extent possible utilize guarantees to enhance community involvement. . 5005. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program Section 306(a)(22) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22) ) is amended to read as follows: (22) Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program (A) In general The Secretary shall continue a national rural water and wastewater circuit rider program that— (i) is consistent with the activities and results of the program conducted before the date of enactment of this paragraph, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) receives funding from the Secretary, acting through the Rural Utilities Service. (B) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. . 5006. Tribal college and university essential community facilities Section 306(a)(25)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C) ) is amended by striking $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5007. Essential community facilities technical assistance and training Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (26) Essential community facilities technical assistance and training (A) In general The Secretary may make grants to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations, such as States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and villages, boroughs, authorities, districts and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations which will serve rural areas for the purpose of enabling them to provide to associations described in this subsection technical assistance and training, with respect to essential community facilities programs authorized under this subsection, to— (i) assist communities in identifying and planning for community facility needs; (ii) identify public and private resources to finance community facilities needs; (iii) prepare reports and surveys necessary to request financial assistance to develop community facilities; (iv) prepare applications for financial assistance; (v) improve the management, including financial management, related to the operation of community facilities; or (vi) assist with other areas of need identified by the Secretary. (B) Selection priority In selecting recipients of grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to private, nonprofit, or public organizations that have experience in providing technical assistance and training to rural entities. (C) Funding Not less than 3 nor more than 5 percent of any funds appropriated to carry out each of the essential community facilities grant, loan and loan guarantee programs as authorized under this subsection for any fiscal year shall be reserved for grants under this paragraph. . 5008. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program Section 306A(i)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926a(i)(2) ) is amended by striking $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $27,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5009. Household water well systems Section 306E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926e(d) ) is amended by striking $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5010. Rural business and industry loan program (a) Flexibility for the business and loan program Section 310B(a)(2)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(a)(2)(A) ) is amended by inserting including working capital after employment . (b) Greater flexibility for adequate collateral through accounts receivable Section 310B(g)(7) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(7) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: In the discretion of the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that the action would not create or otherwise contribute to an unreasonable risk of default or loss to the Federal Government, the Secretary may take account receivables as security for the obligations entered into in connection with loans and a borrower may use account receivables as collateral to secure a loan made or guaranteed under this subsection. . (c) Regulations Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement the amendments made by this section. 5011. Rural cooperative development grants Section 310B(e)(12) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(12) ) is amended by striking $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5012. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(v)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(v)(I) ) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by inserting and not more than 7 percent after 5 percent . 5013. Intermediary relending program (a) In general Subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922–1936a ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 310H. Intermediary relending program (a) In general The Secretary shall make loans to the entities, for the purposes, and subject to the terms and conditions specified in the 1st, 2nd, and last sentences of section 623(a) of the Community Economic Development Act of 1981 ( 42 U.S.C. 9812(a) ). (b) Limitations on authorization of appropriations For loans under subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Conforming amendments Section 1323(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( Public Law 99–198 ; 7 U.S.C. 1932 note) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by adding and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (3) by striking subparagraph (C). 5014. Rural college coordinated strategy Section 331 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1981 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Rural college coordinated strategy The Secretary shall develop a coordinated strategy across the relevant programs within the Rural Development mission areas to serve the specific, local needs of rural communities when making investments in rural community colleges and technical colleges through other current authorities. During the development of a coordinated strategy, the Secretary shall consult with groups representing rural-serving community colleges and technical colleges to coordinate critical investments in rural community colleges and technical colleges involved in workforce training. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to provide a priority for funding within current authorities. The Secretary shall use the coordinated strategy and information developed for the strategy to more effectively serve rural communities with respect to investments in community colleges and technical colleges. . 5015. Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983 ) is amended— (1) by striking require ; (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting require after (1) ; (3) in paragraph (2), by inserting , require after 314 ; (4) in paragraph (3), by inserting require after loans, ; (5) in paragraph (4)— (A) by inserting require after (4) ; and (B) by striking and after the semicolon; (6) in paragraph (5)— (A) by inserting require after (5) ; and (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (7) by adding at the end the following: (6) with respect to water and waste disposal direct and guaranteed loans provided under section 306, encourage, to the maximum extent practicable, private or cooperative lenders to finance rural water and waste disposal facilities by— (A) maximizing the use of loan guarantees to finance eligible projects in rural communities where the population exceeds 5,500; (B) maximizing the use of direct loans to finance eligible projects in rural communities where the impact on rate payers will be material when compared to financing with a loan guarantee; (C) establishing and applying a materiality standard when determining the difference in impact on rate payers between a direct loan and a loan guarantee; (D) in the case of projects that require interim financing in excess of $500,000, requiring that such projects initially seek such financing from private or cooperative lenders; and (E) determining if an existing direct loan borrower can refinance with a private or cooperative lender, including with a loan guarantee, prior to providing a new direct loan. . 5016. Simplified applications (a) In general Section 333A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983a ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (h) Simplified application forms Except as provided in subsection (g)(2) of this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, develop a simplified application process, including a single page application where possible, for grants and relending authorized under sections 306, 306C, 306D, 306E, 310B(b), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(f), 310H, 379B, and 379E. . (b) Report to the Congress Within 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 written report that contains an evaluation of the implementation of the amendment made by subsection (a). 5017. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008p(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 5018. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program Section 379E(d)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008s(d)(2) ) is amended by striking $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5019. Delta Regional Authority (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 382M(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009aa–12(a) ) is amended by striking $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Termination of authority Section 382N of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009aa–13 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5020. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 383N(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009bb–12(a) ) is amended by striking $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Termination of authority Section 383O of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009bb–13 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5021. Rural business investment program Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009cc–18 ) is amended by striking $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . B Rural Electrification Act of 1936 5101. Relending for certain purposes (a) In general The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. ) is amended— (1) in section 2(a), by inserting (including relending for this purpose as provided in section 4) after efficiency ; (2) in section 4(a), by inserting (including relending to ultimate consumers for this purpose by borrowers enumerated in the proviso in this section) after efficiency ; and (3) in section 313(b)(2)(B)— (A) by inserting (acting through the Rural Utilities Service) after Secretary ; and (B) by inserting energy efficiency (including relending to ultimate consumers for this purpose), after promoting . (b) Current authority The authority provided in this section is in addition to any other relending authority of the Secretary under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et. seq.) or any other law. (c) Administration The Secretary (acting through the Rural Utilities Service) shall continue to carry out section 313 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c ) in the same manner as on the day before enactment of this Act until such time as any regulations necessary to carry out the amendments made by this section are fully implemented. 5102. Fees for certain loan guarantees The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. ) is amended by inserting after section 4 the following: 5. Fees for certain loan guarantees (a) In general For electrification baseload generation loan guarantees, the Secretary shall, at the request of the borrower, charge an upfront fee to cover the costs of the loan guarantee. (b) Fee The fee described in subsection (a) for a loan guarantee shall be equal to the costs of the loan guarantee (within the meaning of section 502(5)(C) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 ( 2 U.S.C. 661a(5)(C) )). (c) Limitation Funds received from a borrower to pay the fee described in this section shall not be derived from a loan or other debt obligation that is made or guaranteed by the Federal Government. . 5103. Rural utilities service contracting authority Section 18(c) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 918(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking Rural Electrification Administration each place it appears and inserting Rural Utilities Service ; and (2) in paragraph (4)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by inserting cooperative before agreements ; and (B) by inserting after the 1st sentence the following: A contract funded by a borrower that is to be paid for out of the general funds of the borrower is not a public contract within the meaning of title 41, United States Code. . 5104. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes Section 313A(f) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c–1(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5105. Expansion of 911 access Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940e(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5106. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 950bb ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Priorities In making or guaranteeing loans under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give— (A) the highest priority to applicants that offer to provide broadband service to the greatest proportion of households that, prior to the provision of the broadband service, had no incumbent service provider; and (B) priority to applicants that offer in their applications to provide broadband service not predominantly for business service, but where at least 25 percent of customers in the proposed service territory are commercial interests. ; (2) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (5)— (i) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); (ii) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting a semicolon; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (D) the amount and type of support requested; and (E) a list of the census block groups or tracts proposed to be so served. ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (8) Additional process The Secretary shall establish a process under which an incumbent service provider which, as of the date of the publication of notice under paragraph (5) with respect to an application submitted by the provider, is providing broadband service to a remote rural area, may (but shall not be required to) submit to the Secretary, not less than 15 and not more than 30 days after that date, information regarding the broadband services that the provider offers in the proposed service territory, so that the Secretary may assess whether the application meets the requirements of this section with respect to eligible projects. ; (3) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following: (3) Requirement In considering the technology needs of customers in a proposed service territory, the Secretary shall take into consideration the upgrade or replacement cost for the construction or acquisition of facilities and equipment in the territory. ; and (4) in each of subsections (k)(1) and (l), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Miscellaneous 5201. Distance learning and telemedicine (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 2335A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa–5 ) is amended by striking $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2012 and inserting $65,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Conforming amendment Section 1(b) of Public Law 102–551 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5202. Value-added agricultural market development program grants Section 231(b)(7) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 1632a(b)(7) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by striking 2008 and inserting 2013 ; and (B) by striking $15,000,000 and inserting $50,000,000 ; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5203. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program Section 6402(i) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1632b(i) ) is amended by striking $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5204. Program metrics (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture shall collect data regarding economic activities created through grants and loans, including any technical assistance provided as a component of the grant or loan program, and measure the short and long term viability of award recipients and any entities to whom those recipients provide assistance using award funds under section 231 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 106–224 ), section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107 ), section 313(b)(2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c(b)(2) ), or section 306(a)(11), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(g), 310H, or 379E, or subtitle E, of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11) , 1932(c), 1932(e), 1932(g), 2008s, or 2009 through 2009m). (b) Data The data collected under subsection (a) shall include information collected from recipients both during the award period and after the period as determined by the Secretary, but not less than 2 years after the award period ends. (c) Report Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years 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 report that contains the data described in subsection (a). The report shall include detailed information regarding— (1) actions taken by the Secretary to utilize the data; (2) the number of jobs, including self-employment and the value of salaries and wages; (3) how the provision of funds from the grant or loan involved affected the local economy; (4) any benefit, such as an increase in revenue or customer base; and (5) such other information as the Secretary deems appropriate. 5205. Study of rural transportation issues (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation shall publish an updated version of the study described in section 6206 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (as amended by subsection (b)). (b) Addition to study Section 6206(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1971) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) the sufficiency of infrastructure along waterways in the United States and the impact of such infrastructure on the movement of agricultural goods in terms of safety, efficiency and speed, as well as the benefits derived through upgrades and repairs to locks and dams. . (c) Report to congress Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the Congress the updated version of the study required by subsection (a). 5206. Certain Federal actions not to be considered major In the case of a loan, loan guarantee, or grant program in the rural development mission area of the Department of Agriculture, an action of the Secretary before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act that does not involve the provision by the Department of Agriculture of Federal dollars or a Federal loan guarantee, including— (1) the approval by the Department of Agriculture of the decision of a borrower to commence a privately funded activity; (2) a lien accommodation or subordination; (3) a debt settlement or restructuring; or (4) the restructuring of a business entity by a borrower, shall not be considered a major Federal action. 5207. Telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas Section 2333(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa-2(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking and at the end of paragraph (12); and (2) by redesignating paragraph (13) as paragraph (14) and inserting after paragraph (12) the following: (13) whether the applicant for assistance is located in a designated health professional shortage area (within the meaning of section 332 of the Public Health Service Act) . 5208. Regional economic and infrastructure development Section 15751 of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking Not more than and inserting the following: (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), not more than ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (2) Limited funding In a case in which less than $10,000,000 is made available to a Commission for a fiscal year under this section, paragraph (1) shall not apply. . VI Research, Extension, and Related Matters A National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 6101. Option to be included as non-land-grant college of agriculture Section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraph: (5) Cooperating forestry school (A) In general The term cooperating forestry school means an institution— (i) that is eligible to receive funds under the Act of October 10, 1962 ( 16 U.S.C. 582a et seq. ), commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962; and (ii) with respect to which the Secretary has not received a declaration of the intent of that institution to not be considered a cooperating forestry school. (B) Termination of declaration A declaration of the intent of an institution to not be considered a cooperating forestry school submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect until September 30, 2018. ; and (2) in paragraph (10)— (A) in subparagraph (A)— (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking that ; (ii) in clause (i)— (I) by inserting that before qualify ; and (II) by striking and at the end; (iii) in clause (ii)— (I) by inserting that before offer ; and (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) with respect to which the Secretary has not received a statement of the declaration of the intent of a college or university to not be considered a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university. ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Termination of declaration of intent A declaration of the intent of a college or university to not be considered a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect until September 30, 2018. . 6102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (a) Extension of termination date Section 1408(h) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Duties of National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board Section 1408(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) consult with industry groups on agricultural research, extension, education, and economics, and make recommendations to the Secretary based on that consultation. . 6103. Specialty crop committee Section 1408A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking Measures and inserting Programs ; (2) by striking paragraph (2); (3) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and (4) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Programs that would and inserting Research, extension, and teaching programs designed to improve competitiveness in the specialty crop industry, including programs that would ; (B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting , including improving the quality and taste of processed specialty crops before the semicolon; and (C) in subparagraph (G), by inserting the remote sensing and the before mechanization . 6104. Veterinary services grant program The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1415A ( 7 U.S.C. 3151a ) the following new section: 1415B. Veterinary services grant program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Qualified entity The term qualified entity means— (A) a for-profit or nonprofit entity located in the United States that, or an individual who, operates a veterinary clinic providing veterinary services— (i) in a rural area, as defined in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a) ); and (ii) in a veterinarian shortage situation; (B) a State, national, allied, or regional veterinary organization or specialty board recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association; (C) a college or school of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association; (D) a university research foundation or veterinary medical foundation; (E) a department of veterinary science or department of comparative medicine accredited by the Department of Education; (F) a State agricultural experiment station; or (G) a State, local, or tribal government agency. (2) Veterinarian shortage situation The term veterinarian shortage situation means a veterinarian shortage situation as determined by the Secretary under section 1415A. (b) Establishment (1) Competitive grants The Secretary shall carry out a program to make competitive grants to qualified entities that carry out programs or activities described in paragraph (2) for the purpose of developing, implementing, and sustaining veterinary services. (2) Eligibility requirements A qualified entity shall be eligible to receive a grant described in paragraph (1) if the entity carries out programs or activities that the Secretary determines will— (A) substantially relieve veterinarian shortage situations; (B) support or facilitate private veterinary practices engaged in public health activities; or (C) support or facilitate the practices of veterinarians who are providing or have completed providing services under an agreement entered into with the Secretary under section 1415A(a)(2). (c) Award processes and preferences (1) Application, evaluation, and input processes In administering the grant program established under this section, the Secretary shall— (A) use an appropriate application and evaluation process, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) seek the input of interested persons. (2) Coordination preference In selecting recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes described in subsection (d)(1), the Secretary shall give a preference to qualified entities that provide documentation of coordination with other qualified entities, with respect to any such purpose. (3) Consideration of available funds In selecting recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes described in subsection (d), the Secretary shall take into consideration the amount of funds available for grants and the purposes for which the grant funds will be used. (4) Nature of grants A grant awarded under this section shall be considered to be a competitive research, extension, or education grant. (d) Use of grants To relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a qualified entity may use funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services for any of the following purposes: (A) To promote recruitment (including for programs in secondary schools), placement, and retention of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students of veterinary medicine, and students of veterinary technology. (B) To allow veterinary students, veterinary interns, externs, fellows, and residents, and veterinary technician students to cover expenses (other than the types of expenses described in section 1415A(c)(5)) to attend training programs in food safety or food animal medicine. (C) To establish or expand accredited veterinary education programs (including faculty recruitment and retention), veterinary residency and fellowship programs, or veterinary internship and externship programs carried out in coordination with accredited colleges of veterinary medicine. (D) To provide continuing education and extension, including veterinary telemedicine and other distance-based education, for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other health professionals needed to strengthen veterinary programs and enhance food safety. (E) To provide technical assistance for the preparation of applications submitted to the Secretary for designation as a veterinarian shortage situation under this section or section 1415A. (2) Qualified entities operating veterinary clinics A qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) may only use funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to establish or expand veterinary practices, including— (A) equipping veterinary offices; (B) sharing in the reasonable overhead costs of such veterinary practices, as determined by the Secretary; or (C) establishing mobile veterinary facilities in which a portion of the facilities will address education or extension needs. (e) Special requirements for certain grants (1) Terms of service requirements (A) In general Funds provided through a grant made under this section to a qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) and used by such entity under subsection (d)(2) shall be subject to an agreement between the Secretary and such entity that includes a required term of service for such entity (including a qualified entity operating as an individual), as prospectively established by the Secretary. (B) Considerations In establishing a term of service under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider only— (i) the amount of the grant awarded; and (ii) the specific purpose of the grant. (2) Breach remedies (A) In general An agreement under paragraph (1) shall provide remedies for any breach of the agreement by the qualified entity referred to in paragraph (1)(A), including repayment or partial repayment of the grant funds, with interest. (B) Waiver The Secretary may grant a waiver of the repayment obligation for breach of contract if the Secretary determines that such qualified entity demonstrates extreme hardship or extreme need. (C) Treatment of amounts recovered Funds recovered under this paragraph shall— (i) be credited to the account available to carry out this section; and (ii) remain available until expended without further appropriation. (f) Prohibition on use of grant funds for construction Except as provided in subsection (d)(2), funds made available for grants under this section may not be used— (1) to construct a new building or facility; or (2) to acquire, expand, remodel, or alter an existing building or facility, including site grading and improvement and architect fees. (g) Regulations Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this section. (h) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended. . 6105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education Section 1417(m) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3152(m) ) is amended by striking section $60,000,000 and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1990 through 2013; and (2) $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6106. Policy research centers Section 1419A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3155 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting Agricultural and food before policy ; (2) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1)— (A) by striking Secretary may and inserting Secretary shall, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, ; (B) by striking make grants, competitive grants, and special research grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements and other contracting instruments with, and inserting make competitive grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, ; and (C) by inserting with a history of providing unbiased, nonpartisan economic analysis to Congress after subsection (b) ; (3) in subsection (b), by striking other research institutions and all that follows through shall be eligible and inserting and other public research institutions and organizations shall be eligible ; (4) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; (5) by inserting after subsection (b), the following new subsection: (c) Preference In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give a preference to policy research centers that have extensive databases, models, and demonstrated experience in providing Congress with agricultural market projections, rural development analysis, agricultural policy analysis, and baseline projections at the farm, multiregional, national, and international levels. ; and (6) by striking subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)) and inserting the following new subsection: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6107. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program Effective October 1, 2013, section 1424 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3174 ) is repealed. 6108. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research Effective October 1, 2013, section 1424A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3174a ) is repealed. 6109. Nutrition education program Section 1425(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3175(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6110. Continuing animal health and disease research programs Section 1433 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3195 ) is amended by striking the section designation and heading and all that follows through subsection (a) and inserting the following: 1433. Appropriations for continuing animal health and disease research programs (a) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to support continuing animal health and disease research programs at eligible institutions— (A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Use of funds Funds made available under this section shall be used— (A) to meet the expenses of conducting animal health and disease research, publishing and disseminating the results of such research, and contributing to the retirement of employees subject to the Act of March 4, 1940 ( 7 U.S.C. 331 ); (B) for administrative planning and direction; and (C) to purchase equipment and supplies necessary for conducting the research described in subparagraph (A). . 6111. Repeal of appropriations for research on national or regional problems (a) Repeal Effective October 1, 2013, section 1434 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3196 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendments (1) Matching funds Section 1438 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3200 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking , exclusive of the funds provided for research on specific national or regional animal health and disease problems under the provisions of section 1434 of this title, . (2) Authorization of appropriations for existing and certain new agricultural research programs Section 1463(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3311(c) ) is amended by striking sections 1433 and 1434 and inserting section 1433 . 6112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions (a) Supporting tropical and subtropical agricultural research (1) In general Section 1447B(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(a) ) is amended to read as follows: (a) Purpose It is the intent of Congress to assist the land-grant colleges and universities in the insular areas in efforts to— (1) acquire, alter, or repair facilities or relevant equipment necessary for conducting agricultural research; and (2) support tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research. . (2) Conforming amendment Section 1447B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2 ) is amended in the heading— (A) by inserting and support tropical and subtropical agricultural research after equipment ; and (B) by striking institutions and inserting colleges and universities . (b) Extension Section 1447B(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers Effective October 1, 2013, section 1448 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222c ) is repealed. 6115. Hispanic-serving institutions Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3241(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6116. Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth Section 1456(e)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3243(e)(1) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a competitive grants program— (A) to fund fundamental and applied research and extension at Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities in agriculture, human nutrition, food science, bioenergy, and environmental science; and (B) to award competitive grants to Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities to provide for training in the food and agricultural sciences of Hispanic agricultural workers and Hispanic youth working in the food and agricultural sciences. . 6117. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs Section 1459A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3292b(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6118. Repeal of research equipment grants Effective October 1, 2013, section 1462A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3310a ) is repealed. 6119. University research Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3311 ) is amended in both of subsections (a) and (b) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6120. Extension service Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3312 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6121. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements Section 1469 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3315 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2), by adding and at the end; (B) by striking paragraph (3); and (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3); (2) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsections: (b) Administrative expenses (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may retain not more than 4 percent of amounts made available for agricultural research, extension, and teaching assistance programs for the administration of those programs authorized under this Act or any other Act. (2) Exceptions The limitation on administrative expenses under paragraph (1) shall not apply to peer panel expenses under subsection (d) or any other provision of law related to the administration of agricultural research, extension, and teaching assistance programs that contains a limitation on administrative expenses that is less than the limitation under paragraph (1). (c) Agreements with non-Federal entities (1) Former agricultural research facilities of the Department To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary, for purposes of supporting ongoing research and information dissemination activities, including supporting research and those activities through co-locating scientists and other technical personnel, sharing of laboratory and field equipment, and providing financial support, shall enter into grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with former Department of Agriculture agricultural research facilities. (2) Agreements with agricultural research organizations The Secretary, for purposes of receiving from a non-Federal agricultural research organization support for agricultural research, including staffing, laboratory and field equipment, or direct financial assistance, may enter into grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with a non-Federal agricultural research organization, the operation of which is consistent with the research mission and programs of an agricultural research facility of the Department of Agriculture. . 6122. Supplemental and alternative crops (a) Authorization of appropriations and termination Section 1473D of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319d ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Competitive grants Section 1473D(c)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319d(c)(1) ) is amended by striking use such research funding, special or competitive grants, or other means, as the Secretary determines, and inserting make competitive grants . 6123. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions Section 1473F(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319i(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6124. Aquaculture assistance programs (a) Competitive grants Section 1475(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3322(b) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting competitive before grants . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 1477 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3324 ) is amended to read as follows: 1477. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle— (1) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (b) Prohibition on use Funds made available under this section may not be used to acquire or construct a building. . 6125. Rangeland research programs Section 1483(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3336(a) ) is amended by striking subtitle and all that follows and inserting the following: subtitle— (1) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6126. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response Section 1484(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3351(a) ) is amended by striking response such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: response— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6127. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education (a) Distance education grants for insular areas (1) Competitive grants Section 1490(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3362(a) ) is amended by striking or noncompetitive . (2) Authorization of appropriations Section 1490(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3362(f) ) is amended by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Resident instruction grants for insular areas Section 1491(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3363(c) ) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6128. Matching funds requirement (a) In general The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle: P General Provisions 1492. Matching funds requirement (a) In general The recipient of a competitive grant that is awarded by the Secretary under a covered law shall provide funds, in-kind contributions, or a combination of both, from sources other than funds provided through such grant in an amount at least equal to the amount of such grant. (b) Exception The matching funds requirement under subsection (a) shall not apply to grants awarded— (1) to a research agency of the Department of Agriculture; or (2) to an entity eligible to receive funds under a capacity and infrastructure program (as defined in section 251(f)(1)(C) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C) )), including a partner of such entity. (c) Covered law In this section, the term covered law means each of the following provisions of law: (1) This title. (2) Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5801 et seq. ). (3) The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7601 et seq. ). (4) Part III of subtitle E of title VII of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 3202 et seq. ). (5) The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i ). . (b) Conforming amendment Paragraph (9) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (B); (2) in the heading, by inserting for equipment grants after funds ; (3) by striking (A) Equipment grants.— ; and (4) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and moving the margins of such subparagraphs two ems to the left. (c) Application to amendments (1) New grants Section 1492 of the National Agricultural, Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to grants described in such section awarded after October 1, 2013, unless the provision of a covered law under which such grants are awarded specifically exempts such grants from the matching funds requirement under such section. (2) Existing grants A matching funds requirement in effect on or before October 1, 2013, under a covered law shall continue to apply to a grant awarded under such provision of law on or before that date. 6129. Sense of Congress regarding expansion of the land grant program to include enhanced funding and additional institutions It is the sense of the Congress that— (1) institutions of higher education designated under the Act of August 30, 1890 (commonly known, and referred to in this section, as the Second Morrill Act ; 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq. ) have played an integral role in the education and advancement of agriculture and mechanic arts for over a century; (2) in addition to those institutions, a number of colleges and universities have fulfilled similar and parallel missions in successfully training and graduating generations of students who have gone on to be leaders in their field; (3) the colleges and universities, both with and without designation under the Second Morrill Act, fulfill a vital role to the future of industry, opportunities for increased job creation, and the strength of agriculture in the United States; (4) Congress must ensure that the United States’ higher education framework and policies meet the needs of young individuals in the United States, and that students from across the country are able to choose from a variety of institutions and programs that will equip them with the skills and training necessary to achieve their individual goals; and (5) as Congress and the agricultural community generally consider policies and approaches to improve research, extension, and education in the agricultural sciences, expansion of the land grant program under the Second Morrill Act to include enhanced funding and additional institutions should be considered. B Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 6201. Best utilization of biological applications Section 1624 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5814 ) is amended in the first sentence— (1) by striking $40,000,000 for each fiscal year ; and (2) by inserting $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018 after chapter . 6202. Integrated management systems Section 1627(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5821(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018. . 6203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program Section 1628(f) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5831(f) ) is amended to read as follows: (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6204. National training program Section 1629(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5832(i) ) is amended to read as follows: (i) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the National Training Program $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018. . 6205. National Genetics Resources Program Section 1635(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5844(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking such funds as may be necessary ; and (2) by striking subtitle and all that follows and inserting the following: subtitle— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6206. Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System Effective October 1, 2013, subtitle D of title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5851 et seq. ) is repealed. 6207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program Effective October 1, 2013, section 1670 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5923 ) is repealed. 6208. Repeal of agricultural genome initiative Effective October 1, 2013, section 1671 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5924 ) is repealed. 6209. High-priority research and extension initiatives Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925 ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking subsections (e) through (i) and inserting subsections (e), (f), and (g) ; (2) in subsection (b)(2), in the first sentence, by striking subsections (e) through (i) and inserting subsections (e), (f), and (g) ; (3) by striking subsections (e), (f), and (i); (4) by redesignating subsections (g), (h), and (j) as subsections (e), (f), and (h), respectively; (5) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))— (A) by striking 2012 each place it appears in paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3) and inserting 2018 ; and (B) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting and honey bee health disorders after collapse ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting , including best management practices after strategies ; (6) by inserting after subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)) the following new subsection: (g) Coffee plant health initiative (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a coffee plant health initiative to address the critical needs of the coffee industry by— (A) developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat the coffee berry borer ( Hypothenemus hampei ); and (B) establishing an area-wide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of, being affected by the coffee berry borer. (2) Eligible entities The Secretary may carry out the coffee plant health initiative through— (A) Federal agencies, including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; (B) National Laboratories; (C) institutions of higher education; (D) research institutions or organizations; (E) private organizations or corporations; (F) State agricultural experiment stations; (G) individuals; or (H) groups consisting of 2 or more entities or individuals described in subparagraphs (A) through (G). (3) Project grants and cooperative agreements In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities, as appropriate; and (B) award grants on a competitive basis. (4) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (7) in subsection (h) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension initiative Effective October 1, 2013, section 1672A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925a ) is repealed. 6211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following new subsection: (e) Farm business management encouraged Following the completion of a peer review process for grant proposals received under this section, the Secretary shall give a priority to grant proposals found in the review process to be scientifically meritorious using the same criteria the Secretary uses to give priority to grants under section 1672D(b). ; and (2) in subsection (f) — (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2009 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (ii) by striking 2009 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 6212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative (a) Repeal Effective October 1, 2013, section 1672C of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925e ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D) ) is amended— (1) by striking clause (xi); and (2) by redesignating clauses (xii) and (xiii) as clauses (xi) and (xii), respectively. 6213. Farm business management Section 1672D(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925f(d) ) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary to carry out this section. and inserting the following: to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6214. Centers of excellence The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 1672D ( 7 U.S.C. 5925f ) the following new section: 1673. Centers of excellence (a) Funding priorities The Secretary shall prioritize centers of excellence established for specific agricultural commodities for the receipt of funding for any competitive research or extension program administered by the Secretary. (b) Composition A center of excellence is composed of 1 or more of the eligible entities specified in subsection (b)(7) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7) ) that provide financial or in-kind support to the center of excellence. (c) Criteria for centers of excellence (1) Required efforts The criteria for consideration to be recognized as a center of excellence shall include efforts— (A) to ensure coordination and cost effectiveness by reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts regarding research, teaching, and extension; (B) to leverage available resources by using public/private partnerships among agricultural industry groups, institutions of higher education, and the Federal Government; (C) to implement teaching initiatives to increase awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to target audiences through extension activities; and (D) to increase the economic returns to rural communities by identifying, attracting, and directing funds to high-priority agricultural issues. (2) Additional efforts Where practicable, the criteria for consideration to be recognized as a center of excellence shall include efforts to improve teaching capacity and infrastructure at colleges and universities (including land-grant institutions, schools of forestry, schools of veterinary medicine, and NLGCA Institutions). . 6215. Repeal of red meat safety research center Effective October 1, 2013, section 1676 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5929 ) is repealed. 6216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities Section 1680(c)(1) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5933(c)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking is and inserting are ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (A) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (B) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6217. National rural information center clearinghouse Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125b(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 6301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department Section 103(a)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7613(a)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading by striking Merit review of extension and inserting Relevance and merit review of research, extension, ; (2) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by inserting relevance and before merit ; and (B) by striking extension or education and inserting research, extension, or education ; and (3) in subparagraph (B), by inserting on a continuous basis after procedures . 6302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program Section 406(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7626(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6303. Repeal of coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations (a) Repeal Effective October 1, 2013, section 407 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7627 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D) ), as amended by section 6212(b), is further amended— (1) by striking clause (xi) (as redesignated by section 6212(b)); and (2) by redesignating clause (xii) (as redesignated by section 6212(b)) as clause (xi). 6304. Fusarium Graminearum grants Section 408(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7628(e) ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6305. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program Effective October 1, 2013, section 409 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7629 ) is repealed. 6306. Grants for youth organizations Section 410(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7630(d) ) is amended by striking section such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6307. Specialty crop research initiative Section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking and genomics and inserting genomics, and other methods ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting handling and processing, after production efficiency, ; (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following new subsection: (d) Research projects In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall award competitive grants on the basis of— (1) an initial scientific peer review conducted by a panel of subject matter experts from Federal agencies, non-Federal entities, and the specialty crop industry; and (2) a final funding determination made by the Secretary based on a review and ranking for merit, relevance, and impact conducted by a panel of specialty crop industry representatives for the specific specialty crop. ; and (3) in subsection (h)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking (1) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2008 through 2012.— Of the funds and inserting the following: (1) Mandatory funding (A) Fiscal years 2008 through 2012 Of the funds ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Subsequent funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section— (i) $50,000,000 for fiscal years 2014 and 2015; (ii) $55,000,000 for fiscal years 2016 and 2017; and (iii) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter. ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the heading, by striking 2008 Through 2012 and inserting 2014 Through 2018 ; and (ii) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 6308. Food animal residue avoidance database program Section 604(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7642(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6309. Repeal of national swine research center Effective October 1, 2013, section 612 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( Public Law 105–185 ; 112 Stat. 605) is repealed. 6310. Office of pest management policy Section 614(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7653(f) ) is amended— (1) by striking such sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6311. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and education Effective October 1, 2013, subtitle C of title VI of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7671 et seq. ) is repealed. D Other Laws 6401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act Section 16(a) of the Critical Agricultural Materials Act ( 7 U.S.C. 178n(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking such sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking Act and all that follows and inserting the following: Act— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (a) Definition of 1994 institutions Section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (8), by striking Memorial ; (2) in paragraph (26), by striking Community ; (3) by striking paragraphs (5), (10), and (27); (4) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (6), (7), (8), (9), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), (23), (24), (25), (26), (28), (29), (30), (31), (32), (33), and (34) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (7), (8), (9), (5), (10), (15), (17), (18), (19), (20), (22), (23), (24), (25), (32), (26), (27), (28), (29), (30), (31), (33), (34), (35), and (14), respectively, and transferring the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order; (5) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (1) Aaniih Nakoda College. ; (6) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (6) College of the Muscogee Nation. ; (7) by inserting after paragraph (15) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph: (16) Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College. ; and (8) by inserting after paragraph (20) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph: (21) Navajo Technical College. . (b) Endowment for 1994 institutions Section 533(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (c) Institutional Capacity Building Grants Section 535 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c) and inserting 2018 . (d) Research grants (1) Authorization of appropriations Section 536(c) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (2) Research grant requirements Section 536(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended by striking with at least 1 other land-grant college or university and all that follows and inserting the following: with— (1) the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture; or (2) at least 1— (A) other land-grant college or university (exclusive of another 1994 Institution); (B) non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 )); or (C) cooperating forestry school (as defined in that section). . 6403. Research Facilities Act Section 6(a) of the Research Facilities Act ( 7 U.S.C. 390d(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6404. Repeal of carbon cycle research Effective October 1, 2013, section 221 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 6711 ) is repealed. 6405. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (a) Extension Subsection (b)(11)(A) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(11)(A) ) is amended in the matter preceding clause (i) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Priority areas Subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) in clause (vi), by striking and at the end; (B) in clause (vii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new clause: (viii) plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern (as determined by the Secretary). ; (2) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in clause (vii), by striking and at the end; (B) in clause (viii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following new clauses: (ix) the research and development of surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, or diagnostic tests for pests and diseases (especially zoonotic diseases) in wildlife reservoirs presenting a potential concern to public health or domestic livestock and pests and diseases in minor species (including deer, elk, and bison); and (x) the identification of animal drug needs and the generation and dissemination of data for safe and effective therapeutic applications of animal drugs for minor species and minor uses of such drugs in major species. ; (3) in subparagraph (C)— (A) in clause (ii), by inserting before the semicolon , including the effects of plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern on diet and health ; (B) in clause (iii), by inserting before the semicolon , including plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern ; (C) in clause (iv), by inserting before the semicolon , including postharvest practices conducted with respect to plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern ; and (D) in clause (v), by inserting before the period , including improving the functionality of plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern ; (4) in subparagraph (D)— (A) by redesignating clauses (iv), (v), and (vi) as clauses (v), (vi), and (vii), respectively; and (B) by inserting after clause (iii) the following new clause: (iv) the effectiveness of conservation practices and technologies designed to address nutrient losses and improve water quality; ; and (5) in subparagraph (F)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting economics, after trade, ; (B) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi) as clauses (vi) and (vii), respectively; and (C) by inserting after clause (iv) the following new clause: (v) the economic costs, benefits, and viability of producers adopting conservation practices and technologies designed to improve water quality; . (c) General administration Subsection (b)(4) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(4) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) establish procedures under which a commodity board established under a commodity promotion law (as such term is defined under section 501(a) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401(a) )) or a State commodity board (or other equivalent State entity) may directly submit to the Secretary proposals for requests for applications to specifically address particular issues related to the priority areas specified in paragraph (2). . (d) Special considerations Subsection (b)(6) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(6) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) to eligible entities to carry out the specific research proposals submitted under procedures established under paragraph (4)(F). . (e) Eligible entities Subsection (b)(7)(G) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7)(G) ) is amended by striking or corporations and inserting , foundations, or corporations . (f) Inter-Regional Research Project Number 4 Subsection (e) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking minor use pesticides and inserting pesticides for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops (as defined in section 3 of the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note)), ; and (2) in paragraph (4)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting and for use on specialty crops after minor agricultural use ; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (G); and (D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraphs: (C) prioritize potential pest management technology for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops; (D) conduct research to develop the data necessary to facilitate pesticide registrations, reregistrations, and associated tolerances; (E) assist in removing trade barriers caused by residues of pesticides registered for minor agricultural use and for use on domestically grown specialty crops; (F) assist in the registration and reregistration of pest management technologies for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops; and . (g) Emphasis on sustainable agriculture The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i ) is amended by striking subsection (k). 6406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 6 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1675 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Termination date Section 8 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1671 note; Public Law 95–306 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980 Section 10 of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 ( 16 U.S.C. 2809 ) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . 6408. Repeal of use of remote sensing data Effective October 1, 2013, section 892 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 5935 ) is repealed. 6409. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (a) Repeal of report on producers and handlers for organic products Effective October 1, 2013, section 7409 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b note; Public Law 107–171 ) is repealed. (b) Repeal of report on genetically modified pest-Protected plants Effective October 1, 2013, section 7410 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( Public Law 107–171 ; 116 Stat. 462) is repealed. (c) Repeal of study on nutrient banking Effective October 1, 2013, section 7411 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925a note; Public Law 107–171 ) is repealed. 6410. Beginning farmer and rancher development program Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraphs (A) through (R) and inserting the following new subparagraphs: (A) basic livestock, forest management, and crop farming practices; (B) innovative farm, ranch, and private, nonindustrial forest land transfer strategies; (C) entrepreneurship and business training; (D) financial and risk management training (including the acquisition and management of agricultural credit); (E) natural resource management and planning; (F) diversification and marketing strategies; (G) curriculum development; (H) mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships; (I) resources and referral; (J) farm financial benchmarking; (K) assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers; (L) agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training for veterans; and (M) other similar subject areas of use to beginning farmers or ranchers. ; (B) in paragraph (7), by striking and community-based organizations and inserting , community-based organizations, and school-based agricultural educational organizations ; (C) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following new paragraph: (8) Military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers (A) In general Not less than 5 percent of the funds used to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year shall be used to support programs and services that address the needs of military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers. (B) Coordination permitted A recipient of a grant under this section using the grant as described in subparagraph (A) may coordinate with a recipient of a grant under section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5933 ) in addressing the needs of military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers with disabilities. ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (11) Limitation on indirect costs A recipient of a grant under this section may not use more than 10 percent of the funds provided by the grant for the indirect costs of carrying out the initiatives described in paragraph (1). ; (2) in subsection (h)(1)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. ; and (3) in subsection (h)(2)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (B) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 6411. Inclusion of American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands as a State under McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act Section 8 of Public Law 87–788 (commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; 16 U.S.C. 582a–7 ) is amended by striking and Guam and inserting Guam, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands . E Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 1 Agricultural Security 6501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center Section 14112(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8912(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response Section 14113 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8913 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) by striking such sums as may be necessary ; and (B) by striking subsection and all that follows and inserting the following: subsection— (A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection and all that follows and inserting the following: are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection— (A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures Section 14121(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8921(b) ) is amended by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section and all that follows and inserting the following: are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program Section 14122(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8922(e) ) is amended— (1) by striking sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013, to remain available until expended; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. . 2 Miscellaneous 6511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program Section 308 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(6)(A), by striking 5 years and inserting 10 years ; and (2) in subsection (d)(2), by striking 1, 3, and 5 years and inserting 6, 8, and 10 years . 6512. Grazinglands research laboratory Section 7502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2019) is amended by striking 5-year period and inserting 10-year period . 6513. Budget submission and funding Section 7506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7614c ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection: (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered program The term covered program means— (A) each research program carried out by the Agricultural Research Service or the Economic Research Service for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President; and (B) each competitive program carried out by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President. (2) Request for awards The term request for awards means a funding announcement published by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture that provides detailed information on funding opportunities at the Institute, including the purpose, eligibility, restriction, focus areas, evaluation criteria, regulatory information, and instructions on how to apply for such opportunities. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (e) Additional Presidential budget submission requirement (1) In general Each year, the President shall submit to Congress, together with the annual budget submission of the President, the information described in paragraph (2) for each funding request for a covered program. (2) Information described The information described in this paragraph includes— (A) baseline information, including with respect to each covered program— (i) the funding level for the program for the fiscal year preceding the year the annual budget submission of the President is submitted; (ii) the funding level requested in the annual budget submission of the President, including any increase or decrease in the funding level; and (iii) an explanation justifying any change from the funding level specified in clause (i) to the level specified in clause (ii); (B) with respect to each covered program that is carried out by the Economic Research Service or the Agricultural Research Service, the location and staff years of the program; (C) the proposed funding levels to be allocated to, and the expected publication date, scope, and allocation level for, each request for awards to be published under or associated with— (i) each priority area specified in subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2) ); (ii) each research and extension project carried out under section 1621(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5811(a) ); (iii) each grant to be awarded under section 1672B(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b(a) ); (iv) each grant awarded under section 412(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632(d) ); and (v) each grant awarded under 7405(c)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f(c)(1) ); or (D) any other information the Secretary determines will increase congressional oversight with respect to covered programs. (3) Prohibition Unless the President submits the information described in paragraph (2)(C) for a fiscal year, the President may not carry out any program during the fiscal year that is authorized under— (A) subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b) ); (B) section 1621 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5811 ); (C) section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b ); (D) section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632 ); or (E) section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f ). (f) Report of the Secretary of Agriculture Each year on a date that is not later than the date on which the President submits the annual budget, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing a description of the agricultural research, extension, and education activities carried out by the Federal Government during the fiscal year that immediately precedes the year for which the report is submitted, including— (1) a review of the extent to which those activities— (A) are duplicative or overlap within the Department of Agriculture; or (B) are similar to activities carried out by— (i) other Federal agencies; (ii) the States (including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and other territories or possessions of the United States); (iii) institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )); or (iv) the private sector; and (2) for each report submitted under this section on or after January 1, 2013, a 5-year projection of national priorities with respect to agricultural research, extension, and education, taking into account domestic needs. . 6514. Research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria Section 7521(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 3202(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6515. Repeal of farm and ranch stress assistance network Effective October 1, 2013, section 7522 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5936 ) is repealed. 6516. Repeal of seed distribution Effective October 1, 2013, section 7523 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 415–1 ) is repealed. 6517. Natural products research program Section 7525(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5937(e) ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6518. Sun grant program (a) In general Section 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8114 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(4)(B), by striking the Department of Energy and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies (as determined by the Secretary) ; (2) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking multistate and all that follows through the period and inserting integrated, multistate research, extension, and education programs on technology development and technology implementation. ; (B) by striking subparagraph (C); and (C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking in accordance with paragraph (2) ; (ii) by striking gasification and inserting bioproducts ; and (iii) by striking the Department of Energy and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies ; (B) by striking paragraph (2); and (C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and (4) in subsection (g), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Conforming amendments Section 7526(f)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8114(f)(1) ) is amended by striking subsection (c)(1)(D)(i) and inserting subsection (c)(1)(C)(i) . 6519. Repeal of study and report on food deserts Effective October 1, 2013, section 7527 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2039) is repealed. 6520. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and education Effective October 1, 2013, section 7529 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5938 ) is repealed. F Miscellaneous provisions 6601. Agreements with nonprofit organizations for National Arboretum Section 6 of the Act of March 4, 1927 ( 20 U.S.C. 196 ), is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) negotiate agreements for the National Arboretum with nonprofit scientific or educational organizations, the interests of which are complementary to the mission of the National Arboretum, or nonprofit organizations that support the purpose of the National Arboretum, except that the net proceeds of the organizations from the agreements shall be used exclusively for research and educational work for the benefit of the National Arboretum and the operation and maintenance of the facilities of the National Arboretum, including enhancements, upgrades, restoration, and conservation; ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (d) Recognition of donors A non-profit organization that entered into an agreement under subsection (a)(1) may recognize donors if that recognition is approved in advance by the Secretary. In considering whether to approve such recognition, the Secretary shall broadly exercise the discretion of the Secretary to the fullest extent allowed under Federal law in effect on the date of the enactment of this subsection. . 6602. Cotton Disease Research Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the fungus fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum race 4 (referred to in this section as FOV Race 4 ) and the impact of such fungus on cotton, including— (1) an overview of the threat FOV Race 4 poses to the cotton industry in the United States; (2) the status and progress of Federal research initiatives to detect, contain, or eradicate FOV Race 4, including current FOV Race 4-specific research projects; and (3) a comprehensive strategy to combat FOV Race 4 that establishes— (A) detection and identification goals; (B) containment goals; (C) eradication goals; and (D) a plan to partner with the cotton industry in the United States to maximize resources, information sharing, and research responsiveness and effectiveness. 6603. Acceptance of facility for Agricultural Research Service (a) Construction authorized Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of Agriculture may authorize a non-Federal entity to construct, at no cost and without obligation to the Federal Government, a facility for use by the Agricultural Research Service on land owned by the Agricultural Research Service and managed by the Secretary. (b) Acceptance of gift (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), upon the completion of the construction of the facility by the non-Federal entity under subsection (a), the Secretary shall accept the facility as a gift in accordance with Public Law 95–442 ( 7 U.S.C. 2269 ). (2) Certification The Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall certify in advance that the acceptance under paragraph (1) complies with the limitations specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c). (c) Limitations (1) Value The Secretary may not accept a facility as a gift under this section if the fair market value of the facility is more than $5,000,000. (2) No Federal cost The Secretary shall not enter into any acquisitions, demonstrations, exchanges, grants, contracts, incentives, leases, procurements, sales, or other transaction authorities or arrangements that would obligate future appropriations with respect to the facility constructed under subsection (a). (d) Termination of authority No facility may be accepted by the Secretary for use by the Agricultural Research Service under this section after September 30, 2018. 6604. Miscellaneous technical corrections Sections 7408 and 7409 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2013) are both amended by striking Title III of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 and inserting Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 . 6605. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research (a) In general Notwithstanding the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq. ), the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 ( 41 U.S.C. 8101 et seq. ), the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 ( 20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq. ), or any other Federal law, an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )) may grow or cultivate industrial hemp if— (1) the industrial hemp is grown or cultivated for purposes of agricultural research or other academic research; and (2) the growing or cultivating of industrial hemp is allowed under the laws of the State in which such institution of higher education is located and such research occurs. (b) Industrial hemp defined In this section, the term industrial hemp means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. VII Forestry A Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs 7001. Forest land enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 4 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 8002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( Public Law 107–171 ; 16 U.S.C. 2103 note) is amended by striking subsection (a). (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 7002. Watershed forestry assistance program (a) Repeal Section 6 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103b ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 7003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing program Section 18 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2112 ) is repealed. 7004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program (a) Repeal Section 8402 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 16 U.S.C. 1649a ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 7005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program (a) Repeal Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6542 ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 7006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process Section 322 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 ( Public Law 102–381 ; 16 U.S.C. 1612 note) is repealed. Section 428 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 ( Public Law 112–74 ; 125 Stat. 1046; 16 U.S.C. 6515 note) shall not apply to any project or activity implementing a land and resource management plan developed under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1604 ) that is categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ). B Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Programs 7101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources Section 2A(c) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2101a(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (4), by striking and ; (2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: (5) as feasible, appropriate military installations where the voluntary participation and management of private or State-owned or other public forestland is able to support, promote, and contribute to the missions of such installations; and . 7102. Forest Legacy Program Subsection (m) of section 7 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103c ) is amended to read as follows: (m) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7103. Community forest and open space conservation program Subsection (g) of section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103d ) is amended to read as follows: (g) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . C Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws 7201. Rural revitalization technologies Section 2371(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6601(d)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7202. Office of International Forestry Subsection (d) of section 2405 of the Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6704 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2013; and (2) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7203. Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve program Section 508 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6578 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking In general and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; (2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (d); and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsections: (b) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out this section $9,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (c) Additional source of funds In addition to funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use such amount of the funds appropriated for that fiscal year to carry out the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590a et seq. ) as the Secretary determines necessary to cover the cost of technical assistance, management, and enforcement responsibilities for land enrolled in the healthy forests reserve program pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of section 504. . 7204. Stewardship end result contracting project authority Section 347 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (as contained in section 101(e) of division A of Public Law 105–277 ; 16 U.S.C. 2104 note) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (6) Contract for sale of property At the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture, a contract entered into by the Forest Service under this section may be considered a contract for the sale of property under such terms as the Secretary may prescribe without regard to any other provision of law. (7) Fire liability provisions Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Chief and the Director shall issue for use in all contracts and agreements under this section fire liability provisions that are in substantially the same form as the fire liability provisions contained in— (A) integrated resource timber contracts, as described in the Forest Service contract numbered 2400–13, part H, section H.4; and (B) timber sale contracts conducted pursuant to section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ). . D National Forest Critical Area Response 7301. Definitions In this title: (1) Critical area The term critical area means an area of the National Forest System designated by the Secretary under section 7302. (2) National forest system The term National Forest System has the meaning given that term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1609(a) ). (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. 7302. Designation of critical areas (a) Designation requirements The Secretary of Agriculture shall designate critical areas within the National Forest System for the purposes of addressing— (1) deteriorating forest health conditions in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act due to insect infestation, drought, disease, or storm damage; and (2) the future risk of insect infestations or disease outbreaks through preventative treatments. (b) Designation method In considering National Forest System land for designation as a critical area, the Secretary shall use— (1) for purposes of subsection (a)(1), the most recent annual forest health aerial surveys of mortality and defoliation; and (2) for purposes of subsection (a)(2), the National Insect and Disease Risk Map. (c) Time for initial designations The first critical areas shall be designated by the Secretary not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Duration of designation The designation of a critical area shall expire not later than 10 years after the date of the designation. 7303. Application of expedited procedures and activities of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to critical areas (a) Applicability Subject to subsections (b) through (e), title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6511 et seq. ) (including the environmental analysis requirements of section 104 of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6514 ), the special administrative review process under section 105 of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6515 ), and the judicial review process under section 106 of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6516 )), shall apply to all Forest Service projects and activities carried out in a critical area. (b) Application of other law Section 322 of Public Law 102–381 ( 16 U.S.C. 1612 note; 106 Stat. 1419) shall not apply to projects conducted in accordance with this section. (c) Required modifications In applying title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6511 et seq. ) to Forest Service projects and activities in a critical area, the Secretary shall make the following modifications: (1) The authority shall apply to the entire critical area, including land that is outside of a wildland-urban interface area or that does not satisfy any of the other eligibility criteria specified in section 102(a) of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6512(a) ). (2) All projects and activities of the Forest Service, including necessary connected actions (as described in section 1508.25(a)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)), shall be considered to be authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects for purposes of applying the title. (d) Smaller projects (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a project conducted in a critical area in accordance with this section that comprises less than 10,000 acres shall be— (A) considered an action categorically excluded from the requirements for an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation); and (B) exempt from the special administrative review process under section 105 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6515 ). (2) Exclusion of certain areas Paragraph (1) does not apply to— (A) a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (B) any Federal land on which, by Act of Congress or Presidential proclamation, the removal of vegetation is restricted or prohibited; (C) a congressionally designated wilderness study area; or (D) an area in which activities under paragraph (1) would be inconsistent with the applicable land and resource management plan. (e) Forest Management Plans All projects and activities carried out in a critical area pursuant to this subtitle shall be consistent with the land and resource management plan established under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1604 ) for the unit of the National Forest System containing the critical area. 7304. Good neighbor authority (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible State The term eligible State means a State that contains National Forest System land. (2) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (3) State forester The term State forester means the head of a State agency with jurisdiction over State forestry programs in an eligible State. (b) Cooperative agreements and contracts (1) In general The Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement or contract (including a sole source contract) with a State forester to authorize the State forester to provide the forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration, management, and protection services described in paragraph (2) on National Forest System land in the eligible State. (2) Authorized services The forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration, management, and protection services referred to in paragraph (1) include the conduct of— (A) activities to treat insect infected forests; (B) activities to reduce hazardous fuels; (C) activities involving commercial harvesting or other mechanical vegetative treatments; or (D) any other activities to restore or improve forest, rangeland, and watershed health, including fish and wildlife habitat. (3) State as agent Except as provided in paragraph (6), a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1) may authorize the State forester to serve as the agent for the Secretary in providing the restoration, management, and protection services authorized under that paragraph. (4) Subcontracts In accordance with applicable contract procedures for the eligible State, a State forester may enter into subcontracts to provide the restoration, management, and protection services authorized under a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1). (5) Timber sales Subsections (d) and (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ) shall not apply to services performed under a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1). (6) Retention of NEPA responsibilities Any decision required to be made under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) with respect to any restoration, management, and protection services to be provided under this section by a State forester on National Forest System land shall not be delegated to a State forester or any other officer or employee of the eligible State. (7) Applicable law The restoration, management, and protection services to be provided under this section shall be carried out on a project-to-project basis under existing authorities of the Forest Service. E Miscellaneous Provisions 7401. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis (a) Revision required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall revise the strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis initially prepared pursuant to section 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1642(e) ) to address the requirements imposed by subsection (b). (b) Elements of revised strategic plan In revising the strategic plan, the Secretary of Agriculture shall describe in detail the organization, procedures, and funding needed to achieve each of the following: (1) Complete the transition to a fully annualized forest inventory program and include inventory and analysis of interior Alaska. (2) Implement an annualized inventory of trees in urban settings, including the status and trends of trees and forests, and assessments of their ecosystem services, values, health, and risk to pests and diseases. (3) Report information on renewable biomass supplies and carbon stocks at the local, State, regional, and national level, including by ownership type. (4) Engage State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis in reevaluating the list of core data variables collected on forest inventory and analysis plots with an emphasis on demonstrated need. (5) Improve the timeliness of the timber product output program and accessibility of the annualized information on that database. (6) Foster greater cooperation among the forest inventory and analysis program, research station leaders, and State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis. (7) Promote availability of and access to non-Federal resources to improve information analysis and information management. (8) Collaborate with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and United States Geological Survey to integrate remote sensing, spatial analysis techniques, and other new technologies in the forest inventory and analysis program. (9) Understand and report on changes in land cover and use. (10) Expand existing programs to promote sustainable forest stewardship through increased understanding, in partnership with other Federal agencies, of the over 10 million family forest owners, their demographics, and the barriers to forest stewardship. (11) Implement procedures to improve the statistical precision of estimates at the sub-State level. (c) Submission of revised strategic plan The Secretary of Agriculture shall submit the revised strategic plan to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. 7402. Forest Service participation in ACES Program The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may use funds derived from conservation-related programs executed on National Forest System lands to utilize the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services Program established pursuant to section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3851 ) to provide technical services for conservation-related programs and authorities carried out by the Secretary on National Forest System lands. 7403. Green science and technology transfer research under Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (a) Additional Forestry and Rangeland Research and Education High Priority Section 3(d)(2) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1642(d)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) Science and technology transfer, through the Forest Products Laboratory, to demonstrate the beneficial characteristics of wood as a green building material, including investments in life cycle assessment for wood products. . (b) Research facilities and cooperation Section 4 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1643 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) 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 an annual report describing, for the period covered by the report— (1) the research conducted in furtherance of the research and education priority specified in section 3(d)(2)(F); (2) the number of buildings the Forest Service has built with wood as the primary structural material; and (3) the investments made by the Forest Service in green building wood promotion. . 7404. Extension of stewardship contracts authority regarding use of designation by prescription to all thinning sales under National Forest Management Act of 1976 Subsection (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ) is amended to read as follows: (g) Designation, including but not limited to, marking when necessary, designation by description, or designation by prescription, and supervision of harvesting of trees, portions of trees, or forest products shall be conducted by persons employed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Such persons shall have no personal interest in the purchase or harvest of such products and shall not be directly or indirectly in the employment of the purchaser thereof. Designation by prescription and designation by prescription shall be considered valid methods for designation, and may be supervised by use of post-harvest cruise, sample weight scaling, or other methods determined by the Secretary to be appropriate. . 7405. Reimbursement of fire funds expended by a State for management and suppression of certain wildfires (a) Definition of State In this section, the term State includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (b) Reimbursement authority If a State seeks reimbursement for amounts expended for resources and services provided to another State for the management and suppression of a wildfire, the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to subsections (c) and (d)— (1) may accept the reimbursement amounts from the other State; and (2) shall pay those amounts to the State seeking reimbursement. (c) Mutual assistance agreement As a condition of seeking and providing reimbursement under subsection (b), the State seeking reimbursement and the State providing reimbursement must each have a mutual assistance agreement with the Forest Service or an agency of the Department of the Interior for providing and receiving wildfire management and suppression resources and services. (d) Terms and conditions The Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe the terms and conditions determined to be necessary to carry out subsection (b). (e) Effect on prior reimbursements Any acceptance of funds or reimbursements made by the Secretary of Agriculture before the date of enactment of this Act that otherwise would have been authorized under this section shall be considered to have been made in accordance with this section. 7406. Ability of National Forest System lands to meet needs of local wood producing facilities for raw materials Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress a report containing— (1) an assessment of the raw material needs of wood producing facilities located within the boundaries of each unit of the National Forest System or located outside of the unit, but within 100 miles of such boundaries; (2) the volume of timber which would be available if the unit of the National Forest System annually sold its Allowable Sale Quantity in the current Forest Plan; (3) the volume of timber actually sold and harvested from each unit of the National Forest System for the previous decade; (4) a comparison of the volume actually sold and harvested from the previous decade to the Allowable Sale Quantity calculated in that decade by preceding or current forest plans; and (5) an assessment of the ability of each unit of National Forest System to meet the needs of these facilities for raw materials. 7407. Report on the National Forest System roads Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the following: (1) The total mileage of National Forest System roads and trails not meeting forest plan standards and guidelines. (2) The total amount, in dollars, of Capital Improvement & Maintenance deferred maintenance needs for National Forest System roads, including a five-year analysis in the trend in total deferred maintenance costs. (3) The sources of funds used for capital improvement & maintenance roads, including appropriated funds, mandatory funds, and receipts from activities on National Forest System lands. (4) The impact of road closures on recreational activities and timber harvesting. (5) The impact on land acquisitions, whether through fee acquisition, donation, or easement, on the maintenance backlog. 7408. Forest Service large airtanker and aerial asset firefighting recapitalization pilot program (a) In general Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may establish a large airtanker and aerial asset lease program in accordance with this section. (b) Aircraft requirements In carrying out the program described in subsection (a), the Secretary may enter into a multiyear lease contract for up to five aircraft that meet the criteria— (1) described in the Forest Service document entitled Large Airtanker Modernization Strategy and dated February 10, 2012, for large airtankers; and (2) determined by the Secretary, for other aerial assets. (c) Lease terms The term of any individual lease agreement into which the Secretary enters under this section shall be— (1) up to five years, inclusive of any options to renew or extend the initial lease term; and (2) in accordance with section 3903 of title 41, United States Code. (d) Prohibition No lease entered into under this section shall provide for the purchase of the aircraft by, or the transfer of ownership to, the Forest Service. 7409. Land conveyance, Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia (a) Conveyance required Upon payment by the Association of the consideration under subsection (b) and the costs under subsection (d), the Secretary shall, subject to valid existing rights, convey to the Association all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of National Forest System land in the Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia, consisting of approximately 0.70 acres and containing the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery and an easement to provide access to the parcel, as generally depicted on the map. (b) Consideration (1) Fair market value As consideration for the land conveyed under subsection (a), the Association shall pay to the Secretary cash in an amount equal to the market value of the land, as determined by an appraisal approved by the Secretary and conducted in conformity with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and section 206 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1716 ). (2) Deposit The consideration received by the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall be deposited into the general fund of the Treasury of the United States for the purposes of deficit reduction. (c) Description of property The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary. (d) Costs The Association shall pay to the Secretary at closing the reasonable costs of the survey, the appraisal, and any administrative and environmental analyses required by law. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Association The term Association means the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery Association of Pound, Virginia. (2) Map The term map means the map titled Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery dated March 1, 2013. (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (f) Additional terms and conditions The Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. 7410. Categorical exclusion for forest projects in response to emergencies In the case of National Forest System land damaged by a natural disaster regarding which the President declares a disaster or emergency pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. ), any forest project carried out to clean up or restore the damaged National Forest System land during the two-year period beginning on the date of the declaration shall be categorically excluded from the requirements relating to environmental assessments or environmental impact statements under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. VIII Energy 8001. Definition of renewable energy system Section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8101 ) is amended by— (1) striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new paragraph: (4) Biobased product (A) In general The term biobased product means a product determined by the Secretary to be a commercial or industrial product (other than food or feed) that is— (i) composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products, including renewable domestic agricultural materials and forestry materials; or (ii) an intermediate ingredient or feedstock. (B) Inclusion The term biobased product , with respect to forestry materials, includes forest products that meet biobased content requirements, notwithstanding the market share the product holds, the age of the product, or whether the market for the product is new or emerging. ; (2) redesignating paragraphs (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), and (14) as paragraphs (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), and (16); (3) inserting after paragraph (8), the following new paragraph: (9) Forest product (A) In general The term forest product means a product made from materials derived from the practice of forestry or the management of growing timber. (B) Inclusions The term forest product includes— (i) pulp, paper, paperboard, pellets, lumber, and other wood products; and (ii) any recycled products derived from forest materials. ; and (4) inserting after paragraph (14) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (15) Renewable energy system (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the term renewable energy system means a system that— (i) produces usable energy from a renewable energy source; and (ii) may include distribution components necessary to move energy produced by such system to the initial point of sale. (B) Limitation A system described in subparagraph (A) may not include a mechanism for dispensing energy at retail. . 8002. Biobased markets program Section 9002(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8102(h) ) is amended by— (1) striking (h) Funding.— and all that follows through to carry out this section, there and inserting (h) Funding.— There ; and (2) striking 2013 and inserting 2018 . 8003. Biorefinery assistance (a) Program adjustments Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8103 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c), by striking to eligible entities and all that follows through guarantees for loans and inserting to eligible entities guarantees for loans ; (2) by striking subsection (d); (3) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h) as subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively; and (4) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking subsection (c)(2) each place it appears and inserting subsection (c) ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking subsection (h) and inserting subsection (g) . (b) Funding Section 9003(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as redesignated by subsection (a)(3), is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8004. Repowering assistance program Section 9004(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8104(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8005. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels Section 9005(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8105(c) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program Section 9006(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8106(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in the heading of paragraph (1) (as so redesignated), by striking Authorization of appropriations and inserting Fiscal year 2013 ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8007. Rural Energy for America Program (a) Tiered application process Section 9007(c) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107(c) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (2) Tiered application process In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a three-tiered application, evaluation, and oversight process that varies based on the cost of the proposed project with the process most simplified for projects referred to in subparagraph (A), more comprehensive for projects referred to in subparagraph (B), and most comprehensive for projects referred to in subparagraph (C). The three tiers for such process shall be as follows: (A) Tier 1 Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is not more than $80,000. (B) Tier 2 Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is more than $80,000 but less than $200,000. (C) Tier 3 Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is $200,000 or more. . (b) Funding Section 9007(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107(g) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2); (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8008. Biomass Research and Development Section 9008(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8108(h) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8110(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 . 8010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program Section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8111 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking paragraph (6); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (7) and (8) as paragraphs (6) and (7), respectively; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking Program to and all that follows through support the establishment and inserting Program to support the establishment ; (B) by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (C) by striking paragraph (2); (3) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (2)(B)— (i) in clause (viii), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (ii) by redesignating clause (ix) as clause (x); and (iii) by inserting after clause (viii) the following new clause: (ix) existing project areas that have received funding under this section and the continuation of funding of such project areas to advance the maturity of such project areas; and ; and (B) in paragraph (5)(C)(ii)— (i) by striking subclause (III); and (ii) by redesignating subclauses (IV) and (V) as subclauses (III) and (IV), respectively; (4) by striking subsection (d); (5) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and (6) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking paragraph (1); (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (C) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (i) by striking Fiscal year 2013 and all that follows through There is authorized and inserting Fiscal year 2013.— There is authorized ; and (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as paragraph (3) and moving the margin of such paragraph (as so redesignated) two ems to the left; (D) by inserting after paragraph (1), the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (E) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C)(ii) of this paragraph), by striking this paragraph and inserting this subsection . 8011. Community wood energy program Section 9013(e) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8113(e) ) is amended by striking carry out this section and all that follows and inserting the following: carry out this section— (1) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8012. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study Section 9002 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2095) is repealed. 8013. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study Section 9003 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2096) is repealed. 8014. Energy efficiency report for USDA facilities (a) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 on energy use and energy efficiency projects at Department of Agriculture facilities. (b) Contents The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An analysis of energy use by Department of Agriculture facilities. (2) A list of energy audits that have been conducted at such facilities. (3) A list of energy efficiency projects that have been conducted at such facilities. (4) A list of energy savings projects that could be achieved with enacting a consistent, timely, and proper mechanical insulation maintenance program and upgrading mechanical insulation at such facilities. IX Horticulture 9001. Specialty crops market news allocation Section 10107(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622b(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 9002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops Effective October 1, 2013, section 10403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622c ) is repealed. 9003. Farmers market and local food promotion program Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 ( 7 U.S.C. 3005 ) is amended— (1) in the heading of such section, by inserting and Local Food after Farmers’ Market ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting and Local Food after Farmers’ Market ; (B) by striking farmers’ markets and to promote ; and (C) by striking the period and inserting and assist in the development of local food business enterprises. ; (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Program purposes The purposes of the Program are to increase domestic consumption of, and consumer access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products by assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of— (1) domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities; and (2) local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, and store locally or regionally produced food products. ; (4) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) by inserting or other agricultural business entity after cooperative ; and (B) by inserting , including a community supported agriculture network or association after association ; (5) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); (6) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection: (e) Funds requirements for eligible entities (1) Matching funds An entity receiving a grant under this section for a project to carry out a purpose described in subsection (b)(2) shall provide matching funds in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total cost of such project. (2) Limitation on use of funds An eligible entity may not use a grant or other assistance provided under this section for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of a building or structure. ; and (7) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (5))— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (B) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5); (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6); and (D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraphs: (3) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (4) Use of funds Of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, 50 percent of such funds shall be used for the purposes described in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) and 50 percent of such funds shall be used for the purposes described in paragraph (2) of such subsection. (5) Limitation on administrative expenses Not more than 3 percent of the total amount made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year may be used for administrative expenses. . 9004. Organic agriculture (a) Organic production and market data initiatives Section 7407(d)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925c(d)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (2) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . (b) Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program Section 2122 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6521 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (c) Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program The Secretary shall modernize database and technology systems of the national organic program. . (c) Authorization of appropriations for national organic program Effective October 1, 2013, section 2123(b)(6) of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6522(b)(6) ) is amended to read as follows: (6) $11,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (d) National organic certification cost-Share program Effective October 1, 2013, section 10606 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 6523 ) is repealed. (e) Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments Subsection (e) of section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401 ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments (1) In general Notwithstanding any provision of a commodity promotion law, a person that produces, handles, markets, or imports organic products may be exempt from the payment of an assessment under a commodity promotion law with respect to any agricultural commodity that is certified as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation). (2) Split operations The exemption described in paragraph (1) shall apply to the certified organic or ‘100 percent organic’ (as defined in part 205 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)) products of a producer, handler, or marketer regardless of whether the agricultural commodity subject to the exemption is produced, handled, or marketed by a person that also produces, handles, or markets conventional or nonorganic agricultural products, including conventional or nonorganic agricultural products of the same agricultural commodity as that for which the exemption is claimed. (3) Approval The Secretary shall approve the exemption of a person under this subsection if the person maintains a valid organic certificate issued under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ). (4) Termination of effectiveness This subsection shall be effective until the date on which the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order in accordance with subsection (f). (5) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1). . (f) Organic commodity promotion order Section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (f) Organic commodity promotion order (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Certified organic farm The term certified organic farm has the meaning given the term in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 ). (B) Covered person The term covered person means a producer, handler, marketer, or importer of an organic agricultural commodity. (C) Dual-covered agricultural commodity The term dual-covered agricultural commodity means an agricultural commodity that— (i) is produced on a certified organic farm; and (ii) is covered under both— (I) an organic commodity promotion order issued pursuant to paragraph (2); and (II) any other agricultural commodity promotion order issued under section 514. (2) Authorization The Secretary may issue an organic commodity promotion order under section 514 that includes any agricultural commodity that— (A) is produced or handled (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 )) and that is certified to be sold or labeled as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation)); or (B) is imported with a valid organic certificate (as defined in such part). (3) Election If the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order described in paragraph (2), a covered person may elect, for applicable dual-covered agricultural commodities and in the sole discretion of the covered person, whether to be assessed under the organic commodity promotion order or another applicable agricultural commodity promotion order. (4) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1). . (g) Definition of agricultural commodity Section 513(1) of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7412(1) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph: (E) products, as a class, that are produced on a certified organic farm (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 )) and that are certified to be sold or labeled as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation); . 9005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 2122 ( 7 U.S.C. 6521 ) the following new section: 2122A. Investigation and enforcement (a) Expedited administrative hearing The Secretary shall establish an expedited administrative hearing procedure under which the Secretary may suspend or revoke the organic certification of a producer or handler or the accreditation of a certifying agent in accordance with subsection (d). Such a hearing may be conducted in addition to a hearing conducted pursuant to section 2120. (b) Investigation (1) In general The Secretary may take such investigative actions as the Secretary considers to be necessary to carry out this title— (A) to verify the accuracy of any information reported or made available under this title; and (B) to determine, with regard to actions, practices, or information required under this title, whether a person covered by this title has committed a violation of this title. (2) Investigative powers The Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel attendance of witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of any records required to be maintained under section 2112(d) or 2116(c) that are relevant to the investigation. (c) Unlawful Act It shall be unlawful and a violation of this title for any person covered by this title— (1) to refuse to provide information required by the Secretary under this title; or (2) to violate— (A) a suspension or revocation of the organic certification of a producer or handler; or (B) a suspension or revocation of the accreditation of a certifying agent. (d) Enforcement (1) Suspension (A) In general The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for an expedited administrative hearing, suspend the organic certification of a producer, handler or the accreditation of a certifying agent if— (i) the Secretary, during such expedited administrative hearing, proved that— (I) in the case of a producer or handler, the producer or handler— (aa) has recklessly committed a violation of a term, condition, or requirement of the organic plan to which the producer or handler is subject; or (bb) has recklessly committed, or is recklessly committing, a violation of this title; or (II) in the case of a certifying agent, the agent has recklessly committed, or is recklessly committing, a violation of this title; or (ii) the producer, handler, or certifying agent has waived such expedited administrative hearing. (B) Issuance of suspension A suspension issued under this paragraph shall be issued not later than five days after the date on which— (i) the expedited administrative hearing referred to in clause (i) of subparagraph (A) concludes; or (ii) the Secretary receives notice of the waiver referred to in clause (ii) of such subparagraph. (C) Duration of suspension The period of a suspension issued under this paragraph shall be not more than 90 days, beginning on the date on which the Secretary issues the suspension. (D) Curing of violations (i) In general The Secretary may not issue a suspension of a certification or accreditation under this paragraph if the producer, handler, or certifying agent subject to such suspension— (I) before the date on which the suspension would otherwise have been issued, cures, or corrects the deficiency giving rise to, the violation for which the certification or accreditation would have been suspended; or (II) within a reasonable timeframe (as determined by the Secretary), enters into a settlement with the Secretary regarding a deficiency referred to in subclause (I). (ii) During suspension The Secretary shall terminate the suspension of an organic certification or accreditation issued under this paragraph if the producer, handler, or certifying agent subject to such suspension cures the violation for which the certification or accreditation was suspended under this paragraph before the date on which the period of the suspension ends. (2) Revocation (A) In general The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for an expedited administrative hearing under this section and an expedited administrative appeal under section 2121, revoke the organic certification of a producer or handler, or the accreditation of a certifying agent if— (i) the Secretary, during such hearing, proved that— (I) in the case of a producer or handler, the producer or handler— (aa) has knowingly committed an egregious violation of a term, condition, or requirement of the organic plan to which the producer or handler is subject; or (bb) has knowingly committed, or is knowingly committing, an egregious violation of this title; or (II) in the case of a certifying agent, the agent has knowingly committed, or is knowingly committing, an egregious violation of this title; or (ii) the producer, handler, or certifying agent has waived such expedited administrative hearing and such an expedited administrative appeal. (B) Initiation of revocation proceedings (i) In general If the Secretary finds, during an investigation or during the period of a suspension under paragraph (1), that a producer, handler, or certifying agent has knowingly committed an egregious violation of this title, the Secretary shall initiate revocation proceedings with respect to such violation not later than 30 days after the date on which the producer, handler, or certifying agent receives notice of such finding in accordance with clause (ii). The Secretary may not initiate revocation proceedings with respect to such violation after the date on which that 30-day period ends. (ii) Notice Not later than five days after the date on which the Secretary makes the finding described in clause (i), the Secretary shall provide to the producer, handler, or certifying agent notice of such finding. (e) Appeal (1) Suspensions (A) In general The suspension of a certification or accreditation under subsection (d)(1) by the Secretary may be appealed to a United States district court in accordance with section 2121(b) not later than 30 business days after the date on which the person subject to such suspension receives notice of the suspension. (B) Suspension final and conclusive A suspension of a certification or accreditation under subsection (d)(1) by the Secretary shall be final and conclusive— (i) in the case of a suspension that is appealed under subparagraph (A) within the 30-day period specified in such subparagraph, on the date on which judicial review of such suspension is complete; or (ii) in the case of a suspension that is not so appealed, the date on which such 30-day period ends. (2) Revocations (A) In general The revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) by the Secretary may be appealed to a United States district court in accordance with section 2121(b) not later than 30 business days after the date on which the person subject to such revocation receives notice of the revocation. (B) Revocation final and conclusive A revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) by the Secretary shall be final and conclusive— (i) in the case of a revocation that is appealed under subparagraph (A) within the 30-day period specified in such subparagraph, on the date on which judicial review of such revocation is complete; or (ii) in the case of a revocation that is not so appealed, the date on which such 30-day period ends. (3) Standards for review of suspensions and revocations A suspension or revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d) shall be reviewed in accordance with the standards of review specified in section 706(2) of title 5, United States Code. (f) Noncompliance (1) In general If a person covered by this title fails to obey a revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) after such revocation has become final and conclusive or after the appropriate United States district court has entered a final judgment in favor of the Secretary, the United States may apply to the appropriate United States district court for enforcement of such revocation. (2) Enforcement If the court determines that the revocation was lawfully made and duly served and that the person violated the revocation, the court shall enforce the revocation. (3) Civil penalty If the court finds that the person violated the revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2), the person shall be subject to one or more of the penalties provided in subsections (a) and (b) of section 2120. (g) Violation of this title defined In this section, the term violation of this title means a violation specified in section 2120. . 9006. Food safety education initiatives Section 10105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7655 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , including farm workers after industry ; (B) in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end; (C) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) practices that prevent bacterial contamination of food, how to identify sources of food contamination, and other means of decreasing food contamination. ; and (2) in subsection (c), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 9007. Specialty crop block grants Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108–465 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking subsection (j) and inserting subsection (l) ; and (B) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Grants based on value and acreage Subject to subsection (c), for each State whose application for a grant for a fiscal year that is accepted by the Secretary under subsection (f), the amount of the grant for such fiscal year to the State under this section shall bear the same ratio to the total amount made available under subsection (l)(1) for such fiscal year as— (1) the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in the State and the acreage of specialty crop production in the State, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data; bears to (2) the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in all States and the acreage of specialty crop production in all States, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data. ; (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) an assurance that any grant funds received under this section that are used for equipment or capital-related research costs determined to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops— (A) shall be supplemented by the expenditure of State funds in an amount that is not less than 50 percent of such costs during the fiscal year in which such costs were incurred; and (B) shall be completely replaced by State funds on the day after the date on which such fiscal year ends. ; (4) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (l); (5) by inserting after subsection (i) the following new subsections: (j) Multistate projects Not later than 180 days after the effective date of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue guidance for the purpose of making grants to multistate projects under this section for projects involving— (1) food safety; (2) plant pests and disease; (3) research; (4) crop-specific projects addressing common issues; and (5) any other area that furthers the purposes of this section, as determined by the Secretary. (k) Administration (1) Department The Secretary of Agriculture may not use more than 3 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year for administrative expenses. (2) States A State receiving a grant under this section may not use more than 8 percent of the funds received under the grant for a fiscal year for administrative expenses. ; and (6) in subsection (l) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and moving the margins of such subparagraphs two ems to the right; (B) by striking Of the funds and inserting the following: (1) In general Of the funds ; (C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)— (i) in subparagraph (B) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: (D) $72,500,000 for fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (E) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Multistate projects Of the funds made available under paragraph (1), the Secretary may use to carry out subsection (j), to remain available until expended— (A) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; (B) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (C) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; (D) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and (E) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. . 9008. Department of Agriculture consultation regarding enforcement of certain labor law provisions Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the Secretary of Labor regarding the restraining of shipments of agricultural commodities, or the confiscation of such commodities, by the Department of Labor for actual or suspected labor law violations in order to consider— (1) the perishable nature of such commodities; (2) the impact of such restraining or confiscation on the economic viability of farming operations; and (3) the competitiveness of specialty crops through grants awarded to States under section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note). 9009. Report on honey (a) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with persons affected by the potential establishment of a Federal standard for the identity of honey, shall submit to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs a report describing how an appropriate Federal standard for the identity of honey would be in the interest of consumers, the honey industry, and United States agriculture. (b) Considerations In preparing the report required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall take into consideration the March 2006, Standard of Identity citizens petition filed with the Food and Drug Administration, including any current industry amendments or clarifications necessary to update such petition. 9010. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada (a) Bulk shipment of apples to Canada Section 4 of the Export Apple Act ( 7 U.S.C. 584 ) is amended— (1) by striking Apples in and inserting (a) Apples in ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (b) Apples may be shipped to Canada in bulk bins without complying with the provisions of this Act. . (b) Definition of bulk bin Section 9 of the Export Apple Act ( 7 U.S.C. 589 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) The term bulk bin means a bin that contains a quantity of apples weighing more than 100 pounds. . (c) Regulations Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section. 9011. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs (a) Relocation of legislative language relating to national clean plant network Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection: (e) National clean plant network (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a program to be known as the National Clean Plant Network (referred to in this subsection as the Program ). (2) Requirements Under the Program, the Secretary shall establish a network of clean plant centers for diagnostic and pathogen elimination services— (A) to produce clean propagative plant material; and (B) to maintain blocks of pathogen-tested plant material in sites located throughout the United States. (3) Availability of clean plant source material Clean plant source material may be made available to— (A) a State for a certified plant program of the State; and (B) private nurseries and producers. (4) Consultation and collaboration In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall— (A) consult with— (i) State departments of agriculture; and (ii) land-grant colleges and universities and NLGCA Institutions (as those terms are defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 )); and (B) to the extent practicable and with input from the appropriate State officials and industry representatives, use existing Federal or State facilities to serve as clean plant centers. (5) Funding for fiscal year 2013 There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2013. . (b) Funding Subsection (f) of section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ) (as so redesignated) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking and each fiscal year thereafter. and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (5) $62,500,000 for fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (6) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. . (c) Repeal of existing provision Section 10202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7761 ) is repealed. (d) Clarification of use of funds for technical assistance Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ), as amended by subsection (a), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (g) Relationship to other law The use of Commodity Credit Corporation funds under this section to provide technical assistance shall not be considered an allotment or fund transfer from the Commodity Credit Corporation for purposes of the limit on expenditures for technical assistance imposed by section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act ( 15 U.S.C. 714i ). . (e) Use of funds for clean plant network Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ), as amended by subsections (a) and (d), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (h) Use of funds for clean plant network Of the funds made available under subsection (f) to carry out this section for a fiscal year, not less than $5,000,000 shall be available to carry out the national clean plant network under subsection (e). . 9012. Modification, cancellation, or suspension on basis of a biological opinion (a) In general Except in the case of a voluntary request from a pesticide registrant to amend a registration under section 3 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136a ), a registration of a pesticide may be modified, canceled, or suspended on the basis of the implementation of a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service prior to the date of completion of the study referred to in subsection (b), or January 1, 2015, whichever is earlier, only if— (1) the modification, cancellation, or suspension is undertaken pursuant to section 6 of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136d ); and (2) the Biological Opinion complies with the recommendations contained in the study referred to in subsection (b). (b) National Academy of Sciences Study The study commissioned by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on March 10, 2011, shall include, at a minimum, each of the following: (1) A formal, independent, and external peer review, consistent with Office of Management and Budget policies, of each Biological Opinion described in subsection (a). (2) Assessment of economic impacts of measures or alternatives recommended in each such Biological Opinion. (3) An examination of the specific scientific and procedural questions and issues pertaining to economic feasibility contained in the June 23, 2011, letter sent to the Administrator (and other Federal officials) by the Chairmen of the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Natural Resources, and the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations, of the House of Representatives. 9013. Use and discharges of authorized pesticides (a) Short title This section may be cited as the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2013 . (b) Use of authorized pesticides Section 3(f) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136a(f) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) Use of authorized pesticides Except as provided in section 402(s) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Administrator or a State may not require a permit under such Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under this Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of such pesticide. . (c) Discharges of pesticides Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1342 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (s) Discharges of pesticides (1) No permit requirement Except as provided in paragraph (2), a permit shall not be required by the Administrator or a State under this Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of such pesticide. (2) Exceptions Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the following discharges of a pesticide or pesticide residue: (A) A discharge resulting from the application of a pesticide in violation of a provision of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act that is relevant to protecting water quality, if— (i) the discharge would not have occurred but for the violation; or (ii) the amount of pesticide or pesticide residue in the discharge is greater than would have occurred without the violation. (B) Stormwater discharges subject to regulation under subsection (p). (C) The following discharges subject to regulation under this section: (i) Manufacturing or industrial effluent. (ii) Treatment works effluent. (iii) Discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, including a discharge resulting from ballasting operations or vessel biofouling prevention. . 9014. Seed not pesticide or device for purposes of importation Section 17(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136o(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentences: Solely for purposes of notifications of arrival upon importation, for purposes of this subsection, seed, including treated seed, shall not be considered a pesticide or device. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as precluding or limiting the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to the importation or movement of plants, plant products, or seeds, under the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq. ) or the Federal Seed Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1551 et seq. ). . 9015. Stay of regulations related to Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall lift the administrative stay that was imposed by the rule entitled Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Stay of Regulations and published by the Department of Agriculture on November 17, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 71241), on the regulations in subpart A of part 214 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, establishing an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for fresh cut Christmas trees. 9016. Study on proposed order pertaining to sulfuryl fluoride Not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the potential economic and public health effects that would result from finalization of the proposed order published in the January 19, 2011, Federal Register (76 Fed. Reg. 3422) pertaining to the pesticide sulfuryl fluoride, including the anticipated impacts of such finalization on the production of an adequate, wholesome, and economical food supply and on farmers and related agricultural sectors. 9017. Study on local and regional food production and program evaluation (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture shall— (1) collect data on the production and marketing of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (2) facilitate interagency collaboration and data sharing on programs related to local and regional food systems; and (3) monitor the effectiveness of programs designed to expand or facilitate local food systems. (b) Requirements In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall— (1) collect and distribute comprehensive reporting of prices of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (2) conduct surveys and analysis and publish reports relating to the production, handling, distribution, and retail sales of, and trend studies (including consumer purchasing patterns) on, locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs in growing local and regional food systems, including— (A) the impact of local food systems on job creation and economic development; (B) the level of participation in the Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion Program established under section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 ( 7 U.S.C. 3005 ), including the percentage of projects funded in comparison to applicants and the types of eligible entities receiving funds; (C) the ability for participants to leverage private capital and a synopsis of the places from which non-Federal funds are derived; and (D) any additional resources required to aid in the development or expansion of local and regional food systems; (4) expand the Agricultural Resource Management Survey to include questions on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; and (5) seek to establish or expand private-public partnerships to facilitate, to the maximum extent practicable, the collection of data on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products, including the development of a nationally coordinated and regionally balanced evaluation of the redevelopment of locally or regionally produced food systems. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until September 30, 2018, 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 report describing the progress that has been made in implementing this section and identifying any additional needs related to developing local and regional food systems. 9018. Annual report on invasive species (a) Initial report (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on invasive species. (2) Matters included The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A list of each invasive species that is in the United States as of the date of the report. (B) For each invasive species listed under subparagraph (A)— (i) the country from which the species originated; (ii) the means in which the species entered the United States; (iii) the year in which the species entered the United States; (iv) the rate by which the entry of the species is increasing or decreasing; (v) cost estimates, covering both the date of the report and future periods, of the cost of such species to the public and private sectors; (vi) if cost estimates cannot be conducted under clause (v), a detailed explanation of why; (vii) environmental impact estimates, covering both the date of the report and future periods, of the environmental impact of the species; (viii) if environmental impact estimates cannot be conducted under clause (vii), a detailed explanation of why; (ix) recommendations as to what steps are needed to combat the species; (x) a description of the ongoing research occurring to combat the species; and (xi) a description of any legal recourse available to people affected by the species. (C) Any other matter the Secretary determines appropriate. (3) Period covered The report under paragraph (1) shall cover the period beginning in 1980 and ending on the date on which the report is submitted. (b) Annual updated reports Not later than October 1 of each fiscal year beginning after the date on which the report under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) is submitted, the Secretary shall submit annually to Congress an updated report, including an update to each of the matters described in paragraph (2) of such subsection. (c) Public availability The Secretary shall make each report under this section available to the public. X Crop Insurance 10001. Information sharing (a) In General Section 502(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) Information (A) Request Subject to subparagraph (B), the Farm Service Agency shall, in a timely manner, provide to an agent or an approved insurance provider authorized by the producer any information (including Farm Service Agency Form 578s (or any successor form) or maps (or any corrections to those forms or maps) that may assist the agent or approved insurance provider in insuring the producer under a policy or plan of insurance under this subtitle. (B) Privacy Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an agent or approved insurance provider that receives the information of a producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall treat the information in accordance with paragraph (1). (C) Sharing Nothing in this section prohibits the sharing of the information of a producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) between the agent and the approved insurance provider of the producer. . (b) Disclosure of crop insurance premium subsidies made on behalf of Members of Congress and certain other individuals and entities Section 502(c)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(c)(2) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (D) and (E) respectively; and (2) by inserting before subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated) the following: (A) Disclosure in the public interest Notwithstanding paragraph (1) or any other provision of law, except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall on an annual basis make available to the public— (i) (I) the name of each individual or entity specified in subparagraph (C) who obtained a federally subsidized crop insurance, livestock, or forage policy or plan of insurance during the previous fiscal year; (II) the amount of premium subsidy received by that individual or entity from the Corporation; and (III) the amount of any Federal portion of indemnities paid in the event of a loss during that fiscal year for each policy associated with that individual or entity; and (ii) for each private insurance provider, by name— (I) the underwriting gains earned through participation in the federally subsidized crop insurance program; and (II) the amount paid under this subtitle for— (aa) administrative and operating expenses; (bb) any Federal portion of indemnities and reinsurance; and (cc) any other purpose. (B) Limitation The Secretary shall not disclose information pertaining to individuals and entities covered by a catastrophic risk protection plan offered under section 508(b). (C) Covered individuals and entities Subparagraph (A) applies with respect to the following: (i) Members of Congress and their immediate families. (ii) Cabinet Secretaries and their immediate families. (iii) Entities of which any individual described in clause (i) or (ii), or combination of such individuals, is a majority shareholder. . 10002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium adjustments Section 508(a)(9) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Publication of violations (i) Publication required Subject to clause (ii), the Corporation shall publish in a timely manner on the website of the Risk Management Agency information regarding each violation of this paragraph, including any sanctions imposed in response to the violation, in sufficient detail so that the information may serve as effective guidance to approved insurance providers, agents, and producers. (ii) Protection of privacy In providing information under clause (i) regarding violations of this paragraph, the Corporation shall redact the identity of the persons and entities committing the violations in order to protect their privacy. . 10003. Supplemental coverage option (a) Availability of supplemental coverage option Paragraph (3) of section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (3) Yield and loss basis options A producer shall have the option of purchasing additional coverage based on— (A) (i) an individual yield and loss basis; or (ii) an area yield and loss basis; (B) an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis to cover a part of the deductible under the individual yield and loss policy, as described in paragraph (4)(C); or (C) a margin basis alone or in combination with the coverages available in subparagraph (A) or (B). . (b) Level of coverage Paragraph (4) of section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (4) Level of coverage (A) Dollar denomination and percentage of yield Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the level of coverage— (i) shall be dollar denominated; and (ii) may be purchased at any level not to exceed 85 percent of the individual yield or 95 percent of the area yield (as determined by the Corporation). (B) Information The Corporation shall provide producers with information on catastrophic risk and additional coverage in terms of dollar coverage (within the allowable limits of coverage provided in this paragraph). (C) Supplemental coverage option (i) In general Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of the supplemental coverage option described in paragraph (3)(B), the Corporation shall offer producers the opportunity to purchase coverage in combination with a policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle that would allow indemnities to be paid to a producer equal to a part of the deductible under the policy or plan of insurance— (I) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent practicable; or (II) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis of such larger geographical area as the Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of providing the coverage. (ii) Trigger Coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall be triggered only if the losses in the area exceed 10 percent of normal levels (as determined by the Corporation). (iii) Coverage Subject to the trigger described in clause (ii), coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall not exceed the difference between— (I) 90 percent; and (II) the coverage level selected by the producer for the underlying policy or plan of insurance. (iv) Ineligible crops and acres Crops for which the producer has elected under section 1107(c)(1) of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 to receive revenue loss coverage and acres that are enrolled in the stacked income protection plan under section 508B shall not be eligible for supplemental coverage under this subparagraph. (v) Calculation of premium Notwithstanding subsection (d), the premium for coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall— (I) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and (II) include an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with subsection (k)(4)(F). . (c) Payment of portion of premium by Corporation Section 508(e)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (H) In the case of the supplemental coverage option authorized in subsection (c)(4)(C), the amount shall be equal to the sum of— (i) 65 percent of the additional premium associated with the coverage; and (ii) the amount determined under subsection (c)(4)(C)(vi)(II), subject to subsection (k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover operating and administrative expenses. . (d) Effective date The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall begin to provide additional coverage based on an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis, not later than for the 2014 crop year. 10004. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection Subparagraph (A) of section 508(d)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(d)(2) ) is amended to read as follows: (A) In the case of catastrophic risk protection, the amount of the premium established by the Corporation for each crop for which catastrophic risk protection is available shall be reduced by the percentage equal to the difference between the average loss ratio for the crop and 100 percent, plus a reasonable reserve. . 10005. Repeal of performance-based discount (a) Repeal Section 508(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (3); and (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3). (b) Conforming amendment Section 508(a)(9)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9)(B) ) is amended— (1) by inserting or at the end of clause (i); (2) by striking clause (ii); and (3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii). 10006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy Subparagraph (A) of section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5) ) is amended to read as follows: (A) In general The Corporation may pay a portion of the premiums for plans or policies of insurance for which the insurable unit is defined on a whole farm or enterprise unit basis that is higher than would otherwise be paid in accordance with paragraph (2). . 10007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops Section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) Nonirrigated crops Beginning with the 2014 crop year, the Corporation shall make available separate enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated acreage of crops in counties. . 10008. Data collection Section 508(g)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Sources of yield data To determine yields under this paragraph, the Corporation— (i) shall use county data collected by the Risk Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics Service, or both; or (ii) if sufficient county data is not available, may use other data considered appropriate by the Secretary. . 10009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields Section 508(g)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(4)(B) ) is amended by striking 60 each place it appears and inserting 70 . 10010. Submission and review of policies (a) In general Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(h) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (B) by striking (1) In general .—In addition and inserting the following: (1) Authority to submit (A) In general In addition ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Review and submission by Corporation The Corporation shall review any policy developed under section 522(c) or any pilot program developed under section 523 and submit the policy or program to the Board under this subsection if the Corporation, at the sole discretion of the Corporation, finds that the policy or program— (i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection; (ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form; and (iii) adequately protects the interests of producers. ; and (2) in paragraph (3)— (A) by striking A policy and inserting the following: (A) In general A policy ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Specified review and approval priorities In reviewing policies and other materials submitted to the Board under this subsection for approval, the Board— (i) shall make the development and approval of a revenue policy for peanut producers a priority so that a revenue policy is available to peanut producers in time for the 2014 crop year; (ii) shall make the development and approval of a margin coverage policy for rice producers a priority so that a margin coverage policy is available to rice producers in time for the 2014 crop year; and (iii) may approve a submission that is made pursuant to this subsection that would, beginning with the 2014 crop year, allow producers that purchase policies in accordance with subsection (e)(5)(A) to separate enterprise units by risk rating for acreage of crops in counties. . (b) Advance payments Section 522(b)(2)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(b)(2)(E) ) is amended by striking 50 percent and inserting 75 percent . 10011. Equitable relief for specialty crop policies Section 508(k)(8)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8)(E) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) Equitable relief for specialty crop policies (I) In general For each of the 2011 through 2015 reinsurance years, in addition to the total amount of funding for reimbursement of administrative and operating costs that is otherwise required to be made available in each such reinsurance year pursuant to an agreement entered into by the Corporation, the Corporation shall use $41,000,000 to provide additional reimbursement with respect to eligible insurance contracts for any agricultural commodity that is not eligible for a benefit under subtitles A, B or C of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . (II) Treatment Additional reimbursements made under this clause shall be included as part of the base level of administrative and operating expense reimbursement to which any limit on compensation to persons involved in the direct sale and service of any eligible crop insurance contract required under an agreement entered into by the Corporation is applied. (III) Rule of construction Nothing in this clause shall be construed as statutory assent to the limit described in subclause (II). . 10012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance agreement Section 508(k)(8) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) Budget (i) In general The Board shall ensure that any Standard Reinsurance Agreement negotiated under subparagraph (A)(ii), as compared to the previous Standard Reinsurance Agreement— (I) to the maximum extent practicable, shall be budget neutral; and (II) in no event, may significantly depart from budget neutrality. (ii) Use of savings To the extent that any budget savings is realized in the renegotiation of a Standard Reinsurance Agreement under subparagraph (A)(ii), and the savings are determined not to be a significant departure from budget neutrality under clause (i), the savings shall be used to increase the obligations of the Corporation under subsections (e)(2) or (k)(4) or section 523. . 10013. Crop production on native sod (a) Federal crop insurance Section 508(o) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(o) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled, after tilled ; (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking Ineligibility for and inserting Reduction in ; and (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking for benefits under— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting for— (i) a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under this subtitle in accordance with paragraph (3); (ii) benefits under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ); and (iii) payments described in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ). ; and (3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following new paragraphs: (3) Administration (A) In general During the first 4 crop years of planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in paragraph (2)— (i) paragraph (2) shall apply to 65 percent of the transitional yield of the producer; and (ii) the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the producer under this subtitle shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply. (B) Yield substitution During the period native sod acreage is covered by this subsection, a producer may not substitute yields for the native sod acreage. (4) Application This subsection shall only apply to native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area. . (b) Noninsured crop disaster assistance Section 196(a)(4) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333(a)(4) ) is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ineligibility and inserting benefit reduction ; (2) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled, after tilled ; (3) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in the subparagraph heading, by striking Ineligibility and inserting Reduction in ; and (B) in clause (i), by striking for benefits under— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting for— (I) benefits under this section; (II) a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) in accordance with subparagraph (C); and (III) payments described in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ). ; and (4) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs: (C) Administration (i) In general During the first 4 crop years of planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in subparagraph (B)— (I) subparagraph (B) shall apply to 65 percent of the transitional yield of the producer; and (II) the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the producer under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply. (ii) Yield substitution During the period native sod acreage is covered by this paragraph, a producer may not substitute yields for the native sod acreage. (D) Application This paragraph shall only apply to native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area. . (c) Cropland report (1) Baseline Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 describes the cropland acreage in each applicable county and State, and the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each applicable county and State, beginning with calendar year 2000 and including that information for the most recent year for which that information is available. (2) Annual updates Not later than January 1, 2015, and each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 2018, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 describes— (A) the cropland acreage in each applicable county and State as of the date of submission of the report; and (B) the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each applicable county and State. 10014. Coverage levels by practice Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (p) Coverage levels by practice Beginning with the 2015 crop year, a producer that produces an agricultural commodity on both dry land and irrigated land may elect a different coverage level for each production practice. . 10015. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions (a) Definition Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (9) as paragraphs (4) through (10), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Beginning farmer or rancher The term beginning farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who has not actively operated and managed a farm or ranch with a bona fide insurable interest in a crop or livestock as an owner-operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper for more than 5 crop years, as determined by the Secretary. . (b) Premium adjustments Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(5)(E), by inserting and beginning farmers or ranchers after limited resource farmers ; (2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (8) Premium for beginning farmers or ranchers Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection regarding payment of a portion of premiums, a beginning farmer or rancher shall receive premium assistance that is 10 percentage points greater than premium assistance that would otherwise be available under paragraphs (2) (except for subparagraph (A) of that paragraph), (5), (6), and (7) for the applicable policy, plan of insurance, and coverage level selected by the beginning farmer or rancher. ; and (3) in subsection (g)— (A) in paragraph (2)(B)— (i) in clause (i), by striking or at the end; (ii) in clause (ii)(III), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (iii) if the producer is a beginning farmer or rancher who was previously involved in a farming or ranching operation, including involvement in the decisionmaking or physical involvement in the production of the crop or livestock on the farm, for any acreage obtained by the beginning farmer or rancher, a yield that is the higher of— (I) the actual production history of the previous producer of the crop or livestock on the acreage determined under subparagraph (A); or (II) a yield of the producer, as determined in clause (i). ; and (B) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii) (as amended by section 10009)— (i) by inserting (I) after (ii) ; (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (II) in the case of beginning farmers or ranchers, replace each excluded yield with a yield equal to 80 percent of the applicable transitional yield. . 10016. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton (a) Availability of Stacked Income Protection Plan for Producers of Upland Cotton The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508A ( 7 U.S.C. 1508a ) the following new section: 508B. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton (a) Availability Beginning not later than the 2014 crop of upland cotton, the Corporation shall make available to producers of upland cotton an additional policy (to be known as the Stacked Income Protection Plan ), which shall provide coverage consistent with the Group Risk Income Protection Plan (and the associated Harvest Revenue Option Endorsement) offered by the Corporation for the 2011 crop year. (b) Required terms The Corporation may modify the Stacked Income Protection Plan on a program-wide basis, except that the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall comply with the following requirements: (1) Provide coverage for revenue loss of not less than 10 percent and not more than 30 percent of expected county revenue, specified in increments of 5 percent. The deductible is the minimum percent of revenue loss at which indemnities are triggered under the plan, not to be less than 10 percent of the expected county revenue. (2) Be offered to producers of upland cotton in all counties with upland cotton production— (A) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent practicable; or (B) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis of such larger geographical area as the Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of providing the coverage. (3) Be purchased in addition to any other individual or area coverage in effect on the producer’s acreage or as a stand-alone policy, except that if a producer has an individual or area coverage for the same acreage, the maximum coverage available under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not exceed the deductible for the individual or area coverage. (4) Establish coverage based on— (A) the expected price established under existing Group Risk Income Protection or area wide policy offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year; and (B) an expected county yield that is the higher of— (i) the expected county yield established for the existing area-wide plans offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year (or, in geographic areas where area-wide plans are not offered, an expected yield determined in a manner consistent with those of area-wide plans); or (ii) the average of the applicable yield data for the county (or area) for the most recent 5 years, excluding the highest and lowest observations, from the Risk Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics Service (or both) or, if sufficient county data is not available, such other data considered appropriate by the Secretary. (5) Use a multiplier factor to establish maximum protection per acre (referred to as a protection factor ) of not less than the higher of the level established on a program wide basis or 120 percent. (6) Pay an indemnity based on the amount that the expected county revenue exceeds the actual county revenue, as applied to the individual coverage of the producer. Indemnities under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not include or overlap the amount of the deductible selected under paragraph (1). (7) In all counties for which data are available, establish separate coverage levels for irrigated and non-irrigated practices. (c) Premium Notwithstanding section 508(d), the premium for the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall— (1) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and (2) include an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with section 508(k)(4)(F). (d) Payment of portion of premium by Corporation Subject to section 508(e)(4), the amount of premium paid by the Corporation for all qualifying coverage levels of the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall be— (1) 80 percent of the amount of the premium established under subsection (c) for the coverage level selected; and (2) the amount determined under subsection (c)(2), subject to section 508(k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover administrative and operating expenses. (e) Relation to other coverages The Stacked Income Protection Plan is in addition to all other coverages available to producers of upland cotton. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 508(k)(4)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)(F) ) is amended by inserting or authorized under subsection (c)(4)(C) or section 508B after of this subparagraph . 10017. Peanut revenue crop insurance The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508B, as added by the previous section, the following new section: 508C. Peanut revenue crop insurance (a) In general Effective beginning with the 2014 crop year, the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall make available to producers of peanuts a revenue crop insurance program for peanuts. (b) Effective price Subject to subsection (c), for purposes of the revenue crop insurance program and the multiperil crop insurance program under this Act, the effective price for peanuts shall be equal to the Rotterdam price index for peanuts, as adjusted to reflect the farmer stock price of peanuts in the United States. (c) Adjustments (1) In general The effective price for peanuts established under subsection (b) may be adjusted by the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation to correct distortions. (2) Administration If an adjustment is made under paragraph (1), the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall— (A) make the adjustment in an open and transparent manner; and (B) 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 describes the reasons for the adjustment. . 10018. Authority to correct errors Section 515(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1515(c) ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; (2) in the second sentence, by striking Beginning with and inserting the following: (2) Frequency Beginning with ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Corrections (A) In general In addition to the corrections permitted by the Corporation as of the date of enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , the Corporation shall allow an agent or an approved insurance provider, subject to subparagraph (B)— (i) within a reasonable amount of time following the applicable sales closing date, to correct unintentional errors in information that is provided by a producer for the purpose of obtaining coverage under any policy or plan of insurance made available under this subtitle to ensure that the eligibility information is correct; (ii) within a reasonable amount of time following— (I) the acreage reporting date, to correct unintentional errors in factual information that is provided by a producer after the sales closing date to reconcile the information with the information reported by the producer to the Farm Service Agency; or (II) the date of any subsequent correction of data by the Farm Service Agency made as a result of the verification of information; and (iii) at any time, to correct unintentional errors that were made by the Farm Service Agency or an agent or approved insurance provider in transmitting the information provided by the producer to the approved insurance provider or the Corporation. (B) Limitation In accordance with the procedures of the Corporation, correction to the information described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) may only be made if the corrections do not allow the producer— (i) to avoid ineligibility requirements for insurance; (ii) to obtain, enhance, or increase an insurance guarantee or indemnity, or avoid premium owed, if a cause of loss exists or has occurred before any correction has been made; or (iii) to avoid an obligation or requirement under any Federal or State law. (C) Exception to late filing sanctions Any corrections made pursuant to this paragraph shall not be subject to any late filing sanctions authorized in the reinsurance agreement with the Corporation. . 10019. Implementation Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1515 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (j), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) Systems maintenance and upgrades (A) In general The Secretary shall maintain and upgrade the information management systems of the Corporation used in the administration and enforcement of this subtitle. (B) Requirement (i) In general In maintaining and upgrading the systems, the Secretary shall ensure that new hardware and software are compatible with the hardware and software used by other agencies of the Department to maximize data sharing and promote the purposes of this section. (ii) Acreage report streamlining initiative project As soon as practicable, the Secretary shall develop and implement an acreage report streamlining initiative project to allow producers to report acreage and other information directly to the Department. ; and (2) in subsection (k), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) Information technology (A) In general For purposes of subsection (j)(1), the Corporation may use, from amounts made available from the insurance fund established under section 516(c), not more than— (i) (I) for fiscal year 2014, $25,000,000; and (II) for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, $10,000,000; or (ii) if the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project is substantially completed by September 30, 2015, not more than $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2018. (B) Notification The Secretary shall notify the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate of the substantial completion of the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project not later than July 1, 2015. . 10020. Research and development priorities (a) Authority To conduct research and development, priorities Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading by striking contracting ; (2) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking may enter into contracts to carry out research and development to and inserting may conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to maintain or improve existing policies or develop new policies to ; (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting conduct research and development or after The Corporation may ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting conducting research and development or after Before ; (4) in paragraph (5), by inserting after expert review in accordance with section 505(e) after approved by the Board ; and (5) in paragraph (6), by striking a pasture, range, and forage program and inserting policies that increase participation by producers of underserved agricultural commodities, including sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, rice, peanuts, sugarcane, alfalfa, pennycress, and specialty crops . (b) Funding Section 522(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking (A) Authority .— and inserting (A) Conducting and contracting for research and development .— ; (B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting conduct research and development and after the Corporation may use to ; and (C) in subparagraph (B), by inserting conduct research and development and after for the fiscal year to ; (2) in paragraph (3), by striking to provide either reimbursement payments or contract payments ; and (3) by striking paragraph (4). 10021. Additional research and development contracting requirements Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (17) as paragraph (24); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (16), the following new paragraphs: (17) Margin coverage for catfish (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with a qualified entity to conduct research and development regarding a policy to insure producers against reduction in the margin between the market value of catfish and selected costs incurred in the production of catfish. (B) Eligibility Eligibility for the policy described in subparagraph (A) shall be limited to freshwater species of catfish that are propagated and reared in controlled or selected environments. (C) Implementation The Board shall review the policy described in subparagraph (B) under subsection 508(h) and approve the policy if the Board finds that the policy— (i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection; (ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form; (iii) adequately protects the interests of producers; and (iv) the proposed policy meets other requirements of this subtitle determined appropriate by the Board. (18) Biomass and sweet sorghum energy crop insurance policies (A) Authority The Corporation shall offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with qualified entities to carry out research and development regarding— (i) a policy to insure biomass sorghum that is grown expressly for the purpose of producing a feedstock for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity, or biobased products; and (ii) a policy to insure sweet sorghum that is grown for a purpose described in clause (i). (B) Research and development Research and development with respect to each of the policies required in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools for the production of biomass sorghum or sweet sorghum, including policies and plans of insurance that— (i) are based on market prices and yields; (ii) to the extent that insufficient data exist to develop a policy based on market prices and yields, evaluate the policies and plans of insurance based on the use of weather indices, including excessive or inadequate rainfall, to protect the interest of crop producers; and (iii) provide protection for production or revenue losses, or both. (19) Study on swine catastrophic disease program (A) In general The Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of insuring swine producers for a catastrophic event. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). (20) Whole farm diversified risk management insurance plan (A) In general The Corporation shall conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to develop a whole farm risk management insurance plan, with a liability limitation of $1,250,000, that allows a diversified crop or livestock producer the option to qualify for an indemnity if actual gross farm revenue is below 85 percent of the average gross farm revenue or the expected gross farm revenue that can reasonably be expected of the producer, as determined by the Corporation. (B) Eligible producers The Corporation shall permit producers (including direct-to-consumer marketers and producers servicing local and regional and farm identity-preserved markets) who produce multiple agricultural commodities, including specialty crops, industrial crops, livestock, and aquaculture products, to participate in the plan in lieu of any other plan under this subtitle. (C) Diversification The Corporation may provide diversification-based additional coverage payment rates, premium discounts, or other enhanced benefits in recognition of the risk management benefits of crop and livestock diversification strategies for producers that grow multiple crops or that may have income from the production of livestock that uses a crop grown on the farm. (D) Market readiness The Corporation may include coverage for the value of any packing, packaging, or any other similar on-farm activity the Corporation determines to be the minimum required in order to remove the commodity from the field. (E) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results and feasibility of the research and development conducted under this paragraph, including an analysis of potential adverse market distortions. (21) Study on poultry catastrophic disease program (A) In general The Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of insuring poultry producers for a catastrophic event. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). (22) Poultry business interruption insurance policy (A) Authority The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with a university or other legal entity to carry out research and development regarding a policy to insure the commercial production of poultry against business interruptions caused by integrator bankruptcy. (B) Research and development As part of the research and development conducted pursuant to a contract or cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (A), the entity shall— (i) evaluate the market place for business interruption insurance that is available to poultry growers; (ii) determine what statutory authority would be necessary to implement a business interruption insurance through the Corporation; (iii) assess the feasibility of a policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle to insure against losses due to the bankruptcy of an business integrator; and (iv) analyze the costs to the Federal Government of a Federal business interruption insurance program for poultry growers. (C) Definitions In this paragraph, the terms poultry and poultry grower have the meanings given those terms in section 2(a) of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 ( 7 U.S.C. 182(a) ). (D) Deadline for contract or cooperative agreement Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall enter into the contract or cooperative agreement required by subparagraph (A). (E) Deadline for completion of research and development Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the research and development conducted pursuant to the contract or cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (A). (23) Study of food safety insurance (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with 1 or more qualified entities to conduct a study to determine whether offering policies that provide coverage for specialty crops from food safety and contamination issues would benefit agricultural producers. (B) Subject The study described in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate policies and plans of insurance coverage that provide protection for production or revenue impacted by food safety concerns including, at a minimum, government, retail, or national consumer group announcements of a health advisory, removal, or recall related to a contamination concern. (C) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). . 10022. Program compliance partnerships Paragraph (1) of section 522(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Purpose The purpose of this subsection is to authorize the Corporation to enter into partnerships with public and private entities for the purpose of either— (A) increasing the availability of loss mitigation, financial, and other risk management tools for producers, with a priority given to risk management tools for producers of agricultural commodities covered by section 196 of the Agricultural Market Transition Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ), specialty crops, and underserved agricultural commodities; or (B) improving analysis tools and technology regarding compliance or identifying and using innovative compliance strategies. . 10023. Pilot programs Section 523(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1523(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting , at the sole discretion of the Corporation, after may ; and (2) by striking paragraph (5). 10024. Technical amendments (a) Eligibility for department programs Section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (7); and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (11) as paragraphs (7) through (10), respectively. (b) Exclusions to assistance for losses due to drought conditions (1) In general Section 531(d)(3)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1531(d)(3)(A) ) is amended— (A) by striking (A) Eligible losses .— and all that follows through An eligible in clause (i) and inserting the following: (A) Eligible losses An eligible ; (B) by striking clause (ii); and (C) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately. (2) Conforming amendment Section 901(d)(3)(A) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2497(d)(3)(A) ) is amended— (A) by striking (A) Eligible losses .— and all that follows through An eligible in clause (i) and inserting the following: (A) Eligible losses An eligible ; (B) by striking clause (ii); and (C) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately. 10025. Advance public notice of crop insurance policy and plan changes Section 505(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1505(e) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (6) and (7); respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5): (5) Advance notice of modification before implementation (A) In general Any modification to be made in the terms or conditions of any policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle shall not take effect for a crop year unless the Secretary publishes the modification in the Federal Register and on the website of the Corporation and provides for a subsequent period of public comment— (i) with respect to fall-planted crops, not later than 60 days before June 30 during the preceding crop year; and (ii) with respect to spring-planted crops, not later than 60 days before November 30 during the preceding crop year. (B) Waiver The Secretary may waive the application of subparagraph (A) in an emergency situation declared by the Secretary upon notice to Congress of the nature of the emergency and the need for immediate implementation of the policy or plan modification referred to in such subparagraph. . XI Miscellaneous A Livestock 11101. Repeal of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Effective October 1, 2013, section 375 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008j ) is repealed. 11102. Repeal of certain regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (a) Repeal of certain regulation requirement Section 11006 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2120) is repealed. (b) Repeal of certain existing regulation Subsection (n) of section 201.2 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, is repealed. (c) Prohibition on enforcement of certain regulations or issuance of similar regulations Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Agriculture shall not— (1) enforce subsection (n) of section 201.2 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations; (2) finalize or implement sections 201.2(l), 201.2(t), 201.2(u), 201.3(c), 201.210, 201.211, 201.213, and 201.214 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as proposed to be added by the proposed rule entitled Implementation of Regulations Required Under Title XI of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008; Conduct in Violation of the Act published by the Department of Agriculture on June 22, 2010 (75 Fed. Reg. 35338); or (3) issue regulations or adopt a policy similar to the provisions— (A) referred to in paragraph (1) or (2); or (B) rescinded by the Secretary pursuant to section 742 of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 ( Public Law 113–6 ). 11103. Trichinae certification program (a) Alternative certification process The Secretary of Agriculture shall amend the rule made under paragraph (2) of section 11010(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8304(a) ) to implement the voluntary trichinae certification program established under paragraph (1) of such section, to include a requirement to establish an alternative trichinae certification process based on surveillance or other methods consistent with international standards for categorizing compartments as having negligible risk for trichinae. (b) Final regulations Not later than one year after the date on which the international standards referred to in subsection (a) are adopted, the Secretary shall finalize the rule amended under such subsection. (c) Reauthorization Section 10405(d)(1) of the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8304(d)(1) ) is amended in subparagraphs (A) and (B) by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . 11104. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan Section 11013(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8322(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 11105. Country of origin labeling (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall conduct an economic analysis of the proposed rule entitled Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Goat Meat, Wild and Farm-raised Fish and Shellfish, Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts, Pecans, Ginseng and Macadamia Nuts published by the Department of Agriculture on March 12, 2013 (76 Fed. Reg. 15645). (b) Contents The economic analysis described in subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the labeling of beef, pork, and chicken, an analysis of the impact on consumers, producers, and packers in the United States of— (1) the implementation of subtitle D of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1638 et seq. ); and (2) the proposed rule referred to in subsection (a). 11106. National animal health laboratory network Subtitle E of title X of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after section 10409 ( 7 U.S.C. 8308 ) the following new section: 10409A. National animal health laboratory network (a) In general The Secretary shall enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with eligible laboratories for any of the following purposes: (1) To enhance the capability of the Secretary to detect, and respond in a timely manner to, emerging or existing threats to animal health and to support the protection of public health, the environment, and the agricultural economy of the United States. (2) To provide the capacity and capability for standardized— (A) test procedures, reference materials, and equipment; (B) laboratory biosafety and biosecurity levels; (C) quality management system requirements; (D) interconnected electronic reporting and transmission of data; and (E) evaluation for emergency preparedness. (3) To coordinate the development, implementation, and enhancement of national veterinary diagnostic laboratory capabilities, with special emphasis on surveillance planning and vulnerability analysis, technology development and validation, training, and outreach. (b) Eligibility An eligible laboratory under this section is a diagnostic laboratory meeting specific criteria developed by the Secretary, in consultation with State animal health officials and State and university veterinary diagnostic laboratories. (c) Priority To the extent practicable and to the extent capacity and specialized expertise may be necessary, the Secretary shall give priority to existing Federal, State, and university facilities. (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 11107. Repeal of duplicative catfish inspection program (a) In general Effective on the date of the enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq. ), section 11016 of such Act ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2130) and the amendments made by such section are repealed. (b) Application The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq. ) and the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ) shall be applied and administered as if section 11016 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2130) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq. ) and the amendments made by such section had not been enacted. 11108. National Poultry Improvement Program The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that the Department of Agriculture continues to administer the diagnostic surveillance program for H5/H7 low pathogenic avian influenza with respect to commercial poultry under section 146.14 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) without amending the regulations in section 147.43 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) with respect to the governance of the General Conference Committee established under such section. The Secretary of Agriculture shall maintain— (1) the operations of the General Conference Committee— (A) in the physical location at which the Committee was located on the date of the enactment of this Act; and (B) with the organizational structure within the Department of Agriculture in effect as of such date; and (2) the funding levels for the National Poultry Improvement Plan for Commercial Poultry (established under part 146 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation) at the fiscal year 2013 funding levels for the Plan. 11109. Report on bovine tuberculosis in Texas Not later than December 31, 2014, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 on the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in Texas. The report shall cover the period beginning on January 1, 1997, and ending on December 31, 2013. 11110. Economic fraud in wild and farm-raised seafood (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall submit to Congress a report on the economic implications for consumers, fishermen, and aquaculturists of fraud and mislabeling in wild and farm-raised seafood. (b) Contents The report required under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to fraud and mislabeling in wild and farm-raised seafood, an analysis of the impact on consumers and producers in the United States of— (1) sales of imported seafood that is misrepresented as domestic product; (2) country of origin labeling that allows seafood harvested outside the United States to be labeled as a product of the United States; (3) the lack of seafood product traceability through the supply chain; and (4) the inadequate use of DNA testing and other technology to address seafood safety and fraud, including traceability. B Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers 11201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers (a) Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting and veteran farmers and ranchers after ranchers ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; (B) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; and (C) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in the heading of such subparagraph, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (II) in clause (i), by striking and at the end; (III) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (IV) by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (3) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting or veteran farmers and ranchers after socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers ; (4) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members ; and (5) in subsection (e)(5)(A)— (A) in clause (i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; and (B) in clause (ii), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers . (b) Definition of veteran farmer or rancher Section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (7) Veteran farmer or rancher The term veteran farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released from the service under conditions other than dishonorable. . 11202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach Paragraph (3) of section 226B(f) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6934(f) ) is amended to read as follows: (3) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection— (A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013; and (B) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 11203. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279 ), as amended by section 11201, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (i) Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers policy research center The Secretary shall award a grant to a college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 ( 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq. ), including Tuskegee University, to establish a policy research center to be known as the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center for the purpose of developing policy recommendations for the protection and promotion of the interests of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. . 11204. Receipt for service or denial of service from certain department of agriculture agencies Section 2501A(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279–1(e) ) is amended by striking and, at the time of the request, also requests a receipt . C Other miscellaneous provisions 11301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force Subsection (d) of section 14204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2008q–1 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 11302. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high plains water study Section 2901 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1818) is amended by striking this Act or an amendment made by this Act and inserting this Act, an amendment made by this Act, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , or an amendment made by the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . 11303. Office of Tribal Relations (a) In general Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by adding after section 308 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125a note; Public Law 103–354 ) the following new section: 309. Office of Tribal Relations The Secretary shall establish in the Office of the Secretary an Office of Tribal Relations to advise the Secretary on policies related to Indian tribes. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended by inserting after paragraph (8), as added by section 3207, the following new paragraph: (9) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Secretary the Office of Tribal Relations in accordance with section 309; and . 11304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (a) In general Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 218 ( 7 U.S.C. 6918 ) the following new section: 219. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (a) Authorization The Secretary shall establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. (b) Duties The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall— (1) provide information to returning veterans about, and connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate to the needs and interests of returning veterans, including assisting veterans in using Federal veterans educational benefits for purposes relating to beginning a farming or ranching career; (2) provide information to veterans concerning the availability of and eligibility requirements for participation in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs; (3) serve as a resource for assisting veteran farmers and ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying for participation in agricultural programs; and (4) advocate on behalf of veterans in interactions with employees of the Department. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended by inserting after paragraph (9), as added by section 11303, the following new paragraph: (10) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison in accordance with section 219. . 11305. Prohibition on keeping GSA leased cars overnight Effective immediately, a Federal employee of a State office of the Farm Service Agency in the field and non-Federal employees of county and area committees established under section 8(b)(5) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590h(b)(5) ) shall keep leased interagency motor pool vehicles at a location listed on the General Services Administration inventory of owned and leased properties or a location owned or leased by the Department of Agriculture overnight unless the employee assigned the vehicle is on overnight, approved travel status involving per diem. 11306. Noninsured crop assistance program Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ), as amended by section 10013(b), is further amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) In general (A) Coverages In the case of an eligible crop described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Agriculture shall operate a noninsured crop disaster assistance program to provide coverages based on individual yields (other than for value-loss crops) equivalent to— (i) catastrophic risk protection available under section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(b) ); or (ii) additional coverage available under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) that does not exceed 65 percent. (B) Administration The Secretary shall carry out this section through the Farm Service Agency (referred to in this section as the Agency ). ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in clause (i), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (II) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and (III) by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause: (ii) for which additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is not available; and ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, before and industrial crops ; (2) in subsection (d), by striking The Secretary and inserting Subject to subsection (l), the Secretary ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (l) Payment equivalent to additional coverage (1) In general The Secretary shall make available to a producer eligible for noninsured assistance under this section a payment equivalent to an indemnity for additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) that does not exceed 65 percent of the established yield for the eligible crop on the farm, computed by multiplying— (A) the quantity that is not greater than 65 percent of the established yield for the crop, as determined by the Secretary, specified in increments of 5 percent; (B) 100 percent of the average market price for the crop, as determined by the Secretary; and (C) a payment rate for the type of crop, as determined by the Secretary, that reflects— (i) in the case of a crop that is produced with a significant and variable harvesting expense, the decreasing cost incurred in the production cycle for the crop that is, as applicable— (I) harvested; (II) planted but not harvested; or (III) prevented from being planted because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) in the case of a crop that is produced without a significant and variable harvesting expense, such rate as shall be determined by the Secretary. (2) Premium To be eligible to receive a payment under this subsection, a producer shall pay— (A) the service fee required by subsection (k); and (B) a premium for the applicable crop year that is equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (i) the number of acres devoted to the eligible crop; (ii) the established yield for the eligible crop, as determined by the Secretary under subsection (e); (iii) the coverage level elected by the producer; (iv) the average market price, as determined by the Secretary; and (v) .0525. (3) Limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers The additional coverage made available under this subsection shall be available to limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged producers, as determined by the Secretary, in exchange for a premium that is 50 percent of the premium determined for a producer under paragraph (2). (4) Premium Payment and Application Deadline (A) Premium payment A producer electing additional coverage under this subsection shall pay the premium amount owed for the additional coverage by September 30 of the crop year for which the additional coverage is purchased. (B) Application Deadline The latest date on which additional coverage under this subsection may be elected shall be the application closing date described in subsection (b)(1). (5) Effective date Additional coverage under this subsection shall be available beginning with the 2015 crop. . 11307. Ensuring high standards for agency use of scientific information (a) Requirement for final guidelines Not later than January 1, 2014, each Federal agency shall have in effect guidelines for ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of scientific information relied upon by such agency. (b) Content of guidelines The guidelines described in subsection (a), with respect to a Federal agency, shall ensure that— (1) when scientific information is considered by the agency in policy decisions— (A) the information is subject to well-established scientific processes, including peer review where appropriate; (B) the agency appropriately applies the scientific information to the policy decision; (C) except for information that is protected from disclosure by law or administrative practice, the agency makes available to the public the scientific information considered by the agency; (D) the agency gives greatest weight to information that is based on experimental, empirical, quantifiable, and reproducible data that is developed in accordance with well-established scientific processes; and (E) with respect to any proposed rule issued by the agency, such agency follows procedures that include, to the extent feasible and permitted by law, an opportunity for public comment on all relevant scientific findings; (2) the agency has procedures in place to make policy decisions only on the basis of the best reasonably obtainable scientific, technical, economic, and other evidence and information concerning the need for, consequences of, and alternatives to the decision; and (3) the agency has in place procedures to identify and address instances in which the integrity of scientific information considered by the agency may have been compromised, including instances in which such information may have been the product of a scientific process that was compromised. (c) Approval needed for policy decisions To take effect No policy decision issued after January 1, 2014, by an agency subject to this section may take effect prior to such date that the agency has in effect guidelines under subsection (a) that have been approved by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. (d) Policy decisions not in compliance (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), a policy decision of an agency that does not comply with guidelines approved under subsection (c) shall be deemed to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and otherwise not in accordance with law. (2) Exception This subsection shall not apply to policy decisions that are deemed to be necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or because of another emergency. (e) Definitions For purposes of this section: (1) Agency The term agency has the meaning given such term in section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code. (2) Policy decision The term policy decision means, with respect to an agency, an agency action as defined in section 551(13) of title 5, United States Code, (other than an adjudication, as defined in section 551(7) of such title), and includes— (A) the listing, labeling, or other identification of a substance, product, or activity as hazardous or creating risk to human health, safety, or the environment; and (B) agency guidance. (3) Agency guidance The term agency guidance means an agency statement of general applicability and future effect, other than a regulatory action, that sets forth a policy on a statutory, regulatory, or technical issue or on an interpretation of a statutory or regulatory issue. 11308. Evaluation required for purposes of prohibition on closure or relocation of county offices for the Farm Service Agency (a) Prohibition on closure or relocation of offices with high workload volume Section 14212 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a ) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection: (a) Prohibition on closure or relocation of offices with high workload volume The Secretary of Agriculture may not close or relocate a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency in a State if the Secretary determines, after conducting the evaluation required under subsection (b)(1)(B), that the office has a high workload volume compared with other county offices in the State. . (b) Workload evaluation Section 14212(b)(1) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(1) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and moving the margins of such clauses two ems to the right; (2) by striking the Farm Service Agency, to the maximum extent practicable and inserting the Farm Service Agency— (A) to the maximum extent practicable ; (3) in clause (ii) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))— (A) by inserting as of the date of the enactment of this Act after employees ; and (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) conduct and complete an evaluation of all workload assessments for Farm Service Agency county offices that were open and operational as of January 1, 2012, during the period that begins on a date that is not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 and ends on the date that is 18 months after such date of enactment. . (c) Notice required Section 14212(b)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking After the period referred to in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of Agriculture may not close a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency unless— and inserting After carrying out each of the activities required under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall, before closing a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency— ; (2) in subparagraph (A), by striking the Secretary holds and inserting hold ; and (3) in subparagraph (B), by striking the Secretary notifies and inserting notify . (d) Conforming amendment Section 14212(b)(1) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(1) ) is amended by striking After the period referred to in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary and inserting The Secretary . 11309. Acer access and development program (a) Grants authorized The Secretary of Agriculture may make competitive grants to States, tribal governments, and research institutions to support the efforts of such States, tribal governments, and research institutions to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through the following activities: (1) Promotion of research and education related to maple syrup production. (2) Promotion of natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry. (3) Market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap products. (4) Encouragement of owners and operators of privately held land containing species of trees in the genus Acer— (A) to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the land; or (B) to voluntarily make the land available, including by lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-sugaring activities. (b) Application In submitting an application for a competitive grant under this section, a State, tribal government, or research institution shall include— (1) a description of the activities to be supported using the grant funds; (2) a description of the benefits that the State, tribal government, or research institution intends to achieve as a result of engaging in such activities; and (3) an estimate of the increase in maple-sugaring activities or maple syrup production that the State, tribal government, or research institution anticipates will occur as a result of engaging in such activities. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to preempt a State or tribal government law, including a State or tribal government liability law. (d) Definition of maple-Sugaring In this section, the term maple-sugaring means the collection of sap from any species of tree in the genus Acer for the purpose of boiling to produce food. (e) Regulations The Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section. (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. 11310. Regulatory review by the Secretary of Agriculture (a) Review of regulatory agenda The Secretary of Agriculture shall review publications that may give notice that the Environmental Protection Agency is preparing or plans to prepare any guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect that may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities, including— (1) any regulatory agenda of the Environmental Protection Agency published pursuant to section 602 of title 5, United States Code; (2) any regulatory plan or agenda published by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to an Executive order, including Executive Order 12866; and (3) any other publication issued by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Management and Budget that may reasonably be foreseen to contain notice of plans by the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare any guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect that may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities. (b) Information gathering For a publication item reviewed under subsection (a) that the Secretary determines may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities, the Secretary shall— (1) solicit from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency any information the Administrator may provide to facilitate a review of the publication item; (2) utilize the Chief Economist of the Department of Agriculture to produce an economic impact statement for the publication item that contains a detailed estimate of potential costs to agricultural entities; (3) identify individuals representative of potentially affected agricultural entities for the purpose of obtaining advice and recommendations from such individuals about the potential impacts of the publication item; and (4) convene a review panel for analysis of the publication item that includes the Secretary, any full-time Federal employee of the Department of Agriculture appointed to the panel by the Secretary, and any employee of the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within the Office of Management and Budget that accepts an invitation from the Secretary to participate in the panel. (c) Duties of the review panel A review panel convened for a publication item under subsection (b)(4) shall— (1) review any information or material obtained by the Secretary and prepared in connection with the publication item, including any draft proposed guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect; (2) collect advice and recommendations from agricultural entity representatives identified by the Administrator after consultation with the Secretary; (3) compile and analyze such advice and recommendations; and (4) make recommendations to the Secretary based on the information gathered by the review panel or provided by agricultural entity representatives. (d) Comments (1) In general Not later than 60 days after the date the Secretary convenes a review panel pursuant to subsection (b)(4), the Secretary shall submit to the Administrator comments on the planned or proposed guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect for consideration and inclusion in any related administrative record, including— (A) a report by the Secretary on the concerns of agricultural entities; (B) the findings of the review panel; (C) the findings of the Secretary, including any adopted findings of the review panel; and (D) recommendations of the Secretary. (2) Publication The Secretary shall publish the comments in the Federal Register and make the comments available to the public on the public Internet website of the Department of Agriculture. (e) Waivers The Secretary may waive initiation of the review panel under subsection (b)(4) as the Secretary determines appropriate. (f) Definition of agricultural entity In this section, the term agricultural entity means any entity involved in or related to agricultural enterprise, including enterprises that are engaged in the business of production of food and fiber, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries. 11311. Prohibition on attending an animal fighting venture or causing a minor to attend an animal fighting venture Section 26(a)(1) of the Animal Welfare Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2156(a)(1) ) is amended by striking the period and inserting or to knowingly attend or knowingly cause a minor to attend an animal fighting venture. . 11312. Prohibition against interference by State and local governments with production or manufacture of items in other States (a) In general Consistent with Article I, section 8, clause 3 of the Constitution of the United States, the government of a State or locality therein shall not impose a standard or condition on the production or manufacture of any agricultural product sold or offered for sale in interstate commerce if— (1) such production or manufacture occurs in another State; and (2) the standard or condition is in addition to the standards and conditions applicable to such production or manufacture pursuant to— (A) Federal law; and (B) the laws of the State and locality in which such production or manufacture occurs. (b) Agricultural product defined In this section, the term agricultural product has the meaning given such term in section 207 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1626 ). 11313. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Missouri River Basin (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Record runoff occurred in the Missouri River basin during 2011 as a result of historic rainfall over portions of the upper basin coupled with heavy plains and mountain snowpack. (2) Runoff above Sioux City, Iowa, during the 5-month period of March through July totaled an estimated 48.4 million acre-feet (referred to in this section as MAF ). This runoff volume was more than 20 percent greater than the design storm for the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System (referred to in this section as the System ), which was based on the 1881 runoff of 40.0 MAF during the same 5-month period. (3) During the 2011 runoff season, nearly 61 million acre-feet of water entered the Missouri River system, far surpassing the previous record of 49 MAF in runoff that was set during the flood of 1997. (4) Given the incredible amount of water entering the System, the summer months were spent working to evacuate as much water from the System as possible, ultimately leading to record high water releases from Gavins Point Dam of 160,000 cubic feet per second, a rate that more than doubled the previous release record of 70,000 cubic feet per second set in 1997. (5) For nearly four months, those extremely high releases from Gavins Point were maintained, resulting in severe and sustained flooding, with much of western Iowa and eastern Nebraska as well as portions of South Dakota, Kansas, and Missouri inundated by a flooding river three to five feet deep, up to 11 miles wide, and flowing at a rate of 4 to 11 miles per hour. (6) Thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage was done to roads and other public infrastructure. (7) In addition to the homes, businesses, and infrastructure impacted by the flooding, hundreds of thousands of acres of cropland were affected. (8) The Department of Agriculture has estimated that 400,000 to 500,000 acres of some of the most productive crop land in the world was flooded in 2011. (9) Local Farm Services Agency representatives have estimated that $82,100,000 was lost in 2011 alone due to damaged or lost crops and unplanted acres. (10) Not only did the flooding eliminate the 2011 crop, but it is highly unlikely that many farmers will be able to put that land back into production at any point in the near future. (11) Producers will have to contend with large piles of sand, silt, and other debris that have been deposited in their fields, meaning the impact of the 2011 flood will be felt in the agricultural communities up and down the Missouri River for many years to come. (12) Currently, the amount of storage capacity in the System that is set aside for flood control is based upon the vacated space required to control the 1881 flood, because prior to the 2011 flood, the 1881 flood was seen as the high water mark . (13) Given the historic flooding that took place in 2011, it is clear that year’s flooding now represents a new high water mark , surpassing the flooding of even the 1881 flood. (14) It is important that the flood control related functions of the System management be adjusted to reflect the reality of the 2011 flood as the new worst case scenario for flooding along the Missouri River. (15) System management may begin to be adjusted to account for the 2011 flood through a recalculation of the amount of storage space within the System that is allocated to flood control, using the model not of the 1881 flood, but of the greatest flood experienced—the flood of 2011. (16) As a result of the flooding in 2011, many States received disaster declarations from the Department of Agriculture to help farmers and producers recover from the damage done by the high water. (17) Though helpful, even the assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture will not provide many in the agriculture community with the resources to put their land back into production any time soon. (18) Without the protection that will come from a fundamental change in the System’s flood control storage allocations, farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests who may be in a position to restart their operations will find it difficult to justify doing so, given the fact that they will not be protected from similar flooding in the future. (b) Updated management of the Missouri river To protect agricultural interests In order to strengthen the agricultural economy, revitalize the rural communities, and conserve the natural resources of the Missouri River basin, the Congress directs that the Secretary of Agriculture take action to promote immediate increased flood protection to farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests in the Missouri River basin by working within its jurisdiction to support efforts— (1) to recalculate the amount of space within the System that is allocated to flood control storage using the 2011 flood as the model; and (2) to increase the Missouri River’s channel capacity between the reservoirs and below Gavins Point. 11314. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Black Dirt region In order to strengthen the agricultural economy, revitalize the rural communities, and conserve the natural resources of the Black Dirt region, the Congress directs that the Secretary of Agriculture take action to promote immediate increased flood protection to farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests around the Wallkill River and in the Black Dirt region. 11315. Protection of honey bees and other pollinators (a) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall carry out such activities as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect and ensure the long-term viability of populations of honey bees, wild bees, and other beneficial insects of agricultural crops, horticultural plants, wild plants, and other plants, including— (1) providing technical expertise relating to proposed agency actions that may threaten pollinator health or jeopardize the long-term viability of populations of pollinators; (2) providing formal guidance on national policies relating to— (A) permitting managed honey bees to forage on National Forest Service lands where compatible with other natural resource management priorities; and (B) planting and maintaining managed honey bee and native pollinator forage on National Forest Service lands where compatible with other natural resource management priorities; (3) making use of the best available peer-reviewed science regarding environmental and chemical stressors on pollinator health; and (4) regularly monitoring and reporting on the health and population status of managed and native pollinators including bees, birds, bats, and other species. (b) Task force on bee health and commercial beekeeping (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a task force— (A) to coordinate Federal efforts carried out on or after the date of enactment of this Act to address the serious worldwide decline in bee health, especially honey bees and declining native bees; and (B) to assess Federal efforts to mitigate pollinator losses and threats to the United States commercial beekeeping industry. (2) Agency consultation The task force established under this subsection shall seek ongoing consultation from any Federal agency carrying out activities important to bee health and commercial beekeeping, including officials from— (A) the Department of Agriculture; (B) the Department of the Interior; (C) the Environmental Protection Agency; (D) the Food and Drug Administration; (E) the Department of Commerce; and (F) U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (3) Stakeholder consultation The task force established under this subsection shall consult with beekeeper, conservation, scientist, and agricultural stakeholders. (c) Report to Congress Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the task force established under subsection (b) shall submit to Congress a report that— (1) summarizes Federal activities carried out pursuant to subsection (f) of section of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925 ) (as redesignated by section 7209) or any other provision of law (including regulations) to address bee decline; (2) summarizes international efforts to address the decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators; and (3) provides recommendations to Congress regarding how to better coordinate Federal agency efforts to address the decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators. (d) Pollinator research lab feasibility study (1) In general The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, may conduct feasibility studies regarding— (A) re-locating existing honey bee and native pollinator research from Federal laboratories to a cooperator-run facility in a location most geographically appropriate for pollinator research; and (B) modernizing existing honey bee research laboratories identified by the Agricultural Research Service in the capital investment strategy document dated 2012. (2) Consultation In conducting the feasibility studies under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with— (A) beekeeper, native bee, agricultural, research institution, and bee conservation stakeholders regarding new research laboratory needs under paragraph (1)(A); and (B) commercial beekeepers regarding the modernizing of existing honey bee laboratories under paragraph (1)(B). 11316. Produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States (a) Technical assistance to CBP The Secretary of Agriculture shall make available to U.S. Customs and Border Protection technical assistance related to the identification of produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. (b) Report to Congress 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 report on produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. 11317. Urban agriculture coordination The Secretary of Agriculture shall coordinate opportunities for urban agriculture, by— (1) compiling a list of all programs administered by the Secretary or by the head of any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States to which urban farmers can apply for assistance or participation; (2) examining and implementing opportunities to adjust the regulations governing the programs to enable urban farmers to participate in more of the programs; (3) developing a process for streamlining the process by which urban farmers may apply for assistance from, or for participation in, the programs, including through the use of a single, harmonized application for multiple programs; and (4) such other methods as the Secretary deems appropriate. 11318. Sense of Congress on increased business opportunities for black farmers, women, minorities, and small businesses It is the sense of Congress that the Federal Government should increase the number of contracts the Federal Government awards to black farmers, businesses owned and controlled by women, businesses owned and controlled by minorities, and small business concerns. 11319. Sense of Congress regarding agriculture security programs It is the sense of Congress that— (1) agricultural nutrients and other agricultural chemicals are essential to ensuring the most efficient production of food, fuel, and fiber; (2) these products must be properly stored, handled, transported, and used to ensure that they are not misused or cause harm either accidentally or intentionally; (3) the Department of Agriculture is the Federal agency with the staffing and technical expertise to understand the important role these products play in agriculture; (4) other Federal departments and agencies have been given lead responsibility to develop and implement security programs affecting the availability, storage, transportation, and use of a variety of chemicals and products used in agriculture; (5) it is critical that the Department of Agriculture participates fully in the development of any such security programs to ensure that they do not unnecessarily restrict the availability of the most efficient and beneficial products needed to sustain agriculture in the United States; (6) the Secretary of Agriculture should review staffing at the Department to ensure that the agency has senior employees within the Department at the Senior Executive Service level or higher, who have responsibility for coordinating with other Federal, State, and international agencies in the development of regulations, guidance, and procedures for the secure handling of agricultural chemicals; and (7) such employees shall— (A) work with manufacturers, retailers, and the general farm community to review existing and proposed Federal, State, and international agricultural chemical security regulations; (B) coordinate with manufacturers, retailers, transporters, and farmers to evaluate how existing and proposed security regulations, including systems to track the sale, transportation, delivery, and use of agricultural products, can be designed to minimize any adverse impact on agricultural productivity; (C) evaluate how existing and proposed security regulations will affect the ability of agricultural producers to have timely access to nutrients, chemicals, and other products that are affordable and best suited to the producers’ operations; (D) develop recommendations on best practices, policies, and regulatory mechanisms relating to existing and proposed security programs to ensure that there is minimal adverse impact on agricultural productivity; and (E) engage with Federal agencies with responsibility for establishing security programs to ensure that they have the information needed to develop procedures for effective security administration and enforcement that minimize any adverse impact on domestic or international agricultural productivity. 11320. Report on water sharing Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report on— (1) efforts by Mexico to meet its treaty deliveries of water to the Rio Grande in accordance with the Treaty between the United States and Mexico Respecting Utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande (done at Washington, February 3, 1944); and (2) the benefits to the United States of the Interim International Cooperative Measures in the Colorado River Basin through 2017 and Extension of Minute 318 Cooperative Measures to Address the Continued Effects of the April 2010 Earthquake in the Mexicali Valley, Baja, California (done at Coronado, California, November 20, 2012; commonly referred to as Minute No. 319 ). 11321. Scientific and economic analysis of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary ) may not enforce any regulations promulgated under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act ( Public Law 111–353 ) until the Secretary publishes in the Federal Register the following: (1) An analysis of the scientific information used in the final rule to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act with a particular focus on— (A) agricultural businesses of a variety of sizes; (B) regional differences of agriculture production, processing, marketing, and value added production; (C) agricultural businesses that are diverse livestock and produce producers; and (D) what, if any, negative impact on the agricultural businesses would be created, or exacerbated, by implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. (2) An analysis of the economic impact of the proposed final rule to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act with a particular focus on— (A) agricultural businesses of a variety of sizes; and (B) small and mid-sized value added food processors. (3) A plan to systematically evaluate the regulations by surveying farmers and processors and developing an ongoing process to evaluate and address business concerns. (b) Annual report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the impact of implementation of the regulations promulgated under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. 11322. Improved Department of Agriculture consideration of economic impact of regulations on small business The Secretary of Agriculture shall complete procedures consistent with the requirements of subsection (b) of section 609 of title 5, United States Code, whenever the Department of Agriculture promulgates any rule which will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 11323. Silvicultural activities Section 402(l) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1342(l) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Silvicultural activities (A) NPDES permit requirements for silvicultural activities The Administrator shall not require a permit or otherwise promulgate regulations under this section or directly or indirectly require any State to require a permit under this section for a discharge of stormwater runoff resulting from the conduct of the following silviculture activities: nursery operations, site preparation, reforestation and subsequent cultural treatment, thinning, prescribed burning, pest and fire control, harvesting operations, surface drainage, and road use, construction, and maintenance. (B) Permits for dredged or fill material Nothing in this paragraph exempts a silvicultural activity resulting in the discharge of dredged or fill material from any permitting requirement under section 404. . 11324. Applicability of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule (a) In general The Administrator, in implementing the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule with respect to any farm, shall— (1) require certification of compliance with such rule by— (A) a professional engineer for a farm with— (i) an individual tank with an aboveground storage capacity greater than 10,000 gallons; (ii) an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than or equal to 42,000 gallons; or (iii) a history that includes a spill, as determined by the Administrator; or (B) the owner or operator of the farm (via self-certification) for a farm with— (i) an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than 10,000 gallons but less than 42,000 gallons; and (ii) no history of spills, as determined by the Administrator; and (2) exempt from all requirements of such rule any farm— (A) with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of less than or equal to 10,000 gallons; and (B) no history of spills, as determined by the Administrator. (b) Calculation of aggregate aboveground storage capacity For the purposes of subsection (a), the aggregate aboveground storage capacity of a farm excludes— (1) all containers on separate parcels that have a capacity that is less than 1,320 gallons; and (2) all storage containers holding animal feed ingredients approved for use in livestock feed by the Food and Drug Administration. (c) Definitions In this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) Farm The term farm has the meaning given such term in section 112.2 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. (3) Gallon The term gallon refers to a United States liquid gallon. (4) History of spills The term history of spills has the meaning used to describe the term reportable discharge history in section 112.7(k)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations). (5) Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule The term Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule means the regulation promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency under part 112 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. 11325. Agricultural producer information disclosure (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) Agency The term Agency means the Environmental Protection Agency. (3) Agricultural operation The term agricultural operation includes any operation where an agricultural commodity crop is raised, including livestock operations. (4) Livestock operation The term livestock operation includes any operation involved in the raising or finishing of livestock or poultry. (b) Disclosure of information (1) Prohibition Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Administrator, any officer or employee of the Agency, or any contractor of the Agency, shall not make public the information of any owner, operator, or employee of an agricultural operation provided to the Agency by a farmer, rancher, or livestock producer or a State agency that has been obtained in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. ) or any other law, including— (A) names; (B) telephone numbers; (C) email addresses; (D) physical addresses; (E) Global Positioning System coordinates; or (F) other identifying location information. (2) Effect Nothing in paragraph (1) affects— (A) the disclosure of information described in paragraph (1) if— (i) the information has been transformed into a statistical or aggregate form at the county level or higher without any information that identifies the agricultural operation or agricultural producer; or (ii) the producer consents to the disclosure; or (B) the authority of any State agency to collect information on livestock operations. (3) Condition of permit or other programs The approval of any permit, practice, or program administered by the Administrator shall not be conditioned on the consent of the agricultural producer or livestock producer under paragraph (2)(A)(ii). 11326. Report on National Ocean Policy (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Executive Order 13547, issued on July 19, 2010, established the national policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes and requires— (A) Federal implementation of ecosystem-based management to achieve a fundamental shift in how the United States manages ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources; and (B) the establishment of nine new governmental Regional Planning Bodies and Coastal and Marine Spatial Plans in every region of the United States. (2) Executive Order 13547 created a 54-member National Ocean Council led by the White House Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Science and Technology Policy that includes 54 principal and deputy-level representatives from Federal entities, including the Department of Agriculture. (3) Executive Order 13547 requires National Ocean Council members, including the Department of Agriculture, to take action to implement the Policy and participate in coastal and marine spatial planning to the maximum extent possible. (4) The Final Recommendations of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force that were adopted by Executive Order 13547 state that effective implementation of the National Ocean Policy will require clear and easily understood requirements and regulations, where appropriate, that include enforcement as a critical component . (5) Despite repeated Congressional requests, the National Ocean Council, which is charged with overseeing implementation of the policy, has still not provided a complete accounting of Federal activities under the policy and resources expended and allocated in furtherance of implementation of the policy. (6) The continued economic and budgetary challenges of the United States underscore the necessity for sound, transparent, and practical Federal policies. (b) Report Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture 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 detailing— (1) all activities engaged in and resources expended in furtherance of Executive Order 13547 since July 19, 2010; and (2) any budget requests for fiscal year 2014 for support of implementation of Executive Order 13547. 11327. Sunsetting of programs (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), each fiscal year the Secretary of Agriculture may not carry out any program— (1) for which an authorization of appropriations is established or extended under this Act; and (2) that is funded by discretionary appropriations (as defined in section 250(c) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 ( 2 U.S.C. 900(c) )). (b) Effective date Subsection (a) shall take effect with respect to a program referred to in such subsection on the date on which the authorization of appropriations under this Act for such program expires. (c) Existing obligations Subsection (a) does not affect the ability of the Secretary to carry out responsibilities with regard to loans, grants, or other obligations made or in existence before an applicable effective date under subsection (b). D Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery 11401. Short title This subtitle may be cited as the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2013 . 11402. Chesapeake Bay Crosscut Budget (a) Crosscut Budget The Director, in consultation with the Chesapeake Executive Council, the chief executive of each Chesapeake Bay State, and the Chesapeake Bay Commission, shall submit to Congress a financial report containing— (1) an interagency crosscut budget that displays— (A) the proposed funding for any Federal restoration activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year, including any planned interagency or intra-agency transfer, for each of the Federal agencies that carry out restoration activities; (B) to the extent that information is available, the estimated funding for any State restoration activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year; (C) all expenditures for Federal restoration activities from the preceding 2 fiscal years, the current fiscal year, and the succeeding fiscal year; and (D) all expenditures, to the extent that information is available, for State restoration activities during the equivalent time period described in subparagraph (C) ; (2) a detailed accounting of all funds received and obligated by all Federal agencies for restoration activities during the current and preceding fiscal years, including the identification of funds which were transferred to a Chesapeake Bay State for restoration activities; (3) to the extent that information is available, a detailed accounting from each State of all funds received and obligated from a Federal agency for restoration activities during the current and preceding fiscal years; and (4) a description of each of the proposed Federal and State restoration activities to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year (corresponding to those activities listed in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1)), including the— (A) project description; (B) current status of the project; (C) Federal or State statutory or regulatory authority, programs, or responsible agencies; (D) authorization level for appropriations; (E) project timeline, including benchmarks; (F) references to project documents; (G) descriptions of risks and uncertainties of project implementation; (H) adaptive management actions or framework; (I) coordinating entities; (J) funding history; (K) cost sharing; and (L) alignment with existing Chesapeake Bay Agreement and Chesapeake Executive Council goals and priorities. (b) Minimum funding levels The Director shall only describe restoration activities in the report required under subsection (a) that— (1) for Federal restoration activities, have funding amounts greater than or equal to $100,000; and (2) for State restoration activities, have funding amounts greater than or equal to $50,000. (c) Deadline The Director shall submit to Congress the report required by subsection (a) not later than 30 days after the submission by the President of the President’s annual budget to Congress. (d) Report Copies of the financial report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations, Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations, Environment and Public Works, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. (e) Effective Date This section shall apply beginning with the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act for which the President submits a budget to Congress. 11403. Restoration through adaptive management (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with other Federal and State agencies, and with the participation of stakeholders, shall develop a plan to provide technical and financial assistance to Chesapeake Bay States to employ adaptive management in carrying out restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. (b) Plan development The plan referred to in subsection (a) shall include— (1) specific and measurable objectives to improve water quality, habitat, and fisheries identified by Chesapeake Bay States; (2) a process for stakeholder participation; (3) monitoring, modeling, experimentation, and other research and evaluation technical assistance requested by Chesapeake Bay States; (4) identification of State restoration activities planned by Chesapeake Bay States to attain the State’s objectives under paragraph (1); (5) identification of Federal restoration activities that could help a Chesapeake Bay State to attain the State’s objectives under paragraph (1); (6) recommendations for a process for modification of State and Federal restoration activities that have not attained or will not attain the specific and measurable objectives set forth under paragraph (1); and (7) recommendations for a process for integrating and prioritizing State and Federal restoration activities and programs to which adaptive management can be applied. (c) Implementation In addition to carrying out Federal restoration activities under existing authorities and funding, the Administrator shall implement the plan developed under subsection (a) by providing technical and financial assistance to Chesapeake Bay States using resources available for such purposes that are identified by the Director under section 11402. (d) Updates The Administrator shall update the plan developed under subsection (a) every 2 years. (e) Report to Congress (1) In general Not later than 60 days after the end of a fiscal year, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress an annual report on the implementation of the plan required under this section for such fiscal year. (2) Contents The report required under paragraph (1) shall contain information about the application of adaptive management to restoration activities and programs, including level changes implemented through the process of adaptive management. (3) Effective date Paragraph (1) shall apply to the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act. (f) Inclusion of plan in annual action plan and annual progress report The Administrator shall ensure that the Annual Action Plan and Annual Progress Report required by section 205 of Executive Order 13508 includes the adaptive management plan outlined in subsection (a). 11404. Independent Evaluator for the Chesapeake Bay Program (a) In general There shall be an Independent Evaluator for restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, who shall review and report on restoration activities and the use of adaptive management in restoration activities, including on such related topics as are suggested by the Chesapeake Executive Council. (b) Appointment (1) In general The Independent Evaluator shall be appointed by the Administrator from among nominees submitted by the Chesapeake Executive Council. (2) Nominations The Chesapeake Executive Council may submit to the Administrator 4 nominees for appointment to any vacancy in the office of the Independent Evaluator. (c) Reports The Independent Evaluator shall submit a report to the Congress every 2 years in the findings and recommendations of reviews under this section. (d) Chesapeake Executive Council In this section, the term Chesapeake Executive Council has the meaning given that term by section 307 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 ( Public Law 102–567 ; 15 U.S.C. 1511d ). 11405. Definitions In this subtitle, the following definitions apply: (1) Adaptive management The term adaptive management means a type of natural resource management in which project and program decisions are made as part of an ongoing science-based process. Adaptive management involves testing, monitoring, and evaluating applied strategies and incorporating new knowledge into programs and restoration activities that are based on scientific findings and the needs of society. Results are used to modify management policy, strategies, practices, programs, and restoration activities. (2) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (3) Chesapeake Bay State The term Chesapeake Bay State or State means the States of Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York, the Commonwealths of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. (4) Chesapeake Bay Watershed The term Chesapeake Bay watershed means the Chesapeake Bay and the geographic area, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, consisting of 36 tributary basins, within the Chesapeake Bay States, through which precipitation drains into the Chesapeake Bay. (5) Chief Executive The term chief executive means, in the case of a State or Commonwealth, the Governor of each such State or Commonwealth and, in the case of the District of Columbia, the Mayor of the District of Columbia. (6) Director The term Director means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. (7) State restoration activities The term State restoration activities means any State programs or projects carried out under State authority that directly or indirectly protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat, water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including programs or projects that promote responsible land use, stewardship, and community engagement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Restoration activities may be categorized as follows: (A) Physical restoration. (B) Planning. (C) Feasibility studies. (D) Scientific research. (E) Monitoring. (F) Education. (G) Infrastructure development. (8) Federal restoration activities The term Federal restoration activities means any Federal programs or projects carried out under existing Federal authority that directly or indirectly protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat, water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including programs or projects that provide financial and technical assistance to promote responsible land use, stewardship, and community engagement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Restoration activities may be categorized as follows: (A) Physical restoration. (B) Planning. (C) Feasibility studies. (D) Scientific research. (E) Monitoring. (F) Education. (G) Infrastructure development.

Passed the House of Representatives July 11, 2013. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.

tv_txt: I 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2642 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 10, 2013 Mr. Lucas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture A BILL To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture. Title I—Commodities Subtitle A—Repeals and reforms Sec. 1101. Repeal of direct payments. Sec. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments. Sec. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program. Sec. 1104. Definitions. Sec. 1105. Base acres. Sec. 1106. Payment yields. Sec. 1107. Farm risk management election. Sec. 1108. Producer agreements. Subtitle B—Marketing loans Sec. 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities. Sec. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans. Sec. 1203. Term of loans. Sec. 1204. Repayment of loans. Sec. 1205. Loan deficiency payments. Sec. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage. Sec. 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton. Sec. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton. Sec. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton. Sec. 1210. Adjustments of loans. Subtitle C—Sugar Sec. 1301. Sugar program. Subtitle D—Dairy Part I—Dairy Producer Margin Insurance Program Sec. 1401. Dairy producer margin insurance program. Sec. 1402. Rulemaking. Part II—Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-related provisions Sec. 1411. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs. Sec. 1412. Repeal of dairy export incentive program. Sec. 1413. Extension of dairy forward pricing program. Sec. 1414. Extension of dairy indemnity program. Sec. 1415. Extension of dairy promotion and research program. Sec. 1416. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission. Part III—Effective date Sec. 1421. Effective date. Subtitle E—Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance. Sec. 1502. National Drought Council and National Drought Policy Action Plan. Subtitle F—Administration Sec. 1601. Administration generally. Sec. 1602. Repeal of permanent price support authority. Sec. 1603. Payment limitations. Sec. 1603A. Payments limited to active farmers. Sec. 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation. Sec. 1605. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Sec. 1606. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies. Sec. 1607. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs. Sec. 1608. Technical corrections. Sec. 1609. Assignment of payments. Sec. 1610. Tracking of benefits. Sec. 1611. Signature authority. Sec. 1612. Implementation. Sec. 1613. Protection of producer information. Title II—Conservation Subtitle A—Conservation Reserve Program Sec. 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program. Sec. 2002. Farmable wetland program. Sec. 2003. Duties of owners and operators. Sec. 2004. Duties of the Secretary. Sec. 2005. Payments. Sec. 2006. Contract requirements. Sec. 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses. Sec. 2008. Effective date. Subtitle B—Conservation Stewardship Program Sec. 2101. Conservation stewardship program. Subtitle C—Environmental Quality Incentives Program Sec. 2201. Purposes. Sec. 2202. Establishment and administration. Sec. 2203. Evaluation of applications. Sec. 2204. Duties of producers. Sec. 2205. Limitation on payments. Sec. 2206. Conservation innovation grants and payments. Sec. 2207. Effective date. Subtitle D—Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Sec. 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program. Subtitle E—Regional Conservation Partnership Program Sec. 2401. Regional conservation partnership program. Subtitle F—Other Conservation Programs Sec. 2501. Conservation of private grazing land. Sec. 2502. Grassroots source water protection program. Sec. 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program. Sec. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program. Sec. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program. Sec. 2506. Agricultural management assistance program. Sec. 2507. Emergency watershed protection program. Subtitle G—Funding and Administration Sec. 2601. Funding. Sec. 2602. Technical assistance. Sec. 2603. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access. Sec. 2604. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance. Sec. 2605. Review of conservation practice standards. Sec. 2606. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation programs. Sec. 2607. Standards for State technical committees. Sec. 2608. Rulemaking authority. Sec. 2609. Wetlands mitigation. Sec. 2610. Lesser prairie-chicken conservation report. Subtitle H—Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments Sec. 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program. Sec. 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program. Sec. 2703. Wetlands reserve program. Sec. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program. Sec. 2705. Grassland reserve program. Sec. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program. Sec. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program. Sec. 2708. Great Lakes basin program. Sec. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program. Sec. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative. Sec. 2711. Environmental easement program. Sec. 2712. Technical amendments. Title III—Trade Subtitle A—Food for Peace Act Sec. 3001. General authority. Sec. 3002. Support for organizations through which assistance is provided. Sec. 3003. Food aid quality. Sec. 3004. Minimum levels of assistance. Sec. 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group. Sec. 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation. Sec. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods. Sec. 3008. General provisions. Sec. 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities. Sec. 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities. Sec. 3011. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance. Sec. 3012. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs. Sec. 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program. Subtitle B—Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 Sec. 3101. Funding for export credit guarantee program. Sec. 3102. Funding for market access program. Sec. 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program. Subtitle C—Other Agricultural Trade Laws Sec. 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985. Sec. 3202. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust. Sec. 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets. Sec. 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Sec. 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops. Sec. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust. Sec. 3207. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services. Sec. 3208. Department of Agriculture certificates of origin. Title IV—Credit Subtitle A—Farm ownership loans Sec. 4001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans. Sec. 4002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program. Sec. 4003. Down payment loan program. Sec. 4004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement. Subtitle B—Operating loans Sec. 4101. Eligibility for farm operating loans. Sec. 4102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth. Sec. 4103. Authority to waive personal liability for youth loans due to circumstances beyond borrower control. Sec. 4104. Microloans. Subtitle C—Emergency loans Sec. 4201. Eligibility for emergency loans. Subtitle D—Administrative provisions Sec. 4301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program. Sec. 4302. Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers. Sec. 4303. Loan authorization levels. Sec. 4304. Priority for participation loans. Sec. 4305. Loan fund set-asides. Sec. 4306. Conforming amendment to borrower training provision, relating to eligibility changes. Subtitle E—State agricultural mediation programs Sec. 4401. State agricultural mediation programs. Subtitle F—Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land Sec. 4501. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land. Title V—Rural development Subtitle A—Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act Sec. 5001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants. Sec. 5002. Rural business opportunity grants. Sec. 5003. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant program funds. Sec. 5004. Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities. Sec. 5005. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program. Sec. 5006. Tribal college and university essential community facilities. Sec. 5007. Essential community facilities technical assistance and training. Sec. 5008. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program. Sec. 5009. Household water well systems. Sec. 5010. Rural business and industry loan program. Sec. 5011. Rural cooperative development grants. Sec. 5012. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products. Sec. 5013. Intermediary relending program. Sec. 5014. Rural college coordinated strategy. Sec. 5015. Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure. Sec. 5016. Simplified applications. Sec. 5017. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters. Sec. 5018. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program. Sec. 5019. Delta Regional Authority. Sec. 5020. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority. Sec. 5021. Rural business investment program. Subtitle B—Rural Electrification Act of 1936 Sec. 5101. Relending for certain purposes. Sec. 5102. Fees for certain loan guarantees. Sec. 5103. Rural utilities service contracting authority. Sec. 5104. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes. Sec. 5105. Expansion of 911 access. Sec. 5106. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas. Subtitle C—Miscellaneous Sec. 5201. Distance learning and telemedicine. Sec. 5202. Value-added agricultural market development program grants. Sec. 5203. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program. Sec. 5204. Program metrics. Sec. 5205. Study of rural transportation issues. Sec. 5206. Certain Federal actions not to be considered major. Sec. 5207. Telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas. Sec. 5208. Regional economic and infrastructure development. Title VI—Research, Extension, and Related Matters Subtitle A—National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 Sec. 6101. Option to be included as non-land-grant college of agriculture. Sec. 6102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. Sec. 6103. Specialty crop committee. Sec. 6104. Veterinary services grant program. Sec. 6105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education. Sec. 6106. Policy research centers. Sec. 6107. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program. Sec. 6108. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research. Sec. 6109. Nutrition education program. Sec. 6110. Continuing animal health and disease research programs. Sec. 6111. Repeal of appropriations for research on national or regional problems. Sec. 6112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Sec. 6113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions. Sec. 6114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers. Sec. 6115. Hispanic-serving institutions. Sec. 6116. Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth. Sec. 6117. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs. Sec. 6118. Repeal of research equipment grants. Sec. 6119. University research. Sec. 6120. Extension service. Sec. 6121. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements. Sec. 6122. Supplemental and alternative crops. Sec. 6123. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions. Sec. 6124. Aquaculture assistance programs. Sec. 6125. Rangeland research programs. Sec. 6126. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response. Sec. 6127. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education. Sec. 6128. Matching funds requirement. Sec. 6129. Sense of Congress regarding expansion of the land grant program to include enhanced funding and additional institutions. Subtitle B—Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 Sec. 6201. Best utilization of biological applications. Sec. 6202. Integrated management systems. Sec. 6203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program. Sec. 6204. National training program. Sec. 6205. National Genetics Resources Program. Sec. 6206. Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System. Sec. 6207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program. Sec. 6208. Repeal of agricultural genome initiative. Sec. 6209. High-priority research and extension initiatives. Sec. 6210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension initiative. Sec. 6211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative. Sec. 6212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative. Sec. 6213. Farm business management. Sec. 6214. Centers of excellence. Sec. 6215. Repeal of red meat safety research center. Sec. 6216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities. Sec. 6217. National rural information center clearinghouse. Subtitle C—Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 Sec. 6301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department. Sec. 6302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program. Sec. 6303. Repeal of coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations. Sec. 6304. Fusarium Graminearum grants. Sec. 6305. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program. Sec. 6306. Grants for youth organizations. Sec. 6307. Specialty crop research initiative. Sec. 6308. Food animal residue avoidance database program. Sec. 6309. Repeal of national swine research center. Sec. 6310. Office of pest management policy. Sec. 6311. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and education. Subtitle D—Other Laws Sec. 6401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act. Sec. 6402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 . Sec. 6403. Research Facilities Act. Sec. 6404. Repeal of carbon cycle research. Sec. 6405. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act. Sec. 6406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 . Sec. 6407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980 . Sec. 6408. Repeal of use of remote sensing data. Sec. 6409. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 . Sec. 6410. Beginning farmer and rancher development program. Sec. 6411. Inclusion of American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands as a State under McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act. Subtitle E—Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 Part 1—Agricultural Security Sec. 6501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center. Sec. 6502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response. Sec. 6503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures. Sec. 6504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program. Part 2—Miscellaneous Sec. 6511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program. Sec. 6512. Grazinglands research laboratory. Sec. 6513. Budget submission and funding. Sec. 6514. Research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Sec. 6515. Repeal of farm and ranch stress assistance network. Sec. 6516. Repeal of seed distribution. Sec. 6517. Natural products research program. Sec. 6518. Sun grant program. Sec. 6519. Repeal of study and report on food deserts. Sec. 6520. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and education. Subtitle F—Miscellaneous provisions Sec. 6601. Agreements with nonprofit organizations for National Arboretum. Sec. 6602. Cotton Disease Research Report. Sec. 6603. Acceptance of facility for Agricultural Research Service. Sec. 6604. Miscellaneous technical corrections. Sec. 6605. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research. Title VII—Forestry Subtitle A—Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs Sec. 7001. Forest land enhancement program. Sec. 7002. Watershed forestry assistance program. Sec. 7003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing program. Sec. 7004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program. Sec. 7005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program. Sec. 7006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process. Subtitle B—Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Programs Sec. 7101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources. Sec. 7102. Forest Legacy Program. Sec. 7103. Community forest and open space conservation program. Subtitle C—Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws Sec. 7201. Rural revitalization technologies. Sec. 7202. Office of International Forestry. Sec. 7203. Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve program. Sec. 7204. Stewardship end result contracting project authority. Subtitle D—National Forest Critical Area Response Sec. 7301. Definitions. Sec. 7302. Designation of critical areas. Sec. 7303. Application of expedited procedures and activities of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to critical areas. Sec. 7304. Good neighbor authority. Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Provisions Sec. 7401. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis. Sec. 7402. Forest Service participation in ACES Program. Sec. 7403. Green science and technology transfer research under Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978. Sec. 7404. Extension of stewardship contracts authority regarding use of designation by prescription to all thinning sales under National Forest Management Act of 1976. Sec. 7405. Reimbursement of fire funds expended by a State for management and suppression of certain wildfires. Sec. 7406. Ability of National Forest System lands to meet needs of local wood producing facilities for raw materials. Sec. 7407. Report on the National Forest System roads. Sec. 7408. Forest Service large airtanker and aerial asset firefighting recapitalization pilot program. Sec. 7409. Land conveyance, Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia. Sec. 7410. Categorical exclusion for forest projects in response to emergencies. Title VIII—Energy Sec. 8001. Definition of renewable energy system. Sec. 8002. Biobased markets program. Sec. 8003. Biorefinery assistance. Sec. 8004. Repowering assistance program. Sec. 8005. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels. Sec. 8006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program. Sec. 8007. Rural Energy for America Program. Sec. 8008. Biomass Research and Development. Sec. 8009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers. Sec. 8010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Sec. 8011. Community wood energy program. Sec. 8012. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study. Sec. 8013. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study. Sec. 8014. Energy efficiency report for USDA facilities. Title IX—Horticulture Sec. 9001. Specialty crops market news allocation. Sec. 9002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops. Sec. 9003. Farmers market and local food promotion program. Sec. 9004. Organic agriculture. Sec. 9005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 . Sec. 9006. Food safety education initiatives. Sec. 9007. Specialty crop block grants. Sec. 9008. Department of Agriculture consultation regarding enforcement of certain labor law provisions. Sec. 9009. Report on honey. Sec. 9010. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada. Sec. 9011. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs. Sec. 9012. Modification, cancellation, or suspension on basis of a biological opinion. Sec. 9013. Use and discharges of authorized pesticides. Sec. 9014. Seed not pesticide or device for purposes of importation. Sec. 9015. Stay of regulations related to Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order. Sec. 9016. Study on proposed order pertaining to sulfuryl fluoride. Sec. 9017. Study on local and regional food production and program evaluation. Sec. 9018. Annual report on invasive species. Title X—Crop Insurance Sec. 10001. Information sharing. Sec. 10002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium adjustments. Sec. 10003. Supplemental coverage option. Sec. 10004. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection. Sec. 10005. Repeal of performance-based discount. Sec. 10006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy. Sec. 10007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops. Sec. 10008. Data collection. Sec. 10009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields. Sec. 10010. Submission and review of policies. Sec. 10011. Equitable relief for specialty crop policies. Sec. 10012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance agreement. Sec. 10013. Crop production on native sod. Sec. 10014. Coverage levels by practice. Sec. 10015. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions. Sec. 10016. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton. Sec. 10017. Peanut revenue crop insurance. Sec. 10018. Authority to correct errors. Sec. 10019. Implementation. Sec. 10020. Research and development priorities. Sec. 10021. Additional research and development contracting requirements. Sec. 10022. Program compliance partnerships. Sec. 10023. Pilot programs. Sec. 10024. Technical amendments. Sec. 10025. Advance public notice of crop insurance policy and plan changes. Title XI—Miscellaneous Subtitle A—Livestock Sec. 11101. Repeal of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center. Sec. 11102. Repeal of certain regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 . Sec. 11103. Trichinae certification program. Sec. 11104. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan. Sec. 11105. Country of origin labeling. Sec. 11106. National animal health laboratory network. Sec. 11107. Repeal of duplicative catfish inspection program. Sec. 11108. National Poultry Improvement Program. Sec. 11109. Report on bovine tuberculosis in Texas. Sec. 11110. Economic fraud in wild and farm-raised seafood. Subtitle B—Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers Sec. 11201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers. Sec. 11202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach. Sec. 11203. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center. Sec. 11204. Receipt for service or denial of service from certain department of agriculture agencies. Subtitle C—Other miscellaneous provisions Sec. 11301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force. Sec. 11302. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high plains water study. Sec. 11303. Office of Tribal Relations. Sec. 11304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. Sec. 11305. Prohibition on keeping GSA leased cars overnight. Sec. 11306. Noninsured crop assistance program. Sec. 11307. Ensuring high standards for agency use of scientific information. Sec. 11308. Evaluation required for purposes of prohibition on closure or relocation of county offices for the Farm Service Agency. Sec. 11309. Acer access and development program. Sec. 11310. Regulatory review by the Secretary of Agriculture. Sec. 11311. Prohibition on attending an animal fighting venture or causing a minor to attend an animal fighting venture. Sec. 11312. Prohibition against interference by State and local governments with production or manufacture of items in other States. Sec. 11313. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Missouri River Basin. Sec. 11314. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Black Dirt region. Sec. 11315. Protection of honey bees and other pollinators. Sec. 11316. Produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. Sec. 11317. Urban agriculture coordination. Sec. 11318. Sense of Congress on increased business opportunities for black farmers, women, minorities, and small businesses. Sec. 11319. Sense of Congress regarding agriculture security programs. Sec. 11320. Report on water sharing. Sec. 11321. Scientific and economic analysis of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. Sec. 11322. Improved Department of Agriculture consideration of economic impact of regulations on small business. Sec. 11323. Silvicultural activities. Sec. 11324. Applicability of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule. Sec. 11325. Agricultural producer information disclosure. Sec. 11326. Report on National Ocean Policy. Sec. 11327. Sunsetting of programs. Subtitle D—Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Sec. 11401. Short title. Sec. 11402. Chesapeake Bay Crosscut Budget. Sec. 11403. Restoration through adaptive management. Sec. 11404. Independent Evaluator for the Chesapeake Bay Program. Sec. 11405. Definitions. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture In this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. I Commodities A Repeals and reforms 1101. Repeal of direct payments (a) Repeal Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 , 8753) are repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 , 8753), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm. (c) Continued application for 2014 and 2015 crop years Subject to this subtitle, the amendments made by sections 1603 and 1604 of this Act, and sections 1607 and 1611 of this Act, section 1103 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2014 and 2015 crop years with respect to upland cotton only (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )), except that, in applying such section 1103, the term payment acres means the following: (1) For crop year 2014, 70 percent of the base acres of upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made. (2) For crop year 2015, 60 percent of the base acres of upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments (a) Repeal Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8714 , 8754) are repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8714 , 8754), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program (a) Repeal Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8715 ) is repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8715 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm for which the irrevocable election under section 1105 of that Act was made before the date of enactment of this Act. 1104. Definitions In this subtitle and subtitle B: (1) Actual county revenue The term actual county revenue , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1107(c)(4) to determine whether revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year. (2) Base acres The term base acres , with respect to a covered commodity and cotton on a farm, means the number of acres established under sections 1101 and 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 , 7952) or sections 1101 and 1302 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8711 , 8752), as in effect on September 30, 2013, subject to any adjustment under section 1105 of this Act. For purposes of making payments under subsections (b) and (c) of section 1107, base acres are reduced by the payment acres calculated in section 1101(c). (3) County revenue loss coverage trigger The term county revenue loss coverage trigger , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1107(c)(5) to determine whether revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year. (4) Covered commodity The term covered commodity means wheat, oats, and barley (including wheat, oats, and barley used for haying and grazing), corn, grain sorghum, long grain rice, medium grain rice, pulse crops, soybeans, other oilseeds, and peanuts. (5) Effective price The term effective price , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the price calculated by the Secretary under section 1107(b)(2) to determine whether price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year. (6) Extra long staple cotton The term extra long staple cotton means cotton that— (A) is produced from pure strain varieties of the Barbadense species or any hybrid of the species, or other similar types of extra long staple cotton, designated by the Secretary, having characteristics needed for various end uses for which United States upland cotton is not suitable and grown in irrigated cotton-growing regions of the United States designated by the Secretary or other areas designated by the Secretary as suitable for the production of the varieties or types; and (B) is ginned on a roller-type gin or, if authorized by the Secretary, ginned on another type gin for experimental purposes. (7) Farm base acres The term farm base acres means the sum of the base acreage for all covered commodities and cotton on a farm in effect as of September 30, 2013, and subject to any adjustment under section 1105. (8) Medium grain rice The term medium grain rice includes short grain rice. (9) Midseason price The term midseason price means the applicable national average market price received by producers for the first 5 months of the applicable marketing year, as determined by the Secretary. (10) Other oilseed The term other oilseed means a crop of sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, crambe, sesame seed, or any oilseed designated by the Secretary. (11) Payment acres (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) through (D), the term payment acres , with respect to the provision of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss coverage payments, means— (i) 85 percent of total acres planted for the year to each covered commodity on a farm; and (ii) 30 percent of total acres approved as prevented from being planted for the year to each covered commodity on a farm. (B) Maximum The total quantity of payment acres determined under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed the farm base acres. (C) Reduction If the sum of all payment acres for a farm exceeds the limits established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall reduce the payment acres applicable to each crop proportionately. (D) Exclusion The term payment acres does not include any crop subsequently planted during the same crop year on the same land for which the first crop is eligible for payments under this subtitle, unless the crop was approved for double cropping in the county, as determined by the Secretary. (12) Payment yield The term payment yield means the yield established for counter-cyclical payments under section 1102 or 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7912 , 7952), section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8712 ), as in effect on September 30, 2013, or under section 1106 of this Act, for a farm for a covered commodity. (13) Price loss coverage The term price loss coverage means coverage provided under section 1107(b). (14) Producer (A) In general The term producer means an owner, operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper that shares in the risk of producing a crop and is entitled to share in the crop available for marketing from the farm, or would have shared had the crop been produced. (B) Hybrid seed In determining whether a grower of hybrid seed is a producer, the Secretary shall— (i) not take into consideration the existence of a hybrid seed contract; and (ii) ensure that program requirements do not adversely affect the ability of the grower to receive a payment under this title. (15) Pulse crop The term pulse crop means dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas. (16) Reference price The term reference price , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the following: (A) Wheat, $5.50 per bushel. (B) Corn, $3.70 per bushel. (C) Grain sorghum, $3.95 per bushel. (D) Barley, $4.95 per bushel. (E) Oats, $2.40 per bushel. (F) Long grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight. (G) Medium grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight. (H) Soybeans, $8.40 per bushel. (I) Other oilseeds, $20.15 per hundredweight. (J) Peanuts $535.00 per ton. (K) Dry peas, $11.00 per hundredweight. (L) Lentils, $19.97 per hundredweight. (M) Small chickpeas, $19.04 per hundredweight. (N) Large chickpeas, $21.54 per hundredweight. (17) Revenue loss coverage The term revenue loss coverage means coverage provided under section 1107(c). (18) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (19) State The term State means— (A) a State; (B) the District of Columbia; (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (D) any other territory or possession of the United States. (20) Temperate japonica rice The term temperate japonica rice means rice that is grown in high altitudes or temperate regions of high latitudes with cooler climate conditions, in the Western United States, as determined by the Secretary. (21) Transitional yield The term transitional yield has the meaning given the term in section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ). (22) United States The term United States , when used in a geographical sense, means all of the States. (23) United States premium factor The term United States Premium Factor means the percentage by which the difference in the United States loan schedule premiums for Strict Middling (SM) 1 1/8 -inch upland cotton and for Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch upland cotton exceeds the difference in the applicable premiums for comparable international qualities. 1105. Base acres (a) Adjustment of base acres (1) In general The Secretary shall provide for an adjustment, as appropriate, in the base acres for covered commodities and cotton for a farm whenever any of the following circumstances occurs: (A) A conservation reserve contract entered into under section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 ) with respect to the farm expires or is voluntarily terminated. (B) Cropland is released from coverage under a conservation reserve contract by the Secretary. (C) The producer has eligible oilseed acreage as the result of the Secretary designating additional oilseeds, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under section 1101(a)(1)(D) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8711(a)(1)(D) ). (2) Special conservation reserve acreage payment rules For the crop year in which a base acres adjustment under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) is first made, the owner of the farm shall elect to receive price loss coverage or revenue loss coverage with respect to the acreage added to the farm under this subsection or a prorated payment under the conservation reserve contract, but not both. (b) Prevention of excess base acres (1) Required reduction If the sum of the base acres for a farm, together with the acreage described in paragraph (2) exceeds the actual cropland acreage of the farm, the Secretary shall reduce the base acres for 1 or more covered commodities or cotton for the farm so that the sum of the base acres and acreage described in paragraph (2) does not exceed the actual cropland acreage of the farm. (2) Other acreage For purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include the following: (A) Any acreage on the farm enrolled in the conservation reserve program or wetlands reserve program (or successor programs) under chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq. ). (B) Any other acreage on the farm enrolled in a Federal conservation program for which payments are made in exchange for not producing an agricultural commodity on the acreage. (C) If the Secretary designates additional oilseeds, any eligible oilseed acreage, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under subsection (a)(1)(C). (3) Selection of acres The Secretary shall give the owner of the farm the opportunity to select the base acres for a covered commodity or cotton for the farm against which the reduction required by paragraph (1) will be made. (4) Exception for double-cropped acreage In applying paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make an exception in the case of double cropping, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Reduction in base acres (1) Reduction at option of owner (A) In general The owner of a farm may reduce, at any time, the base acres for any covered commodity or cotton for the farm. (B) Effect of reduction A reduction under subparagraph (A) shall be permanent and made in a manner prescribed by the Secretary. (2) Required action by Secretary (A) In general The Secretary shall proportionately reduce base acres on a farm for covered commodities and cotton for land that has been subdivided and developed for multiple residential units or other nonfarming uses if the size of the tracts and the density of the subdivision is such that the land is unlikely to return to the previous agricultural use, unless the producers on the farm demonstrate that the land— (i) remains devoted to commercial agricultural production; or (ii) is likely to be returned to the previous agricultural use. (B) Requirement The Secretary shall establish procedures to identify land described in subparagraph (A). 1106. Payment yields (a) Establishment and purpose For the purpose of making payments under this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide for the establishment of a yield for each farm for any designated oilseed for which a payment yield was not established under section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8712 ) in accordance with this section. (b) Payment yields for designated oilseeds (1) Determination of average yield In the case of designated oilseeds, the Secretary shall determine the average yield per planted acre for the designated oilseed on a farm for the 1998 through 2001 crop years, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the designated oilseed was zero. (2) Adjustment for payment yield (A) In general The payment yield for a farm for a designated oilseed shall be equal to the product of the following: (i) The average yield for the designated oilseed determined under paragraph (1). (ii) The ratio resulting from dividing the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1981 through 1985 crops by the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1998 through 2001 crops. (B) No national average yield information available To the extent that national average yield information for a designated oilseed is not available, the Secretary shall use such information as the Secretary determines to be fair and equitable to establish a national average yield under this section. (3) Use of county average yield If the yield per planted acre for a crop of a designated oilseed for a farm for any of the 1998 through 2001 crop years was less than 75 percent of the county yield for that designated oilseed, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the county yield for the purpose of determining the average under paragraph (1). (4) No historic yield data available In the case of establishing yields for designated oilseeds, if historic yield data is not available, the Secretary shall use the ratio for dry peas calculated under paragraph (2)(A)(ii) in determining the yields for designated oilseeds, as determined to be fair and equitable by the Secretary. (c) Effect of lack of payment yield (1) Establishment by secretary If no payment yield is otherwise established for a farm for which a covered commodity is planted and eligible to receive price loss coverage payments, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm under paragraph (2). (2) Use of similarly situated farms To establish an appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law. (d) Single opportunity To update yields used To determine price loss coverage payments (1) Election to update At the sole discretion of the owner of a farm, the owner of a farm shall have a 1-time opportunity to update the payment yields on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis that would otherwise be used in calculating any price loss coverage payment for covered commodities on the farm. (2) Time for election The election under paragraph (1) shall be made at a time and manner to be in effect for the 2014 crop year as determined by the Secretary. (3) Method of updating yields If the owner of a farm elects to update yields under this subsection, the payment yield for a covered commodity on the farm, for the purpose of calculating price loss coverage payments only, shall be equal to 90 percent of the average of the yield per planted acre for the crop of the covered commodity on the farm for the 2008 through 2012 crop years, as determined by the Secretary, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the crop of the covered commodity was zero. (4) Use of county average yield If the yield per planted acre for a crop of the covered commodity for a farm for any of the 2008 through 2012 crop years was less than 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for that commodity, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for the purposes of determining the average yield under paragraph (3). (5) Effect of lack of payment yield (A) Establishment by secretary For purposes of this subsection, if no payment yield is otherwise established for a covered commodity on a farm, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate updated payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm under subparagraph (B). (B) Use of similarly situated farms To establish an appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall take into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law. 1107. Farm risk management election (a) In general (1) Payments required Except as provided in paragraph (2), if the Secretary determines that payments are required under subsection (b)(1) or (c)(2) for a covered commodity, the Secretary shall make payments for that covered commodity available under such subsection to producers on a farm pursuant to the terms and conditions of this section. (2) Prohibition on payments; exceptions Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a producer on a farm may not receive price loss coverage payments or revenue loss coverage payments if the sum of the planted acres of covered commodities on the farm is 10 acres or less, as determined by the Secretary, unless the producer is— (A) a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (as defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2003(e) )); or (B) a limited resource farmer or rancher, as defined by the Secretary. (b) Price loss coverage (1) Payments For the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary shall make price loss coverage payments to producers on a farm for a covered commodity if the Secretary determines that— (A) the effective price for the covered commodity for the crop year; is less than (B) the reference price for the covered commodity for the crop year. (2) Effective price The effective price for a covered commodity for a crop year shall be the higher of— (A) the midseason price; or (B) the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such crop year under subtitle B. (3) Payment rate The payment rate shall be equal to the difference between— (A) the reference price for the covered commodity; and (B) the effective price determined under paragraph (2) for the covered commodity. (4) Payment amount If price loss coverage payments are required to be provided under this subsection for the 2014 crop year or any succeding crop year for a covered commodity, the amount of the price loss coverage payment to be paid to the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the payment rate for the covered commodity under paragraph (3); (B) the payment yield for the covered commodity; and (C) the payment acres for the covered commodity. (5) Time for payments If the Secretary determines under this subsection that price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, the payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity. (6) Special rule for barley In determining the effective price for barley in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall use the all-barley price. (7) Special rule for temperate japonica rice The Secretary shall provide a reference price with respect to temperate japonica rice in an amount equal to 115 percent of the amount established in subparagraphs (F) and (G) of section 1104(16) in order to reflect price premiums. (c) Revenue loss coverage (1) Available as an alternative As an alternative to receiving price loss coverage payments under subsection (b) for a covered commodity, all of the owners of the farm may make a one-time, irrevocable election on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis to receive revenue loss coverage payments for each covered commodity in accordance with this subsection. If any of the owners of the farm make different elections on the same covered commodity on the farm, all of the owners of the farm shall be deemed to have not made the election available under this paragraph. (2) Payments In the case of owners of a farm that make the election described in paragraph (1) for a covered commodity, the Secretary shall make revenue loss coverage payments available under this subsection for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year if the Secretary determines that— (A) the actual county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity; is less than (B) the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the crop year for the covered commodity. (3) Time for payments If the Secretary determines under this subsection that revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity. (4) Actual county revenue The amount of the actual county revenue for a crop year of a covered commodity shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the actual county yield, as determined by the Secretary, for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity; and (B) the higher of— (i) the midseason price; or (ii) the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such crop year under subtitle B. (5) County revenue loss coverage trigger (A) In general The county revenue loss coverage trigger for a crop year for a covered commodity on a farm shall equal 85 percent of the benchmark county revenue. (B) Benchmark county revenue (i) In general The benchmark county revenue shall be the product obtained by multiplying— (I) subject to clause (ii), the average historical county yield as determined by the Secretary for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest yields; and (II) subject to clause (iii), the average national marketing year average price for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest prices. (ii) Yield conditions If the historical county yield in clause (i)(I) for any of the 5 most recent crop years, as determined by the Secretary, is less than 70 percent of the transitional yield, as determined by the Secretary, the amounts used for any of those years in clause (i)(I) shall be 70 percent of the transitional yield. (iii) Reference price If the national marketing year average price in clause (i)(II) for any of the 5 most recent crop years is lower than the reference price for the covered commodity, the Secretary shall use the reference price for any of those years for the amounts in clause (i)(II). (6) Payment rate The payment rate shall be equal to the lesser of— (A) the difference between— (i) the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the covered commodity; and (ii) the actual county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity; or (B) 10 percent of the benchmark county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity. (7) Payment amount If revenue loss coverage payments under this subsection are required to be provided for the 2014 crop year or any succeeding crop year of a covered commodity, the amount of the revenue loss coverage payment to be provided to the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the payment rate under paragraph (6); and (B) the payment acres of the covered commodity on the farm. (8) Duties of the secretary In providing revenue loss coverage payments under this subsection, the Secretary— (A) shall ensure that producers on a farm do not reconstitute the farm of the producers to void or change the election made under paragraph (1); (B) to the maximum extent practicable, shall use all available information and analysis, including data mining, to check for anomalies in the provision of revenue loss coverage payments; (C) to the maximum extent practicable, shall calculate a separate county revenue loss coverage trigger for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities and a separate actual county revenue for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities; (D) shall assign a benchmark county yield for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity on the basis of the yield history of representative farms in the State, region, or crop reporting district, as determined by the Secretary, if— (i) the Secretary cannot establish the benchmark county yield for each planted acre for a crop year for a covered commodity in the county in accordance with paragraph (5); or (ii) the yield determined under paragraph (5) is an unrepresentative average yield for the county (as determined by the Secretary); and (E) to the maximum extent practicable, shall ensure that in order to be eligible for a payment under this subsection, the producers on the farm suffered an actual loss on the covered commodity for the crop year for which payment is sought. (d) Annual report 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 report annually containing an evaluation of the impact of price loss coverage and revenue loss coverage— (1) on the planting, production, price, and export of covered commodities; and (2) on the cost of each commodity program. (e) Cap on total obligations and expenditures Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the total amount of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss coverage payments made under this section during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2020 shall not exceed $16,956,500,000. Producer agreements required by section 1108 shall specifically state that payments made under this section shall be reduced as necessary to comply with this subsection. 1108. Producer agreements (a) Compliance with certain requirements (1) Requirements Before the producers on a farm may receive payments under this subtitle with respect to the farm, the producers shall agree, during the crop year for which the payments are made and in exchange for the payments— (A) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ); (B) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ); and (C) to effectively control noxious weeds and otherwise maintain the land in accordance with sound agricultural practices, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Compliance The Secretary may issue such rules as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure producer compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1). (3) Modification At the request of the transferee or owner, the Secretary may modify the requirements of this subsection if the modifications are consistent with the objectives of this subsection, as determined by the Secretary. (b) Transfer or change of interest in farm (1) Termination (A) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a transfer of (or change in) the interest of the producers on a farm for which payments under this subtitle are provided shall result in the termination of the payments, unless the transferee or owner of the acreage agrees to assume all obligations under subsection (a). (B) Effective date The termination shall take effect on the date determined by the Secretary. (2) Exception If a producer entitled to a payment under this subtitle dies, becomes incompetent, or is otherwise unable to receive the payment, the Secretary shall make the payment in accordance with rules issued by the Secretary. (c) Acreage reports As a condition on the receipt of any benefits under this subtitle or subtitle B, the Secretary shall require producers on a farm to submit to the Secretary annual acreage reports with respect to all cropland on the farm. (d) Tenants and sharecroppers In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers. (e) Sharing of payments The Secretary shall provide for the sharing of payments made under this subtitle among the producers on a farm on a fair and equitable basis. B Marketing loans 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities (a) Definition of loan commodity In this subtitle, the term loan commodity means wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, peanuts, soybeans, other oilseeds, graded wool, nongraded wool, mohair, honey, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas. (b) Nonrecourse loans available (1) In general For the 2014 crops and each succeeding annual crops of each loan commodity, the Secretary shall make available to producers on a farm nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities produced on the farm. (2) Terms and conditions The marketing assistance loans shall be made under terms and conditions that are prescribed by the Secretary and at the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity. (c) Eligible production The producers on a farm shall be eligible for a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b) for any quantity of a loan commodity produced on the farm. (d) Compliance with conservation and wetlands requirements As a condition of the receipt of a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b), the producer shall comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ) and applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ) during the term of the loan. (e) Special rules for peanuts (1) In general This subsection shall apply only to producers of peanuts. (2) Options for obtaining loan A marketing assistance loan under this section, and loan deficiency payments under section 1205, may be obtained at the option of the producers on a farm through— (A) a designated marketing association or marketing cooperative of producers that is approved by the Secretary; or (B) the Farm Service Agency. (3) Storage of loan peanuts As a condition on the approval by the Secretary of an individual or entity to provide storage for peanuts for which a marketing assistance loan is made under this section, the individual or entity shall agree— (A) to provide the storage on a nondiscriminatory basis; and (B) to comply with such additional requirements as the Secretary considers appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this section and promote fairness in the administration of the benefits of this section. (4) Storage, handling, and associated costs (A) In general To ensure proper storage of peanuts for which a loan is made under this section, the Secretary shall pay handling and other associated costs (other than storage costs) incurred at the time at which the peanuts are placed under loan, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Redemption and forfeiture The Secretary shall— (i) require the repayment of handling and other associated costs paid under subparagraph (A) for all peanuts pledged as collateral for a loan that is redeemed under this section; and (ii) pay storage, handling, and other associated costs for all peanuts pledged as collateral that are forfeited under this section. (5) Marketing A marketing association or cooperative may market peanuts for which a loan is made under this section in any manner that conforms to consumer needs, including the separation of peanuts by type and quality. (6) Reimbursable agreements and payment of administrative expenses The Secretary may implement any reimbursable agreements or provide for the payment of administrative expenses under this subsection only in a manner that is consistent with those activities in regard to other loan commodities. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans (a) In general For purposes of the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the loan rate for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity shall be equal to the following: (1) In the case of wheat, $2.94 per bushel. (2) In the case of corn, $1.95 per bushel. (3) In the case of grain sorghum, $1.95 per bushel. (4) In the case of barley, $1.95 per bushel. (5) In the case of oats, $1.39 per bushel. (6) In the case of base quality of upland cotton, for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the simple average of the adjusted prevailing world price for the 2 immediately preceding marketing years, as determined by the Secretary and announced October 1 preceding the next domestic plantings, but in no case less than $0.47 per pound or more than $0.52 per pound. (7) In the case of extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 per pound. (8) In the case of long grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight. (9) In the case of medium grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight. (10) In the case of soybeans, $5.00 per bushel. (11) In the case of other oilseeds, $10.09 per hundredweight for each of the following kinds of oilseeds: (A) Sunflower seed. (B) Rapeseed. (C) Canola. (D) Safflower. (E) Flaxseed. (F) Mustard seed. (G) Crambe. (H) Sesame seed. (I) Other oilseeds designated by the Secretary. (12) In the case of dry peas, $5.40 per hundredweight. (13) In the case of lentils, $11.28 per hundredweight. (14) In the case of small chickpeas, $7.43 per hundredweight. (15) In the case of large chickpeas, $11.28 per hundredweight. (16) In the case of graded wool, $1.15 per pound. (17) In the case of nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound. (18) In the case of mohair, $4.20 per pound. (19) In the case of honey, $0.69 per pound. (20) In the case of peanuts, $355 per ton. (b) Single county loan rate for other oilseeds The Secretary shall establish a single loan rate in each county for each kind of other oilseeds described in subsection (a)(11). 1203. Term of loans (a) Term of loan In the case of each loan commodity, a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 shall have a term of 9 months beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the loan is made. (b) Extensions prohibited The Secretary may not extend the term of a marketing assistance loan for any loan commodity. 1204. Repayment of loans (a) General rule The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity (other than upland cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, extra long staple cotton, peanuts and confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed)) at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); (2) a rate (as determined by the Secretary) that— (A) is calculated based on average market prices for the loan commodity during the preceding 30-day period; and (B) will minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries; or (3) a rate that the Secretary may develop using alternative methods for calculating a repayment rate for a loan commodity that the Secretary determines will— (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures; (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of the commodity by the Federal Government; (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing the commodity; (D) allow the commodity produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and (E) minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries. (b) Repayment rates for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice The Secretary shall permit producers to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) the prevailing world market price for the commodity, as determined and adjusted by the Secretary in accordance with this section. (c) Repayment rates for extra long staple cotton Repayment of a marketing assistance loan for extra long staple cotton shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )). (d) Prevailing world market price For purposes of this section and section 1207, the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation— (1) a formula to determine the prevailing world market price for each of upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice; and (2) a mechanism by which the Secretary shall announce periodically those prevailing world market prices. (e) Adjustment of prevailing world market price for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice (1) Rice The prevailing world market price for long grain rice and medium grain rice determined under subsection (d) shall be adjusted to United States quality and location. (2) Cotton The prevailing world market price for upland cotton determined under subsection (d)— (A) shall be adjusted to United States quality and location, with the adjustment to include— (i) a reduction equal to any United States Premium Factor for upland cotton of a quality higher than Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch; and (ii) the average costs to market the commodity, including average transportation costs, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) may be further adjusted, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on July 31, 2019, if the Secretary determines the adjustment is necessary— (i) to minimize potential loan forfeitures; (ii) to minimize the accumulation of stocks of upland cotton by the Federal Government; (iii) to ensure that upland cotton produced in the United States can be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and (iv) to ensure an appropriate transition between current-crop and forward-crop price quotations, except that the Secretary may use forward-crop price quotations prior to July 31 of a marketing year only if— (I) there are insufficient current-crop price quotations; and (II) the forward-crop price quotation is the lowest such quotation available. (3) Guidelines for additional adjustments In making adjustments under this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a mechanism for determining and announcing the adjustments in order to avoid undue disruption in the United States market. (f) Repayment rates for confectionery and other kinds of sunflower seeds The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed) at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) the repayment rate established for oil sunflower seed. (g) Payment of cotton storage costs Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary shall make cotton storage payments available in the same manner, and at the same rates as the Secretary provided storage payments for the 2006 crop of cotton, except that the rates shall be reduced by 10 percent. (h) Repayment rate for peanuts The Secretary shall permit producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan for peanuts under section 1201 at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for peanuts under section 1202(a)(20), plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) a rate that the Secretary determines will— (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures; (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of peanuts by the Federal Government; (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing peanuts; and (D) allow peanuts produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally. (i) Authority To temporarily adjust repayment rates (1) Adjustment authority In the event of a severe disruption to marketing, transportation, or related infrastructure, the Secretary may modify the repayment rate otherwise applicable under this section for marketing assistance loans under section 1201 for a loan commodity. (2) Duration Any adjustment made under paragraph (1) in the repayment rate for marketing assistance loans for a loan commodity shall be in effect on a short-term and temporary basis, as determined by the Secretary. 1205. Loan deficiency payments (a) Availability of loan deficiency payments (1) In general Except as provided in subsection (d), the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available to producers on a farm that, although eligible to obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 with respect to a loan commodity, agree to forgo obtaining the loan for the commodity in return for loan deficiency payments under this section. (2) Unshorn pelts, hay, and silage (A) Marketing assistance loans Subject to subparagraph (B), nongraded wool in the form of unshorn pelts and hay and silage derived from a loan commodity are not eligible for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201. (B) Loan deficiency payment Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available under this section to producers on a farm that produce unshorn pelts or hay and silage derived from a loan commodity. (b) Computation A loan deficiency payment for a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (1) the payment rate determined under subsection (c) for the commodity; by (2) the quantity of the commodity produced by the eligible producers, excluding any quantity for which the producers obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201. (c) Payment rate (1) In general In the case of a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204. (2) Unshorn pelts In the case of unshorn pelts, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for ungraded wool; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for ungraded wool may be repaid under section 1204. (3) Hay and silage In the case of hay or silage derived from a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity from which the hay or silage is derived; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204. (d) Exception for extra long staple cotton This section shall not apply with respect to extra long staple cotton. (e) Effective date for payment rate determination The Secretary shall determine the amount of the loan deficiency payment to be made under this section to the producers on a farm with respect to a quantity of a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) using the payment rate in effect under subsection (c) as of the date the producers request the payment. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage (a) Eligible producers (1) In general Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, in the case of a producer that would be eligible for a loan deficiency payment under section 1205 for wheat, barley, or oats, but that elects to use acreage planted to the wheat, barley, or oats for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of the wheat, barley, or oats on that acreage. (2) Grazing of triticale acreage Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, with respect to a producer on a farm that uses acreage planted to triticale for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of triticale on that acreage. (b) Payment amount (1) In general The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(1) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying— (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying— (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of wheat, barley, or oats; and (ii) (I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to that loan commodity on the farm; or (II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for that loan commodity, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act. (2) Grazing of triticale acreage The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying— (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect for wheat, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying— (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of triticale; and (ii) (I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to wheat on the farm; or (II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for wheat, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act. (c) Time, manner, and availability of payment (1) Time and manner A payment under this section shall be made at the same time and in the same manner as loan deficiency payments are made under section 1205. (2) Availability (A) In general The Secretary shall establish an availability period for the payments authorized by this section. (B) Certain commodities In the case of wheat, barley, and oats, the availability period shall be consistent with the availability period for the commodity established by the Secretary for marketing assistance loans authorized by this subtitle. (d) Prohibition on crop insurance indemnity or noninsured crop assistance A 2014 crop or succeeding annual crop of wheat, barley, oats, or triticale planted on acreage that a producer elects, in the agreement required by subsection (a), to use for the grazing of livestock in lieu of any other harvesting of the crop shall not be eligible for an indemnity under a policy or plan of insurance authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) or noninsured crop assistance under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ). 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton (a) Special import quota (1) Definition of special import quota In this subsection, the term special import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota. (2) Establishment (A) In general The President shall carry out an import quota program beginning on August 1, 2014, as provided in this subsection. (B) Program requirements Whenever the Secretary determines and announces that for any consecutive 4-week period, the Friday through Thursday average price quotation for the lowest-priced United States growth, as quoted for Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch cotton, delivered to a definable and significant international market, as determined by the Secretary, exceeds the prevailing world market price, there shall immediately be in effect a special import quota. (3) Quantity The quota shall be equal to the consumption during a 1-week period of cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary. (4) Application The quota shall apply to upland cotton purchased not later than 90 days after the date of the Secretary’s announcement under paragraph (2) and entered into the United States not later than 180 days after that date. (5) Overlap A special quota period may be established that overlaps any existing quota period if required by paragraph (2), except that a special quota period may not be established under this subsection if a quota period has been established under subsection (b). (6) Preferential tariff treatment The quantity under a special import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of— (A) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2703(d) ); (B) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3203 ); (C) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2463(d) ); and (D) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. (7) Limitation The quantity of cotton entered into the United States during any marketing year under the special import quota established under this subsection may not exceed the equivalent of 10 weeks’ consumption of upland cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the 3 months immediately preceding the first special import quota established in any marketing year. (b) Limited global import quota for upland cotton (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Demand The term demand means— (i) the average seasonally adjusted annual rate of domestic mill consumption of cotton during the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary; and (ii) the larger of— (I) average exports of upland cotton during the preceding 6 marketing years; or (II) cumulative exports of upland cotton plus outstanding export sales for the marketing year in which the quota is established. (B) Limited global import quota The term limited global import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota. (C) Supply The term supply means, using the latest official data of the Department of Agriculture— (i) the carry-over of upland cotton at the beginning of the marketing year (adjusted to 480-pound bales) in which the quota is established; (ii) production of the current crop; and (iii) imports to the latest date available during the marketing year. (2) Program The President shall carry out an import quota program that provides that whenever the Secretary determines and announces that the average price of the base quality of upland cotton, as determined by the Secretary, in the designated spot markets for a month exceeded 130 percent of the average price of the quality of cotton in the markets for the preceding 36 months, notwithstanding any other provision of law, there shall immediately be in effect a limited global import quota subject to the following conditions: (A) Quantity The quantity of the quota shall be equal to 21 days of domestic mill consumption of upland cotton at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary. (B) Quantity if prior quota If a quota has been established under this subsection during the preceding 12 months, the quantity of the quota next established under this subsection shall be the smaller of 21 days of domestic mill consumption calculated under subparagraph (A) or the quantity required to increase the supply to 130 percent of the demand. (C) Preferential tariff treatment The quantity under a limited global import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of— (i) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2703(d) ); (ii) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3203 ); (iii) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2463(d) ); and (iv) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. (D) Quota entry period When a quota is established under this subsection, cotton may be entered under the quota during the 90-day period beginning on the date the quota is established by the Secretary. (3) No overlap Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a quota period may not be established that overlaps an existing quota period or a special quota period established under subsection (a). (c) Economic adjustment assistance to users of upland cotton (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, on a monthly basis, make economic adjustment assistance available to domestic users of upland cotton in the form of payments for all documented use of that upland cotton during the previous monthly period regardless of the origin of the upland cotton. (2) Value of assistance Effective beginning on August 1, 2013, the value of the assistance provided under paragraph (1) shall be 3 cents per pound. (3) Allowable purposes Economic adjustment assistance under this subsection shall be made available only to domestic users of upland cotton that certify that the assistance shall be used only to acquire, construct, install, modernize, develop, convert, or expand land, plant, buildings, equipment, facilities, or machinery. (4) Review or audit The Secretary may conduct such review or audit of the records of a domestic user under this subsection as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this subsection. (5) Improper use of assistance If the Secretary determines, after a review or audit of the records of the domestic user, that economic adjustment assistance under this subsection was not used for the purposes specified in paragraph (3), the domestic user shall be— (A) liable for the repayment of the assistance to the Secretary, plus interest, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) ineligible to receive assistance under this subsection for a period of 1 year following the determination of the Secretary. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton (a) Competitiveness program Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall carry out a program— (1) to maintain and expand the domestic use of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; (2) to increase exports of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; and (3) to ensure that extra long staple cotton produced in the United States remains competitive in world markets. (b) Payments under program; trigger Under the program, the Secretary shall make payments available under this section whenever— (1) for a consecutive 4-week period, the world market price for the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is below the prevailing United States price for a competing growth of extra long staple cotton; and (2) the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is less than 134 percent of the loan rate for extra long staple cotton. (c) Eligible recipients The Secretary shall make payments available under this section to domestic users of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States and exporters of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States that enter into an agreement with the Commodity Credit Corporation to participate in the program under this section. (d) Payment amount Payments under this section shall be based on the amount of the difference in the prices referred to in subsection (b)(1) during the fourth week of the consecutive 4-week period multiplied by the amount of documented purchases by domestic users and sales for export by exporters made in the week following such a consecutive 4-week period. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton (a) High moisture feed grains (1) Definition of high moisture state In this subsection, the term high moisture state means corn or grain sorghum having a moisture content in excess of Commodity Credit Corporation standards for marketing assistance loans made by the Secretary under section 1201. (2) Recourse loans available For the 2014 crop and each succeeding annual crop of corn and grain sorghum, the Secretary shall make available recourse loans, as determined by the Secretary, to producers on a farm that— (A) normally harvest all or a portion of their crop of corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state; (B) present— (i) certified scale tickets from an inspected, certified commercial scale, including a licensed warehouse, feedlot, feed mill, distillery, or other similar entity approved by the Secretary, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary; or (ii) field or other physical measurements of the standing or stored crop in regions of the United States, as determined by the Secretary, that do not have certified commercial scales from which certified scale tickets may be obtained within reasonable proximity of harvest operation; (C) certify that the producers on the farm were the owners of the feed grain at the time of delivery to, and that the quantity to be placed under loan under this subsection was in fact harvested on the farm and delivered to, a feedlot, feed mill, or commercial or on-farm high-moisture storage facility, or to a facility maintained by the users of corn and grain sorghum in a high moisture state; and (D) comply with deadlines established by the Secretary for harvesting the corn or grain sorghum and submit applications for loans under this subsection within deadlines established by the Secretary. (3) Eligibility of acquired feed grains A loan under this subsection shall be made on a quantity of corn or grain sorghum of the same crop acquired by the producer equivalent to a quantity determined by multiplying— (A) the acreage of the corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state harvested on the farm of the producer; by (B) the lower of the farm program payment yield used to make payments under subtitle A or the actual yield on a field, as determined by the Secretary, that is similar to the field from which the corn or grain sorghum was obtained. (b) Recourse loans available for seed cotton For the 2014 crop and each succeeding annual crop of upland cotton and extra long staple cotton, the Secretary shall make available recourse seed cotton loans, as determined by the Secretary, on any production. (c) Repayment rates Repayment of a recourse loan made under this section shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity by the Secretary, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )). 1210. Adjustments of loans (a) Adjustment authority Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rates for any loan commodity (other than cotton) for differences in grade, type, quality, location, and other factors. (b) Manner of adjustment The adjustments under subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in such a manner that the average loan level for the commodity will, on the basis of the anticipated incidence of the factors, be equal to the level of support determined in accordance with this subtitle and subtitle C. (c) Adjustment on county basis (1) In general The Secretary may establish loan rates for a crop for producers in individual counties in a manner that results in the lowest loan rate being 95 percent of the national average loan rate, if those loan rates do not result in an increase in outlays. (2) Prohibition Adjustments under this subsection shall not result in an increase in the national average loan rate for any year. (d) Adjustment in loan rate for cotton (1) In general The Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rate for cotton for differences in quality factors. (2) Types of adjustments Loan rate adjustments under paragraph (1) may include— (A) the use of non-spot market price data, in addition to spot market price data, that would enhance the accuracy of the price information used in determining quality adjustments under this subsection; (B) adjustments in the premiums or discounts associated with upland cotton with a staple length of 33 or above due to micronaire with the goal of eliminating any unnecessary artificial splits in the calculations of the premiums or discounts; and (C) such other adjustments as the Secretary determines appropriate, after consultations conducted in accordance with paragraph (3). (3) Consultation with private sector (A) Prior to revision In making adjustments to the loan rate for cotton (including any review of the adjustments) as provided in this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the United States cotton industry. (B) Inapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to consultations under this subsection. (4) Review of adjustments The Secretary may review the operation of the upland cotton quality adjustments implemented pursuant to this subsection and may make further adjustments to the administration of the loan program for upland cotton, by revoking or revising any adjustment taken under paragraph (2). (e) Rice The Secretary shall not make adjustments in the loan rates for long grain rice and medium grain rice, except for differences in grade and quality (including milling yields). C Sugar 1301. Sugar program (a) Continuation of current program and loan rates (1) Sugarcane Section 156(a)(5) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(a)(5) ) is amended by striking the 2012 crop year and inserting the 2012 crop year and each succeeding crop year . (2) Sugar beets Section 156(b)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(b)(2) ) is amended by striking each of the 2009 through 2012 crop years and inserting the 2009 crop year and each succeeding crop year . (3) Effective period Section 156(i) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(i) ) is repealed. (b) Flexible marketing allotments for sugar (1) Sugar estimates Section 359b(a)(1) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359bb(a)(1) ) is amended by striking each of the 2008 through 2012 crop years and inserting the 2008 crop year and each succeeding crop year . (2) Effective period Section 359i(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359ii(a) ) is amended by striking only for the 2008 through 2012 crop years and inserting for the 2008 crop year and each succeeding crop year . D Dairy I Dairy Producer Margin Insurance Program 1401. Dairy producer margin insurance program Subtitle E of title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8771 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1511. Dairy producer margin insurance program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Actual dairy producer margin The term actual dairy producer margin means the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost, as calculated under subsection (b)(2). (2) All-milk price The term all-milk price means the average price received, per hundredweight of milk, by dairy producers for all milk sold to plants and dealers in the United States, as reported by the National Agricultural Statistics Service. (3) Average feed cost The term average feed cost means the average cost of feed used by a dairy operation to produce a hundredweight of milk, determined under subsection (b)(1) using the sum of the following: (A) The product determined by multiplying— (i) 1.0728; by (ii) the price of corn per bushel. (B) The product determined by multiplying— (i) 0.00735; by (ii) the price of soybean meal per ton. (C) The product determined by multiplying— (i) 0.0137; by (ii) the price of alfalfa hay per ton. (4) Consecutive 2-month period The term consecutive 2-month period refers to the 2-month period consisting of the months of January and February, March and April, May and June, July and August, September and October, or November and December, respectively. (5) Dairy producer The term dairy producer means an individual or entity that directly or indirectly (as determined by the Secretary)— (A) shares in the risk of producing milk; and (B) makes contributions (including land, labor, management, equipment, or capital) to the dairy operation of the individual or entity that are at least commensurate with the share of the individual or entity of the proceeds of the operation. (6) Margin insurance program The term margin insurance program means the dairy producer margin insurance program required by this section. (7) Participating dairy producer The term participating dairy producer means a dairy producer that registers under subsection (d)(2) to participate in the margin insurance program. (8) Production history The term production history means the quantity of annual milk marketings determined for a dairy producer under subsection (e)(1). (9) United States The term United States , in a geographical sense, means the 50 States. (b) Calculation of average feed cost and actual dairy producer margins (1) Calculation of average feed cost The Secretary shall calculate the national average feed cost for each month using the following data: (A) The price of corn for a month shall be the price received during that month by agricultural producers in the United States for corn, as reported in the monthly Agriculture Prices report by the Secretary. (B) The price of soybean meal for a month shall be the central Illinois price for soybean meal, as reported in the Market News–Monthly Soybean Meal Price Report by the Secretary. (C) The price of alfalfa hay for a month shall be the price received during that month by agricultural producers in the United States for alfalfa hay, as reported in the monthly Agriculture Prices report by the Secretary. (2) Calculation of actual dairy producer margins The Secretary shall calculate the actual dairy producer margin for each consecutive 2-month period by subtracting— (A) the average feed cost for that consecutive 2-month period, determined in accordance with paragraph (1); from (B) the all-milk price for that consecutive 2-month period. (c) Establishment of dairy producer margin insurance program The Secretary shall establish and administer a dairy producer margin insurance program for the purpose of protecting dairy producer income by paying participating dairy producers margin insurance payments when actual dairy producer margins are less than the threshold levels for the payments. (d) Eligibility and registration of dairy producers for margin insurance program (1) Eligibility All dairy producers in the United States shall be eligible to participate in the margin insurance program. (2) Registration process (A) Registration (i) Annual registration On an annual basis, the Secretary shall register all interested dairy producers in the margin insurance program. (ii) Manner and form The Secretary shall specify the manner and form by which a dairy producer shall register for the margin insurance program. (B) Treatment of multi-producer operations If a dairy operation consists of more than 1 dairy producer, all of the dairy producers of the operation shall be treated as a single dairy producer for purposes of— (i) purchasing margin insurance; and (ii) payment of producer premiums under subsection (f)(4). (C) Treatment of producers with multiple dairy operations If a dairy producer operates 2 or more dairy operations, each dairy operation of the producer shall require a separate registration to participate and purchase margin insurance. (3) Time for registration (A) Existing dairy producers During the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, a dairy producer that is actively engaged in a dairy operation as of that date may register with the Secretary to participate in the margin insurance program. (B) New Entrants A dairy producer that has no existing interest in a dairy operation as of the date of enactment of this section, but that, after that date, establishes a new dairy operation, may register with the Secretary during the 180-day period beginning on the date on which the dairy operation first markets milk commercially to participate in the margin insurance program. (4) Retroactivity (A) Notice of availability of retroactive protection Not later than 30 days after the effective date of this section, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register to inform dairy producers of the availability of retroactive margin insurance, subject to the condition that interested producers must file a notice of intent (in such form and manner as the Secretary specifies in the Federal Register notice) to participate in the margin insurance program. (B) Retroactive margin insurance (i) Availability If a dairy producer files a notice of intent under subparagraph (A) to participate in the margin insurance program before the initiation of the sign-up period for the margin insurance program and subsequently signs up for the margin insurance program, the producer shall receive margin insurance retroactive to the effective date of this section. (ii) Duration Retroactive margin insurance under this paragraph for a dairy producer shall apply from the effective date of this section until the date on which the producer signs up for the margin insurance program. (C) Notice of intent and obligation to participate In no way does filing a notice of intent under this paragraph obligate a dairy producer to sign up for the margin insurance program once the program rules are final, but if a producer does file a notice of intent and subsequently signs up for the margin insurance program, that dairy producer is obligated to pay premiums for any retroactive margin insurance selected in the notice of intent. (5) Reconstitution The Secretary shall ensure that a dairy producer does not reconstitute a dairy operation for the sole purpose of purchasing margin insurance. (e) Production history of participating dairy producers (1) Determination of production history (A) In general The Secretary shall determine the production history of the dairy operation of each participating dairy producer in the margin insurance program. (B) Calculation Except as provided in subparagraphs (C) and (D), the production history of a participating dairy producer shall be equal to the highest annual milk marketings of the dairy producer during any 1 of the 3 calendar years immediately preceding the registration of the dairy producer for participation in the margin insurance program. (C) Updating production history So long as a participating producer remains registered, the production history of the participating producer shall be annually updated based on the highest annual milk marketings of the dairy producer during any one of the 3 immediately preceding calendar years. (D) New producers If a dairy producer has been in operation for less than 1 year, the Secretary shall determine the initial production history of the dairy producer under subparagraph (B) by extrapolating the actual milk marketings for the months that the dairy producer has been in operation to a yearly amount. (2) Required information A participating dairy producer shall provide all information that the Secretary may require in order to establish the production history of the dairy operation of the dairy producer. (3) Transfer of production history (A) Transfer by sale (i) Request for transfer If an existing dairy producer sells an entire dairy operation to another party, the seller and purchaser may jointly request that the Secretary transfer to the purchaser the interest of the seller in the production history of the dairy operation. (ii) Transfer If the Secretary determines that the seller has sold the entire dairy operation to the purchaser, the Secretary shall approve the transfer and, thereafter, the seller shall have no interest in the production history of the sold dairy operation. (B) Transfer by Lease (i) Request for transfer If an existing dairy producer leases an entire dairy operation to another party, the lessor and lessee may jointly request that the Secretary transfer to the lessee for the duration of the term of the lease the interest of the lessor in the production history of the dairy operation. (ii) Transfer If the Secretary determines that the lessor has leased the entire dairy operation to the lessee, the Secretary shall approve the transfer and, thereafter, the lessor shall have no interest for the duration of the term of the lease in the production history of the leased dairy operation. (C) Coverage level A purchaser or lessee to whom the Secretary transfers a production history under this paragraph may not obtain a different level of margin insurance coverage held by the seller or lessor from whom the transfer was obtained. (D) New entrants The Secretary may not transfer the production history determined for a dairy producer described in subsection (d)(3)(B) to another person. (4) Movement and transfer of production history (A) Movement and transfer authorized Subject to subparagraph (B), if a dairy producer moves from 1 location to another location, the dairy producer may maintain the production history associated with the operation. (B) Notification requirement A dairy producer shall notify the Secretary of any move of a dairy operation under subparagraph (A). (C) Subsequent occupation of vacated location A party subsequently occupying a dairy operation location vacated as described in subparagraph (A) shall have no interest in the production history previously associated with the operation at that location. (f) Margin insurance (1) In general At the time of the registration of a dairy producer in the margin insurance program under subsection (d) and annually thereafter during the duration of the margin insurance program, an eligible dairy producer may purchase margin insurance. (2) Selection of payment threshold A participating dairy producer purchasing margin insurance shall elect a coverage level in any increment of $0.50, with a minimum of $4.00 and a maximum of $8.00. (3) Selection of coverage percentage A participating dairy producer purchasing margin insurance shall elect a percentage of coverage, equal to not more than 80 percent nor less than 25 percent, of the production history of the dairy operation of the participating dairy producer. (4) Producer Premiums (A) Premiums required A participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance shall pay an annual premium equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (i) the percentage selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (3); (ii) the production history applicable to the dairy producer; and (iii) the premium per hundredweight of milk, as specified in the applicable table under subparagraph (B) or (C). (B) Premium per hundredweight for first 4 million pounds of production For the first 4,000,000 pounds of milk marketings included in the annual production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level specified in the following table is as follows: Coverage Level Premium per Cwt. $4.00 $0.00 $4.50 $0.01 $5.00 $0.02 $5.50 $0.035 $6.00 $0.045 $6.50 $0.09 $7.00 $0.18 $7.50 $0.60 $8.00 $0.95 (C) Premium per hundredweight for production in excess of 4 million pounds For milk marketings in excess of 4,000,000 pounds included in the annual production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level is as follows: Coverage Level Premium per Cwt. $4.00 $0.030 $4.50 $0.045 $5.00 $0.066 $5.50 $0.11 $6.00 $0.185 $6.50 $0.29 $7.00 $0.38 $7.50 $0.83 $8.00 $1.06 (D) Time for payment (i) First year As soon as practicable after a dairy producer registers to participate in the margin insurance program and purchases margin insurance, the dairy producer shall pay the premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for the first calendar year of the margin insurance. (ii) Subsequent years (I) In general When the dairy producer first purchases margin insurance, the dairy producer shall also elect the method by which the dairy producer will pay premiums under this subsection for subsequent years in accordance with 1 of the schedules described in subclauses (II) and (III). (II) Single annual payment The participating dairy producer may elect to pay 100 percent of the annual premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for a calendar year by not later than January 15 of the calendar year. (III) Semi-annual payments The participating dairy producer may elect to pay— (aa) 50 percent of the annual premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for a calendar year by not later than January 15 of the calendar year; and (bb) the remaining 50 percent of the premium by not later than June 15 of the calendar year. (5) Producer premium obligations (A) Pro-ration of first year premium A participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance after initial registration in the margin insurance program shall pay a pro-rated premium for the first calendar year based on the date on which the producer purchases the coverage. (B) Subsequent premiums Except as provided in subparagraph (A), the annual premium for a participating dairy producer shall be determined under paragraph (4) for each year in which the margin insurance program is in effect. (C) Legal obligation (i) In general Except as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii), a participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance shall be legally obligated to pay the applicable premiums for the entire period of the margin insurance program (as provided in the payment schedule elected under paragraph (4)(B)), and may not opt out of the margin insurance program. (ii) Death If the dairy producer dies, the estate of the deceased may cancel the margin insurance and shall not be responsible for any further premium payments. (iii) Retirement If the dairy producer retires, the producer may request that Secretary cancel the margin insurance if the producer has terminated the dairy operation entirely and certifies under oath that the producer will not be actively engaged in any dairy operation for at least the next 7 years. (6) Payment threshold A participating dairy producer with margin insurance shall receive a margin insurance payment whenever the average actual dairy producer margin for a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2). (7) Margin insurance payments (A) In general The Secretary shall make a margin insurance protection payment to each participating dairy producer whenever the average actual dairy producer margin for a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2). (B) Amount of payment The margin insurance payment for the dairy operation of a participating dairy producer shall be determined as follows: (i) The Secretary shall calculate the difference between— (I) the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2); and (II) the average actual dairy producer margin for the consecutive 2-month period. (ii) The amount determined under clause (i) shall be multiplied by— (I) the percentage selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (3); and (II) the lesser of— (aa) the quotient obtained by dividing— (AA) the production history applicable to the producer under subsection (e)(1); by (BB) 6; and (bb) the actual quantity of milk marketed by the dairy operation of the dairy producer during the consecutive 2-month period. (g) Effect of failure To pay premiums (1) Loss of benefits A participating dairy producer that is in arrears on premium payments for margin insurance— (A) remains legally obligated to pay the premiums; and (B) may not receive margin insurance until the premiums are fully paid. (2) Enforcement The Secretary may take such action as is necessary to collect premium payments for margin insurance. (h) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation The Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and the authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this section. (i) Program start date The Secretary shall conduct the margin insurance program beginning on October 1, 2013. . 1402. Rulemaking (a) Procedure The promulgation of regulations for the initiation of the margin insurance program, and for administration of the margin insurance program, shall be made— (1) without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act); (2) without regard to the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and (3) subject to subsection (b), pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code. (b) Special rulemaking requirements (1) Interim rules authorized With respect to the margin insurance program, the Secretary may promulgate interim rules under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of section 553(b) of title 5, United States Code, if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed. Any such interim rules for the margin insurance program shall be effective on publication. (2) Final rules With respect to the margin insurance program, the Secretary shall promulgate final rules, with an opportunity for public notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Inclusion of additional order Section 143(a)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7253(a)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: Subsection (b)(2) does not apply to the authority of the Secretary under this subsection. . II Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-related provisions 1411. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs (a) Repeal of dairy product price support program Section 1501 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8771 ) is repealed. (b) Repeal of milk income loss contract program Section 1506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8773 ) is repealed. 1412. Repeal of dairy export incentive program (a) Repeal Section 153 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 15 U.S.C. 713a–14 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendments Section 902(2) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 ( 22 U.S.C. 7201(2) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (D); and (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively. 1413. Extension of dairy forward pricing program Section 1502(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8772(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2015 and inserting 2021 . 1414. Extension of dairy indemnity program Section 3 of Public Law 90–484 ( 7 U.S.C. 450l ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 1415. Extension of dairy promotion and research program Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 ( 7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 1416. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission Section 1509 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1726) is repealed. III Effective date 1421. Effective date This subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013. E Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible producer on a farm (A) In general The term eligible producer on a farm means an individual or entity described in subparagraph (B) that, as determined by the Secretary, assumes the production and market risks associated with the agricultural production of crops or livestock. (B) Description An individual or entity referred to in subparagraph (A) is— (i) a citizen of the United States; (ii) a resident alien; (iii) a partnership of citizens of the United States; or (iv) a corporation, limited liability corporation, or other farm organizational structure organized under State law. (2) Farm-raised fish The term farm-raised fish means any aquatic species that is propagated and reared in a controlled environment. (3) Livestock The term livestock includes— (A) cattle (including dairy cattle); (B) bison; (C) poultry; (D) sheep; (E) swine; (F) horses; and (G) other livestock, as determined by the Secretary. (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (b) Livestock indemnity payments (1) Payments For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to make livestock indemnity payments to eligible producers on farms that have incurred livestock death losses in excess of the normal mortality, as determined by the Secretary, due to— (A) attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government or protected by Federal law, including wolves and avian predators; or (B) adverse weather, as determined by the Secretary, during the calendar year, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat, and extreme cold. (2) Payment rates Indemnity payments to an eligible producer on a farm under paragraph (1) shall be made at a rate of 75 percent of the market value of the applicable livestock on the day before the date of death of the livestock, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Special rule for payments made due to disease The Secretary shall ensure that payments made to an eligible producer under paragraph (1) are not made for the same livestock losses for which compensation is provided pursuant to section 10407(d) of the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8306(d) ). (c) Livestock forage disaster program (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Covered livestock (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the term covered livestock means livestock of an eligible livestock producer that, during the 60 days prior to the beginning date of a qualifying drought or fire condition, as determined by the Secretary, the eligible livestock producer— (I) owned; (II) leased; (III) purchased; (IV) entered into a contract to purchase; (V) is a contract grower; or (VI) sold or otherwise disposed of due to qualifying drought conditions during— (aa) the current production year; or (bb) subject to paragraph (3)(B)(ii), 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year. (ii) Exclusion The term covered livestock does not include livestock that were or would have been in a feedlot, on the beginning date of the qualifying drought or fire condition, as a part of the normal business operation of the eligible livestock producer, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Drought monitor The term drought monitor means a system for classifying drought severity according to a range of abnormally dry to exceptional drought, as defined by the Secretary. (C) Eligible livestock producer (i) In general The term eligible livestock producer means an eligible producer on a farm that— (I) is an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of covered livestock that provides the pastureland or grazing land, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land, for the livestock; (II) provides the pastureland or grazing land for covered livestock, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land that is physically located in a county affected by drought; (III) certifies grazing loss; and (IV) meets all other eligibility requirements established under this subsection. (ii) Exclusion The term eligible livestock producer does not include an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of livestock that rents or leases pastureland or grazing land owned by another person on a rate-of-gain basis. (D) Normal carrying capacity The term normal carrying capacity , with respect to each type of grazing land or pastureland in a county, means the normal carrying capacity, as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i), that would be expected from the grazing land or pastureland for livestock during the normal grazing period, in the absence of a drought or fire that diminishes the production of the grazing land or pastureland. (E) Normal grazing period The term normal grazing period , with respect to a county, means the normal grazing period during the calendar year for the county, as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i). (2) Program For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide compensation for losses to eligible livestock producers due to grazing losses for covered livestock due to— (A) a drought condition, as described in paragraph (3); or (B) fire, as described in paragraph (4). (3) Assistance for losses due to drought conditions (A) Eligible losses (i) In general An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this subsection only for grazing losses for covered livestock that occur on land that— (I) is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover; or (II) is planted to a crop planted specifically for the purpose of providing grazing for covered livestock. (ii) Exclusions An eligible livestock producer may not receive assistance under this subsection for grazing losses that occur on land used for haying or grazing under the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ). (B) Monthly payment rate (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the payment rate for assistance under this paragraph for 1 month shall, in the case of drought, be equal to 60 percent of the lesser of— (I) the monthly feed cost for all covered livestock owned or leased by the eligible livestock producer, as determined under subparagraph (C); or (II) the monthly feed cost calculated by using the normal carrying capacity of the eligible grazing land of the eligible livestock producer. (ii) Partial compensation In the case of an eligible livestock producer that sold or otherwise disposed of covered livestock due to drought conditions in 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year, as determined by the Secretary, the payment rate shall be 80 percent of the payment rate otherwise calculated in accordance with clause (i). (C) Monthly feed cost (i) In general The monthly feed cost shall equal the product obtained by multiplying— (I) 30 days; (II) a payment quantity that is equal to the feed grain equivalent, as determined under clause (ii); and (III) a payment rate that is equal to the corn price per pound, as determined under clause (iii). (ii) Feed grain equivalent For purposes of clause (i)(II), the feed grain equivalent shall equal— (I) in the case of an adult beef cow, 15.7 pounds of corn per day; or (II) in the case of any other type of weight of livestock, an amount determined by the Secretary that represents the average number of pounds of corn per day necessary to feed the livestock. (iii) Corn price per pound For purposes of clause (i)(III), the corn price per pound shall equal the quotient obtained by dividing— (I) the higher of— (aa) the national average corn price per bushel for the 12-month period immediately preceding March 1 of the year for which the disaster assistance is calculated; or (bb) the national average corn price per bushel for the 24-month period immediately preceding that March 1; by (II) 56. (D) Normal grazing period and drought monitor intensity (i) F SA county committee determinations (I) In general The Secretary shall determine the normal carrying capacity and normal grazing period for each type of grazing land or pastureland in the county served by the applicable committee. (II) Changes No change to the normal carrying capacity or normal grazing period established for a county under subclause (I) shall be made unless the change is requested by the appropriate State and county Farm Service Agency committees. (ii) Drought intensity (I) D 2 An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D2 (severe drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 8 consecutive weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph in an amount equal to 1 monthly payment using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B). (II) D 3 An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having at least a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph— (aa) in an amount equal to 3 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B); (bb) if the county is rated as having a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4 weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, or is rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to 4 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B); or (cc) if the county is rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4 weeks during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to 5 monthly payments using the monthly rate determined under subparagraph (B). (4) Assistance for losses due to fire on public managed land (A) In general An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this paragraph only if— (i) the grazing losses occur on rangeland that is managed by a Federal agency; and (ii) the eligible livestock producer is prohibited by the Federal agency from grazing the normal permitted livestock on the managed rangeland due to a fire. (B) Payment rate The payment rate for assistance under this paragraph shall be equal to 50 percent of the monthly feed cost for the total number of livestock covered by the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer, as determined under paragraph (3)(C). (C) Payment duration (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), an eligible livestock producer shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph for the period— (I) beginning on the date on which the Federal agency excludes the eligible livestock producer from using the managed rangeland for grazing; and (II) ending on the last day of the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer. (ii) Limitation An eligible livestock producer may only receive assistance under this paragraph for losses that occur on not more than 180 days per year. (5) No duplicative payments An eligible livestock producer may elect to receive assistance for grazing or pasture feed losses due to drought conditions under paragraph (3) or fire under paragraph (4), but not both for the same loss, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Emergency assistance for livestock, honey bees, and farm-Raised fish (1) In general For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not more than $20,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease (including cattle tick fever), adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary, that are not covered under subsection (b) or (c). (2) Use of funds Funds made available under this subsection shall be used to reduce losses caused by feed or water shortages, disease, or other factors as determined by the Secretary. (3) Availability of funds Any funds made available under this subsection shall remain available until expended. (e) Tree assistance program (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Eligible orchardist The term eligible orchardist means a person that produces annual crops from trees for commercial purposes. (B) Natural disaster The term natural disaster means plant disease, insect infestation, drought, fire, freeze, flood, earthquake, lightning, or other occurrence, as determined by the Secretary. (C) Nursery tree grower The term nursery tree grower means a person who produces nursery, ornamental, fruit, nut, or Christmas trees for commercial sale, as determined by the Secretary. (D) Tree The term tree includes a tree, bush, and vine. (2) Eligibility (A) Loss Subject to subparagraph (B), for fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide assistance— (i) under paragraph (3) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that planted trees for commercial purposes but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) under paragraph (3)(B) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that have a production history for commercial purposes on planted or existing trees but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Limitation An eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower shall qualify for assistance under subparagraph (A) only if the tree mortality of the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower, as a result of damaging weather or related condition, exceeds 15 percent (adjusted for normal mortality). (3) Assistance Subject to paragraph (4), the assistance provided by the Secretary to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers for losses described in paragraph (2) shall consist of— (A) (i) reimbursement of 65 percent of the cost of replanting trees lost due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent mortality (adjusted for normal mortality); or (ii) at the option of the Secretary, sufficient seedlings to reestablish a stand; and (B) reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost of pruning, removal, and other costs incurred by an eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower to salvage existing trees or, in the case of tree mortality, to prepare the land to replant trees as a result of damage or tree mortality due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent damage or mortality (adjusted for normal tree damage and mortality). (4) Limitations on assistance (A) Definitions of legal entity and person In this paragraph, the terms legal entity and person have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(a) ). (B) Amount The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this subsection may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year, or an equivalent value in tree seedlings. (C) Acres The total quantity of acres planted to trees or tree seedlings for which a person or legal entity shall be entitled to receive payments under this subsection may not exceed 500 acres. (f) Payment limitations (1) Definitions of legal entity and person In this subsection, the terms legal entity and person have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(a) ). (2) Amount The total amount of disaster assistance payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this section (excluding payments received under subsection (e)) may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year. (3) Direct attribution Subsections (e) and (f) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) or any successor provisions relating to direct attribution shall apply with respect to assistance provided under this section. 1502. National Drought Council and National Drought Policy Action Plan (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Council The term Council means the National Drought Council established by this section. (2) Drought The term drought means a natural disaster that is caused by a deficiency in precipitation— (A) that may lead to a deficiency in surface and subsurface water supplies (including rivers, streams, wetlands, ground water, soil moisture, reservoir supplies, lake levels, and snow pack); and (B) that causes or may cause— (i) substantial economic or social impacts; or (ii) physical damage or injury to individuals, property, or the environment. (3) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (4) Member The term member , with respect to the National Drought Council, means a member of the Council specified or appointed under this section or, in the absence of the member, the member’s designee. (5) Mitigation The term mitigation means a short- or long-term action, program, or policy that is implemented in advance of or during a drought to minimize any risks and impacts of drought. (6) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (7) State The term State means the several States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. (8) Trigger The term trigger means the thresholds or criteria that must be satisfied before mitigation or emergency assistance may be provided to an area— (A) in which drought is emerging; or (B) that is experiencing a drought. (9) Watershed The term watershed means a region or area with common hydrology, an area drained by a waterway that drains into a lake or reservoir, the total area above a given point on a stream that contributes water to the flow at that point, or the topographic dividing line from which surface streams flow in two different directions. In no case shall a watershed be larger than a river basin. (10) Watershed group The term watershed group means a group of individuals, formally recognized by the appropriate State or States, who represent the broad scope of relevant interests within a watershed and who work together in a collaborative manner to jointly plan the management of the natural resources contained within the watershed. (b) Effect of section This section does not affect— (1) the authority of a State to allocate quantities of water under the jurisdiction of the State; or (2) any State water rights established as of the date of enactment of this Act. (c) National drought council (1) Establishment There is established in the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture a council to be known as the National Drought Council . (2) Membership (A) Composition The Council shall be composed of— (i) the Secretary (or the designee of the Secretary); (ii) the Secretary of Commerce (or the designee of the Secretary of Commerce); (iii) the Secretary of the Army (or the designee of the Secretary of the Army); (iv) the Secretary of the Interior (or the designee of the Secretary of the Interior); (v) the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or the designee of the Director); (vi) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (or the designee of the Administrator); (vii) 4 members appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Governors Association, each of whom shall be the Governor of a State (or the designee of the Governor) and who collectively shall represent the geographic diversity of the Nation; (viii) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Association of Counties; (ix) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the United States Conference of Mayors; (x) 1 member appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with Indian tribes, to represent the interests of tribal governments; and (xi) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Association of Conservation Districts, to represent local soil and water conservation districts. (B) Date of appointment The appointment of each member of the Council shall be made not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (3) Term; vacancies (A) Term A non-Federal member of the Council appointed under paragraph (2) shall be appointed for a term of two years. (B) Vacancies A vacancy on the Council— (i) shall not affect the powers of the Council; and (ii) shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made. (C) Terms of members filling vacancies Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member’s predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term. (4) Meetings (A) In general The Council shall meet at the call of the co-chairs. (B) Frequency The Council shall meet at least semiannually. (5) Quorum A majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings or conduct other business. (6) Council leadership (A) In general There shall be a Federal co-chair and non-Federal co-chair of the Council. (B) Appointment (i) Federal co-chair The Secretary shall be the Federal co-chair. (ii) Non-Federal co-chair The non-Federal members of the Council shall elect, on a biannual basis, a non-Federal co-chair of the Council from among the members appointed under paragraph (2). (d) Duties of the council (1) In general The Council shall— (A) not later than one year after the date of the first meeting of the Council, develop a comprehensive National Drought Policy Action Plan that— (i) (I) delineates and integrates responsibilities for activities relating to drought (including drought preparedness, mitigation, research, risk management, training, and emergency relief) among Federal agencies; and (II) ensures that those activities are coordinated with the activities of the States, local governments, Indian tribes, and neighboring countries; (ii) is consistent with— (I) this Act and other applicable Federal laws; and (II) the laws and policies of the States for water management; (iii) is integrated with drought management programs of the States, Indian tribes, local governments, watershed groups, and private entities; and (iv) avoids duplicating Federal, State, tribal, local, watershed, and private drought preparedness and monitoring programs in existence on the date of enactment of this Act; (B) evaluate Federal drought-related programs in existence on the date of enactment of this Act and make recommendations to Congress and the President on means of eliminating— (i) discrepancies between the goals of the programs and actual service delivery; (ii) duplication among programs; and (iii) any other circumstances that interfere with the effective operation of the programs; (C) make recommendations to the President, Congress, and appropriate Federal agencies on— (i) the establishment of common interagency triggers for authorizing Federal drought mitigation programs; and (ii) improving the consistency and fairness of assistance among Federal drought relief programs; (D) encourage and facilitate the development of drought preparedness plans under subtitle C, including establishing the guidelines under this section; (E) based on a review of drought preparedness plans, develop and make available to the public drought planning models to reduce water resource conflicts relating to water conservation and droughts; (F) develop and coordinate public awareness activities to provide the public with access to understandable and informative materials on drought, including— (i) explanations of the causes of drought, the impacts of drought, and the damages from drought; (ii) descriptions of the value and benefits of land stewardship to reduce the impacts of drought and to protect the environment; (iii) clear instructions for appropriate responses to drought, including water conservation, water reuse, and detection and elimination of water leaks; (iv) information on State and local laws applicable to drought; and (v) opportunities for assistance to resource-dependent businesses and industries in times of drought; and (G) establish operating procedures for the Council. (2) Consultation In carrying out this subsection, the Council shall consult with groups affected by drought emergencies. (3) Reports to congress (A) Annual report (i) In general Not later than one year after the date of the first meeting of the Council, and annually thereafter, the Council shall submit to Congress a report on the activities carried out under this section. (ii) Inclusions (I) In general The annual report shall include a summary of drought preparedness plans. (II) Initial report The initial report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include any recommendations of the Council. (B) Final report Not later than seven years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Council shall submit to Congress a report that recommends— (i) amendments to this section; and (ii) whether the Council should continue. (e) Powers of the council (1) Hearings The Council may hold hearings, meet and act at any time and place, take any testimony and receive any evidence that the Council considers advisable to carry out this section. (2) Information from Federal agencies (A) In general The Council may obtain directly from any Federal agency any information that the Council considers necessary to carry out this section. (B) Provision of information (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), on request of the Secretary or the non-Federal co-chair of the Council, the head of a Federal agency may provide information to the Council. (ii) Limitation The head of a Federal agency shall not provide any information to the Council that the Federal agency head determines the disclosure of which may cause harm to national security interests. (3) Postal services The Council may use the United States mail in the same manner and under the same conditions as other agencies of the Federal Government. (4) Gifts The Council may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. (f) Council personnel matters (1) Compensation of members (A) Non-Federal employees A member of the Council who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve without compensation. (B) Federal employees A member of the Council who is an officer or employee of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to the compensation received for services of the member as an officer or employee of the Federal Government. (2) Travel expenses A member of the Council shall be allowed travel expenses at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Council. (g) Termination of council The Council shall terminate at the end of the eighth fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. F Administration 1601. Administration generally (a) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation The Secretary of Agriculture shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this title. (b) Determinations by Secretary A determination made by the Secretary under this title shall be final and conclusive. (c) Regulations (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Commodity Credit Corporation, as appropriate, shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement this title and the amendments made by this title. (2) Procedure The promulgation of the regulations and administration of this title and the amendments made by this title and sections 10003 and 10016 of this Act shall be made— (A) pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, including by interim rules effective on publication under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of subsection (b) of such section if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed and final rules, with an opportunity for notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of this Act; (B) without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act ); and (C) without regard to the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking. (d) Adjustment Authority Related to Trade Agreements Compliance (1) Required determination; adjustment If the Secretary determines that expenditures under this title that are subject to the total allowable domestic support levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements (as defined in section 2 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3501 )) will exceed the allowable levels for any applicable reporting period, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make adjustments in the amount of the expenditures during that period to ensure that the expenditures do not exceed the allowable levels. (2) Congressional notification Before making any adjustment under paragraph (1), 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 report describing the determination made under that paragraph and the extent of the adjustment to be made. 1602. Repeal of permanent price support authority (a) Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (1) Repeals The following provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 are repealed: (A) Parts II through V of subtitle B of title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1326 et seq. ). (B) Subtitle D of title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1379a et seq. ). (C) Title IV ( 7 U.S.C. 1401 et seq. ). (2) Inapplicability to upland cotton Section 377 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1377 ) is amended by striking was not fully planted and inserting was not fully planted: Provided further , That effective on the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, this section shall not apply to upland cotton . (b) Agricultural Act of 1949 The following provisions of the Agricultural Act of 1949 are repealed: (1) Section 101 ( 7 U.S.C. 1441 ). (2) Section 103(a) ( 7 U.S.C. 1444(a) ). (3) Section 105 ( 7 U.S.C. 1444b ). (4) Section 107 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445a ). (5) Section 110 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445e ). (6) Section 112 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445g ). (7) Section 115 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445k ). (8) Section 201 ( 7 U.S.C. 1446 ). (9) Title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1447 et seq. ). (10) Title IV ( 7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq. ), other than sections 404, 412, and 416 ( 7 U.S.C. 1424 , 1429, and 1431). (11) Title V ( 7 U.S.C. 1461 et seq. ). (12) Title VI ( 7 U.S.C. 1471 et seq. ). (c) Suspension of certain quota provisions The joint resolution entitled A joint resolution relating to corn and wheat marketing quotas under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended , approved May 26, 1941 ( 7 U.S.C. 1330 , 1340), is repealed. 1603. Payment limitations (a) In general Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Legal entity (A) In general The term legal entity means— (i) an organization that (subject to the requirements of this section and section 1001A) is eligible to receive a payment under a provision of law referred to in subsection (b), (c), or (d); (ii) a corporation, joint stock company, association, limited partnership, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, charitable organization, estate, irrevocable trust, grantor of a revocable trust, or other similar entity (as determined by the Secretary); and (iii) an organization that is participating in a farming operation as a partner in a general partnership or as a participant in a joint venture. (B) Exclusion The term legal entity does not include a general partnership or joint venture. ; (2) by striking subsections (b) through (d) and inserting the following: (b) Limitation on payments for covered commodities and peanuts The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity for any crop year for 1 or more covered commodities and peanuts under title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 may not exceed $125,000, of which— (1) not more than $75,000 may consist of marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments under subtitle B of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013; and (2) not more than $50,000 may consist of any other payments made for covered commodities and peanuts under title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. (c) Spousal equity (1) In general Notwithstanding subsection (b), except as provided in paragraph (2), if a person and the spouse of the person are covered by paragraph (2) and receive, directly or indirectly, any payment or gain covered by this section, the total amount of payments or gains (as applicable) covered by this section that the person and spouse may jointly receive during any crop year may not exceed an amount equal to twice the applicable dollar amounts specified in subsection (b). (2) Exceptions (A) Separate farming operations In the case of a married couple in which each spouse, before the marriage, was separately engaged in an unrelated farming operation, each spouse shall be treated as a separate person with respect to a farming operation brought into the marriage by a spouse, subject to the condition that the farming operation shall remain a separate farming operation, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Election to receive separate payments A married couple may elect to receive payments separately in the name of each spouse if the total amount of payments and benefits described in subsection (b) that the married couple receives, directly or indirectly, does not exceed an amount equal to twice the applicable dollar amounts specified in those subsections. ; (3) in paragraph (3)(B) of subsection (f), by adding at the end the following: (iii) Irrevocable trusts In promulgating regulations to define the term legal entity as the term applies to irrevocable trusts, the Secretary shall ensure that irrevocable trusts are legitimate entities that have not been created for the purpose of avoiding a payment limitation. ; and (4) in subsection (h), in the second sentence, by striking or other entity and inserting or legal entity . (b) Conforming amendments (1) Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (e), by striking subsections (b) and (c) each place it appears in paragraphs (1) and (3)(B) and inserting subsection (b) ; (B) in subsection (f)— (i) in paragraph (2), by striking Subsections (b) and (c) and inserting Subsection (b) ; (ii) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking subsection (b) or (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; (iii) in paragraph (5)— (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking subsection (d) ; and (II) in subparagraph (B), by striking subsection (b), (c), or (d) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (iv) in paragraph (6)— (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking Notwithstanding subsection (d), except as provided in subsection (g) and inserting Except as provided in subsection (f) ; and (II) in subparagraph (B), by striking subsections (b), (c), and (d) and inserting subsection (b) ; (C) in subsection (g)— (i) in paragraph (1)— (I) by striking subsection (f)(6)(A) and inserting subsection (e)(6)(A) ; and (II) by striking subsection (b) or (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (ii) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (D) by redesignating subsections (e) through (h) as subsections (d) through (g), respectively. (2) Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–1 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (a), by striking subsections (b) and (c) of section 1001 and inserting section 1001(b) ; and (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 and inserting section 1001(b) . (3) Section 1001B(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–2(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking subsections (b) and (c) of section 1001 and inserting section 1001(b) . (c) Application The amendments made by this section shall apply beginning with the 2014 crop year. 1603A. Payments limited to active farmers Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–1 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) by striking or active personal management each place it appears in subparagraphs (A)(i)(II) and (B)(ii); and (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking , as applied to the legal entity, are met by the legal entity, the partners or members making a significant contribution of personal labor or active personal management and inserting are met by partners or members making a significant contribution of personal labor, those partners or members ; and (2) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) the landowner share-rents the land at a rate that is usual and customary; ; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (C) the share of the payments received by the landowner is commensurate with the share of the crop or income received as rent. ; (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking active personal management or ; (C) in paragraph (5)— (i) by striking (5) and all that follows through (A) In general .—A person and inserting the following: (5) Custom farming services A person ; (ii) by inserting under usual and customary terms after services ; and (iii) by striking subparagraph (B); and (D) by adding at the end the following: (7) Farm managers A person who otherwise meets the requirements of this subsection other than (b)(2)(A)(i)(II) shall be considered to be actively engaged in farming, as determined by the Secretary, with respect to the farming operation, including a farming operation that is a sole proprietorship, a legal entity such as a joint venture or general partnership, or a legal entity such as a corporation or limited partnership, if the person— (A) makes a significant contribution of management to the farming operation necessary for the farming operation, taking into account— (i) the size and complexity of the farming operation; and (ii) the management requirements normally and customarily required by similar farming operations; (B) (i) is the only person in the farming operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming by using the farm manager special class designation under this paragraph; and (ii) together with any other persons in the farming operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming under subsection (b)(2) or as part of a special class under this subsection, does not collectively receive, directly or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the applicable limits under section 1001(b); (C) does not use the management contribution under this paragraph to qualify as actively engaged in more than 1 farming operation; and (D) manages a farm operation that does not substantially share equipment, labor, or management with persons or legal entities that with the person collectively receive, directly or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the applicable limits under section 1001(b). . 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation (a) Limitations and covered benefits Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by striking Limitations and inserting Limitations on Commodity and Conservation Programs ; (2) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs: (1) Limitation Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person or legal entity shall not be eligible to receive any benefit described in paragraph (2) during a crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, if the average adjusted gross income of the person or legal entity exceeds $950,000. (2) Covered benefits Paragraph (1) applies with respect to a payment or benefit under subtitle A, B, or E of title I, or title II of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , title II of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, title II of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, section 524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b) ), or section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ). . (b) Elimination of unused definitions Paragraph (1) of section 1001D(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(a)) is amended to read as follows: (1) Average adjusted gross income In this section, the term average adjusted gross income , with respect to a person or legal entity, means the average of the adjusted gross income or comparable measure of the person or legal entity over the 3 taxable years preceding the most immediately preceding complete taxable year, as determined by the Secretary. . (c) Income determination Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (c); and (2) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively. (d) Conforming amendments Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) by striking subparagraph (A) or (B) of ; and (B) by striking , the average adjusted gross farm income, and the average adjusted gross nonfarm income ; (2) in subsection (a)(3), by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income both places it appears; (3) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income both places it appears; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) and inserting subsection (b)(2) ; and (4) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)— (A) by striking paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) and inserting subsection (b)(2) ; and (B) by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, or average adjusted gross nonfarm income . (e) Effective period Subsection (e) of section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ), as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section, is repealed. (f) Limitation on applicability Section 1001(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: or title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . (g) Transition Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ), as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall apply with respect to the 2013 crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, for each program described in paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) of that section (as so in effect on that day). 1605. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers Section 1621(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8792(d) ) is amended by striking each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting fiscal year 2009 and each succeeding fiscal year . 1606. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies Section 164 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7284 ) is amended by striking and title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 each place it appears and inserting title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq. ), and title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . 1607. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs (a) Reconciliation At least twice each year, the Secretary shall reconcile Social Security numbers of all individuals who receive payments under this title, whether directly or indirectly, with the Commissioner of Social Security to determined if the individuals are alive. (b) Preclusion The Secretary shall preclude the issuance of payments to, and on behalf of, deceased individuals that were not eligible for payments. 1608. Technical corrections (a) Missing punctuation Section 359f(c)(1)(B) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359ff(c)(1)(B) ) is amended by adding a period at the end. (b) Erroneous cross reference (1) Amendment Section 1603(g) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1739) is amended in paragraphs (2) through (6) and the amendments made by those paragraphs by striking 1703(a) each place it appears and inserting 1603(a) . (2) Effective date This subsection and the amendments made by this subsection take effect as if included in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1651). (c) Continued applicability of appropriations general provision Section 767 of division A of Public Law 108–7 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 note; 117 Stat. 48) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking sections 1101 and 1102 of Public Law 107–171 and inserting subtitle A of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 ; and (B) by striking such section 1102 and inserting such subtitle ; and (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) This section, as amended by section 1608(c) of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , shall take effect beginning with the 2014 crop year. . 1609. Assignment of payments (a) In general The provisions of section 8(g) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590h(g) ), relating to assignment of payments, shall apply to payments made under this title. (b) Notice The producer making the assignment, or the assignee, shall provide the Secretary with notice, in such manner as the Secretary may require, of any assignment made under this section. 1610. Tracking of benefits As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may track the benefits provided, directly or indirectly, to individuals and entities under titles I and II and the amendments made by those titles. 1611. Signature authority (a) In general In carrying out this title and title II and amendments made by those titles, if the Secretary approves a document, the Secretary shall not subsequently determine the document is inadequate or invalid because of the lack of authority of any person signing the document on behalf of the applicant or any other individual, entity, general partnership, or joint venture, or the documents relied upon were determined inadequate or invalid, unless the person signing the program document knowingly and willfully falsified the evidence of signature authority or a signature. (b) Affirmation (1) In general Nothing in this section prohibits the Secretary from asking a proper party to affirm any document that otherwise would be considered approved under subsection (a). (2) No retroactive effect A denial of benefits based on a lack of affirmation under paragraph (1) shall not be retroactive with respect to third-party producers who were not the subject of the erroneous representation of authority, if the third-party producers— (A) relied on the prior approval by the Secretary of the documents in good faith; and (B) substantively complied with all program requirements. 1612. Implementation (a) Streamlining In implementing this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and other administrative requirements; (2) improve coordination, information sharing, and administrative work with the Risk Management Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and (3) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery to producers. (b) Maintenance of base acres and payment yields (1) In general The Secretary shall maintain, for each covered commodity and upland cotton, base acres and payment yields on a farm established under— (A) (i) in the case of covered commodities and upland cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 , 7912); and (ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7952 ); and (B) (i) in the case of covered commodities and upland cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8711 , 8712); and (ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8752 ). (2) Special rule for long grain and medium grain rice (A) In general The Secretary shall maintain separate base acres for long grain rice and medium grain rice. (B) Limitation In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall use the same total base acres and payment yields established with respect to rice under sections 1108 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8718 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, subject to any adjustment under section 1105. (c) Implementation The Secretary shall make available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title $100,000,000. 1613. Protection of producer information (a) Prohibition of public disclosure of protected information Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary, any officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture, any contractor or cooperator of the Department, and any officer or employee of another Federal agency shall not disclose— (1) information submitted by a producer or owner of agricultural land to the Federal Government pursuant to title I or II of this Act; or (2) other information provided by a producer or owner of agricultural land concerning the agricultural operation, farming or conservation practices, or the land itself in order to participate in programs of the Department of Agriculture or other Federal agencies. (b) Exceptions Information described in subsection (a) may be disclosed if— (1) the information is required to be made publicly available under any other provision of Federal law; (2) the producer or owner of agricultural land who provided the information has lawfully publicly disclosed the information; (3) the producer or owner of agricultural land who provided the information consents to the disclosure; or (4) the information is disclosed to the Attorney General, to the extent necessary, to ensure compliance and law enforcement. (c) Notice of disclosure Any disclosure of information pursuant to an exception provided in subsection (b) shall be reported to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate within 24 hours after the disclosure. (d) Producer defined In this section, the term producer has the meaning given that term in section 1104(14) of this Act. II Conservation A Conservation Reserve Program 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program (a) Extension Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Eligible land Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and inserting the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 ; (2) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); (3) by inserting before paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: (3) grasslands that— (A) contain forbs or shrubland (including improved rangeland and pastureland) for which grazing is the predominant use; (B) are located in an area historically dominated by grasslands; and (C) could provide habitat for animal and plant populations of significant ecological value if the land is retained in its current use or restored to a natural condition; ; (4) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking filterstrips devoted to trees or shrubs and inserting filterstrips or riparian buffers devoted to trees, shrubs, or grasses ; and (5) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraph: (5) the portion of land in a field not enrolled in the conservation reserve in a case in which— (A) more than 50 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a buffer or filterstrip, or more than 75 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a conservation practice other than as a buffer or filterstrip; and (B) the remainder of the field is— (i) infeasible to farm; and (ii) enrolled at regular rental rates. . (c) Planting Status of Certain Land Section 1231(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(c) ) is amended by striking if and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting if, during the crop year, the land was devoted to a conserving use. . (d) Enrollment Subsection (d) of section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Enrollment (1) Maximum acreage enrolled The Secretary may maintain in the conservation reserve at any one time during— (A) fiscal year 2014, no more than 27,500,000 acres; (B) fiscal year 2015, no more than 26,000,000 acres; (C) fiscal year 2016, no more than 25,000,000 acres; (D) fiscal year 2017, no more than 24,000,000 acres; and (E) fiscal year 2018, no more than 24,000,000 acres. (2) Grasslands (A) Limitation For purposes of applying the limitations in paragraph (1), no more than 2,000,000 acres of the land described in subsection (b)(3) may be enrolled in the program at any one time during the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years. (B) Priority In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may give priority to land with expiring conservation reserve program contracts. (C) Method of enrollment In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall make the program available to owners or operators of eligible land on a continuous enrollment basis with one or more ranking periods. . (e) Duration of contract Section 1231(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(e) ) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Special rule for certain land In the case of land devoted to hardwood trees, shelterbelts, windbreaks, or wildlife corridors under a contract entered into under this subchapter, the owner or operator of the land may, within the limitations prescribed under paragraph (1), specify the duration of the contract. . (f) Conservation priority areas Section 1231(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking watershed areas of the Chesapeake Bay Region, the Great Lakes Region, the Long Island Sound Region, and other ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking watersheds.— Watersheds and inserting areas.— Areas ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking a watershed’s designation— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting an area’s designation if the Secretary finds that the area no longer contains actual and significant adverse water quality or habitat impacts related to agricultural production activities. . 2002. Farmable wetland program (a) Extension Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(a)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by striking a program and inserting a farmable wetland program . (b) Eligible acreage Section 1231B(b)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(b)(1)(B) ) is amended by striking flow from a row crop agriculture drainage system and inserting surface and subsurface flow from row crop agricultural production . (c) Acreage limitation Section 1231B(c)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(c)(1)(B) ) is amended by striking 1,000,000 and inserting 750,000 . (d) Clerical amendment The heading of section 1231B of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b ) is amended to read as follows: Farmable wetland program . . 2003. Duties of owners and operators (a) Limitation on harvesting, grazing, or commercial use of forage Section 1232(a)(8) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832(a)(8) ) is amended by striking except that and all that follows through the semicolon at the end of the paragraph and inserting except as provided in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1233; . (b) Conservation plan requirements Subsection (b) of section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832 ) is amended to read as follows: (b) Conservation plans The plan referred to in subsection (a)(1) shall set forth— (1) the conservation measures and practices to be carried out by the owner or operator during the term of the contract; and (2) the commercial use, if any, to be permitted on the land during the term. . (c) Rental payment reduction Section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832 ) is amended by striking subsection (d). 2004. Duties of the Secretary Section 1233 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3833 ) is amended to read as follows: 1233. Duties of the Secretary (a) Cost-Share and rental payments In return for a contract entered into by an owner or operator under the conservation reserve program, the Secretary shall— (1) share the cost of carrying out the conservation measures and practices set forth in the contract for which the Secretary determines that cost sharing is appropriate and in the public interest; and (2) for a period of years not in excess of the term of the contract, pay an annual rental payment in an amount necessary to compensate for— (A) the conversion of highly erodible cropland or other eligible lands normally devoted to the production of an agricultural commodity on a farm or ranch to a less intensive use; (B) the retirement of any base history that the owner or operator agrees to retire permanently; and (C) the development and management of grasslands for multiple natural resource conservation benefits, including to soil, water, air, and wildlife. (b) Specified activities permitted The Secretary shall permit certain activities or commercial uses of land that is subject to a contract under the conservation reserve program in a manner that is consistent with a plan approved by the Secretary, as follows: (1) Harvesting, grazing, or other commercial use of the forage in response to a drought or other emergency created by a natural disaster, without any reduction in the rental rate. (2) Consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat (including habitat during nesting seasons for birds in the area), and in exchange for a reduction of not less than 25 percent in the annual rental rate for the acres covered by the authorized activity— (A) managed harvesting and other commercial use (including the managed harvesting of biomass), except that in permitting managed harvesting, the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee— (i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements; and (ii) shall identify periods during which managed harvesting may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every three years; (B) routine grazing or prescribed grazing for the control of invasive species, except that in permitting such routine grazing or prescribed grazing, the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee— (i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements and stocking rates for the land that are suitable for continued routine grazing; and (ii) shall identify the periods during which routine grazing may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every two years, taking into consideration regional differences such as— (I) climate, soil type, and natural resources; (II) the number of years that should be required between routine grazing activities; and (III) how often during a year in which routine grazing is permitted that routine grazing should be allowed to occur; and (C) the installation of wind turbines and associated access, except that in permitting the installation of wind turbines, the Secretary shall determine the number and location of wind turbines that may be installed, taking into account— (i) the location, size, and other physical characteristics of the land; (ii) the extent to which the land contains wildlife and wildlife habitat; and (iii) the purposes of the conservation reserve program under this subchapter. (3) The intermittent and seasonal use of vegetative buffer practices incidental to agricultural production on lands adjacent to the buffer such that the permitted use does not destroy the permanent vegetative cover. (c) Authorized activities on grasslands For eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall permit the following activities: (1) Common grazing practices, including maintenance and necessary cultural practices, on the land in a manner that is consistent with maintaining the viability of grassland, forb, and shrub species appropriate to that locality. (2) Haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed production, subject to appropriate restrictions during the nesting season for critical bird species in the area. (3) Fire presuppression, fire-related rehabilitation, and construction of fire breaks. (4) Grazing-related activities, such as fencing and livestock watering. (d) Resource conserving use (1) In general Beginning on the date that is 1 year before the date of termination of a contract under the program, the Secretary shall allow an owner or operator to make conservation and land improvements that facilitate maintaining protection of enrolled land after expiration of the contract. (2) Conservation plan The Secretary shall require an owner or operator carrying out the activities described in paragraph (1) to develop and implement a conservation plan. (3) Re-enrollment prohibited Land improved under paragraph (1) may not be re-enrolled in the conservation reserve program for 5 years after the date of termination of the contract. . 2005. Payments (a) Trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife corridors Section 1234(b)(3)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(b)(3)(A) ) is amended— (1) in clause (i), by inserting and after the semicolon; (2) by striking clause (ii); and (3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii). (b) Annual rental payments Section 1234(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting or other eligible lands after highly erodible cropland both places it appears; and (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Methods of Determination (A) In general The amounts payable to owners or operators in the form of rental payments under contracts entered into under this subchapter may be determined through— (i) the submission of bids for such contracts by owners and operators in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe; or (ii) such other means as the Secretary determines are appropriate. (B) Grasslands In the case of eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall make annual payments in an amount that is not more than 75 percent of the grazing value of the land covered by the contract. . (c) Payment schedule Subsection (d) of section 1234 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Payment schedule (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this section, payments under this subchapter shall be made in cash in such amount and on such time schedule as is agreed on and specified in the contract. (2) Advance payment Payments under this subchapter may be made in advance of determination of performance. . (d) Payment limitation Section 1234(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking , including rental payments made in the form of in-kind commodities, ; (2) by striking paragraph (3); and (3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2). 2006. Contract requirements (a) Early termination by owner or operator Section 1235(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A)— (A) by striking The Secretary and inserting During fiscal year 2014, the Secretary ; and (B) by striking before January 1, 1995, ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following: (C) Land devoted to hardwood trees. (D) Wildlife habitat, duck nesting habitat, pollinator habitat, upland bird habitat buffer, wildlife food plots, State acres for wildlife enhancement, shallow water areas for wildlife, and rare and declining habitat. (E) Farmable wetland and restored wetland. (F) Land that contains diversions, erosion control structures, flood control structures, contour grass strips, living snow fences, salinity reducing vegetation, cross wind trap strips, and sediment retention structures. (G) Land located within a federally-designated wellhead protection area. (H) Land that is covered by an easement under the conservation reserve program. (I) Land located within an average width, according to the applicable Natural Resources Conservation Service field office technical guide, of a perennial stream or permanent water body. ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking 60 days after the date on which the owner or operator submits the notice required under paragraph (1)(C) and inserting upon approval by the Secretary . (b) Transition option for certain farmers or ranchers Section 1235(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Duties and all that follows through a beginning farmer and inserting Transition to covered farmer or rancher.— In the case of a contract modification approved in order to facilitate the transfer of land subject to a contract from a retired farmer or rancher to a beginning farmer ; (B) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting , including preparing to plant an agricultural crop after improvements ; (C) in subparagraph (D), by striking the farmer or rancher and inserting the covered farmer or rancher ; and (D) in subparagraph (E), by striking section 1001A(b)(3)(B) and inserting section 1001 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking requirement of section 1231(h)(4)(B) and inserting option pursuant to section 1234(c)(2)(A)(ii) . (c) Final year contract Section 1235 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections: (g) Final year of contract The Secretary shall not consider an owner or operator to be in violation of a term or condition of the conservation reserve contract if— (1) during the year prior to expiration of the contract, the land is enrolled in the conservation stewardship program; and (2) the activity required under the conservation stewardship program pursuant to such enrollment is consistent with this subchapter. (h) Land enrolled in agricultural conservation easement program The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under this subchapter if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H. . 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses Section 1235A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835a ) is repealed. 2008. Effective date (a) In general The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013, except the amendment made by section 2001(d), which shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Effect on existing contracts (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Updating of existing contracts The Secretary shall permit an owner or operator of land subject to a contract entered into under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, to update the contract to reflect the activities and uses of land under contract permitted under the terms and conditions of section 1233(b) of that Act (as amended by section 2004), as determined appropriate by the Secretary. B Conservation Stewardship Program 2101. Conservation stewardship program (a) Revision of current program Subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq. ) is amended to read as follows: B Conservation stewardship program 1238D. Definitions In this subchapter: (1) Agricultural operation The term agricultural operation means all eligible land, whether or not contiguous, that is— (A) under the effective control of a producer at the time the producer enters into a contract under the program; and (B) operated with equipment, labor, management, and production or cultivation practices that are substantially separate from other agricultural operations, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Conservation activities (A) In general The term conservation activities means conservation systems, practices, or management measures. (B) Inclusions The term conservation activities includes— (i) structural measures, vegetative measures, and land management measures, including agriculture drainage management systems, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) planning needed to address a priority resource concern. (3) Conservation stewardship plan The term conservation stewardship plan means a plan that— (A) identifies and inventories priority resource concerns; (B) establishes benchmark data and conservation objectives; (C) describes conservation activities to be implemented, managed, or improved; and (D) includes a schedule and evaluation plan for the planning, installation, and management of the new and existing conservation activities. (4) Eligible land (A) In general The term eligible land means— (i) private or tribal land on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-related products are produced; and (ii) lands associated with the land described in clause (i) on which priority resource concerns could be addressed through a contract under the program. (B) Inclusions The term eligible land includes— (i) cropland; (ii) grassland; (iii) rangeland; (iv) pasture land; (v) nonindustrial private forest land; and (vi) other agricultural areas (including cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land used or capable of being used for the production of livestock), as determined by the Secretary. (5) Priority resource concern The term priority resource concern means a natural resource concern or problem, as determined by the Secretary, that— (A) is identified at the national, State, or local level as a priority for a particular area of a State; (B) represents a significant concern in a State or region; and (C) is likely to be addressed successfully through the implementation of conservation activities under this program. (6) Program The term program means the conservation stewardship program established by this subchapter. (7) Stewardship threshold The term stewardship threshold means the level of management required, as determined by the Secretary, to conserve and improve the quality and condition of a natural resource. 1238E. Conservation stewardship program (a) Establishment and purpose During each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall carry out a conservation stewardship program to encourage producers to address priority resource concerns in a comprehensive manner— (1) by undertaking additional conservation activities; and (2) by improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities. (b) Exclusions (1) Land enrolled in other conservation programs Subject to paragraph (2), the following land (even if covered by the definition of eligible land) is not eligible for enrollment in the program: (A) Land enrolled in the conservation reserve program, unless— (i) the conservation reserve contract will expire at the end of the fiscal year in which the land is to be enrolled in the program; and (ii) conservation reserve program payments for land enrolled in the program cease before the first program payment is made to the applicant under this subchapter. (B) Land enrolled in a wetland easement through the agricultural conservation easement program. (C) Land enrolled in the conservation security program. (2) Conversion to cropland Eligible land used for crop production after October 1, 2013, that had not been planted, considered to be planted, or devoted to crop production for at least 4 of the 6 years preceding that date shall not be the basis for any payment under the program, unless the land does not meet the requirement because— (A) the land had previously been enrolled in the conservation reserve program; (B) the land has been maintained using long-term crop rotation practices, as determined by the Secretary; or (C) the land is incidental land needed for efficient operation of the farm or ranch, as determined by the Secretary. 1238F. Stewardship contracts (a) Submission of contract offers To be eligible to participate in the conservation stewardship program, a producer shall submit to the Secretary a contract offer for the agricultural operation that— (1) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the producer, at the time of the contract offer, meets or exceeds the stewardship threshold for at least 2 priority resource concerns; and (2) would, at a minimum, meet or exceed the stewardship threshold for at least 1 additional priority resource concern by the end of the stewardship contract by— (A) installing and adopting additional conservation activities; and (B) improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities across the entire agricultural operation in a manner that increases or extends the conservation benefits in place at the time the contract offer is accepted by the Secretary. (b) Evaluation of contract offers (1) Ranking of applications In evaluating contract offers submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary shall rank applications based on— (A) the level of conservation treatment on all applicable priority resource concerns at the time of application; (B) the degree to which the proposed conservation activities effectively increase conservation performance; (C) the number of applicable priority resource concerns proposed to be treated to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract; (D) the extent to which other priority resource concerns will be addressed to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract period; (E) the extent to which the actual and anticipated conservation benefits from the contract are provided at the least cost relative to other similarly beneficial contract offers; and (F) the extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed when transitioning from the conservation reserve program to agricultural production. (2) Prohibition The Secretary may not assign a higher priority to any application because the applicant is willing to accept a lower payment than the applicant would otherwise be eligible to receive. (3) Additional criteria The Secretary may develop and use such additional criteria that the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure that national, State, and local priority resource concerns are effectively addressed. (c) Entering into contracts After a determination that a producer is eligible for the program under subsection (a), and a determination that the contract offer ranks sufficiently high under the evaluation criteria under subsection (b), the Secretary shall enter into a conservation stewardship contract with the producer to enroll the eligible land to be covered by the contract. (d) Contract provisions (1) Term A conservation stewardship contract shall be for a term of 5 years. (2) Required provisions The conservation stewardship contract of a producer shall— (A) state the amount of the payment the Secretary agrees to make to the producer for each year of the conservation stewardship contract under section 1238G(d); (B) require the producer— (i) to implement a conservation stewardship plan that describes the program purposes to be achieved through 1 or more conservation activities; (ii) to maintain and supply information as required by the Secretary to determine compliance with the conservation stewardship plan and any other requirements of the program; and (iii) not to conduct any activities on the agricultural operation that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program; (C) permit all economic uses of the eligible land that— (i) maintain the agricultural nature of the land; and (ii) are consistent with the conservation purposes of the conservation stewardship contract; (D) include a provision to ensure that a producer shall not be considered in violation of the contract for failure to comply with the contract due to circumstances beyond the control of the producer, including a disaster or related condition, as determined by the Secretary; (E) include provisions requiring that upon the violation of a term or condition of the contract at any time the producer has control of the land— (i) if the Secretary determines that the violation warrants termination of the contract— (I) the producer shall forfeit all rights to receive payments under the contract; and (II) the producer shall refund all or a portion of the payments received by the producer under the contract, including any interest on the payments, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) if the Secretary determines that the violation does not warrant termination of the contract, the producer shall refund or accept adjustments to the payments provided to the producer, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; (F) include provisions in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of this section; and (G) include any additional provisions the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the program. (3) Change of interest in land subject to a contract (A) In general At the time of application, a producer shall have control of the eligible land to be enrolled in the program. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a change in the interest of a producer in eligible land covered by a contract under the program shall result in the termination of the contract with regard to that land. (B) Transfer of duties and rights Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if— (i) within a reasonable period of time (as determined by the Secretary) after the date of the change in the interest in eligible land covered by a contract under the program, the transferee of the land provides written notice to the Secretary that all duties and rights under the contract have been transferred to, and assumed by, the transferee for the portion of the land transferred; (ii) the transferee meets the eligibility requirements of the program; and (iii) the Secretary approves the transfer of all duties and rights under the contract. (4) Modification and termination of contracts (A) Voluntary modification or termination The Secretary may modify or terminate a contract with a producer if— (i) the producer agrees to the modification or termination; and (ii) the Secretary determines that the modification or termination is in the public interest. (B) Involuntary termination The Secretary may terminate a contract if the Secretary determines that the producer violated the contract. (5) Repayment If a contract is terminated, the Secretary may, consistent with the purposes of the program— (A) allow the producer to retain payments already received under the contract; or (B) require repayment, in whole or in part, of payments received and assess liquidated damages. (e) Contract renewal At the end of the initial 5-year contract period, the Secretary may allow the producer to renew the contract for 1 additional 5-year period if the producer— (1) demonstrates compliance with the terms of the initial contract; (2) agrees to adopt and continue to integrate conservation activities across the entire agricultural operation, as determined by the Secretary; and (3) agrees, by the end of the contract period— (A) to meet the stewardship threshold of at least two additional priority resource concerns on the agricultural operation; or (B) to exceed the stewardship threshold of two existing priority resource concerns that are specified by the Secretary in the initial contract. 1238G. Duties of the secretary (a) In general To achieve the conservation goals of a contract under the conservation stewardship program, the Secretary shall— (1) make the program available to eligible producers on a continuous enrollment basis with 1 or more ranking periods, one of which shall occur in the first quarter of each fiscal year; (2) identify not less than 5 priority resource concerns in a particular watershed or other appropriate region or area within a State; and (3) establish a science-based stewardship threshold for each priority resource concern identified under paragraph (2). (b) Allocation to states The Secretary shall allocate acres to States for enrollment, based— (1) primarily on each State’s proportion of eligible land to the total acreage of eligible land in all States; and (2) also on consideration of— (A) the extent and magnitude of the conservation needs associated with agricultural production in each State; (B) the degree to which implementation of the program in the State is, or will be, effective in helping producers address those needs; and (C) other considerations to achieve equitable geographic distribution of funds, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Acreage enrollment limitation During the period beginning on October 1, 2013, and ending on September 30, 2021, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) enroll in the program an additional 8,695,000 acres for each fiscal year; and (2) manage the program to achieve a national average rate of $18 per acre, which shall include the costs of all financial assistance, technical assistance, and any other expenses associated with enrollment or participation in the program. (d) Conservation stewardship payments (1) Availability of payments The Secretary shall provide annual payments under the program to compensate the producer for— (A) installing and adopting additional conservation activities; and (B) improving, maintaining, and managing conservation activities in place at the agricultural operation of the producer at the time the contract offer is accepted by the Secretary. (2) Payment amount The amount of the conservation stewardship annual payment shall be determined by the Secretary and based, to the maximum extent practicable, on the following factors: (A) Costs incurred by the producer associated with planning, design, materials, installation, labor, management, maintenance, or training. (B) Income forgone by the producer. (C) Expected conservation benefits. (D) The extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed through the installation and adoption of conservation activities on the agricultural operation. (E) The level of stewardship in place at the time of application and maintained over the term of the contract. (F) The degree to which the conservation activities will be integrated across the entire agricultural operation for all applicable priority resource concerns over the term of the contract. (G) Such other factors as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (3) Exclusions A payment to a producer under this subsection shall not be provided for— (A) the design, construction, or maintenance of animal waste storage or treatment facilities or associated waste transport or transfer devices for animal feeding operations; or (B) conservation activities for which there is no cost incurred or income forgone to the producer. (4) Delivery of payments In making payments under this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable— (A) prorate conservation performance over the term of the contract so as to accommodate, to the extent practicable, producers earning equal annual payments in each fiscal year; and (B) make payments as soon as practicable after October 1 of each fiscal year for activities carried out in the previous fiscal year. (e) Supplemental payments for resource-conserving crop rotations (1) Availability of payments The Secretary shall provide additional payments to producers that, in participating in the program, agree to adopt or improve resource-conserving crop rotations to achieve beneficial crop rotations as appropriate for the eligible land of the producers. (2) Beneficial crop rotations The Secretary shall determine whether a resource-conserving crop rotation is a beneficial crop rotation eligible for additional payments under paragraph (1) based on whether the resource-conserving crop rotation is designed to provide natural resource conservation and production benefits. (3) Eligibility To be eligible to receive a payment described in paragraph (1), a producer shall agree to adopt and maintain beneficial resource-conserving crop rotations for the term of the contract. (4) Resource-conserving crop rotation In this subsection, the term resource-conserving crop rotation means a crop rotation that— (A) includes at least 1 resource-conserving crop (as defined by the Secretary); (B) reduces erosion; (C) improves soil fertility and tilth; (D) interrupts pest cycles; and (E) in applicable areas, reduces depletion of soil moisture or otherwise reduces the need for irrigation. (f) Payment limitations A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, payments under the program that, in the aggregate, exceed $200,000 under all contracts entered into during fiscal years 2014 through 2018, excluding funding arrangements with Indian tribes, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under the program by the person or legal entity. (g) Specialty crop and organic producers The Secretary shall ensure that outreach and technical assistance are available, and program specifications are appropriate to enable specialty crop and organic producers to participate in the program. (h) Coordination with organic certification The Secretary shall establish a transparent means by which producers may initiate organic certification under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ) while participating in a contract under the program. (i) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations that— (1) prescribe such other rules as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under subsection (f); and (2) otherwise enable the Secretary to carry out the program. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. (c) Effect on existing contracts (1) In general The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Conservation stewardship program Funds made available under section 1241(a)(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(4) ) (as amended by section 2601(a) of this title) may be used to administer and make payments to program participants that enrolled into contracts during any of fiscal years 2009 through 2013. C Environmental Quality Incentives Program 2201. Purposes Section 1240 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C) and, in such subparagraph, by inserting and after the semicolon; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: (B) developing and improving wildlife habitat; and ; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (3) by striking paragraph (5). 2202. Establishment and administration Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2014 and inserting 2018 ; (2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Term A contract under the program shall have a term that does not exceed 10 years. ; (3) in subsection (d)(4)— (A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting , veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )), before or a beginning farmer or rancher ; and (B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (B) Advance payments (i) In general Not more than 50 percent of the amount determined under subparagraph (A) may be provided in advance for the purpose of purchasing materials or contracting. (ii) Return of funds If funds provided in advance are not expended during the 90-day period beginning on the date of receipt of the funds, the funds shall be returned within a reasonable time frame, as determined by the Secretary. ; (4) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following new subsection: (f) Allocation of funding (1) Livestock For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, at least 60 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices relating to livestock production. (2) Wildlife habitat For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, 7.5 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices benefitting wildlife habitat. ; (5) in subsection (g)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking Federally Recognized Native American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations and inserting Indian Tribes ; (B) by striking federally recognized Native American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations (including their affiliated membership organizations) and inserting Indian tribes ; and (C) by striking or Native Corporation ; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (j) Wildlife habitat incentive practice The Secretary shall provide payments to producers under the program for practices, including recurring practices for the term of the contract, that support the restoration, development, protection, and improvement of wildlife habitat on eligible land, including— (1) upland wildlife habitat; (2) wetland wildlife habitat; (3) habitat for threatened and endangered species; (4) fish habitat; (5) habitat on pivot corners and other irregular areas of a field; and (6) other types of wildlife habitat, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (k) Funding for community irrigation associations (1) In general The Secretary may enter into an alternative funding arrangement with an eligible irrigation association if the Secretary determines that— (A) the purposes of the program will be met by such an arrangement; and (B) statutory limitations regarding contracts with individual producers will not be exceeded by any member of the irrigation association. (2) Eligible irrigation associations In this subsection, the term eligible irrigation association means an irrigation association that is— (A) comprised of producers; and (B) a local government entity, but does not have the authority to impose taxes or levies. . 2203. Evaluation of applications Section 1240C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–3(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking environmental and inserting conservation ; and (2) in paragraph (3), by striking purpose of the environmental quality incentives program specified in section 1240(1) and inserting purposes of the program . 2204. Duties of producers Section 1240D(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–4(2) ) is amended by striking farm, ranch, or forest and inserting enrolled . 2205. Limitation on payments Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–7 ) is amended to read as follows: 1240G. Limitation on payments A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, cost-share or incentive payments under this chapter that, in aggregate, exceed $450,000 for all contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or legal entity during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or legal entity. . 2206. Conservation innovation grants and payments Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–8 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: (E) facilitate on-farm conservation research and demonstration activities; and (F) facilitate pilot testing of new technologies or innovative conservation practices. ; and (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Reporting Not later than December 31, 2014, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the status of projects funded under this section, including— (1) funding awarded; (2) project results; and (3) incorporation of project findings, such as new technology and innovative approaches, into the conservation efforts implemented by the Secretary. . 2207. Effective date (a) In general The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013. (b) Effect on existing contracts The amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. D Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program (a) Establishment Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle: H Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 1265. Establishment and purposes (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish an agricultural conservation easement program for the conservation of eligible land and natural resources through easements or other interests in land. (b) Purposes The purposes of the program are to— (1) combine the purposes and coordinate the functions of the wetlands reserve program established under section 1237, the grassland reserve program established under section 1238N, and the farmland protection program established under section 1238I, as such sections were in effect on September 30, 2013; (2) restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible land; (3) protect the agricultural use and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land; and (4) protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring and conserving eligible land. 1265A. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Agricultural land easement The term agricultural land easement means an easement or other interest in eligible land that— (A) is conveyed for the purpose of protecting natural resources and the agricultural nature of the land; and (B) permits the landowner the right to continue agricultural production and related uses subject to an agricultural land easement plan, as approved by the Secretary. (2) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) an agency of State or local government or an Indian tribe (including a farmland protection board or land resource 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 170(h)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (ii) an organization described in section 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 section 509(a) of that Code; or (II) section 509(a)(3) of that Code and is controlled by an organization described in section 509(a)(2) of that Code. (3) Eligible land The term eligible land means private or tribal land that is— (A) in the case of an agricultural land easement, agricultural land, including land on a farm or ranch— (i) that is subject to a pending offer for purchase of an agricultural land easement from an eligible entity; (ii) that— (I) has prime, unique, or other productive soil; (II) contains historical or archaeological resources; or (III) the protection of which will further a State or local policy consistent with the purposes of the program; and (iii) that is— (I) cropland; (II) rangeland; (III) grassland or land that contains forbs, or shrubland for which grazing is the predominate use; (IV) pastureland; or (V) nonindustrial private forest land that contributes to the economic viability of an offered parcel or serves as a buffer to protect such land from development; (B) in the case of a wetland easement, a wetland or related area, including— (i) farmed or converted wetlands, together with adjacent land that is functionally dependent on that land, if the Secretary determines it— (I) is likely to be successfully restored in a cost-effective manner; and (II) will maximize the wildlife benefits and wetland functions and values, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior at the local level; (ii) cropland or grassland that was used for agricultural production prior to flooding from the natural overflow of— (I) a closed basin lake and adjacent land that is functionally dependent upon it, if the State or other entity is willing to provide 50 percent share of the cost of an easement; and (II) a pothole and adjacent land that is functionally dependent on it; (iii) farmed wetlands and adjoining lands that— (I) are enrolled in the conservation reserve program; (II) have the highest wetland functions and values, as determined by the Secretary; and (III) are likely to return to production after they leave the conservation reserve program; (iv) riparian areas that link wetlands that are protected by easements or some other device that achieves the same purpose as an easement; or (v) other wetlands of an owner that would not otherwise be eligible, if the Secretary determines that the inclusion of such wetlands in a wetland easement would significantly add to the functional value of the easement; or (C) in the case of either an agricultural land easement or wetland easement, other land that is incidental to land described in subparagraph (A) or (B), if the Secretary determines that it is necessary for the efficient administration of the easements under this program. (4) Program The term program means the agricultural conservation easement program established by this subtitle. (5) Wetland easement The term wetland easement means a reserved interest in eligible land that— (A) is defined and delineated in a deed; and (B) stipulates— (i) the rights, title, and interests in land conveyed to the Secretary; and (ii) the rights, title, and interests in land that are reserved to the landowner. 1265B. Agricultural land easements (a) Availability of assistance The Secretary shall facilitate and provide funding for— (1) the purchase by eligible entities of agricultural land easements and other interests in eligible land; and (2) technical assistance to provide for the conservation of natural resources pursuant to an agricultural land easement plan. (b) Cost-Share assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall protect the agricultural use, including grazing, and related conservation values of eligible land through cost-share assistance to eligible entities for purchasing agricultural land easements. (2) Scope of assistance available (A) Federal share An agreement described in paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share determined by the Secretary of an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement or other interest in land, as determined by the Secretary using— (i) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice; (ii) an area-wide market analysis or survey; or (iii) another industry-approved method. (B) Non-federal share (i) In general Under the agreement, the eligible entity shall provide a share that is at least equivalent to that provided by the Secretary. (ii) Source of contribution An eligible entity may include as part of its share a charitable donation or qualified conservation contribution (as defined by section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the private landowner if the eligible entity contributes its own cash resources in an amount that is at least 50 percent of the amount contributed by the Secretary. (C) Exception In the case of grassland of special environmental 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. (3) Evaluation and ranking of applications (A) Criteria The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program. (B) Considerations In establishing the criteria, the Secretary shall emphasize support for— (i) protecting agricultural uses and related conservation values of the land; and (ii) maximizing the protection of areas devoted to agricultural use. (C) Bidding down If the Secretary determines that 2 or more applications for cost-share assistance are comparable in achieving the purpose of the program, the Secretary shall not assign a higher priority to any of those applications solely on the basis of lesser cost to the program. (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 shall be for a term that is— (i) in the case of an eligible entity certified under the process described in paragraph (5), a minimum of five years; and (ii) for all other eligible entities, at least three, but not more than five years. (C) Minimum terms and conditions An eligible entity shall be authorized to use its own terms and conditions for agricultural land easements so long as the Secretary determines such terms and conditions— (i) are consistent with the purposes of the program; (ii) permit effective enforcement of the conservation purposes of such easements; (iii) include a right of enforcement for the Secretary, that may be used only if the terms of the easement are not enforced by the holder of the easement; (iv) subject the land in which an interest is purchased to an agricultural land easement plan that— (I) describes the activities which promote the long-term viability of the land to meet the purposes for which the easement was acquired; (II) requires the management of grasslands according to a grasslands management plan; and (III) includes a conservation plan, where appropriate, and requires, at the option of the Secretary, the conversion of highly erodible cropland to less intensive uses; and (v) include a limit on the impervious surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with the agricultural activities to be conducted. (D) Substitution of qualified projects An agreement shall allow, upon mutual agreement of the parties, substitution of qualified projects that are identified at the time of the proposed substitution. (E) Effect of violation If a violation occurs of a term or condition of an agreement under this subsection— (i) the Secretary may terminate the agreement; and (ii) the Secretary may require the eligible entity to refund all or part of any payments received by the entity under the program, with interest on the payments as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (5) Certification of eligible entities (A) Certification process The Secretary shall establish a process under which the Secretary may— (i) directly certify eligible entities that meet established criteria; (ii) enter into long-term agreements with certified eligible entities; and (iii) accept proposals for cost-share assistance for the purchase of agricultural land easements throughout the duration of such agreements. (B) Certification criteria In order to be certified, an eligible entity shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the entity will maintain, at a minimum, for the duration of the agreement— (i) a plan for administering easements that is consistent with the purpose of this subtitle; (ii) the capacity and resources to monitor and enforce agricultural land easements; and (iii) policies and procedures to ensure— (I) the long-term integrity of agricultural land easements on eligible land; (II) timely completion of acquisitions of such easements; and (III) timely and complete evaluation and reporting to the Secretary on the use of funds provided under the program. (C) Review and revision (i) Review The Secretary shall conduct a review of eligible entities certified under subparagraph (A) every three years to ensure that such entities are meeting the criteria established under subparagraph (B). (ii) Revocation If the Secretary finds that the certified eligible entity no longer meets the criteria established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary may— (I) allow the certified eligible entity a specified period of time, at a minimum 180 days, in which to take such actions as may be necessary to meet the criteria; and (II) revoke the certification of the eligible entity, if, after the specified period of time, the certified eligible entity does not meet such criteria. (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 allowed under applicable State laws. (d) Technical assistance The Secretary may provide technical assistance, if requested, to assist in— (1) compliance with the terms and conditions of easements; and (2) implementation of an agricultural land easement plan. 1265C. Wetland easements (a) Availability of assistance The Secretary shall provide assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands through— (1) wetland easements and related wetland easement plans; and (2) technical assistance. (b) Easements (1) Method of enrollment The Secretary shall enroll eligible land under this section through the use of— (A) 30-year easements; (B) permanent easements; (C) easements for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws; or (D) as an option for Indian tribes only, 30-year contracts (which shall be considered to be 30-year easements for the purposes of this subtitle). (2) Limitations (A) Ineligible land The Secretary may not acquire easements on— (i) land established to trees under the conservation reserve program, except in cases where the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program; and (ii) farmed wetlands or converted wetlands where the conversion was not commenced prior to December 23, 1985. (B) Changes in ownership No wetland easement shall be created on land that has changed ownership during the preceding 24-month period unless— (i) the new ownership was acquired by will or succession as a result of the death of the previous owner; (ii) (I) the ownership change occurred because of foreclosure on the land; and (II) immediately before the foreclosure, the owner of the land exercises a right of redemption from the mortgage holder in accordance with State law; or (iii) the Secretary determines that the land was acquired under circumstances that give adequate assurances that such land was not acquired for the purposes of placing it in the program. (3) Evaluation and ranking of offers (A) Criteria The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program. (B) Considerations When evaluating offers from landowners, the Secretary may consider— (i) the conservation benefits of obtaining a wetland easement, including the potential environmental benefits if the land was removed from agricultural production; (ii) the cost-effectiveness of each wetland easement, so as to maximize the environmental benefits per dollar expended; (iii) whether the landowner or another person is offering to contribute financially to the cost of the wetland easement to leverage Federal funds; and (iv) such other factors as the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the purposes of the program. (C) Priority The Secretary shall place priority on acquiring wetland easements based on the value of the wetland easement for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. (4) Agreement To be eligible to place eligible land into the program through a wetland easement, the owner of such land shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary to— (A) grant an easement on such land to the Secretary; (B) authorize the implementation of a wetland easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f); (C) create and record an appropriate deed restriction in accordance with applicable State law to reflect the easement agreed to; (D) provide a written statement of consent to such easement signed by those holding a security interest in the land; (E) comply with the terms and conditions of the easement and any related agreements; and (F) permanently retire any existing base history for the land on which the easement has been obtained. (5) Terms and conditions of easement (A) In general A wetland easement shall include terms and conditions that— (i) permit— (I) repairs, improvements, and inspections on the land that are necessary to maintain existing public drainage systems; and (II) owners to control public access on the easement areas while identifying access routes to be used for restoration activities and management and easement monitoring; (ii) prohibit— (I) the alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural features of such land, unless specifically authorized by the Secretary; (II) the spraying of such land with chemicals or the mowing of such land, except where such spraying or mowing is authorized by the Secretary or is necessary— (aa) to comply with Federal or State noxious weed control laws; (bb) to comply with a Federal or State emergency pest treatment program; or (cc) to meet habitat needs of specific wildlife species; (III) any activities to be carried out on the owner’s or successor’s land that is immediately adjacent to, and functionally related to, the land that is subject to the easement if such activities will alter, degrade, or otherwise diminish the functional value of the eligible land; and (IV) the adoption of any other practice that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary; (iii) provide for the efficient and effective establishment of wildlife functions and values; and (iv) include such additional provisions as the Secretary determines are desirable to carry out the program or facilitate the practical administration thereof. (B) Violation On the violation of the terms or conditions of a wetland easement, the wetland easement shall remain in force and the Secretary may require the owner to refund all or part of any payments received by the owner under the program, together with interest thereon as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (C) Compatible uses Land subject to a wetland easement may be used for compatible economic uses, including such activities as hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, or periodic haying or grazing, if such use is specifically permitted by the wetland easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f) and is consistent with the long-term protection and enhancement of the wetland resources for which the easement was established. (D) Reservation of grazing rights The Secretary may include in the terms and conditions of a wetland easement a provision under which the owner reserves grazing rights if— (i) the Secretary determines that the reservation and use of the grazing rights— (I) is compatible with the land subject to the easement; (II) is consistent with the historical natural uses of the land and the long-term protection and enhancement goals for which the easement was established; and (III) complies with the wetland easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f); and (ii) the agreement provides for a commensurate reduction in the easement payment to account for the grazing value, as determined by the Secretary. (6) Compensation (A) Determination (i) Permanent easements The Secretary shall pay as compensation for a permanent wetland easement acquired under the program an amount necessary to encourage enrollment in the program, based on the lowest of— (I) the fair market value of the land, as determined by the Secretary, using the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice or an area-wide market analysis or survey; (II) the amount corresponding to a geographical cap, as determined by the Secretary in regulations; or (III) the offer made by the landowner. (ii) 30-year easements Compensation for a 30-year wetland easement shall be not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the compensation that would be paid for a permanent wetland easement. (B) Form of payment Compensation for a wetland easement shall be provided by the Secretary in the form of a cash payment, in an amount determined under subparagraph (A). (C) Payment schedule (i) Easements valued at $500,000 or less For wetland easements valued at $500,000 or less, the Secretary may provide easement payments in not more than 10 annual payments. (ii) Easements valued at more than $500,000 For wetland easements valued at more than $500,000, the Secretary may provide easement payments in at least 5, but not more than 10 annual payments, except that, if the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program, the Secretary may make a lump-sum payment for such an easement. (c) Easement restoration (1) In general The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to owners of eligible land to carry out the establishment of conservation measures and practices and protect wetland functions and values, including necessary maintenance activities, as set forth in a wetland easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f). (2) Payments The Secretary shall— (A) in the case of a permanent wetland easement, pay an amount that is not less than 75 percent, but not more than 100 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) in the case of a 30-year wetland easement, pay an amount that is not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Technical assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall assist owners in complying with the terms and conditions of wetland easements. (2) Contracts or agreements The Secretary may enter into 1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements with a State, non-governmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out necessary restoration, enhancement, or maintenance of a wetland easement if the Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will advance the purposes of the program. (e) Wetland enhancement option The Secretary may enter into 1 or more agreements with a State (including a political subdivision or agency of a State), nongovernmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out a special wetland enhancement option that the Secretary determines would advance the purposes of program. (f) Administration (1) Wetland easement plan The Secretary shall develop a wetland easement plan for eligible lands subject to a wetland easement, which shall include practices and activities necessary to restore, protect, enhance, and maintain the enrolled lands. (2) Delegation of easement administration The Secretary may delegate— (A) any of the easement management, monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary to other Federal or State agencies that have the appropriate authority, expertise, and resources necessary to carry out such delegated responsibilities; and (B) any of the easement management responsibilities of the Secretary to other conservation organizations if the Secretary determines the organization has the appropriate expertise and resources. (3) Payments (A) Timing of payments The Secretary shall provide payment for obligations incurred by the Secretary under this section— (i) with respect to any easement restoration obligation under subsection (c), as soon as possible after the obligation is incurred; and (ii) with respect to any annual easement payment obligation incurred by the Secretary, as soon as possible after October 1 of each calendar year. (B) Payments to others If an owner who is entitled to a payment under this section dies, becomes incompetent, is otherwise unable to receive such payment, or is succeeded by another person or entity who renders or completes the required performance, the Secretary shall make such payment, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary and without regard to any other provision of law, in such manner as the Secretary determines is fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances. 1265D. Administration (a) Ineligible land The Secretary may not use program funds for the purposes of acquiring an easement on— (1) lands owned by an agency of the United States, other than land held in trust for Indian tribes; (2) lands owned in fee title by a State, including an agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of local government; (3) land subject to an easement or deed restriction which, as determined by the Secretary, provides similar protection as would be provided by enrollment in the program; or (4) lands where the purposes of the program would be undermined due to on-site or off-site conditions, such as risk of hazardous substances, proposed or existing rights of way, infrastructure development, or adjacent land uses. (b) Priority In evaluating applications under the program, the Secretary may give priority to land that is currently enrolled in the conservation reserve program in a contract that is set to expire within 1 year and— (1) in the case of an agricultural land easement, is grassland that would benefit from protection under a long-term easement; and (2) in the case of a wetland easement, is a wetland or related area with the highest functions and value and is likely to return to production after the land leaves the conservation reserve program. (c) Subordination, exchange, modification, and termination (1) In general The Secretary may subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the Secretary determines that— (A) it is in the Federal Government’s interest to subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate the interest in land; (B) the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action— (i) will address a compelling public need for which there is no practicable alternative; or (ii) such action will further the practical administration of the program; and (C) the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action will result in comparable conservation value and equivalent or greater economic value to the United States. (2) Consultation The Secretary shall work with the owner, and eligible entity if applicable, to address any subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of the interest, or portion of such interest, in land. (3) Notice At least 90 days before taking any termination action described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide written notice of such action to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. (d) Land enrolled in conservation reserve program The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under section 1231(a) if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the program. (e) Allocation of funds for agricultural land easements Of the funds made available under section 1241 to carry out the program for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, use for agricultural land easements— (1) no less than 40 percent in each of fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (2) no less than 50 percent in fiscal year 2018. . (b) Compliance with certain requirements Before an eligible entity or owner of eligible land may receive assistance under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, the eligible entity or person shall agree, during the crop year for which the assistance is provided and in exchange for the assistance— (1) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ); and (2) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ). (c) Cross reference; calculation Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3844 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (A); (ii) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); and (iii) by striking subparagraph (C); (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (2) the agricultural conservation easement program established under subtitle H; and ; and (2) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking programs administered under subchapters B and C of chapter 1 of subtitle D and inserting conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D and wetland easements under section 1265C ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking an easement acquired under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D and inserting a wetland easement under section 1265C ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) Calculation In calculating the percentages described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include any acreage that was included in calculations of percentages made under such paragraph, as in effect on September 30, 2013, and that remains enrolled when the calculation is made after that date under paragraph (1). . (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. E Regional Conservation Partnership Program 2401. Regional conservation partnership program (a) In general Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after subtitle H, as added by section 2301, the following new subtitle: I Regional Conservation Partnership Program 1271. Establishment and purposes (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a regional conservation partnership program to implement eligible activities on eligible land through— (1) partnership agreements with eligible partners; and (2) contracts with producers. (b) Purposes The purposes of the program are as follows: (1) To use covered programs to accomplish purposes and functions similar to those of the following programs, as in effect on September 30, 2013: (A) The agricultural water enhancement program established under section 1240I. (B) The Chesapeake Bay watershed program established under section 1240Q. (C) The cooperative conservation partnership initiative established under section 1243. (D) The Great Lakes basin program for soil erosion and sediment control established under section 1240P. (2) To further the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife, and related natural resources on eligible land on a regional or watershed scale. (3) To encourage eligible partners to cooperate with producers in— (A) meeting or avoiding the need for national, State, and local natural resource regulatory requirements related to production on eligible land; and (B) implementing projects that will result in the carrying out of eligible activities that affect multiple agricultural or nonindustrial private forest operations on a local, regional, State, or multistate basis. 1271A. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Covered program The term covered program means the following: (A) The agricultural conservation easement program. (B) The environmental quality incentives program. (C) The conservation stewardship program. (D) The healthy forests reserve program established under section 501 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6571 ). (2) Eligible activity The term eligible activity means any of the following conservation activities: (A) Water quality or quantity conservation, restoration, or enhancement projects relating to surface water and groundwater resources, including— (i) the conversion of irrigated cropland to the production of less water-intensive agricultural commodities or dryland farming; or (ii) irrigation system improvement and irrigation efficiency enhancement. (B) Drought mitigation. (C) Flood prevention. (D) Water retention. (E) Air quality improvement. (F) Habitat conservation, restoration, and enhancement. (G) Erosion control and sediment reduction. (H) Other related activities that the Secretary determines will help achieve conservation benefits. (3) Eligible land The term eligible land means land on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-related products are produced, including— (A) cropland; (B) grassland; (C) rangeland; (D) pastureland; (E) nonindustrial private forest land; and (F) other land incidental to agricultural production (including wetlands and riparian buffers) on which significant natural resource issues could be addressed under the program. (4) Eligible partner The term eligible partner means any of the following: (A) An agricultural or silvicultural producer association or other group of producers. (B) A State or unit of local government. (C) An Indian tribe. (D) A farmer cooperative. (E) A water district, irrigation district, rural water district or association, or other organization with specific water delivery authority to producers on agricultural land. (F) An institution of higher education. (G) An organization or entity with an established history of working cooperatively with producers on agricultural land, as determined by the Secretary, to address— (i) local conservation priorities related to agricultural production, wildlife habitat development, or nonindustrial private forest land management; or (ii) critical watershed-scale soil erosion, water quality, sediment reduction, or other natural resource issues. (5) Partnership agreement The term partnership agreement means an agreement entered into under section 1271B between the Secretary and an eligible partner. (6) Program The term program means the regional conservation partnership program established by this subtitle. 1271B. Regional conservation partnerships (a) Partnership agreements authorized The Secretary may enter into a partnership agreement with an eligible partner to implement a project that will assist producers with installing and maintaining an eligible activity on eligible land. (b) Length A partnership agreement shall be for a period not to exceed 5 years, except that the Secretary may extend the agreement one time for up to 12 months when an extension is necessary to meet the objectives of the program. (c) Duties of partners (1) In general Under a partnership agreement, the eligible partner shall— (A) define the scope of a project, including— (i) the eligible activities to be implemented; (ii) the potential agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land operations affected; (iii) the local, State, multistate, or other geographic area covered; and (iv) the planning, outreach, implementation, and assessment to be conducted; (B) conduct outreach to producers for potential participation in the project; (C) at the request of a producer, act on behalf of a producer participating in the project in applying for assistance under section 1271C; (D) leverage financial or technical assistance provided by the Secretary with additional funds to help achieve the project objectives; (E) conduct an assessment of the project’s effects; and (F) at the conclusion of the project, report to the Secretary on its results and funds leveraged. (2) Contribution An eligible partner shall provide a significant portion of the overall costs of the scope of the project that is the subject of the agreement entered into under subsection (a), as determined by the Secretary. (d) Applications (1) Competitive process The Secretary shall conduct a competitive process to select applications for partnership agreements and may assess and rank applications with similar conservation purposes as a group. (2) Criteria used In carrying out the process described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make public the criteria used in evaluating applications. (3) Content An application to the Secretary shall include a description of— (A) the scope of the project, as described in subsection (c)(1)(A); (B) the plan for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on progress made toward achieving the project’s objectives; (C) the program resources requested for the project, including the covered programs to be used and estimated funding needed from the Secretary; (D) eligible partners collaborating to achieve project objectives, including their roles, responsibilities, capabilities, and financial contribution; and (E) any other elements the Secretary considers necessary to adequately evaluate and competitively select applications for funding under the program. (4) Priority to certain applications The Secretary may give a higher priority to applications that— (A) assist producers in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory requirement; (B) have a high percentage of eligible producers in the area to be covered by the agreement; (C) significantly leverage non-Federal financial and technical resources and coordinate with other local, State, or national efforts; (D) deliver high percentages of applied conservation to address conservation priorities or regional, State, or national conservation initiatives; (E) provide innovation in conservation methods and delivery, including outcome-based performance measures and methods; or (F) meet other factors that are important for achieving the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary. 1271C. Assistance to producers (a) In general The Secretary shall enter into contracts with producers to provide financial and technical assistance to— (1) producers participating in a project with an eligible partner, as described in section 1271B; or (2) producers that fit within the scope of a project described in section 1271B or a critical conservation area designated under section 1271F, but who are seeking to implement an eligible activity on eligible land independent of a partner. (b) Terms and conditions (1) Consistency with program rules Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall ensure that the terms and conditions of a contract under this section are consistent with the applicable rules of the covered programs to be used as part of the project, as described in the application under section 1271B(d)(3)(C). (2) Adjustments Except with respect to statutory program requirements governing appeals, payment limitations, and conservation compliance, the Secretary may adjust the discretionary program rules of a covered program— (A) to provide a simplified application and evaluation process; and (B) to better reflect unique local circumstances and purposes if the Secretary determines such adjustments are necessary to achieve the purposes of the program. (c) Payments (1) In general In accordance with statutory requirements of the covered programs involved, the Secretary may make payments to a producer in an amount determined by the Secretary to be necessary to achieve the purposes of the program. (2) Payments to producers in States with water quantity concerns The Secretary may provide payments to producers participating in a project that addresses water quantity concerns for a period of five years in an amount sufficient to encourage conversion from irrigated farming to dryland farming. (3) Waiver authority To assist in the implementation of the program, the Secretary may waive the applicability of the limitation in section 1001D(b)(2) of this Act for participating producers if the Secretary determines that the waiver is necessary to fulfill the objectives of the program. 1271D. Funding (a) Availability of funds The Secretary shall use $100,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out the program. (b) Duration of availability Funds made available under subsection (a) shall remain available until expended. (c) Additional funding and acres (1) In general In addition to the funds made available under subsection (a), the Secretary shall reserve 6 percent of the funds and acres made available for a covered program for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 in order to ensure additional resources are available to carry out this program. (2) Unused funds and acres Any funds or acres reserved under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from a covered program that are not obligated under this program by April 1 of that fiscal year shall be returned for use under the covered program. (d) Allocation of funding Of the funds and acres made available for the program under subsections (a) and (c), the Secretary shall allocate— (1) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a State competitive process administered by the State Conservationist, with the advice of the State technical committee established under subtitle G; (2) 50 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a national competitive process to be established by the Secretary; and (3) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects for the critical conservation areas designated under section 1271F. (e) Limitation on administrative expenses None of the funds made available under the program may be used to pay for the administrative expenses of eligible partners. 1271E. Administration (a) Disclosure In addition to the criteria used in evaluating applications as described in section 1271B(d)(2), the Secretary shall make publicly available information on projects selected through the competitive process described in section 1271B(d)(1). (b) Reporting Not later than December 31, 2014, and every two years 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 report on the status of projects funded under the program, including— (1) the number and types of eligible partners and producers participating in the partnership agreements selected; (2) the number of producers receiving assistance; and (3) total funding committed to projects, including from Federal and non-Federal resources. 1271F. Critical conservation areas (a) In general In administering funds under section 1271D(d)(3), the Secretary shall select applications for partnership agreements and producer contracts within critical conservation areas designated under this section. (b) Critical conservation area designations (1) Priority In designating critical conservation areas under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to geographical areas based on the degree to which the geographical area— (A) includes multiple States with significant agricultural production; (B) is covered by an existing regional, State, binational, or multistate agreement or plan that has established objectives, goals, and work plans and is adopted by a Federal, State, or regional authority; (C) would benefit from water quality improvement, including through reducing erosion, promoting sediment control, and addressing nutrient management activities affecting large bodies of water of regional, national, or international significance; (D) would benefit from water quantity improvement, including improvement relating to— (i) groundwater, surface water, aquifer, or other water sources; or (ii) a need to promote water retention and flood prevention; or (E) contains producers that need assistance in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory requirement that could have a negative economic impact on agricultural operations within the area. (2) Limitation The Secretary may not designate more than 8 geographical areas as critical conservation areas under this section. (c) Administration (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall administer any partnership agreement or producer contract under this section in a manner that is consistent with the terms of the program. (2) Relationship to existing activity The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that eligible activities carried out in critical conservation areas designated under this section complement and are consistent with other Federal and State programs and water quality and quantity strategies. (3) Additional authority For a critical conservation area described in subsection (b)(1)(D), the Secretary may use authorities under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq. ), other than section 14 of such Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012 ), to carry out projects for the purposes of this section. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. F Other Conservation Programs 2501. Conservation of private grazing land Section 1240M(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 2502. Grassroots source water protection program Section 1240O(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–2 ) is amended to read as follows: (b) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018. (2) Availability of funds In addition to funds made available under paragraph (1), of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use $5,000,000, to remain available until expended. . 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program (a) Funding Section 1240R(f)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5(f)(1) ) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: and $30,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Report on program effectiveness Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 evaluating the effectiveness of the voluntary public access program established by section 1240R of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5 ), including— (1) identifying cooperating agencies; (2) identifying the number of land holdings and total acres enrolled by each State and tribal government; (3) evaluating the extent of improved access on eligible lands, improved wildlife habitat, and related economic benefits; and (4) any other relevant information and data relating to the program that would be helpful to such committees. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program (a) Funding Subsection (c) of section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3851 ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Funding (1) In general The Secretary may carry out the ACES program using funds made available to carry out each program under this title. (2) Exclusion Funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program may not be used to carry out the ACES program. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program (a) Availability of Funds Section 14(h)(1) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(1) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; (3) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (H) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain available until expended. . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 14(h)(2)(E) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 2506. Agricultural management assistance program (a) Uses Section 524(b)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (B) and redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (F) as subparagraphs (B) through (E), respectively; and (2) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking or resource conservation practices ; and (B) by striking clause (i) and redesignating clauses (ii) through (iv) as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively. (b) Commodity Credit Corporation (1) Funding Section 524(b)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(B) ) is amended to read as follows: (B) Funding The Commodity Credit Corporation shall make available to carry out this subsection not less than $10,000,000 for each fiscal year. . (2) Certain uses Section 524(b)(4)(C) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(C) ) is amended— (A) in clause (i)— (i) by striking 50 and inserting 30 ; and (ii) by striking (A), (B), and (C) and inserting (A) and (B) ; and (B) in clause (iii), by striking 40 and inserting 60 . 2507. Emergency watershed protection program Section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2203 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: In evaluating requests for assistance under this section, the Secretary shall give priority consideration to projects that address runoff retardation and soil-erosion preventive measures needed to mitigate the risks and remediate the effects of catastrophic wildfire on land that is the source of drinking water for landowners and land users. . G Funding and Administration 2601. Funding (a) In general Subsection (a) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended to read as follows: (a) Annual funding For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the following programs under this title (including the provision of technical assistance): (1) The conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D, including, to the maximum extent practicable, $25,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out section 1235(f) to facilitate the transfer of land subject to contracts from retired or retiring owners and operators to beginning farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. (2) The agriculture conservation easement program under subtitle H, using, to the maximum extent practicable— (A) $425,000,000 in fiscal year 2014; (B) $450,000,000 in fiscal year 2015; (C) $475,000,000 in fiscal year 2016; (D) $500,000,000 in fiscal year 2017; and (E) $200,000,000 in fiscal year 2018. (3) The conservation security program under subchapter A of chapter 2 of subtitle D, using such sums as are necessary to administer contracts entered into before September 30, 2008. (4) The conservation stewardship program under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D. (5) The environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D, using, to the maximum extent practicable, $1,750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Regional equity; guaranteed availability of funds Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (d); (2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: (b) Availability of funds Amounts made available by subsection (a) shall be used by the Secretary to carry out the programs specified in such subsection for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 and shall remain available until expended. Amounts made available for the programs specified in such subsection during a fiscal year through modifications, cancellations, terminations, and other related administrative actions and not obligated in that fiscal year shall remain available for obligation during subsequent fiscal years, but shall reduce the amount of additional funds made available in the subsequent fiscal year by an amount equal to the amount remaining unobligated. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2602. Technical assistance (a) In general Subsection (c) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ), as redesignated by section 2601(b)(2) of this Act, is amended to read as follows: (c) Technical assistance (1) Availability of funds Commodity Credit Corporation funds made available for a fiscal year for each of the programs specified in subsection (a)— (A) shall be available for the provision of technical assistance for the programs for which funds are made available as necessary to implement the programs effectively; and (B) shall not be available for the provision of technical assistance for conservation programs specified in subsection (a) other than the program for which the funds were made available. (2) Report Not later than December 31, 2013, the Secretary shall submit (and update as necessary in subsequent years) to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report— (A) detailing the amount of technical assistance funds requested and apportioned in each program specified in subsection (a) during the preceding fiscal year; and (B) any other data relating to this subsection that would be helpful to such committees. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2603. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access (a) In general Subsection (g) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) Preference In providing assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )) that qualifies under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1). . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2604. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance (a) In general Subsection (h) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking wetlands reserve program and inserting agricultural conservation easement program ; (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and (3) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking agricultural water enhancement program and inserting regional conservation partnership program ; and (B) by striking 1240I(g) and inserting 1271C(c)(3) . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2605. Review of conservation practice standards Section 1242(h)(1)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3842(h)(1)(A) ) is amended by striking the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and inserting the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . 2606. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation programs (a) In general Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3844 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )). ; (2) in subsection (d), by inserting , H, and I before the period at the end; (3) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking country and inserting county ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by striking subsection (c)(2)(B) or (f)(4) and inserting subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii) or (f)(2) ; (4) in subsection (h)(2), by inserting , including, to the extent practicable, practices that maximize benefits for honey bees after pollinators ; and (5) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (j) Improved administrative efficiency and effectiveness In administrating a conservation program under this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining conservation planning and program resources; and (2) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. (k) Relation to other payments Any payment received by an owner or operator under this title, including an easement payment or rental payment, shall be in addition to, and not affect, the total amount of payments that the owner or operator is otherwise eligible to receive under any of the following: (1) This Act. (2) The Agricultural Act of 1949 ( 7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq. ). (3) The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. (4) Any law that succeeds a law specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3). . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2607. Standards for State technical committees Section 1261(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3861(b) ) is amended by striking Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary shall develop and inserting The Secretary shall review and update as necessary . 2608. Rulemaking authority Subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1246. Regulations (a) In general The Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement programs under this title, including such regulations as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under section 1244(f). (b) Rulemaking procedure The promulgation of regulations and administration of programs under this title— (1) shall be carried out without regard to— (A) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and (B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act); and (2) shall be made pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, including by interim rules effective on publication under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of subsection (b) of such section if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed and final rules, with an opportunity for notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. . 2609. Wetlands mitigation Section 1222 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3822 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (2)(D), by striking unless more acreage is needed to provide equivalent functions and values that will be lost as a result of the wetland conversion to be mitigated ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(E)— (i) by inserting not before greater than ; and (ii) by striking if more acreage is needed to provide equivalent functions and values that will be lost as a result of the wetland conversion that is mitigated ; and (2) by striking subsection (g). 2610. Lesser prairie-chicken conservation report (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 report containing the results of a review and analysis of each of the programs administered by the Secretary that pertain to the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken, including the conservation reserve program, the environmental quality incentives program, the wildlife habitat incentive program, and the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative. (b) Contents The Secretary shall include in the report required by this section, at a minimum— (1) with respect to each program described in subsection (a) as it relates to the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken, findings regarding— (A) the cost of the program to the Federal Government, impacted State governments, and the private sector; (B) the conservation effectiveness of the program; and (C) the cost-effectiveness of the program; and (2) a ranking of the programs described in subsection (a) based on their relative cost-effectiveness. H Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 1230 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment The heading of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq. ) is amended to read as follows: Conservation Reserve . 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program (a) Repeal Section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831a ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831a ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2703. Wetlands reserve program (a) Repeal Subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program (a) Repeal Subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment The heading of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838 et seq. ) is amended by striking and Farmland Protection . (c) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendments made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2705. Grassland reserve program (a) Repeal Subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program (a) Repeal Section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq. ) to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2708. Great Lakes basin program (a) Repeal Section 1240P of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–3 ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program (a) Repeal Section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative (a) Repeal Section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3843 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3843 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2711. Environmental easement program Chapter 3 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839 et seq. ) is repealed. 2712. Technical amendments (a) Definitions Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3801(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking E and inserting I . (b) Program ineligibility Section 1211(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811(a) ) is amended by striking predominate each place it appears and inserting predominant . (c) Specialty crop producers Section 1242(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3842(i) ) is amended in the header by striking Speciality and inserting Specialty . III Trade A Food for Peace Act 3001. General authority Section 201 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1721 ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting (to be implemented by the Administrator) after under this title ; and (2) by striking paragraph (7) and the second sentence and inserting the following new paragraph: (7) build resilience to mitigate and prevent food crises and reduce the future need for emergency aid. . 3002. Support for organizations through which assistance is provided Section 202(e)(1) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1722(e)(1) ) is amended by striking 13 percent and inserting 11 percent . 3003. Food aid quality Section 202(h) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1722(h) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)— (i) by striking The Administrator shall use funds made available for fiscal year 2009 and inserting In consultation with the Secretary, the Administrator shall use funds made available for fiscal year 2013 ; and (ii) by inserting to establish a mechanism after this title ; (B) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); and (C) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs: (C) to evaluate, as necessary, the use of current and new agricultural commodities and products thereof in different program settings and for particular recipient groups, including the testing of prototypes; (D) to establish and implement appropriate protocols for quality assurance of food products procured by the Secretary for food aid programs; and (E) to periodically update program guidelines on the recommended use of agricultural commodities and food products in food aid programs to reflect findings from the implementation of this subsection and other relevant information. ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking The Administrator and inserting In consultation with the Secretary, the Administrator ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking section 207(f) and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: section 207(f)— (A) for fiscal years 2009 through 2013, not more than $4,500,000 may be used to carry out this subsection; and (B) for fiscal years 2014 through 2018, not more than $1,000,000 may be used to carry out this subsection. . 3004. Minimum levels of assistance Section 204(a) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1724(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group (a) Membership Section 205(b) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1725(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking and at the end of paragraph (6); (2) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph: (7) representatives from the United States agricultural processing sector involved in providing agricultural commodities for programs under this Act; and . (b) Consultation Section 205(d) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1725(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking the first sentence and inserting the following: (1) Consultation in advance of issuance of implementation regulations, handbooks, and guidelines Not later than 45 days before a proposed regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this title, or a proposed significant revision to a regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this title, becomes final, the Administrator shall provide the proposal to the Group for review and comment. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Consultation regarding food aid quality efforts The Administrator shall seek input from and consult with the Group on the implementation of section 202(h). . (c) Reauthorization Section 205(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1725(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation (a) Regulations and guidance Section 207(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(c) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by inserting and Guidance after Regulations ; (2) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new sentence: Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , the Administrator shall issue all regulations and revisions to agency guidance necessary to implement the amendments made to this title by such Act. ; and (3) in paragraph (2), by inserting and guidance after develop regulations . (b) Funding Section 207(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)— (A) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (D); (B) by striking ; and at the end of subparagraph (E) and inserting the period; and (C) by striking subparagraph (F); (2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and (3) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and (4) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking 2012 and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 2013, and up to $10,000,000 of such funds for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (c) Implementation reports Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Agency for International Development shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committees on Agriculture and Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report describing— (1) the implementation of section 207(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(c) ); (2) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements for programs conducted under title II of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq. ) by an eligible organization that is a nongovernmental organization (as such term is defined in section 402 of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1732 )); and (3) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements for such programs by an eligible organization that is an intergovernmental organization, such as the World Food Program or other multilateral organization. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726b(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3008. General provisions (a) Impact on Local Farmers and Economy Section 403(b) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733(b) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: The Secretary or the Administrator, as appropriate, shall seek information, as part of the regular proposal and submission process, from implementing agencies on the potential benefits to the local economy of sales of agricultural commodities within the recipient country. . (b) Prevention of price disruptions Section 403(e) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2), by striking reasonable market price and inserting fair market value ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Coordination on assessments The Secretary and the Administrator shall coordinate in assessments to carry out paragraph (1) and in the development of approaches to be used by implementing agencies for determining the fair market value described in paragraph (2). . (c) Report on use of funds Section 403 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (m) Report on use of funds Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report— (1) specifying the amount of funds (including funds for administrative costs, indirect cost recovery, and internal transportation, storage and handling, and associated distribution costs) provided to each eligible organization that received assistance under this Act in the previous fiscal year; and (2) describing how those funds were used by the eligible organization. . 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities Section 407(c)(4) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736a(c)(4) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (B) by striking for each such fiscal year not more than $10,000,000 of such funds and inserting for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2013 not more than $10,000,000 of such funds and for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 not more than $15,000,000 of such funds ; and (2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (B) Additional prepositioning sites The Administrator may establish additional sites for prepositioning in foreign countries or change the location of current sites for prepositioning in foreign countries after conducting, and based on the results of, assessments of need, the availability of appropriate technology for long-term storage, feasibility, and cost. . 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities Section 407(f)(1) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736a(f)(1) ) is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking agricultural trade and inserting food aid ; (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: and the total number of beneficiaries of the project and the activities carried out through such project ; and (3) in subparagraph (B)(iii)— (A) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by inserting , and the total number of beneficiaries in, after commodities made available to ; (B) by striking and at the end of subclause (I); (C) by inserting and at the end of subclause (II); and (D) by inserting after subclause (II) the following new subclause: (III) the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program established by section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1 ); . 3011. 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 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3012. Authorization of appropriations (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 412(a)(1) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736f(a)(1) ) is amended by striking for fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter, $2,500,000,000 and inserting $2,500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013 and $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance Paragraph (1) of section 412(e) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736f(e) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Funds and commodities For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, of the amounts made available to carry out emergency and nonemergency food assistance programs under title II, not less than $400,000,000 shall be expended for nonemergency food assistance programs under such title. . 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs (a) Elimination of obsolete reference to study Section 415(a)(2)(B) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(a)(2)(B) ) is amended by striking , using recommendations and all that follows through quality enhancements . (b) Extension Section 415(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1737 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2013, and not less than the greater of $15,000,000 or 0.5 percent of the amounts made available for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, ; and (2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . B Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 3101. Funding for export credit guarantee program Section 211(b) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5641(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3102. Funding for market access program Section 211(c)(1)(A) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5641(c)(1)(A) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program Section 703(a) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5723(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Other Agricultural Trade Laws 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985 (a) Extension The Food for Progress Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o ) is amended— (1) in subsection (f)(3), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (2) in subsection (g), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (3) in subsection (k), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (4) in subsection (l)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Repeal of completed project Subsection (f) of the Food for Progress Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o ) is amended by striking paragraph (6). 3202. 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 2012 both places it appears and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (h), by striking 2012 both places it appears and inserting 2018 . 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets (a) Direct credits or export credit guarantees Section 1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101–624 ; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Development of agricultural systems Section 1542(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101–624 ; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (a) Reauthorization Section 3107(l)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(l)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Technical correction Section 3107(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(d) ) is amended by striking to in the matter preceding paragraph (1). 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops (a) Purpose Section 3205(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5680(b) ) is amended by striking related barriers to trade and inserting technical barriers to trade . (b) Funding Section 3205(e)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5680(e)(2) ) is amended— (1) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (C); and (2) by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (D) $9,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2018. . (c) U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish study Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct an economic study on the existing market in the United States for U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust Section 3202(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 22 U.S.C. 2220a note) is amended by striking section and all that follows through the period and inserting the following: section— (1) $60,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 3207. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services (a) In general Subtitle B of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 225 ( 7 U.S.C. 6931 ) the following new section: 225A. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services (a) Authorization The Secretary is authorized to establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services. (b) Confirmation required If the Secretary establishes the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (c) Functions of under secretary (1) Principal functions Upon establishment, the Secretary shall delegate to the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services those functions under the jurisdiction of the Department that are related to foreign agricultural services. (2) Additional functions The Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services shall perform such other functions as may be required by law or prescribed by the Secretary. (d) Succession Any official who is serving as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services on the date of the enactment of this section and who was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall not be required to be reappointed under subsection (b) or section 225(b) to the successor position authorized under subsection (a) or section 225(a) if the Secretary establishes the position, and the official occupies the new position, with 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section (or such later date set by the Secretary if litigation delays rapid succession). . (b) Conforming amendments Section 225 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6931 ) is amended— (1) by striking Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services each place it appears and inserting Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Services ; and (2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking and foreign agricultural . (c) Permanent authority Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (6)(C), by striking or at the end; (2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (8) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services in accordance with section 225A; . 3208. Department of Agriculture certificates of origin The Secretary of Agriculture shall seek to ensure that Department of Agriculture certificates of origin are accepted by any country with respect to which the United States has entered into a free trade agreement providing for preferential duty treatment. IV Credit A Farm ownership loans 4001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans (a) In general Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking (a) In general.— The and inserting the following: (a) In general (1) Eligibility requirements The ; (2) in the 1st sentence, by inserting after limited liability companies the following: , and such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; (3) in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1) through (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively; (4) in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking and limited liability companies each place it appears and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) in the 3rd sentence, by striking (3) and (4) and inserting (C) and (D) , respectively; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (2) Special deeming rules (A) Eligibility of certain operating-only entities An entity that is or will become only the operator of a family farm is deemed to meet the owner-operator requirements of paragraph (1) if the individuals that are the owners of the family farm own more than 50 percent (or such other percentage as the Secretary determines is appropriate) of the entity. (B) Eligibility of certain embedded entities An entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph (1), or an operator described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph that is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities, is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . (b) Direct farm ownership experience requirement Section 302(b)(1) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922(b)(1) ) is amended by inserting or has other acceptable experience for a period of time, as determined by the Secretary, after 3 years . (c) Conforming amendments (1) Section 304(c)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(c)(2) ) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 302(a) and inserting clauses (A) and (B) of section 302(a)(1) . (2) Section 310D of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1934 ) is amended— (A) by inserting after partnership the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; and (B) by striking or partners each place it appears and inserting partners, or owners . 4002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program (a) Eligibility Section 304(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(c) ) is amended by inserting after limited liability companies the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, . (b) Limitation on loan guarantee amount Section 304(e) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(e) ) is amended by striking 75 percent and inserting 90 percent . (c) Extension of program Section 304(h) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4003. Down payment loan program (a) In general Section 310E(b)(1)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1935(b)(1)(C) ) is amended by striking $500,000 and inserting $667,000 . (b) Technical correction Section 310E(b) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1935(b) ) is amended by striking the 2nd paragraph (2). 4004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement Section 307 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1927 ) is amended by striking subsection (d) and redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d). B Operating loans 4101. Eligibility for farm operating loans Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking (a) In general.— The and inserting the following: (a) In general (1) Eligibility requirements The ; (2) in the 1st sentence, by inserting after limited liability companies the following: , and such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; (3) in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1) through (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively; (4) in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking and limited liability companies each place it appears and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) in the 3rd sentence, by striking (3) and (4) and inserting (C) and (D) , respectively; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (2) Special deeming rule An entity that is an operator described in paragraph (1) that is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities, is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . 4102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth Section 311(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(b)(1) ) is amended by striking who are rural residents . 4103. Authority to waive personal liability for youth loans due to circumstances beyond borrower control Section 311(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(b) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) The Secretary may, on a case-by-case basis, waive the personal liability of a borrower for a loan made under this subsection if any default on the loan was due to circumstances beyond the control of the borrower. . 4104. Microloans (a) In general Section 313 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1943 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Microloans (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may establish a program to make or guarantee microloans. (2) Limitation The Secretary shall not make or guarantee a microloan under this subsection that exceeds $35,000 or that would cause the total principal indebtedness outstanding at any 1 time for microloans made under this chapter to any 1 borrower to exceed $70,000. (3) Applications To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall limit the administrative burdens and streamline the application and approval process for microloans under this subsection. (4) Cooperative lending projects (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may contract with community-based and nongovernmental organizations, State entities, or other intermediaries, as the Secretary determines appropriate— (i) to make or guarantee a microloan under this subsection; and (ii) to provide business, financial, marketing, and credit management services to borrowers. (B) Requirements Before contracting with an entity described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary— (i) shall review and approve— (I) the loan loss reserve fund for microloans established by the entity; and (II) the underwriting standards for microloans of the entity; and (ii) establish such other requirements for contracting with the entity as the Secretary determines necessary. . (b) Exceptions for direct loans Section 311(c)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(c)(2) ) is amended to read as follows: (2) Exceptions In this subsection, the term direct operating loan shall not include— (A) a loan made to a youth under subsection (b); or (B) a microloan made to a beginning farmer or rancher or a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ). . (c) Section 312(a) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1942(a) ) is amended by inserting (including a microloan, as defined by the Secretary) after A direct loan . (d) Section 316(a)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1946(a)(2) ) is amended by inserting a microloan to a beginning farmer or rancher or veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ), or after The interest rate on . C Emergency loans 4201. Eligibility for emergency loans Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1961(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking owner-operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle A) or operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B) each place it appears and inserting (in the case of farm ownership loans in accordance with subtitle A) owner-operators or operators, or (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B) operators ; (2) by inserting after limited liability companies the 1st place it appears the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate ; (3) by inserting after limited liability companies the 2nd place it appears the following: , or other legal entities ; (4) by striking and limited liability companies, and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) by striking ownership and operator and inserting ownership or operator ; and (6) by adding at the end the following: An entity that is an owner-operator or operator described in this subsection is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under this subsection if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . D Administrative provisions 4301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program Section 333B(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983b(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4302. Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers (a) Conforming amendments relating to changes in eligibility rules Section 343(a)(11) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11) ) is amended— (1) by inserting after joint operation, the 1st place it appears the following: or such other legal entity as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; (2) by striking or joint operators each place it appears and inserting joint operators, or owners ; and (3) by inserting after joint operation, the 2nd and 3rd place it appears the following: or such other legal entity, . (b) Modification of acreage ownership limitation Section 343(a)(11)(F) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)(F) ) is amended by striking median acreage and inserting average acreage . 4303. Loan authorization levels Section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(1) ) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4304. Priority for participation loans Section 346(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(i) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (III) Priority In order to maximize the number of borrowers served under this clause, the Secretary— (aa) shall give priority to applicants who apply under the down payment loan program under section 310E or joint financing arrangements under section 307(a)(3)(D); and (bb) may offer other financing options under this subtitle to applicants only if the Secretary determines that down payment or other participation loan options are not a viable approach for the applicants. . 4305. Loan fund set-asides Section 346(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) ) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by striking of the total amount . 4306. Conforming amendment to borrower training provision, relating to eligibility changes Section 359(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2006a(c)(2) ) is amended by striking section 302(a)(2) or 311(a)(2) and inserting section 302(a)(1)(B) or 311(a)(1)(B) . E State agricultural mediation programs 4401. State agricultural mediation programs Section 506 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 ( 7 U.S.C. 5106 ) is amended by striking 2015 and inserting 2018 . F Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land 4501. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land The first section of Public Law 91–229 ( 25 U.S.C. 488 ) is amended in subsection (b)(1) by striking pursuant to section 205(c) of the Indian Land Consolidation Act ( 25 U.S.C. 2204(c) ) and inserting or to intermediaries in order to establish revolving loan funds for the purchase of highly fractionated land . V Rural development A Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 5001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants Section 306(a)(2)(B)(vii) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)(vii) ) is amended by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 5002. Rural business opportunity grants Section 306(a)(11)(D) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11)(D) ) is amended by striking $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5003. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant program funds Section 306(a)(19) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (C). 5004. Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities Section 306(a)(24) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(24) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C) Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities The Secretary shall consider the benefits to communities that result from using loan guarantees in the Community Facilities Program and to the maximum extent possible utilize guarantees to enhance community involvement. . 5005. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program Section 306(a)(22) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22) ) is amended to read as follows: (22) Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program (A) In general The Secretary shall continue a national rural water and wastewater circuit rider program that— (i) is consistent with the activities and results of the program conducted before the date of enactment of this paragraph, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) receives funding from the Secretary, acting through the Rural Utilities Service. (B) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. . 5006. Tribal college and university essential community facilities Section 306(a)(25)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C) ) is amended by striking $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5007. Essential community facilities technical assistance and training Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (26) Essential community facilities technical assistance and training (A) In general The Secretary may make grants to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations, such as States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and villages, boroughs, authorities, districts and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations which will serve rural areas for the purpose of enabling them to provide to associations described in this subsection technical assistance and training, with respect to essential community facilities programs authorized under this subsection, to— (i) assist communities in identifying and planning for community facility needs; (ii) identify public and private resources to finance community facilities needs; (iii) prepare reports and surveys necessary to request financial assistance to develop community facilities; (iv) prepare applications for financial assistance; (v) improve the management, including financial management, related to the operation of community facilities; or (vi) assist with other areas of need identified by the Secretary. (B) Selection priority In selecting recipients of grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to private, nonprofit, or public organizations that have experience in providing technical assistance and training to rural entities. (C) Funding Not less than 3 nor more than 5 percent of any funds appropriated to carry out each of the essential community facilities grant, loan and loan guarantee programs as authorized under this subsection for any fiscal year shall be reserved for grants under this paragraph. . 5008. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program Section 306A(i)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926a(i)(2) ) is amended by striking $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $27,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5009. Household water well systems Section 306E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926e(d) ) is amended by striking $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5010. Rural business and industry loan program (a) Flexibility for the business and loan program Section 310B(a)(2)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(a)(2)(A) ) is amended by inserting including working capital after employment . (b) Greater flexibility for adequate collateral through accounts receivable Section 310B(g)(7) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(7) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: In the discretion of the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that the action would not create or otherwise contribute to an unreasonable risk of default or loss to the Federal Government, the Secretary may take account receivables as security for the obligations entered into in connection with loans and a borrower may use account receivables as collateral to secure a loan made or guaranteed under this subsection. . (c) Regulations Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement the amendments made by this section. 5011. Rural cooperative development grants Section 310B(e)(12) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(12) ) is amended by striking $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5012. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(v)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(v)(I) ) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by inserting and not more than 7 percent after 5 percent . 5013. Intermediary relending program (a) In general Subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922–1936a ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 310H. Intermediary relending program (a) In general The Secretary shall make loans to the entities, for the purposes, and subject to the terms and conditions specified in the 1st, 2nd, and last sentences of section 623(a) of the Community Economic Development Act of 1981 ( 42 U.S.C. 9812(a) ). (b) Limitations on authorization of appropriations For loans under subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Conforming amendments Section 1323(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( Public Law 99–198 ; 7 U.S.C. 1932 note) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by adding and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (3) by striking subparagraph (C). 5014. Rural college coordinated strategy Section 331 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1981 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Rural college coordinated strategy The Secretary shall develop a coordinated strategy across the relevant programs within the Rural Development mission areas to serve the specific, local needs of rural communities when making investments in rural community colleges and technical colleges through other current authorities. During the development of a coordinated strategy, the Secretary shall consult with groups representing rural-serving community colleges and technical colleges to coordinate critical investments in rural community colleges and technical colleges involved in workforce training. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to provide a priority for funding within current authorities. The Secretary shall use the coordinated strategy and information developed for the strategy to more effectively serve rural communities with respect to investments in community colleges and technical colleges. . 5015. Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983 ) is amended— (1) by striking require ; (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting require after (1) ; (3) in paragraph (2), by inserting , require after 314 ; (4) in paragraph (3), by inserting require after loans, ; (5) in paragraph (4)— (A) by inserting require after (4) ; and (B) by striking and after the semicolon; (6) in paragraph (5)— (A) by inserting require after (5) ; and (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (7) by adding at the end the following: (6) with respect to water and waste disposal direct and guaranteed loans provided under section 306, encourage, to the maximum extent practicable, private or cooperative lenders to finance rural water and waste disposal facilities by— (A) maximizing the use of loan guarantees to finance eligible projects in rural communities where the population exceeds 5,500; (B) maximizing the use of direct loans to finance eligible projects in rural communities where the impact on rate payers will be material when compared to financing with a loan guarantee; (C) establishing and applying a materiality standard when determining the difference in impact on rate payers between a direct loan and a loan guarantee; (D) in the case of projects that require interim financing in excess of $500,000, requiring that such projects initially seek such financing from private or cooperative lenders; and (E) determining if an existing direct loan borrower can refinance with a private or cooperative lender, including with a loan guarantee, prior to providing a new direct loan. . 5016. Simplified applications (a) In general Section 333A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983a ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (h) Simplified application forms Except as provided in subsection (g)(2) of this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, develop a simplified application process, including a single page application where possible, for grants and relending authorized under sections 306, 306C, 306D, 306E, 310B(b), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(f), 310H, 379B, and 379E. . (b) Report to the Congress Within 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 written report that contains an evaluation of the implementation of the amendment made by subsection (a). 5017. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008p(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 5018. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program Section 379E(d)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008s(d)(2) ) is amended by striking $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5019. Delta Regional Authority (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 382M(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009aa–12(a) ) is amended by striking $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Termination of authority Section 382N of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009aa–13 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5020. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 383N(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009bb–12(a) ) is amended by striking $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Termination of authority Section 383O of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009bb–13 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5021. Rural business investment program Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009cc–18 ) is amended by striking $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . B Rural Electrification Act of 1936 5101. Relending for certain purposes (a) In general The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. ) is amended— (1) in section 2(a), by inserting (including relending for this purpose as provided in section 4) after efficiency ; (2) in section 4(a), by inserting (including relending to ultimate consumers for this purpose by borrowers enumerated in the proviso in this section) after efficiency ; and (3) in section 313(b)(2)(B)— (A) by inserting (acting through the Rural Utilities Service) after Secretary ; and (B) by inserting energy efficiency (including relending to ultimate consumers for this purpose), after promoting . (b) Current authority The authority provided in this section is in addition to any other relending authority of the Secretary under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et. seq.) or any other law. (c) Administration The Secretary (acting through the Rural Utilities Service) shall continue to carry out section 313 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c ) in the same manner as on the day before enactment of this Act until such time as any regulations necessary to carry out the amendments made by this section are fully implemented. 5102. Fees for certain loan guarantees The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. ) is amended by inserting after section 4 the following: 5. Fees for certain loan guarantees (a) In general For electrification baseload generation loan guarantees, the Secretary shall, at the request of the borrower, charge an upfront fee to cover the costs of the loan guarantee. (b) Fee The fee described in subsection (a) for a loan guarantee shall be equal to the costs of the loan guarantee (within the meaning of section 502(5)(C) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 ( 2 U.S.C. 661a(5)(C) )). (c) Limitation Funds received from a borrower to pay the fee described in this section shall not be derived from a loan or other debt obligation that is made or guaranteed by the Federal Government. . 5103. Rural utilities service contracting authority Section 18(c) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 918(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking Rural Electrification Administration each place it appears and inserting Rural Utilities Service ; and (2) in paragraph (4)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by inserting cooperative before agreements ; and (B) by inserting after the 1st sentence the following: A contract funded by a borrower that is to be paid for out of the general funds of the borrower is not a public contract within the meaning of title 41, United States Code. . 5104. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes Section 313A(f) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c–1(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5105. Expansion of 911 access Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940e(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5106. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 950bb ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Priorities In making or guaranteeing loans under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give— (A) the highest priority to applicants that offer to provide broadband service to the greatest proportion of households that, prior to the provision of the broadband service, had no incumbent service provider; and (B) priority to applicants that offer in their applications to provide broadband service not predominantly for business service, but where at least 25 percent of customers in the proposed service territory are commercial interests. ; (2) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (5)— (i) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); (ii) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting a semicolon; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (D) the amount and type of support requested; and (E) a list of the census block groups or tracts proposed to be so served. ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (8) Additional process The Secretary shall establish a process under which an incumbent service provider which, as of the date of the publication of notice under paragraph (5) with respect to an application submitted by the provider, is providing broadband service to a remote rural area, may (but shall not be required to) submit to the Secretary, not less than 15 and not more than 30 days after that date, information regarding the broadband services that the provider offers in the proposed service territory, so that the Secretary may assess whether the application meets the requirements of this section with respect to eligible projects. ; (3) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following: (3) Requirement In considering the technology needs of customers in a proposed service territory, the Secretary shall take into consideration the upgrade or replacement cost for the construction or acquisition of facilities and equipment in the territory. ; and (4) in each of subsections (k)(1) and (l), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Miscellaneous 5201. Distance learning and telemedicine (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 2335A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa–5 ) is amended by striking $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2012 and inserting $65,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Conforming amendment Section 1(b) of Public Law 102–551 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5202. Value-added agricultural market development program grants Section 231(b)(7) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 1632a(b)(7) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by striking 2008 and inserting 2013 ; and (B) by striking $15,000,000 and inserting $50,000,000 ; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5203. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program Section 6402(i) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1632b(i) ) is amended by striking $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5204. Program metrics (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture shall collect data regarding economic activities created through grants and loans, including any technical assistance provided as a component of the grant or loan program, and measure the short and long term viability of award recipients and any entities to whom those recipients provide assistance using award funds under section 231 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 106–224 ), section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107 ), section 313(b)(2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c(b)(2) ), or section 306(a)(11), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(g), 310H, or 379E, or subtitle E, of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11) , 1932(c), 1932(e), 1932(g), 2008s, or 2009 through 2009m). (b) Data The data collected under subsection (a) shall include information collected from recipients both during the award period and after the period as determined by the Secretary, but not less than 2 years after the award period ends. (c) Report Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years 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 report that contains the data described in subsection (a). The report shall include detailed information regarding— (1) actions taken by the Secretary to utilize the data; (2) the number of jobs, including self-employment and the value of salaries and wages; (3) how the provision of funds from the grant or loan involved affected the local economy; (4) any benefit, such as an increase in revenue or customer base; and (5) such other information as the Secretary deems appropriate. 5205. Study of rural transportation issues (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation shall publish an updated version of the study described in section 6206 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (as amended by subsection (b)). (b) Addition to study Section 6206(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1971) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) the sufficiency of infrastructure along waterways in the United States and the impact of such infrastructure on the movement of agricultural goods in terms of safety, efficiency and speed, as well as the benefits derived through upgrades and repairs to locks and dams. . (c) Report to congress Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the Congress the updated version of the study required by subsection (a). 5206. Certain Federal actions not to be considered major In the case of a loan, loan guarantee, or grant program in the rural development mission area of the Department of Agriculture, an action of the Secretary before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act that does not involve the provision by the Department of Agriculture of Federal dollars or a Federal loan guarantee, including— (1) the approval by the Department of Agriculture of the decision of a borrower to commence a privately funded activity; (2) a lien accommodation or subordination; (3) a debt settlement or restructuring; or (4) the restructuring of a business entity by a borrower, shall not be considered a major Federal action. 5207. Telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas Section 2333(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa-2(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking and at the end of paragraph (12); and (2) by redesignating paragraph (13) as paragraph (14) and inserting after paragraph (12) the following: (13) whether the applicant for assistance is located in a designated health professional shortage area (within the meaning of section 332 of the Public Health Service Act) . 5208. Regional economic and infrastructure development Section 15751 of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking Not more than and inserting the following: (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), not more than ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (2) Limited funding In a case in which less than $10,000,000 is made available to a Commission for a fiscal year under this section, paragraph (1) shall not apply. . VI Research, Extension, and Related Matters A National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 6101. Option to be included as non-land-grant college of agriculture Section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraph: (5) Cooperating forestry school (A) In general The term cooperating forestry school means an institution— (i) that is eligible to receive funds under the Act of October 10, 1962 ( 16 U.S.C. 582a et seq. ), commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962; and (ii) with respect to which the Secretary has not received a declaration of the intent of that institution to not be considered a cooperating forestry school. (B) Termination of declaration A declaration of the intent of an institution to not be considered a cooperating forestry school submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect until September 30, 2018. ; and (2) in paragraph (10)— (A) in subparagraph (A)— (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking that ; (ii) in clause (i)— (I) by inserting that before qualify ; and (II) by striking and at the end; (iii) in clause (ii)— (I) by inserting that before offer ; and (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) with respect to which the Secretary has not received a statement of the declaration of the intent of a college or university to not be considered a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university. ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Termination of declaration of intent A declaration of the intent of a college or university to not be considered a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect until September 30, 2018. . 6102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (a) Extension of termination date Section 1408(h) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Duties of National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board Section 1408(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) consult with industry groups on agricultural research, extension, education, and economics, and make recommendations to the Secretary based on that consultation. . 6103. Specialty crop committee Section 1408A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking Measures and inserting Programs ; (2) by striking paragraph (2); (3) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and (4) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Programs that would and inserting Research, extension, and teaching programs designed to improve competitiveness in the specialty crop industry, including programs that would ; (B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting , including improving the quality and taste of processed specialty crops before the semicolon; and (C) in subparagraph (G), by inserting the remote sensing and the before mechanization . 6104. Veterinary services grant program The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1415A ( 7 U.S.C. 3151a ) the following new section: 1415B. Veterinary services grant program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Qualified entity The term qualified entity means— (A) a for-profit or nonprofit entity located in the United States that, or an individual who, operates a veterinary clinic providing veterinary services— (i) in a rural area, as defined in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a) ); and (ii) in a veterinarian shortage situation; (B) a State, national, allied, or regional veterinary organization or specialty board recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association; (C) a college or school of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association; (D) a university research foundation or veterinary medical foundation; (E) a department of veterinary science or department of comparative medicine accredited by the Department of Education; (F) a State agricultural experiment station; or (G) a State, local, or tribal government agency. (2) Veterinarian shortage situation The term veterinarian shortage situation means a veterinarian shortage situation as determined by the Secretary under section 1415A. (b) Establishment (1) Competitive grants The Secretary shall carry out a program to make competitive grants to qualified entities that carry out programs or activities described in paragraph (2) for the purpose of developing, implementing, and sustaining veterinary services. (2) Eligibility requirements A qualified entity shall be eligible to receive a grant described in paragraph (1) if the entity carries out programs or activities that the Secretary determines will— (A) substantially relieve veterinarian shortage situations; (B) support or facilitate private veterinary practices engaged in public health activities; or (C) support or facilitate the practices of veterinarians who are providing or have completed providing services under an agreement entered into with the Secretary under section 1415A(a)(2). (c) Award processes and preferences (1) Application, evaluation, and input processes In administering the grant program established under this section, the Secretary shall— (A) use an appropriate application and evaluation process, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) seek the input of interested persons. (2) Coordination preference In selecting recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes described in subsection (d)(1), the Secretary shall give a preference to qualified entities that provide documentation of coordination with other qualified entities, with respect to any such purpose. (3) Consideration of available funds In selecting recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes described in subsection (d), the Secretary shall take into consideration the amount of funds available for grants and the purposes for which the grant funds will be used. (4) Nature of grants A grant awarded under this section shall be considered to be a competitive research, extension, or education grant. (d) Use of grants To relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a qualified entity may use funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services for any of the following purposes: (A) To promote recruitment (including for programs in secondary schools), placement, and retention of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students of veterinary medicine, and students of veterinary technology. (B) To allow veterinary students, veterinary interns, externs, fellows, and residents, and veterinary technician students to cover expenses (other than the types of expenses described in section 1415A(c)(5)) to attend training programs in food safety or food animal medicine. (C) To establish or expand accredited veterinary education programs (including faculty recruitment and retention), veterinary residency and fellowship programs, or veterinary internship and externship programs carried out in coordination with accredited colleges of veterinary medicine. (D) To provide continuing education and extension, including veterinary telemedicine and other distance-based education, for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other health professionals needed to strengthen veterinary programs and enhance food safety. (E) To provide technical assistance for the preparation of applications submitted to the Secretary for designation as a veterinarian shortage situation under this section or section 1415A. (2) Qualified entities operating veterinary clinics A qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) may only use funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to establish or expand veterinary practices, including— (A) equipping veterinary offices; (B) sharing in the reasonable overhead costs of such veterinary practices, as determined by the Secretary; or (C) establishing mobile veterinary facilities in which a portion of the facilities will address education or extension needs. (e) Special requirements for certain grants (1) Terms of service requirements (A) In general Funds provided through a grant made under this section to a qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) and used by such entity under subsection (d)(2) shall be subject to an agreement between the Secretary and such entity that includes a required term of service for such entity (including a qualified entity operating as an individual), as prospectively established by the Secretary. (B) Considerations In establishing a term of service under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider only— (i) the amount of the grant awarded; and (ii) the specific purpose of the grant. (2) Breach remedies (A) In general An agreement under paragraph (1) shall provide remedies for any breach of the agreement by the qualified entity referred to in paragraph (1)(A), including repayment or partial repayment of the grant funds, with interest. (B) Waiver The Secretary may grant a waiver of the repayment obligation for breach of contract if the Secretary determines that such qualified entity demonstrates extreme hardship or extreme need. (C) Treatment of amounts recovered Funds recovered under this paragraph shall— (i) be credited to the account available to carry out this section; and (ii) remain available until expended without further appropriation. (f) Prohibition on use of grant funds for construction Except as provided in subsection (d)(2), funds made available for grants under this section may not be used— (1) to construct a new building or facility; or (2) to acquire, expand, remodel, or alter an existing building or facility, including site grading and improvement and architect fees. (g) Regulations Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this section. (h) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended. . 6105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education Section 1417(m) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3152(m) ) is amended by striking section $60,000,000 and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1990 through 2013; and (2) $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6106. Policy research centers Section 1419A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3155 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting Agricultural and food before policy ; (2) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1)— (A) by striking Secretary may and inserting Secretary shall, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, ; (B) by striking make grants, competitive grants, and special research grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements and other contracting instruments with, and inserting make competitive grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, ; and (C) by inserting with a history of providing unbiased, nonpartisan economic analysis to Congress after subsection (b) ; (3) in subsection (b), by striking other research institutions and all that follows through shall be eligible and inserting and other public research institutions and organizations shall be eligible ; (4) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; (5) by inserting after subsection (b), the following new subsection: (c) Preference In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give a preference to policy research centers that have extensive databases, models, and demonstrated experience in providing Congress with agricultural market projections, rural development analysis, agricultural policy analysis, and baseline projections at the farm, multiregional, national, and international levels. ; and (6) by striking subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)) and inserting the following new subsection: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6107. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program Effective October 1, 2013, section 1424 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3174 ) is repealed. 6108. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research Effective October 1, 2013, section 1424A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3174a ) is repealed. 6109. Nutrition education program Section 1425(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3175(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6110. Continuing animal health and disease research programs Section 1433 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3195 ) is amended by striking the section designation and heading and all that follows through subsection (a) and inserting the following: 1433. Appropriations for continuing animal health and disease research programs (a) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to support continuing animal health and disease research programs at eligible institutions— (A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Use of funds Funds made available under this section shall be used— (A) to meet the expenses of conducting animal health and disease research, publishing and disseminating the results of such research, and contributing to the retirement of employees subject to the Act of March 4, 1940 ( 7 U.S.C. 331 ); (B) for administrative planning and direction; and (C) to purchase equipment and supplies necessary for conducting the research described in subparagraph (A). . 6111. Repeal of appropriations for research on national or regional problems (a) Repeal Effective October 1, 2013, section 1434 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3196 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendments (1) Matching funds Section 1438 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3200 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking , exclusive of the funds provided for research on specific national or regional animal health and disease problems under the provisions of section 1434 of this title, . (2) Authorization of appropriations for existing and certain new agricultural research programs Section 1463(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3311(c) ) is amended by striking sections 1433 and 1434 and inserting section 1433 . 6112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions (a) Supporting tropical and subtropical agricultural research (1) In general Section 1447B(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(a) ) is amended to read as follows: (a) Purpose It is the intent of Congress to assist the land-grant colleges and universities in the insular areas in efforts to— (1) acquire, alter, or repair facilities or relevant equipment necessary for conducting agricultural research; and (2) support tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research. . (2) Conforming amendment Section 1447B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2 ) is amended in the heading— (A) by inserting and support tropical and subtropical agricultural research after equipment ; and (B) by striking institutions and inserting colleges and universities . (b) Extension Section 1447B(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers Effective October 1, 2013, section 1448 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222c ) is repealed. 6115. Hispanic-serving institutions Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3241(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6116. Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth Section 1456(e)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3243(e)(1) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a competitive grants program— (A) to fund fundamental and applied research and extension at Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities in agriculture, human nutrition, food science, bioenergy, and environmental science; and (B) to award competitive grants to Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities to provide for training in the food and agricultural sciences of Hispanic agricultural workers and Hispanic youth working in the food and agricultural sciences. . 6117. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs Section 1459A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3292b(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6118. Repeal of research equipment grants Effective October 1, 2013, section 1462A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3310a ) is repealed. 6119. University research Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3311 ) is amended in both of subsections (a) and (b) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6120. Extension service Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3312 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6121. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements Section 1469 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3315 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2), by adding and at the end; (B) by striking paragraph (3); and (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3); (2) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsections: (b) Administrative expenses (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may retain not more than 4 percent of amounts made available for agricultural research, extension, and teaching assistance programs for the administration of those programs authorized under this Act or any other Act. (2) Exceptions The limitation on administrative expenses under paragraph (1) shall not apply to peer panel expenses under subsection (d) or any other provision of law related to the administration of agricultural research, extension, and teaching assistance programs that contains a limitation on administrative expenses that is less than the limitation under paragraph (1). (c) Agreements with non-Federal entities (1) Former agricultural research facilities of the Department To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary, for purposes of supporting ongoing research and information dissemination activities, including supporting research and those activities through co-locating scientists and other technical personnel, sharing of laboratory and field equipment, and providing financial support, shall enter into grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with former Department of Agriculture agricultural research facilities. (2) Agreements with agricultural research organizations The Secretary, for purposes of receiving from a non-Federal agricultural research organization support for agricultural research, including staffing, laboratory and field equipment, or direct financial assistance, may enter into grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with a non-Federal agricultural research organization, the operation of which is consistent with the research mission and programs of an agricultural research facility of the Department of Agriculture. . 6122. Supplemental and alternative crops (a) Authorization of appropriations and termination Section 1473D of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319d ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Competitive grants Section 1473D(c)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319d(c)(1) ) is amended by striking use such research funding, special or competitive grants, or other means, as the Secretary determines, and inserting make competitive grants . 6123. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions Section 1473F(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319i(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6124. Aquaculture assistance programs (a) Competitive grants Section 1475(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3322(b) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting competitive before grants . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 1477 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3324 ) is amended to read as follows: 1477. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle— (1) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (b) Prohibition on use Funds made available under this section may not be used to acquire or construct a building. . 6125. Rangeland research programs Section 1483(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3336(a) ) is amended by striking subtitle and all that follows and inserting the following: subtitle— (1) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6126. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response Section 1484(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3351(a) ) is amended by striking response such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: response— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6127. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education (a) Distance education grants for insular areas (1) Competitive grants Section 1490(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3362(a) ) is amended by striking or noncompetitive . (2) Authorization of appropriations Section 1490(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3362(f) ) is amended by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Resident instruction grants for insular areas Section 1491(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3363(c) ) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6128. Matching funds requirement (a) In general The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle: P General Provisions 1492. Matching funds requirement (a) In general The recipient of a competitive grant that is awarded by the Secretary under a covered law shall provide funds, in-kind contributions, or a combination of both, from sources other than funds provided through such grant in an amount at least equal to the amount of such grant. (b) Exception The matching funds requirement under subsection (a) shall not apply to grants awarded— (1) to a research agency of the Department of Agriculture; or (2) to an entity eligible to receive funds under a capacity and infrastructure program (as defined in section 251(f)(1)(C) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C) )), including a partner of such entity. (c) Covered law In this section, the term covered law means each of the following provisions of law: (1) This title. (2) Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5801 et seq. ). (3) The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7601 et seq. ). (4) Part III of subtitle E of title VII of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 3202 et seq. ). (5) The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i ). . (b) Conforming amendment Paragraph (9) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (B); (2) in the heading, by inserting for equipment grants after funds ; (3) by striking (A) Equipment grants.— ; and (4) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and moving the margins of such subparagraphs two ems to the left. (c) Application to amendments (1) New grants Section 1492 of the National Agricultural, Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to grants described in such section awarded after October 1, 2013, unless the provision of a covered law under which such grants are awarded specifically exempts such grants from the matching funds requirement under such section. (2) Existing grants A matching funds requirement in effect on or before October 1, 2013, under a covered law shall continue to apply to a grant awarded under such provision of law on or before that date. 6129. Sense of Congress regarding expansion of the land grant program to include enhanced funding and additional institutions It is the sense of the Congress that— (1) institutions of higher education designated under the Act of August 30, 1890 (commonly known, and referred to in this section, as the Second Morrill Act ; 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq. ) have played an integral role in the education and advancement of agriculture and mechanic arts for over a century; (2) in addition to those institutions, a number of colleges and universities have fulfilled similar and parallel missions in successfully training and graduating generations of students who have gone on to be leaders in their field; (3) the colleges and universities, both with and without designation under the Second Morrill Act, fulfill a vital role to the future of industry, opportunities for increased job creation, and the strength of agriculture in the United States; (4) Congress must ensure that the United States’ higher education framework and policies meet the needs of young individuals in the United States, and that students from across the country are able to choose from a variety of institutions and programs that will equip them with the skills and training necessary to achieve their individual goals; and (5) as Congress and the agricultural community generally consider policies and approaches to improve research, extension, and education in the agricultural sciences, expansion of the land grant program under the Second Morrill Act to include enhanced funding and additional institutions should be considered. B Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 6201. Best utilization of biological applications Section 1624 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5814 ) is amended in the first sentence— (1) by striking $40,000,000 for each fiscal year ; and (2) by inserting $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018 after chapter . 6202. Integrated management systems Section 1627(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5821(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018. . 6203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program Section 1628(f) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5831(f) ) is amended to read as follows: (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6204. National training program Section 1629(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5832(i) ) is amended to read as follows: (i) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the National Training Program $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018. . 6205. National Genetics Resources Program Section 1635(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5844(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking such funds as may be necessary ; and (2) by striking subtitle and all that follows and inserting the following: subtitle— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6206. Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System Effective October 1, 2013, subtitle D of title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5851 et seq. ) is repealed. 6207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program Effective October 1, 2013, section 1670 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5923 ) is repealed. 6208. Repeal of agricultural genome initiative Effective October 1, 2013, section 1671 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5924 ) is repealed. 6209. High-priority research and extension initiatives Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925 ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking subsections (e) through (i) and inserting subsections (e), (f), and (g) ; (2) in subsection (b)(2), in the first sentence, by striking subsections (e) through (i) and inserting subsections (e), (f), and (g) ; (3) by striking subsections (e), (f), and (i); (4) by redesignating subsections (g), (h), and (j) as subsections (e), (f), and (h), respectively; (5) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))— (A) by striking 2012 each place it appears in paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3) and inserting 2018 ; and (B) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting and honey bee health disorders after collapse ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting , including best management practices after strategies ; (6) by inserting after subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)) the following new subsection: (g) Coffee plant health initiative (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a coffee plant health initiative to address the critical needs of the coffee industry by— (A) developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat the coffee berry borer ( Hypothenemus hampei ); and (B) establishing an area-wide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of, being affected by the coffee berry borer. (2) Eligible entities The Secretary may carry out the coffee plant health initiative through— (A) Federal agencies, including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; (B) National Laboratories; (C) institutions of higher education; (D) research institutions or organizations; (E) private organizations or corporations; (F) State agricultural experiment stations; (G) individuals; or (H) groups consisting of 2 or more entities or individuals described in subparagraphs (A) through (G). (3) Project grants and cooperative agreements In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities, as appropriate; and (B) award grants on a competitive basis. (4) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (7) in subsection (h) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension initiative Effective October 1, 2013, section 1672A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925a ) is repealed. 6211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following new subsection: (e) Farm business management encouraged Following the completion of a peer review process for grant proposals received under this section, the Secretary shall give a priority to grant proposals found in the review process to be scientifically meritorious using the same criteria the Secretary uses to give priority to grants under section 1672D(b). ; and (2) in subsection (f) — (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2009 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (ii) by striking 2009 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 6212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative (a) Repeal Effective October 1, 2013, section 1672C of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925e ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D) ) is amended— (1) by striking clause (xi); and (2) by redesignating clauses (xii) and (xiii) as clauses (xi) and (xii), respectively. 6213. Farm business management Section 1672D(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925f(d) ) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary to carry out this section. and inserting the following: to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6214. Centers of excellence The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 1672D ( 7 U.S.C. 5925f ) the following new section: 1673. Centers of excellence (a) Funding priorities The Secretary shall prioritize centers of excellence established for specific agricultural commodities for the receipt of funding for any competitive research or extension program administered by the Secretary. (b) Composition A center of excellence is composed of 1 or more of the eligible entities specified in subsection (b)(7) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7) ) that provide financial or in-kind support to the center of excellence. (c) Criteria for centers of excellence (1) Required efforts The criteria for consideration to be recognized as a center of excellence shall include efforts— (A) to ensure coordination and cost effectiveness by reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts regarding research, teaching, and extension; (B) to leverage available resources by using public/private partnerships among agricultural industry groups, institutions of higher education, and the Federal Government; (C) to implement teaching initiatives to increase awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to target audiences through extension activities; and (D) to increase the economic returns to rural communities by identifying, attracting, and directing funds to high-priority agricultural issues. (2) Additional efforts Where practicable, the criteria for consideration to be recognized as a center of excellence shall include efforts to improve teaching capacity and infrastructure at colleges and universities (including land-grant institutions, schools of forestry, schools of veterinary medicine, and NLGCA Institutions). . 6215. Repeal of red meat safety research center Effective October 1, 2013, section 1676 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5929 ) is repealed. 6216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities Section 1680(c)(1) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5933(c)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking is and inserting are ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (A) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (B) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6217. National rural information center clearinghouse Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125b(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 6301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department Section 103(a)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7613(a)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading by striking Merit review of extension and inserting Relevance and merit review of research, extension, ; (2) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by inserting relevance and before merit ; and (B) by striking extension or education and inserting research, extension, or education ; and (3) in subparagraph (B), by inserting on a continuous basis after procedures . 6302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program Section 406(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7626(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6303. Repeal of coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations (a) Repeal Effective October 1, 2013, section 407 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7627 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D) ), as amended by section 6212(b), is further amended— (1) by striking clause (xi) (as redesignated by section 6212(b)); and (2) by redesignating clause (xii) (as redesignated by section 6212(b)) as clause (xi). 6304. Fusarium Graminearum grants Section 408(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7628(e) ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6305. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program Effective October 1, 2013, section 409 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7629 ) is repealed. 6306. Grants for youth organizations Section 410(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7630(d) ) is amended by striking section such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6307. Specialty crop research initiative Section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking and genomics and inserting genomics, and other methods ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting handling and processing, after production efficiency, ; (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following new subsection: (d) Research projects In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall award competitive grants on the basis of— (1) an initial scientific peer review conducted by a panel of subject matter experts from Federal agencies, non-Federal entities, and the specialty crop industry; and (2) a final funding determination made by the Secretary based on a review and ranking for merit, relevance, and impact conducted by a panel of specialty crop industry representatives for the specific specialty crop. ; and (3) in subsection (h)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking (1) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2008 through 2012.— Of the funds and inserting the following: (1) Mandatory funding (A) Fiscal years 2008 through 2012 Of the funds ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Subsequent funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section— (i) $50,000,000 for fiscal years 2014 and 2015; (ii) $55,000,000 for fiscal years 2016 and 2017; and (iii) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter. ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the heading, by striking 2008 Through 2012 and inserting 2014 Through 2018 ; and (ii) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 6308. Food animal residue avoidance database program Section 604(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7642(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6309. Repeal of national swine research center Effective October 1, 2013, section 612 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( Public Law 105–185 ; 112 Stat. 605) is repealed. 6310. Office of pest management policy Section 614(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7653(f) ) is amended— (1) by striking such sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6311. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and education Effective October 1, 2013, subtitle C of title VI of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7671 et seq. ) is repealed. D Other Laws 6401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act Section 16(a) of the Critical Agricultural Materials Act ( 7 U.S.C. 178n(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking such sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking Act and all that follows and inserting the following: Act— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (a) Definition of 1994 institutions Section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (8), by striking Memorial ; (2) in paragraph (26), by striking Community ; (3) by striking paragraphs (5), (10), and (27); (4) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (6), (7), (8), (9), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), (23), (24), (25), (26), (28), (29), (30), (31), (32), (33), and (34) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (7), (8), (9), (5), (10), (15), (17), (18), (19), (20), (22), (23), (24), (25), (32), (26), (27), (28), (29), (30), (31), (33), (34), (35), and (14), respectively, and transferring the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order; (5) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (1) Aaniih Nakoda College. ; (6) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (6) College of the Muscogee Nation. ; (7) by inserting after paragraph (15) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph: (16) Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College. ; and (8) by inserting after paragraph (20) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph: (21) Navajo Technical College. . (b) Endowment for 1994 institutions Section 533(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (c) Institutional Capacity Building Grants Section 535 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c) and inserting 2018 . (d) Research grants (1) Authorization of appropriations Section 536(c) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (2) Research grant requirements Section 536(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended by striking with at least 1 other land-grant college or university and all that follows and inserting the following: with— (1) the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture; or (2) at least 1— (A) other land-grant college or university (exclusive of another 1994 Institution); (B) non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 )); or (C) cooperating forestry school (as defined in that section). . 6403. Research Facilities Act Section 6(a) of the Research Facilities Act ( 7 U.S.C. 390d(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6404. Repeal of carbon cycle research Effective October 1, 2013, section 221 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 6711 ) is repealed. 6405. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (a) Extension Subsection (b)(11)(A) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(11)(A) ) is amended in the matter preceding clause (i) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Priority areas Subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) in clause (vi), by striking and at the end; (B) in clause (vii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new clause: (viii) plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern (as determined by the Secretary). ; (2) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in clause (vii), by striking and at the end; (B) in clause (viii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following new clauses: (ix) the research and development of surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, or diagnostic tests for pests and diseases (especially zoonotic diseases) in wildlife reservoirs presenting a potential concern to public health or domestic livestock and pests and diseases in minor species (including deer, elk, and bison); and (x) the identification of animal drug needs and the generation and dissemination of data for safe and effective therapeutic applications of animal drugs for minor species and minor uses of such drugs in major species. ; (3) in subparagraph (C)— (A) in clause (ii), by inserting before the semicolon , including the effects of plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern on diet and health ; (B) in clause (iii), by inserting before the semicolon , including plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern ; (C) in clause (iv), by inserting before the semicolon , including postharvest practices conducted with respect to plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern ; and (D) in clause (v), by inserting before the period , including improving the functionality of plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern ; (4) in subparagraph (D)— (A) by redesignating clauses (iv), (v), and (vi) as clauses (v), (vi), and (vii), respectively; and (B) by inserting after clause (iii) the following new clause: (iv) the effectiveness of conservation practices and technologies designed to address nutrient losses and improve water quality; ; and (5) in subparagraph (F)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting economics, after trade, ; (B) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi) as clauses (vi) and (vii), respectively; and (C) by inserting after clause (iv) the following new clause: (v) the economic costs, benefits, and viability of producers adopting conservation practices and technologies designed to improve water quality; . (c) General administration Subsection (b)(4) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(4) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) establish procedures under which a commodity board established under a commodity promotion law (as such term is defined under section 501(a) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401(a) )) or a State commodity board (or other equivalent State entity) may directly submit to the Secretary proposals for requests for applications to specifically address particular issues related to the priority areas specified in paragraph (2). . (d) Special considerations Subsection (b)(6) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(6) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) to eligible entities to carry out the specific research proposals submitted under procedures established under paragraph (4)(F). . (e) Eligible entities Subsection (b)(7)(G) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7)(G) ) is amended by striking or corporations and inserting , foundations, or corporations . (f) Inter-Regional Research Project Number 4 Subsection (e) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking minor use pesticides and inserting pesticides for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops (as defined in section 3 of the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note)), ; and (2) in paragraph (4)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting and for use on specialty crops after minor agricultural use ; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (G); and (D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraphs: (C) prioritize potential pest management technology for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops; (D) conduct research to develop the data necessary to facilitate pesticide registrations, reregistrations, and associated tolerances; (E) assist in removing trade barriers caused by residues of pesticides registered for minor agricultural use and for use on domestically grown specialty crops; (F) assist in the registration and reregistration of pest management technologies for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops; and . (g) Emphasis on sustainable agriculture The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i ) is amended by striking subsection (k). 6406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 6 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1675 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Termination date Section 8 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1671 note; Public Law 95–306 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980 Section 10 of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 ( 16 U.S.C. 2809 ) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . 6408. Repeal of use of remote sensing data Effective October 1, 2013, section 892 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 5935 ) is repealed. 6409. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (a) Repeal of report on producers and handlers for organic products Effective October 1, 2013, section 7409 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b note; Public Law 107–171 ) is repealed. (b) Repeal of report on genetically modified pest-Protected plants Effective October 1, 2013, section 7410 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( Public Law 107–171 ; 116 Stat. 462) is repealed. (c) Repeal of study on nutrient banking Effective October 1, 2013, section 7411 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925a note; Public Law 107–171 ) is repealed. 6410. Beginning farmer and rancher development program Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraphs (A) through (R) and inserting the following new subparagraphs: (A) basic livestock, forest management, and crop farming practices; (B) innovative farm, ranch, and private, nonindustrial forest land transfer strategies; (C) entrepreneurship and business training; (D) financial and risk management training (including the acquisition and management of agricultural credit); (E) natural resource management and planning; (F) diversification and marketing strategies; (G) curriculum development; (H) mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships; (I) resources and referral; (J) farm financial benchmarking; (K) assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers; (L) agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training for veterans; and (M) other similar subject areas of use to beginning farmers or ranchers. ; (B) in paragraph (7), by striking and community-based organizations and inserting , community-based organizations, and school-based agricultural educational organizations ; (C) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following new paragraph: (8) Military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers (A) In general Not less than 5 percent of the funds used to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year shall be used to support programs and services that address the needs of military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers. (B) Coordination permitted A recipient of a grant under this section using the grant as described in subparagraph (A) may coordinate with a recipient of a grant under section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5933 ) in addressing the needs of military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers with disabilities. ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (11) Limitation on indirect costs A recipient of a grant under this section may not use more than 10 percent of the funds provided by the grant for the indirect costs of carrying out the initiatives described in paragraph (1). ; (2) in subsection (h)(1)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. ; and (3) in subsection (h)(2)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (B) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 6411. Inclusion of American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands as a State under McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act Section 8 of Public Law 87–788 (commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; 16 U.S.C. 582a–7 ) is amended by striking and Guam and inserting Guam, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands . E Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 1 Agricultural Security 6501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center Section 14112(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8912(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response Section 14113 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8913 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) by striking such sums as may be necessary ; and (B) by striking subsection and all that follows and inserting the following: subsection— (A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection and all that follows and inserting the following: are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection— (A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures Section 14121(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8921(b) ) is amended by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section and all that follows and inserting the following: are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program Section 14122(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8922(e) ) is amended— (1) by striking sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013, to remain available until expended; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. . 2 Miscellaneous 6511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program Section 308 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(6)(A), by striking 5 years and inserting 10 years ; and (2) in subsection (d)(2), by striking 1, 3, and 5 years and inserting 6, 8, and 10 years . 6512. Grazinglands research laboratory Section 7502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2019) is amended by striking 5-year period and inserting 10-year period . 6513. Budget submission and funding Section 7506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7614c ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection: (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered program The term covered program means— (A) each research program carried out by the Agricultural Research Service or the Economic Research Service for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President; and (B) each competitive program carried out by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President. (2) Request for awards The term request for awards means a funding announcement published by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture that provides detailed information on funding opportunities at the Institute, including the purpose, eligibility, restriction, focus areas, evaluation criteria, regulatory information, and instructions on how to apply for such opportunities. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (e) Additional Presidential budget submission requirement (1) In general Each year, the President shall submit to Congress, together with the annual budget submission of the President, the information described in paragraph (2) for each funding request for a covered program. (2) Information described The information described in this paragraph includes— (A) baseline information, including with respect to each covered program— (i) the funding level for the program for the fiscal year preceding the year the annual budget submission of the President is submitted; (ii) the funding level requested in the annual budget submission of the President, including any increase or decrease in the funding level; and (iii) an explanation justifying any change from the funding level specified in clause (i) to the level specified in clause (ii); (B) with respect to each covered program that is carried out by the Economic Research Service or the Agricultural Research Service, the location and staff years of the program; (C) the proposed funding levels to be allocated to, and the expected publication date, scope, and allocation level for, each request for awards to be published under or associated with— (i) each priority area specified in subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2) ); (ii) each research and extension project carried out under section 1621(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5811(a) ); (iii) each grant to be awarded under section 1672B(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b(a) ); (iv) each grant awarded under section 412(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632(d) ); and (v) each grant awarded under 7405(c)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f(c)(1) ); or (D) any other information the Secretary determines will increase congressional oversight with respect to covered programs. (3) Prohibition Unless the President submits the information described in paragraph (2)(C) for a fiscal year, the President may not carry out any program during the fiscal year that is authorized under— (A) subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b) ); (B) section 1621 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5811 ); (C) section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b ); (D) section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632 ); or (E) section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f ). (f) Report of the Secretary of Agriculture Each year on a date that is not later than the date on which the President submits the annual budget, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing a description of the agricultural research, extension, and education activities carried out by the Federal Government during the fiscal year that immediately precedes the year for which the report is submitted, including— (1) a review of the extent to which those activities— (A) are duplicative or overlap within the Department of Agriculture; or (B) are similar to activities carried out by— (i) other Federal agencies; (ii) the States (including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and other territories or possessions of the United States); (iii) institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )); or (iv) the private sector; and (2) for each report submitted under this section on or after January 1, 2013, a 5-year projection of national priorities with respect to agricultural research, extension, and education, taking into account domestic needs. . 6514. Research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria Section 7521(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 3202(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6515. Repeal of farm and ranch stress assistance network Effective October 1, 2013, section 7522 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5936 ) is repealed. 6516. Repeal of seed distribution Effective October 1, 2013, section 7523 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 415–1 ) is repealed. 6517. Natural products research program Section 7525(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5937(e) ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6518. Sun grant program (a) In general Section 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8114 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(4)(B), by striking the Department of Energy and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies (as determined by the Secretary) ; (2) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking multistate and all that follows through the period and inserting integrated, multistate research, extension, and education programs on technology development and technology implementation. ; (B) by striking subparagraph (C); and (C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking in accordance with paragraph (2) ; (ii) by striking gasification and inserting bioproducts ; and (iii) by striking the Department of Energy and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies ; (B) by striking paragraph (2); and (C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and (4) in subsection (g), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Conforming amendments Section 7526(f)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8114(f)(1) ) is amended by striking subsection (c)(1)(D)(i) and inserting subsection (c)(1)(C)(i) . 6519. Repeal of study and report on food deserts Effective October 1, 2013, section 7527 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2039) is repealed. 6520. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and education Effective October 1, 2013, section 7529 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5938 ) is repealed. F Miscellaneous provisions 6601. Agreements with nonprofit organizations for National Arboretum Section 6 of the Act of March 4, 1927 ( 20 U.S.C. 196 ), is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) negotiate agreements for the National Arboretum with nonprofit scientific or educational organizations, the interests of which are complementary to the mission of the National Arboretum, or nonprofit organizations that support the purpose of the National Arboretum, except that the net proceeds of the organizations from the agreements shall be used exclusively for research and educational work for the benefit of the National Arboretum and the operation and maintenance of the facilities of the National Arboretum, including enhancements, upgrades, restoration, and conservation; ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (d) Recognition of donors A non-profit organization that entered into an agreement under subsection (a)(1) may recognize donors if that recognition is approved in advance by the Secretary. In considering whether to approve such recognition, the Secretary shall broadly exercise the discretion of the Secretary to the fullest extent allowed under Federal law in effect on the date of the enactment of this subsection. . 6602. Cotton Disease Research Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the fungus fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum race 4 (referred to in this section as FOV Race 4 ) and the impact of such fungus on cotton, including— (1) an overview of the threat FOV Race 4 poses to the cotton industry in the United States; (2) the status and progress of Federal research initiatives to detect, contain, or eradicate FOV Race 4, including current FOV Race 4-specific research projects; and (3) a comprehensive strategy to combat FOV Race 4 that establishes— (A) detection and identification goals; (B) containment goals; (C) eradication goals; and (D) a plan to partner with the cotton industry in the United States to maximize resources, information sharing, and research responsiveness and effectiveness. 6603. Acceptance of facility for Agricultural Research Service (a) Construction authorized Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of Agriculture may authorize a non-Federal entity to construct, at no cost and without obligation to the Federal Government, a facility for use by the Agricultural Research Service on land owned by the Agricultural Research Service and managed by the Secretary. (b) Acceptance of gift (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), upon the completion of the construction of the facility by the non-Federal entity under subsection (a), the Secretary shall accept the facility as a gift in accordance with Public Law 95–442 ( 7 U.S.C. 2269 ). (2) Certification The Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall certify in advance that the acceptance under paragraph (1) complies with the limitations specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c). (c) Limitations (1) Value The Secretary may not accept a facility as a gift under this section if the fair market value of the facility is more than $5,000,000. (2) No Federal cost The Secretary shall not enter into any acquisitions, demonstrations, exchanges, grants, contracts, incentives, leases, procurements, sales, or other transaction authorities or arrangements that would obligate future appropriations with respect to the facility constructed under subsection (a). (d) Termination of authority No facility may be accepted by the Secretary for use by the Agricultural Research Service under this section after September 30, 2018. 6604. Miscellaneous technical corrections Sections 7408 and 7409 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2013) are both amended by striking Title III of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 and inserting Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 . 6605. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research (a) In general Notwithstanding the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq. ), the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 ( 41 U.S.C. 8101 et seq. ), the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 ( 20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq. ), or any other Federal law, an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )) may grow or cultivate industrial hemp if— (1) the industrial hemp is grown or cultivated for purposes of agricultural research or other academic research; and (2) the growing or cultivating of industrial hemp is allowed under the laws of the State in which such institution of higher education is located and such research occurs. (b) Industrial hemp defined In this section, the term industrial hemp means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. VII Forestry A Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs 7001. Forest land enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 4 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 8002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( Public Law 107–171 ; 16 U.S.C. 2103 note) is amended by striking subsection (a). (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 7002. Watershed forestry assistance program (a) Repeal Section 6 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103b ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 7003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing program Section 18 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2112 ) is repealed. 7004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program (a) Repeal Section 8402 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 16 U.S.C. 1649a ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 7005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program (a) Repeal Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6542 ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 7006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process Section 322 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 ( Public Law 102–381 ; 16 U.S.C. 1612 note) is repealed. Section 428 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 ( Public Law 112–74 ; 125 Stat. 1046; 16 U.S.C. 6515 note) shall not apply to any project or activity implementing a land and resource management plan developed under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1604 ) that is categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ). B Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Programs 7101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources Section 2A(c) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2101a(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (4), by striking and ; (2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: (5) as feasible, appropriate military installations where the voluntary participation and management of private or State-owned or other public forestland is able to support, promote, and contribute to the missions of such installations; and . 7102. Forest Legacy Program Subsection (m) of section 7 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103c ) is amended to read as follows: (m) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7103. Community forest and open space conservation program Subsection (g) of section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103d ) is amended to read as follows: (g) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . C Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws 7201. Rural revitalization technologies Section 2371(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6601(d)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7202. Office of International Forestry Subsection (d) of section 2405 of the Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6704 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2013; and (2) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7203. Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve program Section 508 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6578 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking In general and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; (2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (d); and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsections: (b) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out this section $9,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (c) Additional source of funds In addition to funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use such amount of the funds appropriated for that fiscal year to carry out the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590a et seq. ) as the Secretary determines necessary to cover the cost of technical assistance, management, and enforcement responsibilities for land enrolled in the healthy forests reserve program pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of section 504. . 7204. Stewardship end result contracting project authority Section 347 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (as contained in section 101(e) of division A of Public Law 105–277 ; 16 U.S.C. 2104 note) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (6) Contract for sale of property At the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture, a contract entered into by the Forest Service under this section may be considered a contract for the sale of property under such terms as the Secretary may prescribe without regard to any other provision of law. (7) Fire liability provisions Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Chief and the Director shall issue for use in all contracts and agreements under this section fire liability provisions that are in substantially the same form as the fire liability provisions contained in— (A) integrated resource timber contracts, as described in the Forest Service contract numbered 2400–13, part H, section H.4; and (B) timber sale contracts conducted pursuant to section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ). . D National Forest Critical Area Response 7301. Definitions In this title: (1) Critical area The term critical area means an area of the National Forest System designated by the Secretary under section 7302. (2) National forest system The term National Forest System has the meaning given that term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1609(a) ). (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. 7302. Designation of critical areas (a) Designation requirements The Secretary of Agriculture shall designate critical areas within the National Forest System for the purposes of addressing— (1) deteriorating forest health conditions in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act due to insect infestation, drought, disease, or storm damage; and (2) the future risk of insect infestations or disease outbreaks through preventative treatments. (b) Designation method In considering National Forest System land for designation as a critical area, the Secretary shall use— (1) for purposes of subsection (a)(1), the most recent annual forest health aerial surveys of mortality and defoliation; and (2) for purposes of subsection (a)(2), the National Insect and Disease Risk Map. (c) Time for initial designations The first critical areas shall be designated by the Secretary not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Duration of designation The designation of a critical area shall expire not later than 10 years after the date of the designation. 7303. Application of expedited procedures and activities of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to critical areas (a) Applicability Subject to subsections (b) through (e), title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6511 et seq. ) (including the environmental analysis requirements of section 104 of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6514 ), the special administrative review process under section 105 of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6515 ), and the judicial review process under section 106 of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6516 )), shall apply to all Forest Service projects and activities carried out in a critical area. (b) Application of other law Section 322 of Public Law 102–381 ( 16 U.S.C. 1612 note; 106 Stat. 1419) shall not apply to projects conducted in accordance with this section. (c) Required modifications In applying title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6511 et seq. ) to Forest Service projects and activities in a critical area, the Secretary shall make the following modifications: (1) The authority shall apply to the entire critical area, including land that is outside of a wildland-urban interface area or that does not satisfy any of the other eligibility criteria specified in section 102(a) of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6512(a) ). (2) All projects and activities of the Forest Service, including necessary connected actions (as described in section 1508.25(a)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)), shall be considered to be authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects for purposes of applying the title. (d) Smaller projects (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a project conducted in a critical area in accordance with this section that comprises less than 10,000 acres shall be— (A) considered an action categorically excluded from the requirements for an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation); and (B) exempt from the special administrative review process under section 105 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6515 ). (2) Exclusion of certain areas Paragraph (1) does not apply to— (A) a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (B) any Federal land on which, by Act of Congress or Presidential proclamation, the removal of vegetation is restricted or prohibited; (C) a congressionally designated wilderness study area; or (D) an area in which activities under paragraph (1) would be inconsistent with the applicable land and resource management plan. (e) Forest Management Plans All projects and activities carried out in a critical area pursuant to this subtitle shall be consistent with the land and resource management plan established under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1604 ) for the unit of the National Forest System containing the critical area. 7304. Good neighbor authority (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible State The term eligible State means a State that contains National Forest System land. (2) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (3) State forester The term State forester means the head of a State agency with jurisdiction over State forestry programs in an eligible State. (b) Cooperative agreements and contracts (1) In general The Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement or contract (including a sole source contract) with a State forester to authorize the State forester to provide the forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration, management, and protection services described in paragraph (2) on National Forest System land in the eligible State. (2) Authorized services The forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration, management, and protection services referred to in paragraph (1) include the conduct of— (A) activities to treat insect infected forests; (B) activities to reduce hazardous fuels; (C) activities involving commercial harvesting or other mechanical vegetative treatments; or (D) any other activities to restore or improve forest, rangeland, and watershed health, including fish and wildlife habitat. (3) State as agent Except as provided in paragraph (6), a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1) may authorize the State forester to serve as the agent for the Secretary in providing the restoration, management, and protection services authorized under that paragraph. (4) Subcontracts In accordance with applicable contract procedures for the eligible State, a State forester may enter into subcontracts to provide the restoration, management, and protection services authorized under a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1). (5) Timber sales Subsections (d) and (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ) shall not apply to services performed under a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1). (6) Retention of NEPA responsibilities Any decision required to be made under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) with respect to any restoration, management, and protection services to be provided under this section by a State forester on National Forest System land shall not be delegated to a State forester or any other officer or employee of the eligible State. (7) Applicable law The restoration, management, and protection services to be provided under this section shall be carried out on a project-to-project basis under existing authorities of the Forest Service. E Miscellaneous Provisions 7401. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis (a) Revision required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall revise the strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis initially prepared pursuant to section 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1642(e) ) to address the requirements imposed by subsection (b). (b) Elements of revised strategic plan In revising the strategic plan, the Secretary of Agriculture shall describe in detail the organization, procedures, and funding needed to achieve each of the following: (1) Complete the transition to a fully annualized forest inventory program and include inventory and analysis of interior Alaska. (2) Implement an annualized inventory of trees in urban settings, including the status and trends of trees and forests, and assessments of their ecosystem services, values, health, and risk to pests and diseases. (3) Report information on renewable biomass supplies and carbon stocks at the local, State, regional, and national level, including by ownership type. (4) Engage State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis in reevaluating the list of core data variables collected on forest inventory and analysis plots with an emphasis on demonstrated need. (5) Improve the timeliness of the timber product output program and accessibility of the annualized information on that database. (6) Foster greater cooperation among the forest inventory and analysis program, research station leaders, and State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis. (7) Promote availability of and access to non-Federal resources to improve information analysis and information management. (8) Collaborate with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and United States Geological Survey to integrate remote sensing, spatial analysis techniques, and other new technologies in the forest inventory and analysis program. (9) Understand and report on changes in land cover and use. (10) Expand existing programs to promote sustainable forest stewardship through increased understanding, in partnership with other Federal agencies, of the over 10 million family forest owners, their demographics, and the barriers to forest stewardship. (11) Implement procedures to improve the statistical precision of estimates at the sub-State level. (c) Submission of revised strategic plan The Secretary of Agriculture shall submit the revised strategic plan to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. 7402. Forest Service participation in ACES Program The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may use funds derived from conservation-related programs executed on National Forest System lands to utilize the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services Program established pursuant to section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3851 ) to provide technical services for conservation-related programs and authorities carried out by the Secretary on National Forest System lands. 7403. Green science and technology transfer research under Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (a) Additional Forestry and Rangeland Research and Education High Priority Section 3(d)(2) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1642(d)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) Science and technology transfer, through the Forest Products Laboratory, to demonstrate the beneficial characteristics of wood as a green building material, including investments in life cycle assessment for wood products. . (b) Research facilities and cooperation Section 4 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1643 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) 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 an annual report describing, for the period covered by the report— (1) the research conducted in furtherance of the research and education priority specified in section 3(d)(2)(F); (2) the number of buildings the Forest Service has built with wood as the primary structural material; and (3) the investments made by the Forest Service in green building wood promotion. . 7404. Extension of stewardship contracts authority regarding use of designation by prescription to all thinning sales under National Forest Management Act of 1976 Subsection (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ) is amended to read as follows: (g) Designation, including but not limited to, marking when necessary, designation by description, or designation by prescription, and supervision of harvesting of trees, portions of trees, or forest products shall be conducted by persons employed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Such persons shall have no personal interest in the purchase or harvest of such products and shall not be directly or indirectly in the employment of the purchaser thereof. Designation by prescription and designation by prescription shall be considered valid methods for designation, and may be supervised by use of post-harvest cruise, sample weight scaling, or other methods determined by the Secretary to be appropriate. . 7405. Reimbursement of fire funds expended by a State for management and suppression of certain wildfires (a) Definition of State In this section, the term State includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (b) Reimbursement authority If a State seeks reimbursement for amounts expended for resources and services provided to another State for the management and suppression of a wildfire, the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to subsections (c) and (d)— (1) may accept the reimbursement amounts from the other State; and (2) shall pay those amounts to the State seeking reimbursement. (c) Mutual assistance agreement As a condition of seeking and providing reimbursement under subsection (b), the State seeking reimbursement and the State providing reimbursement must each have a mutual assistance agreement with the Forest Service or an agency of the Department of the Interior for providing and receiving wildfire management and suppression resources and services. (d) Terms and conditions The Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe the terms and conditions determined to be necessary to carry out subsection (b). (e) Effect on prior reimbursements Any acceptance of funds or reimbursements made by the Secretary of Agriculture before the date of enactment of this Act that otherwise would have been authorized under this section shall be considered to have been made in accordance with this section. 7406. Ability of National Forest System lands to meet needs of local wood producing facilities for raw materials Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress a report containing— (1) an assessment of the raw material needs of wood producing facilities located within the boundaries of each unit of the National Forest System or located outside of the unit, but within 100 miles of such boundaries; (2) the volume of timber which would be available if the unit of the National Forest System annually sold its Allowable Sale Quantity in the current Forest Plan; (3) the volume of timber actually sold and harvested from each unit of the National Forest System for the previous decade; (4) a comparison of the volume actually sold and harvested from the previous decade to the Allowable Sale Quantity calculated in that decade by preceding or current forest plans; and (5) an assessment of the ability of each unit of National Forest System to meet the needs of these facilities for raw materials. 7407. Report on the National Forest System roads Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the following: (1) The total mileage of National Forest System roads and trails not meeting forest plan standards and guidelines. (2) The total amount, in dollars, of Capital Improvement & Maintenance deferred maintenance needs for National Forest System roads, including a five-year analysis in the trend in total deferred maintenance costs. (3) The sources of funds used for capital improvement & maintenance roads, including appropriated funds, mandatory funds, and receipts from activities on National Forest System lands. (4) The impact of road closures on recreational activities and timber harvesting. (5) The impact on land acquisitions, whether through fee acquisition, donation, or easement, on the maintenance backlog. 7408. Forest Service large airtanker and aerial asset firefighting recapitalization pilot program (a) In general Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may establish a large airtanker and aerial asset lease program in accordance with this section. (b) Aircraft requirements In carrying out the program described in subsection (a), the Secretary may enter into a multiyear lease contract for up to five aircraft that meet the criteria— (1) described in the Forest Service document entitled Large Airtanker Modernization Strategy and dated February 10, 2012, for large airtankers; and (2) determined by the Secretary, for other aerial assets. (c) Lease terms The term of any individual lease agreement into which the Secretary enters under this section shall be— (1) up to five years, inclusive of any options to renew or extend the initial lease term; and (2) in accordance with section 3903 of title 41, United States Code. (d) Prohibition No lease entered into under this section shall provide for the purchase of the aircraft by, or the transfer of ownership to, the Forest Service. 7409. Land conveyance, Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia (a) Conveyance required Upon payment by the Association of the consideration under subsection (b) and the costs under subsection (d), the Secretary shall, subject to valid existing rights, convey to the Association all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of National Forest System land in the Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia, consisting of approximately 0.70 acres and containing the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery and an easement to provide access to the parcel, as generally depicted on the map. (b) Consideration (1) Fair market value As consideration for the land conveyed under subsection (a), the Association shall pay to the Secretary cash in an amount equal to the market value of the land, as determined by an appraisal approved by the Secretary and conducted in conformity with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and section 206 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1716 ). (2) Deposit The consideration received by the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall be deposited into the general fund of the Treasury of the United States for the purposes of deficit reduction. (c) Description of property The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary. (d) Costs The Association shall pay to the Secretary at closing the reasonable costs of the survey, the appraisal, and any administrative and environmental analyses required by law. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Association The term Association means the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery Association of Pound, Virginia. (2) Map The term map means the map titled Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery dated March 1, 2013. (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (f) Additional terms and conditions The Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. 7410. Categorical exclusion for forest projects in response to emergencies In the case of National Forest System land damaged by a natural disaster regarding which the President declares a disaster or emergency pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. ), any forest project carried out to clean up or restore the damaged National Forest System land during the two-year period beginning on the date of the declaration shall be categorically excluded from the requirements relating to environmental assessments or environmental impact statements under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. VIII Energy 8001. Definition of renewable energy system Section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8101 ) is amended by— (1) striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new paragraph: (4) Biobased product (A) In general The term biobased product means a product determined by the Secretary to be a commercial or industrial product (other than food or feed) that is— (i) composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products, including renewable domestic agricultural materials and forestry materials; or (ii) an intermediate ingredient or feedstock. (B) Inclusion The term biobased product , with respect to forestry materials, includes forest products that meet biobased content requirements, notwithstanding the market share the product holds, the age of the product, or whether the market for the product is new or emerging. ; (2) redesignating paragraphs (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), and (14) as paragraphs (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), and (16); (3) inserting after paragraph (8), the following new paragraph: (9) Forest product (A) In general The term forest product means a product made from materials derived from the practice of forestry or the management of growing timber. (B) Inclusions The term forest product includes— (i) pulp, paper, paperboard, pellets, lumber, and other wood products; and (ii) any recycled products derived from forest materials. ; and (4) inserting after paragraph (14) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (15) Renewable energy system (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the term renewable energy system means a system that— (i) produces usable energy from a renewable energy source; and (ii) may include distribution components necessary to move energy produced by such system to the initial point of sale. (B) Limitation A system described in subparagraph (A) may not include a mechanism for dispensing energy at retail. . 8002. Biobased markets program Section 9002(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8102(h) ) is amended by— (1) striking (h) Funding.— and all that follows through to carry out this section, there and inserting (h) Funding.— There ; and (2) striking 2013 and inserting 2018 . 8003. Biorefinery assistance (a) Program adjustments Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8103 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c), by striking to eligible entities and all that follows through guarantees for loans and inserting to eligible entities guarantees for loans ; (2) by striking subsection (d); (3) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h) as subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively; and (4) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking subsection (c)(2) each place it appears and inserting subsection (c) ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking subsection (h) and inserting subsection (g) . (b) Funding Section 9003(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as redesignated by subsection (a)(3), is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8004. Repowering assistance program Section 9004(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8104(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8005. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels Section 9005(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8105(c) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program Section 9006(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8106(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in the heading of paragraph (1) (as so redesignated), by striking Authorization of appropriations and inserting Fiscal year 2013 ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8007. Rural Energy for America Program (a) Tiered application process Section 9007(c) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107(c) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (2) Tiered application process In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a three-tiered application, evaluation, and oversight process that varies based on the cost of the proposed project with the process most simplified for projects referred to in subparagraph (A), more comprehensive for projects referred to in subparagraph (B), and most comprehensive for projects referred to in subparagraph (C). The three tiers for such process shall be as follows: (A) Tier 1 Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is not more than $80,000. (B) Tier 2 Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is more than $80,000 but less than $200,000. (C) Tier 3 Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is $200,000 or more. . (b) Funding Section 9007(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107(g) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2); (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8008. Biomass Research and Development Section 9008(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8108(h) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8110(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 . 8010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program Section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8111 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking paragraph (6); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (7) and (8) as paragraphs (6) and (7), respectively; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking Program to and all that follows through support the establishment and inserting Program to support the establishment ; (B) by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (C) by striking paragraph (2); (3) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (2)(B)— (i) in clause (viii), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (ii) by redesignating clause (ix) as clause (x); and (iii) by inserting after clause (viii) the following new clause: (ix) existing project areas that have received funding under this section and the continuation of funding of such project areas to advance the maturity of such project areas; and ; and (B) in paragraph (5)(C)(ii)— (i) by striking subclause (III); and (ii) by redesignating subclauses (IV) and (V) as subclauses (III) and (IV), respectively; (4) by striking subsection (d); (5) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and (6) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking paragraph (1); (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (C) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (i) by striking Fiscal year 2013 and all that follows through There is authorized and inserting Fiscal year 2013.— There is authorized ; and (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as paragraph (3) and moving the margin of such paragraph (as so redesignated) two ems to the left; (D) by inserting after paragraph (1), the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (E) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C)(ii) of this paragraph), by striking this paragraph and inserting this subsection . 8011. Community wood energy program Section 9013(e) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8113(e) ) is amended by striking carry out this section and all that follows and inserting the following: carry out this section— (1) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8012. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study Section 9002 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2095) is repealed. 8013. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study Section 9003 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2096) is repealed. 8014. Energy efficiency report for USDA facilities (a) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 on energy use and energy efficiency projects at Department of Agriculture facilities. (b) Contents The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An analysis of energy use by Department of Agriculture facilities. (2) A list of energy audits that have been conducted at such facilities. (3) A list of energy efficiency projects that have been conducted at such facilities. (4) A list of energy savings projects that could be achieved with enacting a consistent, timely, and proper mechanical insulation maintenance program and upgrading mechanical insulation at such facilities. IX Horticulture 9001. Specialty crops market news allocation Section 10107(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622b(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 9002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops Effective October 1, 2013, section 10403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622c ) is repealed. 9003. Farmers market and local food promotion program Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 ( 7 U.S.C. 3005 ) is amended— (1) in the heading of such section, by inserting and Local Food after Farmers’ Market ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting and Local Food after Farmers’ Market ; (B) by striking farmers’ markets and to promote ; and (C) by striking the period and inserting and assist in the development of local food business enterprises. ; (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Program purposes The purposes of the Program are to increase domestic consumption of, and consumer access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products by assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of— (1) domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities; and (2) local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, and store locally or regionally produced food products. ; (4) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) by inserting or other agricultural business entity after cooperative ; and (B) by inserting , including a community supported agriculture network or association after association ; (5) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); (6) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection: (e) Funds requirements for eligible entities (1) Matching funds An entity receiving a grant under this section for a project to carry out a purpose described in subsection (b)(2) shall provide matching funds in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total cost of such project. (2) Limitation on use of funds An eligible entity may not use a grant or other assistance provided under this section for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of a building or structure. ; and (7) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (5))— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (B) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5); (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6); and (D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraphs: (3) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (4) Use of funds Of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, 50 percent of such funds shall be used for the purposes described in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) and 50 percent of such funds shall be used for the purposes described in paragraph (2) of such subsection. (5) Limitation on administrative expenses Not more than 3 percent of the total amount made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year may be used for administrative expenses. . 9004. Organic agriculture (a) Organic production and market data initiatives Section 7407(d)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925c(d)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (2) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . (b) Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program Section 2122 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6521 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (c) Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program The Secretary shall modernize database and technology systems of the national organic program. . (c) Authorization of appropriations for national organic program Effective October 1, 2013, section 2123(b)(6) of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6522(b)(6) ) is amended to read as follows: (6) $11,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (d) National organic certification cost-Share program Effective October 1, 2013, section 10606 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 6523 ) is repealed. (e) Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments Subsection (e) of section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401 ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments (1) In general Notwithstanding any provision of a commodity promotion law, a person that produces, handles, markets, or imports organic products may be exempt from the payment of an assessment under a commodity promotion law with respect to any agricultural commodity that is certified as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation). (2) Split operations The exemption described in paragraph (1) shall apply to the certified organic or ‘100 percent organic’ (as defined in part 205 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)) products of a producer, handler, or marketer regardless of whether the agricultural commodity subject to the exemption is produced, handled, or marketed by a person that also produces, handles, or markets conventional or nonorganic agricultural products, including conventional or nonorganic agricultural products of the same agricultural commodity as that for which the exemption is claimed. (3) Approval The Secretary shall approve the exemption of a person under this subsection if the person maintains a valid organic certificate issued under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ). (4) Termination of effectiveness This subsection shall be effective until the date on which the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order in accordance with subsection (f). (5) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1). . (f) Organic commodity promotion order Section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (f) Organic commodity promotion order (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Certified organic farm The term certified organic farm has the meaning given the term in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 ). (B) Covered person The term covered person means a producer, handler, marketer, or importer of an organic agricultural commodity. (C) Dual-covered agricultural commodity The term dual-covered agricultural commodity means an agricultural commodity that— (i) is produced on a certified organic farm; and (ii) is covered under both— (I) an organic commodity promotion order issued pursuant to paragraph (2); and (II) any other agricultural commodity promotion order issued under section 514. (2) Authorization The Secretary may issue an organic commodity promotion order under section 514 that includes any agricultural commodity that— (A) is produced or handled (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 )) and that is certified to be sold or labeled as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation)); or (B) is imported with a valid organic certificate (as defined in such part). (3) Election If the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order described in paragraph (2), a covered person may elect, for applicable dual-covered agricultural commodities and in the sole discretion of the covered person, whether to be assessed under the organic commodity promotion order or another applicable agricultural commodity promotion order. (4) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1). . (g) Definition of agricultural commodity Section 513(1) of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7412(1) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph: (E) products, as a class, that are produced on a certified organic farm (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 )) and that are certified to be sold or labeled as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation); . 9005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 2122 ( 7 U.S.C. 6521 ) the following new section: 2122A. Investigation and enforcement (a) Expedited administrative hearing The Secretary shall establish an expedited administrative hearing procedure under which the Secretary may suspend or revoke the organic certification of a producer or handler or the accreditation of a certifying agent in accordance with subsection (d). Such a hearing may be conducted in addition to a hearing conducted pursuant to section 2120. (b) Investigation (1) In general The Secretary may take such investigative actions as the Secretary considers to be necessary to carry out this title— (A) to verify the accuracy of any information reported or made available under this title; and (B) to determine, with regard to actions, practices, or information required under this title, whether a person covered by this title has committed a violation of this title. (2) Investigative powers The Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel attendance of witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of any records required to be maintained under section 2112(d) or 2116(c) that are relevant to the investigation. (c) Unlawful Act It shall be unlawful and a violation of this title for any person covered by this title— (1) to refuse to provide information required by the Secretary under this title; or (2) to violate— (A) a suspension or revocation of the organic certification of a producer or handler; or (B) a suspension or revocation of the accreditation of a certifying agent. (d) Enforcement (1) Suspension (A) In general The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for an expedited administrative hearing, suspend the organic certification of a producer, handler or the accreditation of a certifying agent if— (i) the Secretary, during such expedited administrative hearing, proved that— (I) in the case of a producer or handler, the producer or handler— (aa) has recklessly committed a violation of a term, condition, or requirement of the organic plan to which the producer or handler is subject; or (bb) has recklessly committed, or is recklessly committing, a violation of this title; or (II) in the case of a certifying agent, the agent has recklessly committed, or is recklessly committing, a violation of this title; or (ii) the producer, handler, or certifying agent has waived such expedited administrative hearing. (B) Issuance of suspension A suspension issued under this paragraph shall be issued not later than five days after the date on which— (i) the expedited administrative hearing referred to in clause (i) of subparagraph (A) concludes; or (ii) the Secretary receives notice of the waiver referred to in clause (ii) of such subparagraph. (C) Duration of suspension The period of a suspension issued under this paragraph shall be not more than 90 days, beginning on the date on which the Secretary issues the suspension. (D) Curing of violations (i) In general The Secretary may not issue a suspension of a certification or accreditation under this paragraph if the producer, handler, or certifying agent subject to such suspension— (I) before the date on which the suspension would otherwise have been issued, cures, or corrects the deficiency giving rise to, the violation for which the certification or accreditation would have been suspended; or (II) within a reasonable timeframe (as determined by the Secretary), enters into a settlement with the Secretary regarding a deficiency referred to in subclause (I). (ii) During suspension The Secretary shall terminate the suspension of an organic certification or accreditation issued under this paragraph if the producer, handler, or certifying agent subject to such suspension cures the violation for which the certification or accreditation was suspended under this paragraph before the date on which the period of the suspension ends. (2) Revocation (A) In general The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for an expedited administrative hearing under this section and an expedited administrative appeal under section 2121, revoke the organic certification of a producer or handler, or the accreditation of a certifying agent if— (i) the Secretary, during such hearing, proved that— (I) in the case of a producer or handler, the producer or handler— (aa) has knowingly committed an egregious violation of a term, condition, or requirement of the organic plan to which the producer or handler is subject; or (bb) has knowingly committed, or is knowingly committing, an egregious violation of this title; or (II) in the case of a certifying agent, the agent has knowingly committed, or is knowingly committing, an egregious violation of this title; or (ii) the producer, handler, or certifying agent has waived such expedited administrative hearing and such an expedited administrative appeal. (B) Initiation of revocation proceedings (i) In general If the Secretary finds, during an investigation or during the period of a suspension under paragraph (1), that a producer, handler, or certifying agent has knowingly committed an egregious violation of this title, the Secretary shall initiate revocation proceedings with respect to such violation not later than 30 days after the date on which the producer, handler, or certifying agent receives notice of such finding in accordance with clause (ii). The Secretary may not initiate revocation proceedings with respect to such violation after the date on which that 30-day period ends. (ii) Notice Not later than five days after the date on which the Secretary makes the finding described in clause (i), the Secretary shall provide to the producer, handler, or certifying agent notice of such finding. (e) Appeal (1) Suspensions (A) In general The suspension of a certification or accreditation under subsection (d)(1) by the Secretary may be appealed to a United States district court in accordance with section 2121(b) not later than 30 business days after the date on which the person subject to such suspension receives notice of the suspension. (B) Suspension final and conclusive A suspension of a certification or accreditation under subsection (d)(1) by the Secretary shall be final and conclusive— (i) in the case of a suspension that is appealed under subparagraph (A) within the 30-day period specified in such subparagraph, on the date on which judicial review of such suspension is complete; or (ii) in the case of a suspension that is not so appealed, the date on which such 30-day period ends. (2) Revocations (A) In general The revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) by the Secretary may be appealed to a United States district court in accordance with section 2121(b) not later than 30 business days after the date on which the person subject to such revocation receives notice of the revocation. (B) Revocation final and conclusive A revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) by the Secretary shall be final and conclusive— (i) in the case of a revocation that is appealed under subparagraph (A) within the 30-day period specified in such subparagraph, on the date on which judicial review of such revocation is complete; or (ii) in the case of a revocation that is not so appealed, the date on which such 30-day period ends. (3) Standards for review of suspensions and revocations A suspension or revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d) shall be reviewed in accordance with the standards of review specified in section 706(2) of title 5, United States Code. (f) Noncompliance (1) In general If a person covered by this title fails to obey a revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) after such revocation has become final and conclusive or after the appropriate United States district court has entered a final judgment in favor of the Secretary, the United States may apply to the appropriate United States district court for enforcement of such revocation. (2) Enforcement If the court determines that the revocation was lawfully made and duly served and that the person violated the revocation, the court shall enforce the revocation. (3) Civil penalty If the court finds that the person violated the revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2), the person shall be subject to one or more of the penalties provided in subsections (a) and (b) of section 2120. (g) Violation of this title defined In this section, the term violation of this title means a violation specified in section 2120. . 9006. Food safety education initiatives Section 10105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7655 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , including farm workers after industry ; (B) in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end; (C) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) practices that prevent bacterial contamination of food, how to identify sources of food contamination, and other means of decreasing food contamination. ; and (2) in subsection (c), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 9007. Specialty crop block grants Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108–465 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking subsection (j) and inserting subsection (l) ; and (B) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Grants based on value and acreage Subject to subsection (c), for each State whose application for a grant for a fiscal year that is accepted by the Secretary under subsection (f), the amount of the grant for such fiscal year to the State under this section shall bear the same ratio to the total amount made available under subsection (l)(1) for such fiscal year as— (1) the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in the State and the acreage of specialty crop production in the State, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data; bears to (2) the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in all States and the acreage of specialty crop production in all States, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data. ; (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) an assurance that any grant funds received under this section that are used for equipment or capital-related research costs determined to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops— (A) shall be supplemented by the expenditure of State funds in an amount that is not less than 50 percent of such costs during the fiscal year in which such costs were incurred; and (B) shall be completely replaced by State funds on the day after the date on which such fiscal year ends. ; (4) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (l); (5) by inserting after subsection (i) the following new subsections: (j) Multistate projects Not later than 180 days after the effective date of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue guidance for the purpose of making grants to multistate projects under this section for projects involving— (1) food safety; (2) plant pests and disease; (3) research; (4) crop-specific projects addressing common issues; and (5) any other area that furthers the purposes of this section, as determined by the Secretary. (k) Administration (1) Department The Secretary of Agriculture may not use more than 3 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year for administrative expenses. (2) States A State receiving a grant under this section may not use more than 8 percent of the funds received under the grant for a fiscal year for administrative expenses. ; and (6) in subsection (l) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and moving the margins of such subparagraphs two ems to the right; (B) by striking Of the funds and inserting the following: (1) In general Of the funds ; (C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)— (i) in subparagraph (B) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: (D) $72,500,000 for fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (E) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Multistate projects Of the funds made available under paragraph (1), the Secretary may use to carry out subsection (j), to remain available until expended— (A) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; (B) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (C) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; (D) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and (E) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. . 9008. Department of Agriculture consultation regarding enforcement of certain labor law provisions Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the Secretary of Labor regarding the restraining of shipments of agricultural commodities, or the confiscation of such commodities, by the Department of Labor for actual or suspected labor law violations in order to consider— (1) the perishable nature of such commodities; (2) the impact of such restraining or confiscation on the economic viability of farming operations; and (3) the competitiveness of specialty crops through grants awarded to States under section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note). 9009. Report on honey (a) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with persons affected by the potential establishment of a Federal standard for the identity of honey, shall submit to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs a report describing how an appropriate Federal standard for the identity of honey would be in the interest of consumers, the honey industry, and United States agriculture. (b) Considerations In preparing the report required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall take into consideration the March 2006, Standard of Identity citizens petition filed with the Food and Drug Administration, including any current industry amendments or clarifications necessary to update such petition. 9010. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada (a) Bulk shipment of apples to Canada Section 4 of the Export Apple Act ( 7 U.S.C. 584 ) is amended— (1) by striking Apples in and inserting (a) Apples in ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (b) Apples may be shipped to Canada in bulk bins without complying with the provisions of this Act. . (b) Definition of bulk bin Section 9 of the Export Apple Act ( 7 U.S.C. 589 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) The term bulk bin means a bin that contains a quantity of apples weighing more than 100 pounds. . (c) Regulations Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section. 9011. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs (a) Relocation of legislative language relating to national clean plant network Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection: (e) National clean plant network (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a program to be known as the National Clean Plant Network (referred to in this subsection as the Program ). (2) Requirements Under the Program, the Secretary shall establish a network of clean plant centers for diagnostic and pathogen elimination services— (A) to produce clean propagative plant material; and (B) to maintain blocks of pathogen-tested plant material in sites located throughout the United States. (3) Availability of clean plant source material Clean plant source material may be made available to— (A) a State for a certified plant program of the State; and (B) private nurseries and producers. (4) Consultation and collaboration In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall— (A) consult with— (i) State departments of agriculture; and (ii) land-grant colleges and universities and NLGCA Institutions (as those terms are defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 )); and (B) to the extent practicable and with input from the appropriate State officials and industry representatives, use existing Federal or State facilities to serve as clean plant centers. (5) Funding for fiscal year 2013 There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2013. . (b) Funding Subsection (f) of section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ) (as so redesignated) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking and each fiscal year thereafter. and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (5) $62,500,000 for fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (6) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. . (c) Repeal of existing provision Section 10202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7761 ) is repealed. (d) Clarification of use of funds for technical assistance Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ), as amended by subsection (a), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (g) Relationship to other law The use of Commodity Credit Corporation funds under this section to provide technical assistance shall not be considered an allotment or fund transfer from the Commodity Credit Corporation for purposes of the limit on expenditures for technical assistance imposed by section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act ( 15 U.S.C. 714i ). . (e) Use of funds for clean plant network Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ), as amended by subsections (a) and (d), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (h) Use of funds for clean plant network Of the funds made available under subsection (f) to carry out this section for a fiscal year, not less than $5,000,000 shall be available to carry out the national clean plant network under subsection (e). . 9012. Modification, cancellation, or suspension on basis of a biological opinion (a) In general Except in the case of a voluntary request from a pesticide registrant to amend a registration under section 3 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136a ), a registration of a pesticide may be modified, canceled, or suspended on the basis of the implementation of a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service prior to the date of completion of the study referred to in subsection (b), or January 1, 2015, whichever is earlier, only if— (1) the modification, cancellation, or suspension is undertaken pursuant to section 6 of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136d ); and (2) the Biological Opinion complies with the recommendations contained in the study referred to in subsection (b). (b) National Academy of Sciences Study The study commissioned by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on March 10, 2011, shall include, at a minimum, each of the following: (1) A formal, independent, and external peer review, consistent with Office of Management and Budget policies, of each Biological Opinion described in subsection (a). (2) Assessment of economic impacts of measures or alternatives recommended in each such Biological Opinion. (3) An examination of the specific scientific and procedural questions and issues pertaining to economic feasibility contained in the June 23, 2011, letter sent to the Administrator (and other Federal officials) by the Chairmen of the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Natural Resources, and the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations, of the House of Representatives. 9013. Use and discharges of authorized pesticides (a) Short title This section may be cited as the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2013 . (b) Use of authorized pesticides Section 3(f) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136a(f) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) Use of authorized pesticides Except as provided in section 402(s) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Administrator or a State may not require a permit under such Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under this Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of such pesticide. . (c) Discharges of pesticides Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1342 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (s) Discharges of pesticides (1) No permit requirement Except as provided in paragraph (2), a permit shall not be required by the Administrator or a State under this Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of such pesticide. (2) Exceptions Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the following discharges of a pesticide or pesticide residue: (A) A discharge resulting from the application of a pesticide in violation of a provision of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act that is relevant to protecting water quality, if— (i) the discharge would not have occurred but for the violation; or (ii) the amount of pesticide or pesticide residue in the discharge is greater than would have occurred without the violation. (B) Stormwater discharges subject to regulation under subsection (p). (C) The following discharges subject to regulation under this section: (i) Manufacturing or industrial effluent. (ii) Treatment works effluent. (iii) Discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, including a discharge resulting from ballasting operations or vessel biofouling prevention. . 9014. Seed not pesticide or device for purposes of importation Section 17(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136o(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentences: Solely for purposes of notifications of arrival upon importation, for purposes of this subsection, seed, including treated seed, shall not be considered a pesticide or device. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as precluding or limiting the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to the importation or movement of plants, plant products, or seeds, under the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq. ) or the Federal Seed Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1551 et seq. ). . 9015. Stay of regulations related to Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall lift the administrative stay that was imposed by the rule entitled Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Stay of Regulations and published by the Department of Agriculture on November 17, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 71241), on the regulations in subpart A of part 214 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, establishing an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for fresh cut Christmas trees. 9016. Study on proposed order pertaining to sulfuryl fluoride Not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the potential economic and public health effects that would result from finalization of the proposed order published in the January 19, 2011, Federal Register (76 Fed. Reg. 3422) pertaining to the pesticide sulfuryl fluoride, including the anticipated impacts of such finalization on the production of an adequate, wholesome, and economical food supply and on farmers and related agricultural sectors. 9017. Study on local and regional food production and program evaluation (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture shall— (1) collect data on the production and marketing of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (2) facilitate interagency collaboration and data sharing on programs related to local and regional food systems; and (3) monitor the effectiveness of programs designed to expand or facilitate local food systems. (b) Requirements In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall— (1) collect and distribute comprehensive reporting of prices of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (2) conduct surveys and analysis and publish reports relating to the production, handling, distribution, and retail sales of, and trend studies (including consumer purchasing patterns) on, locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs in growing local and regional food systems, including— (A) the impact of local food systems on job creation and economic development; (B) the level of participation in the Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion Program established under section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 ( 7 U.S.C. 3005 ), including the percentage of projects funded in comparison to applicants and the types of eligible entities receiving funds; (C) the ability for participants to leverage private capital and a synopsis of the places from which non-Federal funds are derived; and (D) any additional resources required to aid in the development or expansion of local and regional food systems; (4) expand the Agricultural Resource Management Survey to include questions on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; and (5) seek to establish or expand private-public partnerships to facilitate, to the maximum extent practicable, the collection of data on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products, including the development of a nationally coordinated and regionally balanced evaluation of the redevelopment of locally or regionally produced food systems. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until September 30, 2018, 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 report describing the progress that has been made in implementing this section and identifying any additional needs related to developing local and regional food systems. 9018. Annual report on invasive species (a) Initial report (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on invasive species. (2) Matters included The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A list of each invasive species that is in the United States as of the date of the report. (B) For each invasive species listed under subparagraph (A)— (i) the country from which the species originated; (ii) the means in which the species entered the United States; (iii) the year in which the species entered the United States; (iv) the rate by which the entry of the species is increasing or decreasing; (v) cost estimates, covering both the date of the report and future periods, of the cost of such species to the public and private sectors; (vi) if cost estimates cannot be conducted under clause (v), a detailed explanation of why; (vii) environmental impact estimates, covering both the date of the report and future periods, of the environmental impact of the species; (viii) if environmental impact estimates cannot be conducted under clause (vii), a detailed explanation of why; (ix) recommendations as to what steps are needed to combat the species; (x) a description of the ongoing research occurring to combat the species; and (xi) a description of any legal recourse available to people affected by the species. (C) Any other matter the Secretary determines appropriate. (3) Period covered The report under paragraph (1) shall cover the period beginning in 1980 and ending on the date on which the report is submitted. (b) Annual updated reports Not later than October 1 of each fiscal year beginning after the date on which the report under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) is submitted, the Secretary shall submit annually to Congress an updated report, including an update to each of the matters described in paragraph (2) of such subsection. (c) Public availability The Secretary shall make each report under this section available to the public. X Crop Insurance 10001. Information sharing (a) In General Section 502(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) Information (A) Request Subject to subparagraph (B), the Farm Service Agency shall, in a timely manner, provide to an agent or an approved insurance provider authorized by the producer any information (including Farm Service Agency Form 578s (or any successor form) or maps (or any corrections to those forms or maps) that may assist the agent or approved insurance provider in insuring the producer under a policy or plan of insurance under this subtitle. (B) Privacy Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an agent or approved insurance provider that receives the information of a producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall treat the information in accordance with paragraph (1). (C) Sharing Nothing in this section prohibits the sharing of the information of a producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) between the agent and the approved insurance provider of the producer. . (b) Disclosure of crop insurance premium subsidies made on behalf of Members of Congress and certain other individuals and entities Section 502(c)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(c)(2) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (D) and (E) respectively; and (2) by inserting before subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated) the following: (A) Disclosure in the public interest Notwithstanding paragraph (1) or any other provision of law, except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall on an annual basis make available to the public— (i) (I) the name of each individual or entity specified in subparagraph (C) who obtained a federally subsidized crop insurance, livestock, or forage policy or plan of insurance during the previous fiscal year; (II) the amount of premium subsidy received by that individual or entity from the Corporation; and (III) the amount of any Federal portion of indemnities paid in the event of a loss during that fiscal year for each policy associated with that individual or entity; and (ii) for each private insurance provider, by name— (I) the underwriting gains earned through participation in the federally subsidized crop insurance program; and (II) the amount paid under this subtitle for— (aa) administrative and operating expenses; (bb) any Federal portion of indemnities and reinsurance; and (cc) any other purpose. (B) Limitation The Secretary shall not disclose information pertaining to individuals and entities covered by a catastrophic risk protection plan offered under section 508(b). (C) Covered individuals and entities Subparagraph (A) applies with respect to the following: (i) Members of Congress and their immediate families. (ii) Cabinet Secretaries and their immediate families. (iii) Entities of which any individual described in clause (i) or (ii), or combination of such individuals, is a majority shareholder. . 10002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium adjustments Section 508(a)(9) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Publication of violations (i) Publication required Subject to clause (ii), the Corporation shall publish in a timely manner on the website of the Risk Management Agency information regarding each violation of this paragraph, including any sanctions imposed in response to the violation, in sufficient detail so that the information may serve as effective guidance to approved insurance providers, agents, and producers. (ii) Protection of privacy In providing information under clause (i) regarding violations of this paragraph, the Corporation shall redact the identity of the persons and entities committing the violations in order to protect their privacy. . 10003. Supplemental coverage option (a) Availability of supplemental coverage option Paragraph (3) of section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (3) Yield and loss basis options A producer shall have the option of purchasing additional coverage based on— (A) (i) an individual yield and loss basis; or (ii) an area yield and loss basis; (B) an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis to cover a part of the deductible under the individual yield and loss policy, as described in paragraph (4)(C); or (C) a margin basis alone or in combination with the coverages available in subparagraph (A) or (B). . (b) Level of coverage Paragraph (4) of section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (4) Level of coverage (A) Dollar denomination and percentage of yield Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the level of coverage— (i) shall be dollar denominated; and (ii) may be purchased at any level not to exceed 85 percent of the individual yield or 95 percent of the area yield (as determined by the Corporation). (B) Information The Corporation shall provide producers with information on catastrophic risk and additional coverage in terms of dollar coverage (within the allowable limits of coverage provided in this paragraph). (C) Supplemental coverage option (i) In general Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of the supplemental coverage option described in paragraph (3)(B), the Corporation shall offer producers the opportunity to purchase coverage in combination with a policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle that would allow indemnities to be paid to a producer equal to a part of the deductible under the policy or plan of insurance— (I) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent practicable; or (II) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis of such larger geographical area as the Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of providing the coverage. (ii) Trigger Coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall be triggered only if the losses in the area exceed 10 percent of normal levels (as determined by the Corporation). (iii) Coverage Subject to the trigger described in clause (ii), coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall not exceed the difference between— (I) 90 percent; and (II) the coverage level selected by the producer for the underlying policy or plan of insurance. (iv) Ineligible crops and acres Crops for which the producer has elected under section 1107(c)(1) of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 to receive revenue loss coverage and acres that are enrolled in the stacked income protection plan under section 508B shall not be eligible for supplemental coverage under this subparagraph. (v) Calculation of premium Notwithstanding subsection (d), the premium for coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall— (I) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and (II) include an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with subsection (k)(4)(F). . (c) Payment of portion of premium by Corporation Section 508(e)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (H) In the case of the supplemental coverage option authorized in subsection (c)(4)(C), the amount shall be equal to the sum of— (i) 65 percent of the additional premium associated with the coverage; and (ii) the amount determined under subsection (c)(4)(C)(vi)(II), subject to subsection (k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover operating and administrative expenses. . (d) Effective date The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall begin to provide additional coverage based on an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis, not later than for the 2014 crop year. 10004. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection Subparagraph (A) of section 508(d)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(d)(2) ) is amended to read as follows: (A) In the case of catastrophic risk protection, the amount of the premium established by the Corporation for each crop for which catastrophic risk protection is available shall be reduced by the percentage equal to the difference between the average loss ratio for the crop and 100 percent, plus a reasonable reserve. . 10005. Repeal of performance-based discount (a) Repeal Section 508(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (3); and (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3). (b) Conforming amendment Section 508(a)(9)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9)(B) ) is amended— (1) by inserting or at the end of clause (i); (2) by striking clause (ii); and (3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii). 10006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy Subparagraph (A) of section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5) ) is amended to read as follows: (A) In general The Corporation may pay a portion of the premiums for plans or policies of insurance for which the insurable unit is defined on a whole farm or enterprise unit basis that is higher than would otherwise be paid in accordance with paragraph (2). . 10007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops Section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) Nonirrigated crops Beginning with the 2014 crop year, the Corporation shall make available separate enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated acreage of crops in counties. . 10008. Data collection Section 508(g)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Sources of yield data To determine yields under this paragraph, the Corporation— (i) shall use county data collected by the Risk Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics Service, or both; or (ii) if sufficient county data is not available, may use other data considered appropriate by the Secretary. . 10009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields Section 508(g)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(4)(B) ) is amended by striking 60 each place it appears and inserting 70 . 10010. Submission and review of policies (a) In general Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(h) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (B) by striking (1) In general .—In addition and inserting the following: (1) Authority to submit (A) In general In addition ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Review and submission by Corporation The Corporation shall review any policy developed under section 522(c) or any pilot program developed under section 523 and submit the policy or program to the Board under this subsection if the Corporation, at the sole discretion of the Corporation, finds that the policy or program— (i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection; (ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form; and (iii) adequately protects the interests of producers. ; and (2) in paragraph (3)— (A) by striking A policy and inserting the following: (A) In general A policy ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Specified review and approval priorities In reviewing policies and other materials submitted to the Board under this subsection for approval, the Board— (i) shall make the development and approval of a revenue policy for peanut producers a priority so that a revenue policy is available to peanut producers in time for the 2014 crop year; (ii) shall make the development and approval of a margin coverage policy for rice producers a priority so that a margin coverage policy is available to rice producers in time for the 2014 crop year; and (iii) may approve a submission that is made pursuant to this subsection that would, beginning with the 2014 crop year, allow producers that purchase policies in accordance with subsection (e)(5)(A) to separate enterprise units by risk rating for acreage of crops in counties. . (b) Advance payments Section 522(b)(2)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(b)(2)(E) ) is amended by striking 50 percent and inserting 75 percent . 10011. Equitable relief for specialty crop policies Section 508(k)(8)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8)(E) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) Equitable relief for specialty crop policies (I) In general For each of the 2011 through 2015 reinsurance years, in addition to the total amount of funding for reimbursement of administrative and operating costs that is otherwise required to be made available in each such reinsurance year pursuant to an agreement entered into by the Corporation, the Corporation shall use $41,000,000 to provide additional reimbursement with respect to eligible insurance contracts for any agricultural commodity that is not eligible for a benefit under subtitles A, B or C of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . (II) Treatment Additional reimbursements made under this clause shall be included as part of the base level of administrative and operating expense reimbursement to which any limit on compensation to persons involved in the direct sale and service of any eligible crop insurance contract required under an agreement entered into by the Corporation is applied. (III) Rule of construction Nothing in this clause shall be construed as statutory assent to the limit described in subclause (II). . 10012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance agreement Section 508(k)(8) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) Budget (i) In general The Board shall ensure that any Standard Reinsurance Agreement negotiated under subparagraph (A)(ii), as compared to the previous Standard Reinsurance Agreement— (I) to the maximum extent practicable, shall be budget neutral; and (II) in no event, may significantly depart from budget neutrality. (ii) Use of savings To the extent that any budget savings is realized in the renegotiation of a Standard Reinsurance Agreement under subparagraph (A)(ii), and the savings are determined not to be a significant departure from budget neutrality under clause (i), the savings shall be used to increase the obligations of the Corporation under subsections (e)(2) or (k)(4) or section 523. . 10013. Crop production on native sod (a) Federal crop insurance Section 508(o) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(o) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled, after tilled ; (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking Ineligibility for and inserting Reduction in ; and (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking for benefits under— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting for— (i) a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under this subtitle in accordance with paragraph (3); (ii) benefits under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ); and (iii) payments described in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ). ; and (3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following new paragraphs: (3) Administration (A) In general During the first 4 crop years of planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in paragraph (2)— (i) paragraph (2) shall apply to 65 percent of the transitional yield of the producer; and (ii) the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the producer under this subtitle shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply. (B) Yield substitution During the period native sod acreage is covered by this subsection, a producer may not substitute yields for the native sod acreage. (4) Application This subsection shall only apply to native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area. . (b) Noninsured crop disaster assistance Section 196(a)(4) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333(a)(4) ) is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ineligibility and inserting benefit reduction ; (2) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled, after tilled ; (3) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in the subparagraph heading, by striking Ineligibility and inserting Reduction in ; and (B) in clause (i), by striking for benefits under— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting for— (I) benefits under this section; (II) a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) in accordance with subparagraph (C); and (III) payments described in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ). ; and (4) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs: (C) Administration (i) In general During the first 4 crop years of planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in subparagraph (B)— (I) subparagraph (B) shall apply to 65 percent of the transitional yield of the producer; and (II) the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the producer under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply. (ii) Yield substitution During the period native sod acreage is covered by this paragraph, a producer may not substitute yields for the native sod acreage. (D) Application This paragraph shall only apply to native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area. . (c) Cropland report (1) Baseline Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 describes the cropland acreage in each applicable county and State, and the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each applicable county and State, beginning with calendar year 2000 and including that information for the most recent year for which that information is available. (2) Annual updates Not later than January 1, 2015, and each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 2018, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 describes— (A) the cropland acreage in each applicable county and State as of the date of submission of the report; and (B) the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each applicable county and State. 10014. Coverage levels by practice Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (p) Coverage levels by practice Beginning with the 2015 crop year, a producer that produces an agricultural commodity on both dry land and irrigated land may elect a different coverage level for each production practice. . 10015. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions (a) Definition Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (9) as paragraphs (4) through (10), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Beginning farmer or rancher The term beginning farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who has not actively operated and managed a farm or ranch with a bona fide insurable interest in a crop or livestock as an owner-operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper for more than 5 crop years, as determined by the Secretary. . (b) Premium adjustments Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(5)(E), by inserting and beginning farmers or ranchers after limited resource farmers ; (2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (8) Premium for beginning farmers or ranchers Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection regarding payment of a portion of premiums, a beginning farmer or rancher shall receive premium assistance that is 10 percentage points greater than premium assistance that would otherwise be available under paragraphs (2) (except for subparagraph (A) of that paragraph), (5), (6), and (7) for the applicable policy, plan of insurance, and coverage level selected by the beginning farmer or rancher. ; and (3) in subsection (g)— (A) in paragraph (2)(B)— (i) in clause (i), by striking or at the end; (ii) in clause (ii)(III), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (iii) if the producer is a beginning farmer or rancher who was previously involved in a farming or ranching operation, including involvement in the decisionmaking or physical involvement in the production of the crop or livestock on the farm, for any acreage obtained by the beginning farmer or rancher, a yield that is the higher of— (I) the actual production history of the previous producer of the crop or livestock on the acreage determined under subparagraph (A); or (II) a yield of the producer, as determined in clause (i). ; and (B) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii) (as amended by section 10009)— (i) by inserting (I) after (ii) ; (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (II) in the case of beginning farmers or ranchers, replace each excluded yield with a yield equal to 80 percent of the applicable transitional yield. . 10016. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton (a) Availability of Stacked Income Protection Plan for Producers of Upland Cotton The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508A ( 7 U.S.C. 1508a ) the following new section: 508B. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton (a) Availability Beginning not later than the 2014 crop of upland cotton, the Corporation shall make available to producers of upland cotton an additional policy (to be known as the Stacked Income Protection Plan ), which shall provide coverage consistent with the Group Risk Income Protection Plan (and the associated Harvest Revenue Option Endorsement) offered by the Corporation for the 2011 crop year. (b) Required terms The Corporation may modify the Stacked Income Protection Plan on a program-wide basis, except that the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall comply with the following requirements: (1) Provide coverage for revenue loss of not less than 10 percent and not more than 30 percent of expected county revenue, specified in increments of 5 percent. The deductible is the minimum percent of revenue loss at which indemnities are triggered under the plan, not to be less than 10 percent of the expected county revenue. (2) Be offered to producers of upland cotton in all counties with upland cotton production— (A) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent practicable; or (B) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis of such larger geographical area as the Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of providing the coverage. (3) Be purchased in addition to any other individual or area coverage in effect on the producer’s acreage or as a stand-alone policy, except that if a producer has an individual or area coverage for the same acreage, the maximum coverage available under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not exceed the deductible for the individual or area coverage. (4) Establish coverage based on— (A) the expected price established under existing Group Risk Income Protection or area wide policy offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year; and (B) an expected county yield that is the higher of— (i) the expected county yield established for the existing area-wide plans offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year (or, in geographic areas where area-wide plans are not offered, an expected yield determined in a manner consistent with those of area-wide plans); or (ii) the average of the applicable yield data for the county (or area) for the most recent 5 years, excluding the highest and lowest observations, from the Risk Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics Service (or both) or, if sufficient county data is not available, such other data considered appropriate by the Secretary. (5) Use a multiplier factor to establish maximum protection per acre (referred to as a protection factor ) of not less than the higher of the level established on a program wide basis or 120 percent. (6) Pay an indemnity based on the amount that the expected county revenue exceeds the actual county revenue, as applied to the individual coverage of the producer. Indemnities under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not include or overlap the amount of the deductible selected under paragraph (1). (7) In all counties for which data are available, establish separate coverage levels for irrigated and non-irrigated practices. (c) Premium Notwithstanding section 508(d), the premium for the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall— (1) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and (2) include an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with section 508(k)(4)(F). (d) Payment of portion of premium by Corporation Subject to section 508(e)(4), the amount of premium paid by the Corporation for all qualifying coverage levels of the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall be— (1) 80 percent of the amount of the premium established under subsection (c) for the coverage level selected; and (2) the amount determined under subsection (c)(2), subject to section 508(k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover administrative and operating expenses. (e) Relation to other coverages The Stacked Income Protection Plan is in addition to all other coverages available to producers of upland cotton. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 508(k)(4)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)(F) ) is amended by inserting or authorized under subsection (c)(4)(C) or section 508B after of this subparagraph . 10017. Peanut revenue crop insurance The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508B, as added by the previous section, the following new section: 508C. Peanut revenue crop insurance (a) In general Effective beginning with the 2014 crop year, the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall make available to producers of peanuts a revenue crop insurance program for peanuts. (b) Effective price Subject to subsection (c), for purposes of the revenue crop insurance program and the multiperil crop insurance program under this Act, the effective price for peanuts shall be equal to the Rotterdam price index for peanuts, as adjusted to reflect the farmer stock price of peanuts in the United States. (c) Adjustments (1) In general The effective price for peanuts established under subsection (b) may be adjusted by the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation to correct distortions. (2) Administration If an adjustment is made under paragraph (1), the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall— (A) make the adjustment in an open and transparent manner; and (B) 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 describes the reasons for the adjustment. . 10018. Authority to correct errors Section 515(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1515(c) ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; (2) in the second sentence, by striking Beginning with and inserting the following: (2) Frequency Beginning with ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Corrections (A) In general In addition to the corrections permitted by the Corporation as of the date of enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , the Corporation shall allow an agent or an approved insurance provider, subject to subparagraph (B)— (i) within a reasonable amount of time following the applicable sales closing date, to correct unintentional errors in information that is provided by a producer for the purpose of obtaining coverage under any policy or plan of insurance made available under this subtitle to ensure that the eligibility information is correct; (ii) within a reasonable amount of time following— (I) the acreage reporting date, to correct unintentional errors in factual information that is provided by a producer after the sales closing date to reconcile the information with the information reported by the producer to the Farm Service Agency; or (II) the date of any subsequent correction of data by the Farm Service Agency made as a result of the verification of information; and (iii) at any time, to correct unintentional errors that were made by the Farm Service Agency or an agent or approved insurance provider in transmitting the information provided by the producer to the approved insurance provider or the Corporation. (B) Limitation In accordance with the procedures of the Corporation, correction to the information described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) may only be made if the corrections do not allow the producer— (i) to avoid ineligibility requirements for insurance; (ii) to obtain, enhance, or increase an insurance guarantee or indemnity, or avoid premium owed, if a cause of loss exists or has occurred before any correction has been made; or (iii) to avoid an obligation or requirement under any Federal or State law. (C) Exception to late filing sanctions Any corrections made pursuant to this paragraph shall not be subject to any late filing sanctions authorized in the reinsurance agreement with the Corporation. . 10019. Implementation Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1515 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (j), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) Systems maintenance and upgrades (A) In general The Secretary shall maintain and upgrade the information management systems of the Corporation used in the administration and enforcement of this subtitle. (B) Requirement (i) In general In maintaining and upgrading the systems, the Secretary shall ensure that new hardware and software are compatible with the hardware and software used by other agencies of the Department to maximize data sharing and promote the purposes of this section. (ii) Acreage report streamlining initiative project As soon as practicable, the Secretary shall develop and implement an acreage report streamlining initiative project to allow producers to report acreage and other information directly to the Department. ; and (2) in subsection (k), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) Information technology (A) In general For purposes of subsection (j)(1), the Corporation may use, from amounts made available from the insurance fund established under section 516(c), not more than— (i) (I) for fiscal year 2014, $25,000,000; and (II) for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, $10,000,000; or (ii) if the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project is substantially completed by September 30, 2015, not more than $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2018. (B) Notification The Secretary shall notify the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate of the substantial completion of the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project not later than July 1, 2015. . 10020. Research and development priorities (a) Authority To conduct research and development, priorities Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading by striking contracting ; (2) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking may enter into contracts to carry out research and development to and inserting may conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to maintain or improve existing policies or develop new policies to ; (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting conduct research and development or after The Corporation may ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting conducting research and development or after Before ; (4) in paragraph (5), by inserting after expert review in accordance with section 505(e) after approved by the Board ; and (5) in paragraph (6), by striking a pasture, range, and forage program and inserting policies that increase participation by producers of underserved agricultural commodities, including sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, rice, peanuts, sugarcane, alfalfa, pennycress, and specialty crops . (b) Funding Section 522(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking (A) Authority .— and inserting (A) Conducting and contracting for research and development .— ; (B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting conduct research and development and after the Corporation may use to ; and (C) in subparagraph (B), by inserting conduct research and development and after for the fiscal year to ; (2) in paragraph (3), by striking to provide either reimbursement payments or contract payments ; and (3) by striking paragraph (4). 10021. Additional research and development contracting requirements Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (17) as paragraph (24); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (16), the following new paragraphs: (17) Margin coverage for catfish (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with a qualified entity to conduct research and development regarding a policy to insure producers against reduction in the margin between the market value of catfish and selected costs incurred in the production of catfish. (B) Eligibility Eligibility for the policy described in subparagraph (A) shall be limited to freshwater species of catfish that are propagated and reared in controlled or selected environments. (C) Implementation The Board shall review the policy described in subparagraph (B) under subsection 508(h) and approve the policy if the Board finds that the policy— (i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection; (ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form; (iii) adequately protects the interests of producers; and (iv) the proposed policy meets other requirements of this subtitle determined appropriate by the Board. (18) Biomass and sweet sorghum energy crop insurance policies (A) Authority The Corporation shall offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with qualified entities to carry out research and development regarding— (i) a policy to insure biomass sorghum that is grown expressly for the purpose of producing a feedstock for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity, or biobased products; and (ii) a policy to insure sweet sorghum that is grown for a purpose described in clause (i). (B) Research and development Research and development with respect to each of the policies required in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools for the production of biomass sorghum or sweet sorghum, including policies and plans of insurance that— (i) are based on market prices and yields; (ii) to the extent that insufficient data exist to develop a policy based on market prices and yields, evaluate the policies and plans of insurance based on the use of weather indices, including excessive or inadequate rainfall, to protect the interest of crop producers; and (iii) provide protection for production or revenue losses, or both. (19) Study on swine catastrophic disease program (A) In general The Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of insuring swine producers for a catastrophic event. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). (20) Whole farm diversified risk management insurance plan (A) In general The Corporation shall conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to develop a whole farm risk management insurance plan, with a liability limitation of $1,250,000, that allows a diversified crop or livestock producer the option to qualify for an indemnity if actual gross farm revenue is below 85 percent of the average gross farm revenue or the expected gross farm revenue that can reasonably be expected of the producer, as determined by the Corporation. (B) Eligible producers The Corporation shall permit producers (including direct-to-consumer marketers and producers servicing local and regional and farm identity-preserved markets) who produce multiple agricultural commodities, including specialty crops, industrial crops, livestock, and aquaculture products, to participate in the plan in lieu of any other plan under this subtitle. (C) Diversification The Corporation may provide diversification-based additional coverage payment rates, premium discounts, or other enhanced benefits in recognition of the risk management benefits of crop and livestock diversification strategies for producers that grow multiple crops or that may have income from the production of livestock that uses a crop grown on the farm. (D) Market readiness The Corporation may include coverage for the value of any packing, packaging, or any other similar on-farm activity the Corporation determines to be the minimum required in order to remove the commodity from the field. (E) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results and feasibility of the research and development conducted under this paragraph, including an analysis of potential adverse market distortions. (21) Study on poultry catastrophic disease program (A) In general The Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of insuring poultry producers for a catastrophic event. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). (22) Poultry business interruption insurance policy (A) Authority The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with a university or other legal entity to carry out research and development regarding a policy to insure the commercial production of poultry against business interruptions caused by integrator bankruptcy. (B) Research and development As part of the research and development conducted pursuant to a contract or cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (A), the entity shall— (i) evaluate the market place for business interruption insurance that is available to poultry growers; (ii) determine what statutory authority would be necessary to implement a business interruption insurance through the Corporation; (iii) assess the feasibility of a policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle to insure against losses due to the bankruptcy of an business integrator; and (iv) analyze the costs to the Federal Government of a Federal business interruption insurance program for poultry growers. (C) Definitions In this paragraph, the terms poultry and poultry grower have the meanings given those terms in section 2(a) of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 ( 7 U.S.C. 182(a) ). (D) Deadline for contract or cooperative agreement Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall enter into the contract or cooperative agreement required by subparagraph (A). (E) Deadline for completion of research and development Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the research and development conducted pursuant to the contract or cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (A). (23) Study of food safety insurance (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with 1 or more qualified entities to conduct a study to determine whether offering policies that provide coverage for specialty crops from food safety and contamination issues would benefit agricultural producers. (B) Subject The study described in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate policies and plans of insurance coverage that provide protection for production or revenue impacted by food safety concerns including, at a minimum, government, retail, or national consumer group announcements of a health advisory, removal, or recall related to a contamination concern. (C) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). . 10022. Program compliance partnerships Paragraph (1) of section 522(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Purpose The purpose of this subsection is to authorize the Corporation to enter into partnerships with public and private entities for the purpose of either— (A) increasing the availability of loss mitigation, financial, and other risk management tools for producers, with a priority given to risk management tools for producers of agricultural commodities covered by section 196 of the Agricultural Market Transition Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ), specialty crops, and underserved agricultural commodities; or (B) improving analysis tools and technology regarding compliance or identifying and using innovative compliance strategies. . 10023. Pilot programs Section 523(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1523(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting , at the sole discretion of the Corporation, after may ; and (2) by striking paragraph (5). 10024. Technical amendments (a) Eligibility for department programs Section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (7); and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (11) as paragraphs (7) through (10), respectively. (b) Exclusions to assistance for losses due to drought conditions (1) In general Section 531(d)(3)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1531(d)(3)(A) ) is amended— (A) by striking (A) Eligible losses .— and all that follows through An eligible in clause (i) and inserting the following: (A) Eligible losses An eligible ; (B) by striking clause (ii); and (C) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately. (2) Conforming amendment Section 901(d)(3)(A) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2497(d)(3)(A) ) is amended— (A) by striking (A) Eligible losses .— and all that follows through An eligible in clause (i) and inserting the following: (A) Eligible losses An eligible ; (B) by striking clause (ii); and (C) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately. 10025. Advance public notice of crop insurance policy and plan changes Section 505(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1505(e) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (6) and (7); respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5): (5) Advance notice of modification before implementation (A) In general Any modification to be made in the terms or conditions of any policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle shall not take effect for a crop year unless the Secretary publishes the modification in the Federal Register and on the website of the Corporation and provides for a subsequent period of public comment— (i) with respect to fall-planted crops, not later than 60 days before June 30 during the preceding crop year; and (ii) with respect to spring-planted crops, not later than 60 days before November 30 during the preceding crop year. (B) Waiver The Secretary may waive the application of subparagraph (A) in an emergency situation declared by the Secretary upon notice to Congress of the nature of the emergency and the need for immediate implementation of the policy or plan modification referred to in such subparagraph. . XI Miscellaneous A Livestock 11101. Repeal of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Effective October 1, 2013, section 375 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008j ) is repealed. 11102. Repeal of certain regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (a) Repeal of certain regulation requirement Section 11006 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2120) is repealed. (b) Repeal of certain existing regulation Subsection (n) of section 201.2 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, is repealed. (c) Prohibition on enforcement of certain regulations or issuance of similar regulations Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Agriculture shall not— (1) enforce subsection (n) of section 201.2 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations; (2) finalize or implement sections 201.2(l), 201.2(t), 201.2(u), 201.3(c), 201.210, 201.211, 201.213, and 201.214 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as proposed to be added by the proposed rule entitled Implementation of Regulations Required Under Title XI of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008; Conduct in Violation of the Act published by the Department of Agriculture on June 22, 2010 (75 Fed. Reg. 35338); or (3) issue regulations or adopt a policy similar to the provisions— (A) referred to in paragraph (1) or (2); or (B) rescinded by the Secretary pursuant to section 742 of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 ( Public Law 113–6 ). 11103. Trichinae certification program (a) Alternative certification process The Secretary of Agriculture shall amend the rule made under paragraph (2) of section 11010(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8304(a) ) to implement the voluntary trichinae certification program established under paragraph (1) of such section, to include a requirement to establish an alternative trichinae certification process based on surveillance or other methods consistent with international standards for categorizing compartments as having negligible risk for trichinae. (b) Final regulations Not later than one year after the date on which the international standards referred to in subsection (a) are adopted, the Secretary shall finalize the rule amended under such subsection. (c) Reauthorization Section 10405(d)(1) of the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8304(d)(1) ) is amended in subparagraphs (A) and (B) by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . 11104. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan Section 11013(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8322(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 11105. Country of origin labeling (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall conduct an economic analysis of the proposed rule entitled Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Goat Meat, Wild and Farm-raised Fish and Shellfish, Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts, Pecans, Ginseng and Macadamia Nuts published by the Department of Agriculture on March 12, 2013 (76 Fed. Reg. 15645). (b) Contents The economic analysis described in subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the labeling of beef, pork, and chicken, an analysis of the impact on consumers, producers, and packers in the United States of— (1) the implementation of subtitle D of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1638 et seq. ); and (2) the proposed rule referred to in subsection (a). 11106. National animal health laboratory network Subtitle E of title X of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after section 10409 ( 7 U.S.C. 8308 ) the following new section: 10409A. National animal health laboratory network (a) In general The Secretary shall enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with eligible laboratories for any of the following purposes: (1) To enhance the capability of the Secretary to detect, and respond in a timely manner to, emerging or existing threats to animal health and to support the protection of public health, the environment, and the agricultural economy of the United States. (2) To provide the capacity and capability for standardized— (A) test procedures, reference materials, and equipment; (B) laboratory biosafety and biosecurity levels; (C) quality management system requirements; (D) interconnected electronic reporting and transmission of data; and (E) evaluation for emergency preparedness. (3) To coordinate the development, implementation, and enhancement of national veterinary diagnostic laboratory capabilities, with special emphasis on surveillance planning and vulnerability analysis, technology development and validation, training, and outreach. (b) Eligibility An eligible laboratory under this section is a diagnostic laboratory meeting specific criteria developed by the Secretary, in consultation with State animal health officials and State and university veterinary diagnostic laboratories. (c) Priority To the extent practicable and to the extent capacity and specialized expertise may be necessary, the Secretary shall give priority to existing Federal, State, and university facilities. (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 11107. Repeal of duplicative catfish inspection program (a) In general Effective on the date of the enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq. ), section 11016 of such Act ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2130) and the amendments made by such section are repealed. (b) Application The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq. ) and the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ) shall be applied and administered as if section 11016 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2130) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq. ) and the amendments made by such section had not been enacted. 11108. National Poultry Improvement Program The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that the Department of Agriculture continues to administer the diagnostic surveillance program for H5/H7 low pathogenic avian influenza with respect to commercial poultry under section 146.14 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) without amending the regulations in section 147.43 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) with respect to the governance of the General Conference Committee established under such section. The Secretary of Agriculture shall maintain— (1) the operations of the General Conference Committee— (A) in the physical location at which the Committee was located on the date of the enactment of this Act; and (B) with the organizational structure within the Department of Agriculture in effect as of such date; and (2) the funding levels for the National Poultry Improvement Plan for Commercial Poultry (established under part 146 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation) at the fiscal year 2013 funding levels for the Plan. 11109. Report on bovine tuberculosis in Texas Not later than December 31, 2014, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 on the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in Texas. The report shall cover the period beginning on January 1, 1997, and ending on December 31, 2013. 11110. Economic fraud in wild and farm-raised seafood (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall submit to Congress a report on the economic implications for consumers, fishermen, and aquaculturists of fraud and mislabeling in wild and farm-raised seafood. (b) Contents The report required under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to fraud and mislabeling in wild and farm-raised seafood, an analysis of the impact on consumers and producers in the United States of— (1) sales of imported seafood that is misrepresented as domestic product; (2) country of origin labeling that allows seafood harvested outside the United States to be labeled as a product of the United States; (3) the lack of seafood product traceability through the supply chain; and (4) the inadequate use of DNA testing and other technology to address seafood safety and fraud, including traceability. B Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers 11201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers (a) Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting and veteran farmers and ranchers after ranchers ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; (B) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; and (C) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in the heading of such subparagraph, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (II) in clause (i), by striking and at the end; (III) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (IV) by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (3) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting or veteran farmers and ranchers after socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers ; (4) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members ; and (5) in subsection (e)(5)(A)— (A) in clause (i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; and (B) in clause (ii), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers . (b) Definition of veteran farmer or rancher Section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (7) Veteran farmer or rancher The term veteran farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released from the service under conditions other than dishonorable. . 11202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach Paragraph (3) of section 226B(f) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6934(f) ) is amended to read as follows: (3) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection— (A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013; and (B) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 11203. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279 ), as amended by section 11201, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (i) Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers policy research center The Secretary shall award a grant to a college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 ( 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq. ), including Tuskegee University, to establish a policy research center to be known as the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center for the purpose of developing policy recommendations for the protection and promotion of the interests of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. . 11204. Receipt for service or denial of service from certain department of agriculture agencies Section 2501A(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279–1(e) ) is amended by striking and, at the time of the request, also requests a receipt . C Other miscellaneous provisions 11301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force Subsection (d) of section 14204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2008q–1 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 11302. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high plains water study Section 2901 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1818) is amended by striking this Act or an amendment made by this Act and inserting this Act, an amendment made by this Act, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , or an amendment made by the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . 11303. Office of Tribal Relations (a) In general Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by adding after section 308 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125a note; Public Law 103–354 ) the following new section: 309. Office of Tribal Relations The Secretary shall establish in the Office of the Secretary an Office of Tribal Relations to advise the Secretary on policies related to Indian tribes. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended by inserting after paragraph (8), as added by section 3207, the following new paragraph: (9) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Secretary the Office of Tribal Relations in accordance with section 309; and . 11304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (a) In general Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 218 ( 7 U.S.C. 6918 ) the following new section: 219. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (a) Authorization The Secretary shall establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. (b) Duties The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall— (1) provide information to returning veterans about, and connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate to the needs and interests of returning veterans, including assisting veterans in using Federal veterans educational benefits for purposes relating to beginning a farming or ranching career; (2) provide information to veterans concerning the availability of and eligibility requirements for participation in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs; (3) serve as a resource for assisting veteran farmers and ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying for participation in agricultural programs; and (4) advocate on behalf of veterans in interactions with employees of the Department. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended by inserting after paragraph (9), as added by section 11303, the following new paragraph: (10) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison in accordance with section 219. . 11305. Prohibition on keeping GSA leased cars overnight Effective immediately, a Federal employee of a State office of the Farm Service Agency in the field and non-Federal employees of county and area committees established under section 8(b)(5) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590h(b)(5) ) shall keep leased interagency motor pool vehicles at a location listed on the General Services Administration inventory of owned and leased properties or a location owned or leased by the Department of Agriculture overnight unless the employee assigned the vehicle is on overnight, approved travel status involving per diem. 11306. Noninsured crop assistance program Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ), as amended by section 10013(b), is further amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) In general (A) Coverages In the case of an eligible crop described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Agriculture shall operate a noninsured crop disaster assistance program to provide coverages based on individual yields (other than for value-loss crops) equivalent to— (i) catastrophic risk protection available under section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(b) ); or (ii) additional coverage available under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) that does not exceed 65 percent. (B) Administration The Secretary shall carry out this section through the Farm Service Agency (referred to in this section as the Agency ). ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in clause (i), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (II) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and (III) by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause: (ii) for which additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is not available; and ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, before and industrial crops ; (2) in subsection (d), by striking The Secretary and inserting Subject to subsection (l), the Secretary ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (l) Payment equivalent to additional coverage (1) In general The Secretary shall make available to a producer eligible for noninsured assistance under this section a payment equivalent to an indemnity for additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) that does not exceed 65 percent of the established yield for the eligible crop on the farm, computed by multiplying— (A) the quantity that is not greater than 65 percent of the established yield for the crop, as determined by the Secretary, specified in increments of 5 percent; (B) 100 percent of the average market price for the crop, as determined by the Secretary; and (C) a payment rate for the type of crop, as determined by the Secretary, that reflects— (i) in the case of a crop that is produced with a significant and variable harvesting expense, the decreasing cost incurred in the production cycle for the crop that is, as applicable— (I) harvested; (II) planted but not harvested; or (III) prevented from being planted because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) in the case of a crop that is produced without a significant and variable harvesting expense, such rate as shall be determined by the Secretary. (2) Premium To be eligible to receive a payment under this subsection, a producer shall pay— (A) the service fee required by subsection (k); and (B) a premium for the applicable crop year that is equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (i) the number of acres devoted to the eligible crop; (ii) the established yield for the eligible crop, as determined by the Secretary under subsection (e); (iii) the coverage level elected by the producer; (iv) the average market price, as determined by the Secretary; and (v) .0525. (3) Limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers The additional coverage made available under this subsection shall be available to limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged producers, as determined by the Secretary, in exchange for a premium that is 50 percent of the premium determined for a producer under paragraph (2). (4) Premium Payment and Application Deadline (A) Premium payment A producer electing additional coverage under this subsection shall pay the premium amount owed for the additional coverage by September 30 of the crop year for which the additional coverage is purchased. (B) Application Deadline The latest date on which additional coverage under this subsection may be elected shall be the application closing date described in subsection (b)(1). (5) Effective date Additional coverage under this subsection shall be available beginning with the 2015 crop. . 11307. Ensuring high standards for agency use of scientific information (a) Requirement for final guidelines Not later than January 1, 2014, each Federal agency shall have in effect guidelines for ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of scientific information relied upon by such agency. (b) Content of guidelines The guidelines described in subsection (a), with respect to a Federal agency, shall ensure that— (1) when scientific information is considered by the agency in policy decisions— (A) the information is subject to well-established scientific processes, including peer review where appropriate; (B) the agency appropriately applies the scientific information to the policy decision; (C) except for information that is protected from disclosure by law or administrative practice, the agency makes available to the public the scientific information considered by the agency; (D) the agency gives greatest weight to information that is based on experimental, empirical, quantifiable, and reproducible data that is developed in accordance with well-established scientific processes; and (E) with respect to any proposed rule issued by the agency, such agency follows procedures that include, to the extent feasible and permitted by law, an opportunity for public comment on all relevant scientific findings; (2) the agency has procedures in place to make policy decisions only on the basis of the best reasonably obtainable scientific, technical, economic, and other evidence and information concerning the need for, consequences of, and alternatives to the decision; and (3) the agency has in place procedures to identify and address instances in which the integrity of scientific information considered by the agency may have been compromised, including instances in which such information may have been the product of a scientific process that was compromised. (c) Approval needed for policy decisions To take effect No policy decision issued after January 1, 2014, by an agency subject to this section may take effect prior to such date that the agency has in effect guidelines under subsection (a) that have been approved by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. (d) Policy decisions not in compliance (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), a policy decision of an agency that does not comply with guidelines approved under subsection (c) shall be deemed to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and otherwise not in accordance with law. (2) Exception This subsection shall not apply to policy decisions that are deemed to be necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or because of another emergency. (e) Definitions For purposes of this section: (1) Agency The term agency has the meaning given such term in section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code. (2) Policy decision The term policy decision means, with respect to an agency, an agency action as defined in section 551(13) of title 5, United States Code, (other than an adjudication, as defined in section 551(7) of such title), and includes— (A) the listing, labeling, or other identification of a substance, product, or activity as hazardous or creating risk to human health, safety, or the environment; and (B) agency guidance. (3) Agency guidance The term agency guidance means an agency statement of general applicability and future effect, other than a regulatory action, that sets forth a policy on a statutory, regulatory, or technical issue or on an interpretation of a statutory or regulatory issue. 11308. Evaluation required for purposes of prohibition on closure or relocation of county offices for the Farm Service Agency (a) Prohibition on closure or relocation of offices with high workload volume Section 14212 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a ) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection: (a) Prohibition on closure or relocation of offices with high workload volume The Secretary of Agriculture may not close or relocate a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency in a State if the Secretary determines, after conducting the evaluation required under subsection (b)(1)(B), that the office has a high workload volume compared with other county offices in the State. . (b) Workload evaluation Section 14212(b)(1) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(1) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and moving the margins of such clauses two ems to the right; (2) by striking the Farm Service Agency, to the maximum extent practicable and inserting the Farm Service Agency— (A) to the maximum extent practicable ; (3) in clause (ii) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))— (A) by inserting as of the date of the enactment of this Act after employees ; and (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) conduct and complete an evaluation of all workload assessments for Farm Service Agency county offices that were open and operational as of January 1, 2012, during the period that begins on a date that is not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 and ends on the date that is 18 months after such date of enactment. . (c) Notice required Section 14212(b)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking After the period referred to in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of Agriculture may not close a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency unless— and inserting After carrying out each of the activities required under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall, before closing a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency— ; (2) in subparagraph (A), by striking the Secretary holds and inserting hold ; and (3) in subparagraph (B), by striking the Secretary notifies and inserting notify . (d) Conforming amendment Section 14212(b)(1) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(1) ) is amended by striking After the period referred to in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary and inserting The Secretary . 11309. Acer access and development program (a) Grants authorized The Secretary of Agriculture may make competitive grants to States, tribal governments, and research institutions to support the efforts of such States, tribal governments, and research institutions to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through the following activities: (1) Promotion of research and education related to maple syrup production. (2) Promotion of natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry. (3) Market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap products. (4) Encouragement of owners and operators of privately held land containing species of trees in the genus Acer— (A) to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the land; or (B) to voluntarily make the land available, including by lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-sugaring activities. (b) Application In submitting an application for a competitive grant under this section, a State, tribal government, or research institution shall include— (1) a description of the activities to be supported using the grant funds; (2) a description of the benefits that the State, tribal government, or research institution intends to achieve as a result of engaging in such activities; and (3) an estimate of the increase in maple-sugaring activities or maple syrup production that the State, tribal government, or research institution anticipates will occur as a result of engaging in such activities. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to preempt a State or tribal government law, including a State or tribal government liability law. (d) Definition of maple-Sugaring In this section, the term maple-sugaring means the collection of sap from any species of tree in the genus Acer for the purpose of boiling to produce food. (e) Regulations The Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section. (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. 11310. Regulatory review by the Secretary of Agriculture (a) Review of regulatory agenda The Secretary of Agriculture shall review publications that may give notice that the Environmental Protection Agency is preparing or plans to prepare any guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect that may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities, including— (1) any regulatory agenda of the Environmental Protection Agency published pursuant to section 602 of title 5, United States Code; (2) any regulatory plan or agenda published by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to an Executive order, including Executive Order 12866; and (3) any other publication issued by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Management and Budget that may reasonably be foreseen to contain notice of plans by the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare any guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect that may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities. (b) Information gathering For a publication item reviewed under subsection (a) that the Secretary determines may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities, the Secretary shall— (1) solicit from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency any information the Administrator may provide to facilitate a review of the publication item; (2) utilize the Chief Economist of the Department of Agriculture to produce an economic impact statement for the publication item that contains a detailed estimate of potential costs to agricultural entities; (3) identify individuals representative of potentially affected agricultural entities for the purpose of obtaining advice and recommendations from such individuals about the potential impacts of the publication item; and (4) convene a review panel for analysis of the publication item that includes the Secretary, any full-time Federal employee of the Department of Agriculture appointed to the panel by the Secretary, and any employee of the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within the Office of Management and Budget that accepts an invitation from the Secretary to participate in the panel. (c) Duties of the review panel A review panel convened for a publication item under subsection (b)(4) shall— (1) review any information or material obtained by the Secretary and prepared in connection with the publication item, including any draft proposed guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect; (2) collect advice and recommendations from agricultural entity representatives identified by the Administrator after consultation with the Secretary; (3) compile and analyze such advice and recommendations; and (4) make recommendations to the Secretary based on the information gathered by the review panel or provided by agricultural entity representatives. (d) Comments (1) In general Not later than 60 days after the date the Secretary convenes a review panel pursuant to subsection (b)(4), the Secretary shall submit to the Administrator comments on the planned or proposed guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect for consideration and inclusion in any related administrative record, including— (A) a report by the Secretary on the concerns of agricultural entities; (B) the findings of the review panel; (C) the findings of the Secretary, including any adopted findings of the review panel; and (D) recommendations of the Secretary. (2) Publication The Secretary shall publish the comments in the Federal Register and make the comments available to the public on the public Internet website of the Department of Agriculture. (e) Waivers The Secretary may waive initiation of the review panel under subsection (b)(4) as the Secretary determines appropriate. (f) Definition of agricultural entity In this section, the term agricultural entity means any entity involved in or related to agricultural enterprise, including enterprises that are engaged in the business of production of food and fiber, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries. 11311. Prohibition on attending an animal fighting venture or causing a minor to attend an animal fighting venture Section 26(a)(1) of the Animal Welfare Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2156(a)(1) ) is amended by striking the period and inserting or to knowingly attend or knowingly cause a minor to attend an animal fighting venture. . 11312. Prohibition against interference by State and local governments with production or manufacture of items in other States (a) In general Consistent with Article I, section 8, clause 3 of the Constitution of the United States, the government of a State or locality therein shall not impose a standard or condition on the production or manufacture of any agricultural product sold or offered for sale in interstate commerce if— (1) such production or manufacture occurs in another State; and (2) the standard or condition is in addition to the standards and conditions applicable to such production or manufacture pursuant to— (A) Federal law; and (B) the laws of the State and locality in which such production or manufacture occurs. (b) Agricultural product defined In this section, the term agricultural product has the meaning given such term in section 207 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1626 ). 11313. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Missouri River Basin (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Record runoff occurred in the Missouri River basin during 2011 as a result of historic rainfall over portions of the upper basin coupled with heavy plains and mountain snowpack. (2) Runoff above Sioux City, Iowa, during the 5-month period of March through July totaled an estimated 48.4 million acre-feet (referred to in this section as MAF ). This runoff volume was more than 20 percent greater than the design storm for the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System (referred to in this section as the System ), which was based on the 1881 runoff of 40.0 MAF during the same 5-month period. (3) During the 2011 runoff season, nearly 61 million acre-feet of water entered the Missouri River system, far surpassing the previous record of 49 MAF in runoff that was set during the flood of 1997. (4) Given the incredible amount of water entering the System, the summer months were spent working to evacuate as much water from the System as possible, ultimately leading to record high water releases from Gavins Point Dam of 160,000 cubic feet per second, a rate that more than doubled the previous release record of 70,000 cubic feet per second set in 1997. (5) For nearly four months, those extremely high releases from Gavins Point were maintained, resulting in severe and sustained flooding, with much of western Iowa and eastern Nebraska as well as portions of South Dakota, Kansas, and Missouri inundated by a flooding river three to five feet deep, up to 11 miles wide, and flowing at a rate of 4 to 11 miles per hour. (6) Thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage was done to roads and other public infrastructure. (7) In addition to the homes, businesses, and infrastructure impacted by the flooding, hundreds of thousands of acres of cropland were affected. (8) The Department of Agriculture has estimated that 400,000 to 500,000 acres of some of the most productive crop land in the world was flooded in 2011. (9) Local Farm Services Agency representatives have estimated that $82,100,000 was lost in 2011 alone due to damaged or lost crops and unplanted acres. (10) Not only did the flooding eliminate the 2011 crop, but it is highly unlikely that many farmers will be able to put that land back into production at any point in the near future. (11) Producers will have to contend with large piles of sand, silt, and other debris that have been deposited in their fields, meaning the impact of the 2011 flood will be felt in the agricultural communities up and down the Missouri River for many years to come. (12) Currently, the amount of storage capacity in the System that is set aside for flood control is based upon the vacated space required to control the 1881 flood, because prior to the 2011 flood, the 1881 flood was seen as the high water mark . (13) Given the historic flooding that took place in 2011, it is clear that year’s flooding now represents a new high water mark , surpassing the flooding of even the 1881 flood. (14) It is important that the flood control related functions of the System management be adjusted to reflect the reality of the 2011 flood as the new worst case scenario for flooding along the Missouri River. (15) System management may begin to be adjusted to account for the 2011 flood through a recalculation of the amount of storage space within the System that is allocated to flood control, using the model not of the 1881 flood, but of the greatest flood experienced—the flood of 2011. (16) As a result of the flooding in 2011, many States received disaster declarations from the Department of Agriculture to help farmers and producers recover from the damage done by the high water. (17) Though helpful, even the assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture will not provide many in the agriculture community with the resources to put their land back into production any time soon. (18) Without the protection that will come from a fundamental change in the System’s flood control storage allocations, farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests who may be in a position to restart their operations will find it difficult to justify doing so, given the fact that they will not be protected from similar flooding in the future. (b) Updated management of the Missouri river To protect agricultural interests In order to strengthen the agricultural economy, revitalize the rural communities, and conserve the natural resources of the Missouri River basin, the Congress directs that the Secretary of Agriculture take action to promote immediate increased flood protection to farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests in the Missouri River basin by working within its jurisdiction to support efforts— (1) to recalculate the amount of space within the System that is allocated to flood control storage using the 2011 flood as the model; and (2) to increase the Missouri River’s channel capacity between the reservoirs and below Gavins Point. 11314. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Black Dirt region In order to strengthen the agricultural economy, revitalize the rural communities, and conserve the natural resources of the Black Dirt region, the Congress directs that the Secretary of Agriculture take action to promote immediate increased flood protection to farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests around the Wallkill River and in the Black Dirt region. 11315. Protection of honey bees and other pollinators (a) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall carry out such activities as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect and ensure the long-term viability of populations of honey bees, wild bees, and other beneficial insects of agricultural crops, horticultural plants, wild plants, and other plants, including— (1) providing technical expertise relating to proposed agency actions that may threaten pollinator health or jeopardize the long-term viability of populations of pollinators; (2) providing formal guidance on national policies relating to— (A) permitting managed honey bees to forage on National Forest Service lands where compatible with other natural resource management priorities; and (B) planting and maintaining managed honey bee and native pollinator forage on National Forest Service lands where compatible with other natural resource management priorities; (3) making use of the best available peer-reviewed science regarding environmental and chemical stressors on pollinator health; and (4) regularly monitoring and reporting on the health and population status of managed and native pollinators including bees, birds, bats, and other species. (b) Task force on bee health and commercial beekeeping (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a task force— (A) to coordinate Federal efforts carried out on or after the date of enactment of this Act to address the serious worldwide decline in bee health, especially honey bees and declining native bees; and (B) to assess Federal efforts to mitigate pollinator losses and threats to the United States commercial beekeeping industry. (2) Agency consultation The task force established under this subsection shall seek ongoing consultation from any Federal agency carrying out activities important to bee health and commercial beekeeping, including officials from— (A) the Department of Agriculture; (B) the Department of the Interior; (C) the Environmental Protection Agency; (D) the Food and Drug Administration; (E) the Department of Commerce; and (F) U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (3) Stakeholder consultation The task force established under this subsection shall consult with beekeeper, conservation, scientist, and agricultural stakeholders. (c) Report to Congress Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the task force established under subsection (b) shall submit to Congress a report that— (1) summarizes Federal activities carried out pursuant to subsection (f) of section of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925 ) (as redesignated by section 7209) or any other provision of law (including regulations) to address bee decline; (2) summarizes international efforts to address the decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators; and (3) provides recommendations to Congress regarding how to better coordinate Federal agency efforts to address the decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators. (d) Pollinator research lab feasibility study (1) In general The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, may conduct feasibility studies regarding— (A) re-locating existing honey bee and native pollinator research from Federal laboratories to a cooperator-run facility in a location most geographically appropriate for pollinator research; and (B) modernizing existing honey bee research laboratories identified by the Agricultural Research Service in the capital investment strategy document dated 2012. (2) Consultation In conducting the feasibility studies under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with— (A) beekeeper, native bee, agricultural, research institution, and bee conservation stakeholders regarding new research laboratory needs under paragraph (1)(A); and (B) commercial beekeepers regarding the modernizing of existing honey bee laboratories under paragraph (1)(B). 11316. Produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States (a) Technical assistance to CBP The Secretary of Agriculture shall make available to U.S. Customs and Border Protection technical assistance related to the identification of produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. (b) Report to Congress 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 report on produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. 11317. Urban agriculture coordination The Secretary of Agriculture shall coordinate opportunities for urban agriculture, by— (1) compiling a list of all programs administered by the Secretary or by the head of any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States to which urban farmers can apply for assistance or participation; (2) examining and implementing opportunities to adjust the regulations governing the programs to enable urban farmers to participate in more of the programs; (3) developing a process for streamlining the process by which urban farmers may apply for assistance from, or for participation in, the programs, including through the use of a single, harmonized application for multiple programs; and (4) such other methods as the Secretary deems appropriate. 11318. Sense of Congress on increased business opportunities for black farmers, women, minorities, and small businesses It is the sense of Congress that the Federal Government should increase the number of contracts the Federal Government awards to black farmers, businesses owned and controlled by women, businesses owned and controlled by minorities, and small business concerns. 11319. Sense of Congress regarding agriculture security programs It is the sense of Congress that— (1) agricultural nutrients and other agricultural chemicals are essential to ensuring the most efficient production of food, fuel, and fiber; (2) these products must be properly stored, handled, transported, and used to ensure that they are not misused or cause harm either accidentally or intentionally; (3) the Department of Agriculture is the Federal agency with the staffing and technical expertise to understand the important role these products play in agriculture; (4) other Federal departments and agencies have been given lead responsibility to develop and implement security programs affecting the availability, storage, transportation, and use of a variety of chemicals and products used in agriculture; (5) it is critical that the Department of Agriculture participates fully in the development of any such security programs to ensure that they do not unnecessarily restrict the availability of the most efficient and beneficial products needed to sustain agriculture in the United States; (6) the Secretary of Agriculture should review staffing at the Department to ensure that the agency has senior employees within the Department at the Senior Executive Service level or higher, who have responsibility for coordinating with other Federal, State, and international agencies in the development of regulations, guidance, and procedures for the secure handling of agricultural chemicals; and (7) such employees shall— (A) work with manufacturers, retailers, and the general farm community to review existing and proposed Federal, State, and international agricultural chemical security regulations; (B) coordinate with manufacturers, retailers, transporters, and farmers to evaluate how existing and proposed security regulations, including systems to track the sale, transportation, delivery, and use of agricultural products, can be designed to minimize any adverse impact on agricultural productivity; (C) evaluate how existing and proposed security regulations will affect the ability of agricultural producers to have timely access to nutrients, chemicals, and other products that are affordable and best suited to the producers’ operations; (D) develop recommendations on best practices, policies, and regulatory mechanisms relating to existing and proposed security programs to ensure that there is minimal adverse impact on agricultural productivity; and (E) engage with Federal agencies with responsibility for establishing security programs to ensure that they have the information needed to develop procedures for effective security administration and enforcement that minimize any adverse impact on domestic or international agricultural productivity. 11320. Report on water sharing Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report on— (1) efforts by Mexico to meet its treaty deliveries of water to the Rio Grande in accordance with the Treaty between the United States and Mexico Respecting Utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande (done at Washington, February 3, 1944); and (2) the benefits to the United States of the Interim International Cooperative Measures in the Colorado River Basin through 2017 and Extension of Minute 318 Cooperative Measures to Address the Continued Effects of the April 2010 Earthquake in the Mexicali Valley, Baja, California (done at Coronado, California, November 20, 2012; commonly referred to as Minute No. 319 ). 11321. Scientific and economic analysis of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary ) may not enforce any regulations promulgated under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act ( Public Law 111–353 ) until the Secretary publishes in the Federal Register the following: (1) An analysis of the scientific information used in the final rule to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act with a particular focus on— (A) agricultural businesses of a variety of sizes; (B) regional differences of agriculture production, processing, marketing, and value added production; (C) agricultural businesses that are diverse livestock and produce producers; and (D) what, if any, negative impact on the agricultural businesses would be created, or exacerbated, by implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. (2) An analysis of the economic impact of the proposed final rule to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act with a particular focus on— (A) agricultural businesses of a variety of sizes; and (B) small and mid-sized value added food processors. (3) A plan to systematically evaluate the regulations by surveying farmers and processors and developing an ongoing process to evaluate and address business concerns. (b) Annual report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the impact of implementation of the regulations promulgated under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. 11322. Improved Department of Agriculture consideration of economic impact of regulations on small business The Secretary of Agriculture shall complete procedures consistent with the requirements of subsection (b) of section 609 of title 5, United States Code, whenever the Department of Agriculture promulgates any rule which will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 11323. Silvicultural activities Section 402(l) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1342(l) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Silvicultural activities (A) NPDES permit requirements for silvicultural activities The Administrator shall not require a permit or otherwise promulgate regulations under this section or directly or indirectly require any State to require a permit under this section for a discharge of stormwater runoff resulting from the conduct of the following silviculture activities: nursery operations, site preparation, reforestation and subsequent cultural treatment, thinning, prescribed burning, pest and fire control, harvesting operations, surface drainage, and road use, construction, and maintenance. (B) Permits for dredged or fill material Nothing in this paragraph exempts a silvicultural activity resulting in the discharge of dredged or fill material from any permitting requirement under section 404. . 11324. Applicability of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule (a) In general The Administrator, in implementing the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule with respect to any farm, shall— (1) require certification of compliance with such rule by— (A) a professional engineer for a farm with— (i) an individual tank with an aboveground storage capacity greater than 10,000 gallons; (ii) an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than or equal to 42,000 gallons; or (iii) a history that includes a spill, as determined by the Administrator; or (B) the owner or operator of the farm (via self-certification) for a farm with— (i) an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than 10,000 gallons but less than 42,000 gallons; and (ii) no history of spills, as determined by the Administrator; and (2) exempt from all requirements of such rule any farm— (A) with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of less than or equal to 10,000 gallons; and (B) no history of spills, as determined by the Administrator. (b) Calculation of aggregate aboveground storage capacity For the purposes of subsection (a), the aggregate aboveground storage capacity of a farm excludes— (1) all containers on separate parcels that have a capacity that is less than 1,320 gallons; and (2) all storage containers holding animal feed ingredients approved for use in livestock feed by the Food and Drug Administration. (c) Definitions In this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) Farm The term farm has the meaning given such term in section 112.2 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. (3) Gallon The term gallon refers to a United States liquid gallon. (4) History of spills The term history of spills has the meaning used to describe the term reportable discharge history in section 112.7(k)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations). (5) Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule The term Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule means the regulation promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency under part 112 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. 11325. Agricultural producer information disclosure (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) Agency The term Agency means the Environmental Protection Agency. (3) Agricultural operation The term agricultural operation includes any operation where an agricultural commodity crop is raised, including livestock operations. (4) Livestock operation The term livestock operation includes any operation involved in the raising or finishing of livestock or poultry. (b) Disclosure of information (1) Prohibition Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Administrator, any officer or employee of the Agency, or any contractor of the Agency, shall not make public the information of any owner, operator, or employee of an agricultural operation provided to the Agency by a farmer, rancher, or livestock producer or a State agency that has been obtained in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. ) or any other law, including— (A) names; (B) telephone numbers; (C) email addresses; (D) physical addresses; (E) Global Positioning System coordinates; or (F) other identifying location information. (2) Effect Nothing in paragraph (1) affects— (A) the disclosure of information described in paragraph (1) if— (i) the information has been transformed into a statistical or aggregate form at the county level or higher without any information that identifies the agricultural operation or agricultural producer; or (ii) the producer consents to the disclosure; or (B) the authority of any State agency to collect information on livestock operations. (3) Condition of permit or other programs The approval of any permit, practice, or program administered by the Administrator shall not be conditioned on the consent of the agricultural producer or livestock producer under paragraph (2)(A)(ii). 11326. Report on National Ocean Policy (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Executive Order 13547, issued on July 19, 2010, established the national policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes and requires— (A) Federal implementation of ecosystem-based management to achieve a fundamental shift in how the United States manages ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources; and (B) the establishment of nine new governmental Regional Planning Bodies and Coastal and Marine Spatial Plans in every region of the United States. (2) Executive Order 13547 created a 54-member National Ocean Council led by the White House Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Science and Technology Policy that includes 54 principal and deputy-level representatives from Federal entities, including the Department of Agriculture. (3) Executive Order 13547 requires National Ocean Council members, including the Department of Agriculture, to take action to implement the Policy and participate in coastal and marine spatial planning to the maximum extent possible. (4) The Final Recommendations of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force that were adopted by Executive Order 13547 state that effective implementation of the National Ocean Policy will require clear and easily understood requirements and regulations, where appropriate, that include enforcement as a critical component . (5) Despite repeated Congressional requests, the National Ocean Council, which is charged with overseeing implementation of the policy, has still not provided a complete accounting of Federal activities under the policy and resources expended and allocated in furtherance of implementation of the policy. (6) The continued economic and budgetary challenges of the United States underscore the necessity for sound, transparent, and practical Federal policies. (b) Report Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture 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 detailing— (1) all activities engaged in and resources expended in furtherance of Executive Order 13547 since July 19, 2010; and (2) any budget requests for fiscal year 2014 for support of implementation of Executive Order 13547. 11327. Sunsetting of programs (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), each fiscal year the Secretary of Agriculture may not carry out any program— (1) for which an authorization of appropriations is established or extended under this Act; and (2) that is funded by discretionary appropriations (as defined in section 250(c) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 ( 2 U.S.C. 900(c) )). (b) Effective date Subsection (a) shall take effect with respect to a program referred to in such subsection on the date on which the authorization of appropriations under this Act for such program expires. (c) Existing obligations Subsection (a) does not affect the ability of the Secretary to carry out responsibilities with regard to loans, grants, or other obligations made or in existence before an applicable effective date under subsection (b). D Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery 11401. Short title This subtitle may be cited as the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2013 . 11402. Chesapeake Bay Crosscut Budget (a) Crosscut Budget The Director, in consultation with the Chesapeake Executive Council, the chief executive of each Chesapeake Bay State, and the Chesapeake Bay Commission, shall submit to Congress a financial report containing— (1) an interagency crosscut budget that displays— (A) the proposed funding for any Federal restoration activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year, including any planned interagency or intra-agency transfer, for each of the Federal agencies that carry out restoration activities; (B) to the extent that information is available, the estimated funding for any State restoration activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year; (C) all expenditures for Federal restoration activities from the preceding 2 fiscal years, the current fiscal year, and the succeeding fiscal year; and (D) all expenditures, to the extent that information is available, for State restoration activities during the equivalent time period described in subparagraph (C) ; (2) a detailed accounting of all funds received and obligated by all Federal agencies for restoration activities during the current and preceding fiscal years, including the identification of funds which were transferred to a Chesapeake Bay State for restoration activities; (3) to the extent that information is available, a detailed accounting from each State of all funds received and obligated from a Federal agency for restoration activities during the current and preceding fiscal years; and (4) a description of each of the proposed Federal and State restoration activities to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year (corresponding to those activities listed in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1)), including the— (A) project description; (B) current status of the project; (C) Federal or State statutory or regulatory authority, programs, or responsible agencies; (D) authorization level for appropriations; (E) project timeline, including benchmarks; (F) references to project documents; (G) descriptions of risks and uncertainties of project implementation; (H) adaptive management actions or framework; (I) coordinating entities; (J) funding history; (K) cost sharing; and (L) alignment with existing Chesapeake Bay Agreement and Chesapeake Executive Council goals and priorities. (b) Minimum funding levels The Director shall only describe restoration activities in the report required under subsection (a) that— (1) for Federal restoration activities, have funding amounts greater than or equal to $100,000; and (2) for State restoration activities, have funding amounts greater than or equal to $50,000. (c) Deadline The Director shall submit to Congress the report required by subsection (a) not later than 30 days after the submission by the President of the President’s annual budget to Congress. (d) Report Copies of the financial report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations, Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations, Environment and Public Works, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. (e) Effective Date This section shall apply beginning with the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act for which the President submits a budget to Congress. 11403. Restoration through adaptive management (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with other Federal and State agencies, and with the participation of stakeholders, shall develop a plan to provide technical and financial assistance to Chesapeake Bay States to employ adaptive management in carrying out restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. (b) Plan development The plan referred to in subsection (a) shall include— (1) specific and measurable objectives to improve water quality, habitat, and fisheries identified by Chesapeake Bay States; (2) a process for stakeholder participation; (3) monitoring, modeling, experimentation, and other research and evaluation technical assistance requested by Chesapeake Bay States; (4) identification of State restoration activities planned by Chesapeake Bay States to attain the State’s objectives under paragraph (1); (5) identification of Federal restoration activities that could help a Chesapeake Bay State to attain the State’s objectives under paragraph (1); (6) recommendations for a process for modification of State and Federal restoration activities that have not attained or will not attain the specific and measurable objectives set forth under paragraph (1); and (7) recommendations for a process for integrating and prioritizing State and Federal restoration activities and programs to which adaptive management can be applied. (c) Implementation In addition to carrying out Federal restoration activities under existing authorities and funding, the Administrator shall implement the plan developed under subsection (a) by providing technical and financial assistance to Chesapeake Bay States using resources available for such purposes that are identified by the Director under section 11402. (d) Updates The Administrator shall update the plan developed under subsection (a) every 2 years. (e) Report to Congress (1) In general Not later than 60 days after the end of a fiscal year, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress an annual report on the implementation of the plan required under this section for such fiscal year. (2) Contents The report required under paragraph (1) shall contain information about the application of adaptive management to restoration activities and programs, including level changes implemented through the process of adaptive management. (3) Effective date Paragraph (1) shall apply to the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act. (f) Inclusion of plan in annual action plan and annual progress report The Administrator shall ensure that the Annual Action Plan and Annual Progress Report required by section 205 of Executive Order 13508 includes the adaptive management plan outlined in subsection (a). 11404. Independent Evaluator for the Chesapeake Bay Program (a) In general There shall be an Independent Evaluator for restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, who shall review and report on restoration activities and the use of adaptive management in restoration activities, including on such related topics as are suggested by the Chesapeake Executive Council. (b) Appointment (1) In general The Independent Evaluator shall be appointed by the Administrator from among nominees submitted by the Chesapeake Executive Council. (2) Nominations The Chesapeake Executive Council may submit to the Administrator 4 nominees for appointment to any vacancy in the office of the Independent Evaluator. (c) Reports The Independent Evaluator shall submit a report to the Congress every 2 years in the findings and recommendations of reviews under this section. (d) Chesapeake Executive Council In this section, the term Chesapeake Executive Council has the meaning given that term by section 307 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 ( Public Law 102–567 ; 15 U.S.C. 1511d ). 11405. Definitions In this subtitle, the following definitions apply: (1) Adaptive management The term adaptive management means a type of natural resource management in which project and program decisions are made as part of an ongoing science-based process. Adaptive management involves testing, monitoring, and evaluating applied strategies and incorporating new knowledge into programs and restoration activities that are based on scientific findings and the needs of society. Results are used to modify management policy, strategies, practices, programs, and restoration activities. (2) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (3) Chesapeake Bay State The term Chesapeake Bay State or State means the States of Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York, the Commonwealths of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. (4) Chesapeake Bay Watershed The term Chesapeake Bay watershed means the Chesapeake Bay and the geographic area, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, consisting of 36 tributary basins, within the Chesapeake Bay States, through which precipitation drains into the Chesapeake Bay. (5) Chief Executive The term chief executive means, in the case of a State or Commonwealth, the Governor of each such State or Commonwealth and, in the case of the District of Columbia, the Mayor of the District of Columbia. (6) Director The term Director means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. (7) State restoration activities The term State restoration activities means any State programs or projects carried out under State authority that directly or indirectly protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat, water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including programs or projects that promote responsible land use, stewardship, and community engagement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Restoration activities may be categorized as follows: (A) Physical restoration. (B) Planning. (C) Feasibility studies. (D) Scientific research. (E) Monitoring. (F) Education. (G) Infrastructure development. (8) Federal restoration activities The term Federal restoration activities means any Federal programs or projects carried out under existing Federal authority that directly or indirectly protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat, water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including programs or projects that provide financial and technical assistance to promote responsible land use, stewardship, and community engagement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Restoration activities may be categorized as follows: (A) Physical restoration. (B) Planning. (C) Feasibility studies. (D) Scientific research. (E) Monitoring. (F) Education. (G) Infrastructure development.

tv_txt: II Calendar No. 136 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2642 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES July 16 (legislative day, July 15), 2013 Received; read twice and placed on the calendar AN ACT To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture. Title I—Commodities Subtitle A—Repeals and reforms Sec. 1101. Repeal of direct payments. Sec. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments. Sec. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program. Sec. 1104. Definitions. Sec. 1105. Base acres. Sec. 1106. Payment yields. Sec. 1107. Farm risk management election. Sec. 1108. Producer agreements. Subtitle B—Marketing loans Sec. 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities. Sec. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans. Sec. 1203. Term of loans. Sec. 1204. Repayment of loans. Sec. 1205. Loan deficiency payments. Sec. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage. Sec. 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton. Sec. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton. Sec. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton. Sec. 1210. Adjustments of loans. Subtitle C—Sugar Sec. 1301. Sugar program. Subtitle D—Dairy Part I—Dairy Producer Margin Insurance Program Sec. 1401. Dairy producer margin insurance program. Sec. 1402. Rulemaking. Part II—Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-related provisions Sec. 1411. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs. Sec. 1412. Repeal of dairy export incentive program. Sec. 1413. Extension of dairy forward pricing program. Sec. 1414. Extension of dairy indemnity program. Sec. 1415. Extension of dairy promotion and research program. Sec. 1416. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission. Part III—Effective date Sec. 1421. Effective date. Subtitle E—Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance. Sec. 1502. National Drought Council and National Drought Policy Action Plan. Subtitle F—Administration Sec. 1601. Administration generally. Sec. 1602. Repeal of permanent price support authority. Sec. 1603. Payment limitations. Sec. 1603A. Payments limited to active farmers. Sec. 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation. Sec. 1605. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Sec. 1606. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies. Sec. 1607. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs. Sec. 1608. Technical corrections. Sec. 1609. Assignment of payments. Sec. 1610. Tracking of benefits. Sec. 1611. Signature authority. Sec. 1612. Implementation. Sec. 1613. Protection of producer information. Title II—Conservation Subtitle A—Conservation Reserve Program Sec. 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program. Sec. 2002. Farmable wetland program. Sec. 2003. Duties of owners and operators. Sec. 2004. Duties of the Secretary. Sec. 2005. Payments. Sec. 2006. Contract requirements. Sec. 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses. Sec. 2008. Effective date. Subtitle B—Conservation Stewardship Program Sec. 2101. Conservation stewardship program. Subtitle C—Environmental Quality Incentives Program Sec. 2201. Purposes. Sec. 2202. Establishment and administration. Sec. 2203. Evaluation of applications. Sec. 2204. Duties of producers. Sec. 2205. Limitation on payments. Sec. 2206. Conservation innovation grants and payments. Sec. 2207. Effective date. Subtitle D—Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Sec. 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program. Subtitle E—Regional Conservation Partnership Program Sec. 2401. Regional conservation partnership program. Subtitle F—Other Conservation Programs Sec. 2501. Conservation of private grazing land. Sec. 2502. Grassroots source water protection program. Sec. 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program. Sec. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program. Sec. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program. Sec. 2506. Agricultural management assistance program. Sec. 2507. Emergency watershed protection program. Subtitle G—Funding and Administration Sec. 2601. Funding. Sec. 2602. Technical assistance. Sec. 2603. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access. Sec. 2604. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance. Sec. 2605. Review of conservation practice standards. Sec. 2606. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation programs. Sec. 2607. Standards for State technical committees. Sec. 2608. Rulemaking authority. Sec. 2609. Wetlands mitigation. Sec. 2610. Lesser prairie-chicken conservation report. Subtitle H—Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments Sec. 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program. Sec. 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program. Sec. 2703. Wetlands reserve program. Sec. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program. Sec. 2705. Grassland reserve program. Sec. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program. Sec. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program. Sec. 2708. Great Lakes basin program. Sec. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program. Sec. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative. Sec. 2711. Environmental easement program. Sec. 2712. Technical amendments. Title III—Trade Subtitle A—Food for Peace Act Sec. 3001. General authority. Sec. 3002. Support for organizations through which assistance is provided. Sec. 3003. Food aid quality. Sec. 3004. Minimum levels of assistance. Sec. 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group. Sec. 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation. Sec. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods. Sec. 3008. General provisions. Sec. 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities. Sec. 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities. Sec. 3011. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance. Sec. 3012. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs. Sec. 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program. Subtitle B—Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 Sec. 3101. Funding for export credit guarantee program. Sec. 3102. Funding for market access program. Sec. 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program. Subtitle C—Other Agricultural Trade Laws Sec. 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985. Sec. 3202. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust. Sec. 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets. Sec. 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Sec. 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops. Sec. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust. Sec. 3207. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services. Sec. 3208. Department of Agriculture certificates of origin. Title IV—Credit Subtitle A—Farm ownership loans Sec. 4001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans. Sec. 4002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program. Sec. 4003. Down payment loan program. Sec. 4004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement. Subtitle B—Operating loans Sec. 4101. Eligibility for farm operating loans. Sec. 4102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth. Sec. 4103. Authority to waive personal liability for youth loans due to circumstances beyond borrower control. Sec. 4104. Microloans. Subtitle C—Emergency loans Sec. 4201. Eligibility for emergency loans. Subtitle D—Administrative provisions Sec. 4301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program. Sec. 4302. Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers. Sec. 4303. Loan authorization levels. Sec. 4304. Priority for participation loans. Sec. 4305. Loan fund set-asides. Sec. 4306. Conforming amendment to borrower training provision, relating to eligibility changes. Subtitle E—State agricultural mediation programs Sec. 4401. State agricultural mediation programs. Subtitle F—Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land Sec. 4501. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land. Title V—Rural development Subtitle A—Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act Sec. 5001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants. Sec. 5002. Rural business opportunity grants. Sec. 5003. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant program funds. Sec. 5004. Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities. Sec. 5005. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program. Sec. 5006. Tribal college and university essential community facilities. Sec. 5007. Essential community facilities technical assistance and training. Sec. 5008. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program. Sec. 5009. Household water well systems. Sec. 5010. Rural business and industry loan program. Sec. 5011. Rural cooperative development grants. Sec. 5012. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products. Sec. 5013. Intermediary relending program. Sec. 5014. Rural college coordinated strategy. Sec. 5015. Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure. Sec. 5016. Simplified applications. Sec. 5017. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters. Sec. 5018. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program. Sec. 5019. Delta Regional Authority. Sec. 5020. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority. Sec. 5021. Rural business investment program. Subtitle B—Rural Electrification Act of 1936 Sec. 5101. Relending for certain purposes. Sec. 5102. Fees for certain loan guarantees. Sec. 5103. Rural utilities service contracting authority. Sec. 5104. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes. Sec. 5105. Expansion of 911 access. Sec. 5106. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas. Subtitle C—Miscellaneous Sec. 5201. Distance learning and telemedicine. Sec. 5202. Value-added agricultural market development program grants. Sec. 5203. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program. Sec. 5204. Program metrics. Sec. 5205. Study of rural transportation issues. Sec. 5206. Certain Federal actions not to be considered major. Sec. 5207. Telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas. Sec. 5208. Regional economic and infrastructure development. Title VI—Research, Extension, and Related Matters Subtitle A—National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 Sec. 6101. Option to be included as non-land-grant college of agriculture. Sec. 6102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. Sec. 6103. Specialty crop committee. Sec. 6104. Veterinary services grant program. Sec. 6105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education. Sec. 6106. Policy research centers. Sec. 6107. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program. Sec. 6108. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research. Sec. 6109. Nutrition education program. Sec. 6110. Continuing animal health and disease research programs. Sec. 6111. Repeal of appropriations for research on national or regional problems. Sec. 6112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Sec. 6113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions. Sec. 6114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers. Sec. 6115. Hispanic-serving institutions. Sec. 6116. Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth. Sec. 6117. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs. Sec. 6118. Repeal of research equipment grants. Sec. 6119. University research. Sec. 6120. Extension service. Sec. 6121. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements. Sec. 6122. Supplemental and alternative crops. Sec. 6123. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions. Sec. 6124. Aquaculture assistance programs. Sec. 6125. Rangeland research programs. Sec. 6126. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response. Sec. 6127. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education. Sec. 6128. Matching funds requirement. Sec. 6129. Sense of Congress regarding expansion of the land grant program to include enhanced funding and additional institutions. Subtitle B—Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 Sec. 6201. Best utilization of biological applications. Sec. 6202. Integrated management systems. Sec. 6203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program. Sec. 6204. National training program. Sec. 6205. National Genetics Resources Program. Sec. 6206. Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System. Sec. 6207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program. Sec. 6208. Repeal of agricultural genome initiative. Sec. 6209. High-priority research and extension initiatives. Sec. 6210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension initiative. Sec. 6211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative. Sec. 6212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative. Sec. 6213. Farm business management. Sec. 6214. Centers of excellence. Sec. 6215. Repeal of red meat safety research center. Sec. 6216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities. Sec. 6217. National rural information center clearinghouse. Subtitle C—Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 Sec. 6301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department. Sec. 6302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program. Sec. 6303. Repeal of coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations. Sec. 6304. Fusarium Graminearum grants. Sec. 6305. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program. Sec. 6306. Grants for youth organizations. Sec. 6307. Specialty crop research initiative. Sec. 6308. Food animal residue avoidance database program. Sec. 6309. Repeal of national swine research center. Sec. 6310. Office of pest management policy. Sec. 6311. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and education. Subtitle D—Other Laws Sec. 6401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act. Sec. 6402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 . Sec. 6403. Research Facilities Act. Sec. 6404. Repeal of carbon cycle research. Sec. 6405. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act. Sec. 6406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 . Sec. 6407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980 . Sec. 6408. Repeal of use of remote sensing data. Sec. 6409. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 . Sec. 6410. Beginning farmer and rancher development program. Sec. 6411. Inclusion of American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands as a State under McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act. Subtitle E—Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 Part 1—Agricultural Security Sec. 6501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center. Sec. 6502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response. Sec. 6503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures. Sec. 6504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program. Part 2—Miscellaneous Sec. 6511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program. Sec. 6512. Grazinglands research laboratory. Sec. 6513. Budget submission and funding. Sec. 6514. Research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Sec. 6515. Repeal of farm and ranch stress assistance network. Sec. 6516. Repeal of seed distribution. Sec. 6517. Natural products research program. Sec. 6518. Sun grant program. Sec. 6519. Repeal of study and report on food deserts. Sec. 6520. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and education. Subtitle F—Miscellaneous provisions Sec. 6601. Agreements with nonprofit organizations for National Arboretum. Sec. 6602. Cotton Disease Research Report. Sec. 6603. Acceptance of facility for Agricultural Research Service. Sec. 6604. Miscellaneous technical corrections. Sec. 6605. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research. Title VII—Forestry Subtitle A—Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs Sec. 7001. Forest land enhancement program. Sec. 7002. Watershed forestry assistance program. Sec. 7003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing program. Sec. 7004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program. Sec. 7005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program. Sec. 7006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process. Subtitle B—Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Programs Sec. 7101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources. Sec. 7102. Forest Legacy Program. Sec. 7103. Community forest and open space conservation program. Subtitle C—Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws Sec. 7201. Rural revitalization technologies. Sec. 7202. Office of International Forestry. Sec. 7203. Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve program. Sec. 7204. Stewardship end result contracting project authority. Subtitle D—National Forest Critical Area Response Sec. 7301. Definitions. Sec. 7302. Designation of critical areas. Sec. 7303. Application of expedited procedures and activities of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to critical areas. Sec. 7304. Good neighbor authority. Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Provisions Sec. 7401. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis. Sec. 7402. Forest Service participation in ACES Program. Sec. 7403. Green science and technology transfer research under Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978. Sec. 7404. Extension of stewardship contracts authority regarding use of designation by prescription to all thinning sales under National Forest Management Act of 1976. Sec. 7405. Reimbursement of fire funds expended by a State for management and suppression of certain wildfires. Sec. 7406. Ability of National Forest System lands to meet needs of local wood producing facilities for raw materials. Sec. 7407. Report on the National Forest System roads. Sec. 7408. Forest Service large airtanker and aerial asset firefighting recapitalization pilot program. Sec. 7409. Land conveyance, Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia. Sec. 7410. Categorical exclusion for forest projects in response to emergencies. Title VIII—Energy Sec. 8001. Definition of renewable energy system. Sec. 8002. Biobased markets program. Sec. 8003. Biorefinery assistance. Sec. 8004. Repowering assistance program. Sec. 8005. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels. Sec. 8006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program. Sec. 8007. Rural Energy for America Program. Sec. 8008. Biomass Research and Development. Sec. 8009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers. Sec. 8010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Sec. 8011. Community wood energy program. Sec. 8012. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study. Sec. 8013. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study. Sec. 8014. Energy efficiency report for USDA facilities. Title IX—Horticulture Sec. 9001. Specialty crops market news allocation. Sec. 9002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops. Sec. 9003. Farmers market and local food promotion program. Sec. 9004. Organic agriculture. Sec. 9005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 . Sec. 9006. Food safety education initiatives. Sec. 9007. Specialty crop block grants. Sec. 9008. Department of Agriculture consultation regarding enforcement of certain labor law provisions. Sec. 9009. Report on honey. Sec. 9010. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada. Sec. 9011. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs. Sec. 9012. Modification, cancellation, or suspension on basis of a biological opinion. Sec. 9013. Use and discharges of authorized pesticides. Sec. 9014. Seed not pesticide or device for purposes of importation. Sec. 9015. Stay of regulations related to Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order. Sec. 9016. Study on proposed order pertaining to sulfuryl fluoride. Sec. 9017. Study on local and regional food production and program evaluation. Sec. 9018. Annual report on invasive species. Title X—Crop Insurance Sec. 10001. Information sharing. Sec. 10002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium adjustments. Sec. 10003. Supplemental coverage option. Sec. 10004. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection. Sec. 10005. Repeal of performance-based discount. Sec. 10006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy. Sec. 10007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops. Sec. 10008. Data collection. Sec. 10009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields. Sec. 10010. Submission and review of policies. Sec. 10011. Equitable relief for specialty crop policies. Sec. 10012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance agreement. Sec. 10013. Crop production on native sod. Sec. 10014. Coverage levels by practice. Sec. 10015. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions. Sec. 10016. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton. Sec. 10017. Peanut revenue crop insurance. Sec. 10018. Authority to correct errors. Sec. 10019. Implementation. Sec. 10020. Research and development priorities. Sec. 10021. Additional research and development contracting requirements. Sec. 10022. Program compliance partnerships. Sec. 10023. Pilot programs. Sec. 10024. Technical amendments. Sec. 10025. Advance public notice of crop insurance policy and plan changes. Title XI—Miscellaneous Subtitle A—Livestock Sec. 11101. Repeal of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center. Sec. 11102. Repeal of certain regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 . Sec. 11103. Trichinae certification program. Sec. 11104. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan. Sec. 11105. Country of origin labeling. Sec. 11106. National animal health laboratory network. Sec. 11107. Repeal of duplicative catfish inspection program. Sec. 11108. National Poultry Improvement Program. Sec. 11109. Report on bovine tuberculosis in Texas. Sec. 11110. Economic fraud in wild and farm-raised seafood. Subtitle B—Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers Sec. 11201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers. Sec. 11202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach. Sec. 11203. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center. Sec. 11204. Receipt for service or denial of service from certain department of agriculture agencies. Subtitle C—Other miscellaneous provisions Sec. 11301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force. Sec. 11302. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high plains water study. Sec. 11303. Office of Tribal Relations. Sec. 11304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. Sec. 11305. Prohibition on keeping GSA leased cars overnight. Sec. 11306. Noninsured crop assistance program. Sec. 11307. Ensuring high standards for agency use of scientific information. Sec. 11308. Evaluation required for purposes of prohibition on closure or relocation of county offices for the Farm Service Agency. Sec. 11309. Acer access and development program. Sec. 11310. Regulatory review by the Secretary of Agriculture. Sec. 11311. Prohibition on attending an animal fighting venture or causing a minor to attend an animal fighting venture. Sec. 11312. Prohibition against interference by State and local governments with production or manufacture of items in other States. Sec. 11313. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Missouri River Basin. Sec. 11314. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Black Dirt region. Sec. 11315. Protection of honey bees and other pollinators. Sec. 11316. Produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. Sec. 11317. Urban agriculture coordination. Sec. 11318. Sense of Congress on increased business opportunities for black farmers, women, minorities, and small businesses. Sec. 11319. Sense of Congress regarding agriculture security programs. Sec. 11320. Report on water sharing. Sec. 11321. Scientific and economic analysis of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. Sec. 11322. Improved Department of Agriculture consideration of economic impact of regulations on small business. Sec. 11323. Silvicultural activities. Sec. 11324. Applicability of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule. Sec. 11325. Agricultural producer information disclosure. Sec. 11326. Report on National Ocean Policy. Sec. 11327. Sunsetting of programs. Subtitle D—Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Sec. 11401. Short title. Sec. 11402. Chesapeake Bay Crosscut Budget. Sec. 11403. Restoration through adaptive management. Sec. 11404. Independent Evaluator for the Chesapeake Bay Program. Sec. 11405. Definitions. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture In this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. I Commodities A Repeals and reforms 1101. Repeal of direct payments (a) Repeal Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 , 8753) are repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 , 8753), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm. (c) Continued application for 2014 and 2015 crop years Subject to this subtitle, the amendments made by sections 1603 and 1604 of this Act, and sections 1607 and 1611 of this Act, section 1103 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8713), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2014 and 2015 crop years with respect to upland cotton only (as defined in section 1001 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 8702)), except that, in applying such section 1103, the term payment acres means the following: (1) For crop year 2014, 70 percent of the base acres of upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made. (2) For crop year 2015, 60 percent of the base acres of upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments (a) Repeal Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8714 , 8754) are repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8714 , 8754), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program (a) Repeal Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8715 ) is repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8715 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm for which the irrevocable election under section 1105 of that Act was made before the date of enactment of this Act. 1104. Definitions In this subtitle and subtitle B: (1) Actual county revenue The term actual county revenue , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1107(c)(4) to determine whether revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year. (2) Base acres The term base acres , with respect to a covered commodity and cotton on a farm, means the number of acres established under sections 1101 and 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 , 7952) or sections 1101 and 1302 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8711 , 8752), as in effect on September 30, 2013, subject to any adjustment under section 1105 of this Act. For purposes of making payments under subsections (b) and (c) of section 1107, base acres are reduced by the payment acres calculated in section 1101(c). (3) County revenue loss coverage trigger The term county revenue loss coverage trigger , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1107(c)(5) to determine whether revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year. (4) Covered commodity The term covered commodity means wheat, oats, and barley (including wheat, oats, and barley used for haying and grazing), corn, grain sorghum, long grain rice, medium grain rice, pulse crops, soybeans, other oilseeds, and peanuts. (5) Effective price The term effective price , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the price calculated by the Secretary under section 1107(b)(2) to determine whether price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year. (6) Extra long staple cotton The term extra long staple cotton means cotton that— (A) is produced from pure strain varieties of the Barbadense species or any hybrid of the species, or other similar types of extra long staple cotton, designated by the Secretary, having characteristics needed for various end uses for which United States upland cotton is not suitable and grown in irrigated cotton-growing regions of the United States designated by the Secretary or other areas designated by the Secretary as suitable for the production of the varieties or types; and (B) is ginned on a roller-type gin or, if authorized by the Secretary, ginned on another type gin for experimental purposes. (7) Farm base acres The term farm base acres means the sum of the base acreage for all covered commodities and cotton on a farm in effect as of September 30, 2013, and subject to any adjustment under section 1105. (8) Medium grain rice The term medium grain rice includes short grain rice. (9) Midseason price The term midseason price means the applicable national average market price received by producers for the first 5 months of the applicable marketing year, as determined by the Secretary. (10) Other oilseed The term other oilseed means a crop of sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, crambe, sesame seed, or any oilseed designated by the Secretary. (11) Payment acres (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) through (D), the term payment acres , with respect to the provision of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss coverage payments, means— (i) 85 percent of total acres planted for the year to each covered commodity on a farm; and (ii) 30 percent of total acres approved as prevented from being planted for the year to each covered commodity on a farm. (B) Maximum The total quantity of payment acres determined under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed the farm base acres. (C) Reduction If the sum of all payment acres for a farm exceeds the limits established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall reduce the payment acres applicable to each crop proportionately. (D) Exclusion The term payment acres does not include any crop subsequently planted during the same crop year on the same land for which the first crop is eligible for payments under this subtitle, unless the crop was approved for double cropping in the county, as determined by the Secretary. (12) Payment yield The term payment yield means the yield established for counter-cyclical payments under section 1102 or 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7912 , 7952), section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8712 ), as in effect on September 30, 2013, or under section 1106 of this Act, for a farm for a covered commodity. (13) Price loss coverage The term price loss coverage means coverage provided under section 1107(b). (14) Producer (A) In general The term producer means an owner, operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper that shares in the risk of producing a crop and is entitled to share in the crop available for marketing from the farm, or would have shared had the crop been produced. (B) Hybrid seed In determining whether a grower of hybrid seed is a producer, the Secretary shall— (i) not take into consideration the existence of a hybrid seed contract; and (ii) ensure that program requirements do not adversely affect the ability of the grower to receive a payment under this title. (15) Pulse crop The term pulse crop means dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas. (16) Reference price The term reference price , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the following: (A) Wheat, $5.50 per bushel. (B) Corn, $3.70 per bushel. (C) Grain sorghum, $3.95 per bushel. (D) Barley, $4.95 per bushel. (E) Oats, $2.40 per bushel. (F) Long grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight. (G) Medium grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight. (H) Soybeans, $8.40 per bushel. (I) Other oilseeds, $20.15 per hundredweight. (J) Peanuts $535.00 per ton. (K) Dry peas, $11.00 per hundredweight. (L) Lentils, $19.97 per hundredweight. (M) Small chickpeas, $19.04 per hundredweight. (N) Large chickpeas, $21.54 per hundredweight. (17) Revenue loss coverage The term revenue loss coverage means coverage provided under section 1107(c). (18) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (19) State The term State means— (A) a State; (B) the District of Columbia; (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (D) any other territory or possession of the United States. (20) Temperate japonica rice The term temperate japonica rice means rice that is grown in high altitudes or temperate regions of high latitudes with cooler climate conditions, in the Western United States, as determined by the Secretary. (21) Transitional yield The term transitional yield has the meaning given the term in section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ). (22) United States The term United States , when used in a geographical sense, means all of the States. (23) United States premium factor The term United States Premium Factor means the percentage by which the difference in the United States loan schedule premiums for Strict Middling (SM) 1 1/8 -inch upland cotton and for Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch upland cotton exceeds the difference in the applicable premiums for comparable international qualities. 1105. Base acres (a) Adjustment of base acres (1) In general The Secretary shall provide for an adjustment, as appropriate, in the base acres for covered commodities and cotton for a farm whenever any of the following circumstances occurs: (A) A conservation reserve contract entered into under section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831) with respect to the farm expires or is voluntarily terminated. (B) Cropland is released from coverage under a conservation reserve contract by the Secretary. (C) The producer has eligible oilseed acreage as the result of the Secretary designating additional oilseeds, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under section 1101(a)(1)(D) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8711(a)(1)(D)). (2) Special conservation reserve acreage payment rules For the crop year in which a base acres adjustment under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) is first made, the owner of the farm shall elect to receive price loss coverage or revenue loss coverage with respect to the acreage added to the farm under this subsection or a prorated payment under the conservation reserve contract, but not both. (b) Prevention of excess base acres (1) Required reduction If the sum of the base acres for a farm, together with the acreage described in paragraph (2) exceeds the actual cropland acreage of the farm, the Secretary shall reduce the base acres for 1 or more covered commodities or cotton for the farm so that the sum of the base acres and acreage described in paragraph (2) does not exceed the actual cropland acreage of the farm. (2) Other acreage For purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include the following: (A) Any acreage on the farm enrolled in the conservation reserve program or wetlands reserve program (or successor programs) under chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq. ). (B) Any other acreage on the farm enrolled in a Federal conservation program for which payments are made in exchange for not producing an agricultural commodity on the acreage. (C) If the Secretary designates additional oilseeds, any eligible oilseed acreage, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under subsection (a)(1)(C). (3) Selection of acres The Secretary shall give the owner of the farm the opportunity to select the base acres for a covered commodity or cotton for the farm against which the reduction required by paragraph (1) will be made. (4) Exception for double-cropped acreage In applying paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make an exception in the case of double cropping, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Reduction in base acres (1) Reduction at option of owner (A) In general The owner of a farm may reduce, at any time, the base acres for any covered commodity or cotton for the farm. (B) Effect of reduction A reduction under subparagraph (A) shall be permanent and made in a manner prescribed by the Secretary. (2) Required action by Secretary (A) In general The Secretary shall proportionately reduce base acres on a farm for covered commodities and cotton for land that has been subdivided and developed for multiple residential units or other nonfarming uses if the size of the tracts and the density of the subdivision is such that the land is unlikely to return to the previous agricultural use, unless the producers on the farm demonstrate that the land— (i) remains devoted to commercial agricultural production; or (ii) is likely to be returned to the previous agricultural use. (B) Requirement The Secretary shall establish procedures to identify land described in subparagraph (A). 1106. Payment yields (a) Establishment and purpose For the purpose of making payments under this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide for the establishment of a yield for each farm for any designated oilseed for which a payment yield was not established under section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8712) in accordance with this section. (b) Payment yields for designated oilseeds (1) Determination of average yield In the case of designated oilseeds, the Secretary shall determine the average yield per planted acre for the designated oilseed on a farm for the 1998 through 2001 crop years, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the designated oilseed was zero. (2) Adjustment for payment yield (A) In general The payment yield for a farm for a designated oilseed shall be equal to the product of the following: (i) The average yield for the designated oilseed determined under paragraph (1). (ii) The ratio resulting from dividing the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1981 through 1985 crops by the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1998 through 2001 crops. (B) No national average yield information available To the extent that national average yield information for a designated oilseed is not available, the Secretary shall use such information as the Secretary determines to be fair and equitable to establish a national average yield under this section. (3) Use of county average yield If the yield per planted acre for a crop of a designated oilseed for a farm for any of the 1998 through 2001 crop years was less than 75 percent of the county yield for that designated oilseed, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the county yield for the purpose of determining the average under paragraph (1). (4) No historic yield data available In the case of establishing yields for designated oilseeds, if historic yield data is not available, the Secretary shall use the ratio for dry peas calculated under paragraph (2)(A)(ii) in determining the yields for designated oilseeds, as determined to be fair and equitable by the Secretary. (c) Effect of lack of payment yield (1) Establishment by secretary If no payment yield is otherwise established for a farm for which a covered commodity is planted and eligible to receive price loss coverage payments, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm under paragraph (2). (2) Use of similarly situated farms To establish an appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law. (d) Single opportunity To update yields used To determine price loss coverage payments (1) Election to update At the sole discretion of the owner of a farm, the owner of a farm shall have a 1-time opportunity to update the payment yields on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis that would otherwise be used in calculating any price loss coverage payment for covered commodities on the farm. (2) Time for election The election under paragraph (1) shall be made at a time and manner to be in effect for the 2014 crop year as determined by the Secretary. (3) Method of updating yields If the owner of a farm elects to update yields under this subsection, the payment yield for a covered commodity on the farm, for the purpose of calculating price loss coverage payments only, shall be equal to 90 percent of the average of the yield per planted acre for the crop of the covered commodity on the farm for the 2008 through 2012 crop years, as determined by the Secretary, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the crop of the covered commodity was zero. (4) Use of county average yield If the yield per planted acre for a crop of the covered commodity for a farm for any of the 2008 through 2012 crop years was less than 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for that commodity, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for the purposes of determining the average yield under paragraph (3). (5) Effect of lack of payment yield (A) Establishment by secretary For purposes of this subsection, if no payment yield is otherwise established for a covered commodity on a farm, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate updated payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm under subparagraph (B). (B) Use of similarly situated farms To establish an appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall take into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law. 1107. Farm risk management election (a) In general (1) Payments required Except as provided in paragraph (2), if the Secretary determines that payments are required under subsection (b)(1) or (c)(2) for a covered commodity, the Secretary shall make payments for that covered commodity available under such subsection to producers on a farm pursuant to the terms and conditions of this section. (2) Prohibition on payments; exceptions Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a producer on a farm may not receive price loss coverage payments or revenue loss coverage payments if the sum of the planted acres of covered commodities on the farm is 10 acres or less, as determined by the Secretary, unless the producer is— (A) a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (as defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e))); or (B) a limited resource farmer or rancher, as defined by the Secretary. (b) Price loss coverage (1) Payments For the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary shall make price loss coverage payments to producers on a farm for a covered commodity if the Secretary determines that— (A) the effective price for the covered commodity for the crop year; is less than (B) the reference price for the covered commodity for the crop year. (2) Effective price The effective price for a covered commodity for a crop year shall be the higher of— (A) the midseason price; or (B) the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such crop year under subtitle B. (3) Payment rate The payment rate shall be equal to the difference between— (A) the reference price for the covered commodity; and (B) the effective price determined under paragraph (2) for the covered commodity. (4) Payment amount If price loss coverage payments are required to be provided under this subsection for the 2014 crop year or any succeding crop year for a covered commodity, the amount of the price loss coverage payment to be paid to the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the payment rate for the covered commodity under paragraph (3); (B) the payment yield for the covered commodity; and (C) the payment acres for the covered commodity. (5) Time for payments If the Secretary determines under this subsection that price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, the payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity. (6) Special rule for barley In determining the effective price for barley in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall use the all-barley price. (7) Special rule for temperate japonica rice The Secretary shall provide a reference price with respect to temperate japonica rice in an amount equal to 115 percent of the amount established in subparagraphs (F) and (G) of section 1104(16) in order to reflect price premiums. (c) Revenue loss coverage (1) Available as an alternative As an alternative to receiving price loss coverage payments under subsection (b) for a covered commodity, all of the owners of the farm may make a one-time, irrevocable election on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis to receive revenue loss coverage payments for each covered commodity in accordance with this subsection. If any of the owners of the farm make different elections on the same covered commodity on the farm, all of the owners of the farm shall be deemed to have not made the election available under this paragraph. (2) Payments In the case of owners of a farm that make the election described in paragraph (1) for a covered commodity, the Secretary shall make revenue loss coverage payments available under this subsection for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year if the Secretary determines that— (A) the actual county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity; is less than (B) the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the crop year for the covered commodity. (3) Time for payments If the Secretary determines under this subsection that revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity. (4) Actual county revenue The amount of the actual county revenue for a crop year of a covered commodity shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the actual county yield, as determined by the Secretary, for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity; and (B) the higher of— (i) the midseason price; or (ii) the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such crop year under subtitle B. (5) County revenue loss coverage trigger (A) In general The county revenue loss coverage trigger for a crop year for a covered commodity on a farm shall equal 85 percent of the benchmark county revenue. (B) Benchmark county revenue (i) In general The benchmark county revenue shall be the product obtained by multiplying— (I) subject to clause (ii), the average historical county yield as determined by the Secretary for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest yields; and (II) subject to clause (iii), the average national marketing year average price for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest prices. (ii) Yield conditions If the historical county yield in clause (i)(I) for any of the 5 most recent crop years, as determined by the Secretary, is less than 70 percent of the transitional yield, as determined by the Secretary, the amounts used for any of those years in clause (i)(I) shall be 70 percent of the transitional yield. (iii) Reference price If the national marketing year average price in clause (i)(II) for any of the 5 most recent crop years is lower than the reference price for the covered commodity, the Secretary shall use the reference price for any of those years for the amounts in clause (i)(II). (6) Payment rate The payment rate shall be equal to the lesser of— (A) the difference between— (i) the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the covered commodity; and (ii) the actual county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity; or (B) 10 percent of the benchmark county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity. (7) Payment amount If revenue loss coverage payments under this subsection are required to be provided for the 2014 crop year or any succeeding crop year of a covered commodity, the amount of the revenue loss coverage payment to be provided to the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the payment rate under paragraph (6); and (B) the payment acres of the covered commodity on the farm. (8) Duties of the secretary In providing revenue loss coverage payments under this subsection, the Secretary— (A) shall ensure that producers on a farm do not reconstitute the farm of the producers to void or change the election made under paragraph (1); (B) to the maximum extent practicable, shall use all available information and analysis, including data mining, to check for anomalies in the provision of revenue loss coverage payments; (C) to the maximum extent practicable, shall calculate a separate county revenue loss coverage trigger for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities and a separate actual county revenue for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities; (D) shall assign a benchmark county yield for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity on the basis of the yield history of representative farms in the State, region, or crop reporting district, as determined by the Secretary, if— (i) the Secretary cannot establish the benchmark county yield for each planted acre for a crop year for a covered commodity in the county in accordance with paragraph (5); or (ii) the yield determined under paragraph (5) is an unrepresentative average yield for the county (as determined by the Secretary); and (E) to the maximum extent practicable, shall ensure that in order to be eligible for a payment under this subsection, the producers on the farm suffered an actual loss on the covered commodity for the crop year for which payment is sought. (d) Annual report 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 report annually containing an evaluation of the impact of price loss coverage and revenue loss coverage— (1) on the planting, production, price, and export of covered commodities; and (2) on the cost of each commodity program. (e) Cap on total obligations and expenditures Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the total amount of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss coverage payments made under this section during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2020 shall not exceed $16,956,500,000. Producer agreements required by section 1108 shall specifically state that payments made under this section shall be reduced as necessary to comply with this subsection. 1108. Producer agreements (a) Compliance with certain requirements (1) Requirements Before the producers on a farm may receive payments under this subtitle with respect to the farm, the producers shall agree, during the crop year for which the payments are made and in exchange for the payments— (A) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ); (B) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq.); and (C) to effectively control noxious weeds and otherwise maintain the land in accordance with sound agricultural practices, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Compliance The Secretary may issue such rules as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure producer compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1). (3) Modification At the request of the transferee or owner, the Secretary may modify the requirements of this subsection if the modifications are consistent with the objectives of this subsection, as determined by the Secretary. (b) Transfer or change of interest in farm (1) Termination (A) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a transfer of (or change in) the interest of the producers on a farm for which payments under this subtitle are provided shall result in the termination of the payments, unless the transferee or owner of the acreage agrees to assume all obligations under subsection (a). (B) Effective date The termination shall take effect on the date determined by the Secretary. (2) Exception If a producer entitled to a payment under this subtitle dies, becomes incompetent, or is otherwise unable to receive the payment, the Secretary shall make the payment in accordance with rules issued by the Secretary. (c) Acreage reports As a condition on the receipt of any benefits under this subtitle or subtitle B, the Secretary shall require producers on a farm to submit to the Secretary annual acreage reports with respect to all cropland on the farm. (d) Tenants and sharecroppers In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers. (e) Sharing of payments The Secretary shall provide for the sharing of payments made under this subtitle among the producers on a farm on a fair and equitable basis. B Marketing loans 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities (a) Definition of loan commodity In this subtitle, the term loan commodity means wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, peanuts, soybeans, other oilseeds, graded wool, nongraded wool, mohair, honey, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas. (b) Nonrecourse loans available (1) In general For the 2014 crops and each succeeding annual crops of each loan commodity, the Secretary shall make available to producers on a farm nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities produced on the farm. (2) Terms and conditions The marketing assistance loans shall be made under terms and conditions that are prescribed by the Secretary and at the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity. (c) Eligible production The producers on a farm shall be eligible for a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b) for any quantity of a loan commodity produced on the farm. (d) Compliance with conservation and wetlands requirements As a condition of the receipt of a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b), the producer shall comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ) and applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq.) during the term of the loan. (e) Special rules for peanuts (1) In general This subsection shall apply only to producers of peanuts. (2) Options for obtaining loan A marketing assistance loan under this section, and loan deficiency payments under section 1205, may be obtained at the option of the producers on a farm through— (A) a designated marketing association or marketing cooperative of producers that is approved by the Secretary; or (B) the Farm Service Agency. (3) Storage of loan peanuts As a condition on the approval by the Secretary of an individual or entity to provide storage for peanuts for which a marketing assistance loan is made under this section, the individual or entity shall agree— (A) to provide the storage on a nondiscriminatory basis; and (B) to comply with such additional requirements as the Secretary considers appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this section and promote fairness in the administration of the benefits of this section. (4) Storage, handling, and associated costs (A) In general To ensure proper storage of peanuts for which a loan is made under this section, the Secretary shall pay handling and other associated costs (other than storage costs) incurred at the time at which the peanuts are placed under loan, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Redemption and forfeiture The Secretary shall— (i) require the repayment of handling and other associated costs paid under subparagraph (A) for all peanuts pledged as collateral for a loan that is redeemed under this section; and (ii) pay storage, handling, and other associated costs for all peanuts pledged as collateral that are forfeited under this section. (5) Marketing A marketing association or cooperative may market peanuts for which a loan is made under this section in any manner that conforms to consumer needs, including the separation of peanuts by type and quality. (6) Reimbursable agreements and payment of administrative expenses The Secretary may implement any reimbursable agreements or provide for the payment of administrative expenses under this subsection only in a manner that is consistent with those activities in regard to other loan commodities. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans (a) In general For purposes of the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the loan rate for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity shall be equal to the following: (1) In the case of wheat, $2.94 per bushel. (2) In the case of corn, $1.95 per bushel. (3) In the case of grain sorghum, $1.95 per bushel. (4) In the case of barley, $1.95 per bushel. (5) In the case of oats, $1.39 per bushel. (6) In the case of base quality of upland cotton, for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the simple average of the adjusted prevailing world price for the 2 immediately preceding marketing years, as determined by the Secretary and announced October 1 preceding the next domestic plantings, but in no case less than $0.47 per pound or more than $0.52 per pound. (7) In the case of extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 per pound. (8) In the case of long grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight. (9) In the case of medium grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight. (10) In the case of soybeans, $5.00 per bushel. (11) In the case of other oilseeds, $10.09 per hundredweight for each of the following kinds of oilseeds: (A) Sunflower seed. (B) Rapeseed. (C) Canola. (D) Safflower. (E) Flaxseed. (F) Mustard seed. (G) Crambe. (H) Sesame seed. (I) Other oilseeds designated by the Secretary. (12) In the case of dry peas, $5.40 per hundredweight. (13) In the case of lentils, $11.28 per hundredweight. (14) In the case of small chickpeas, $7.43 per hundredweight. (15) In the case of large chickpeas, $11.28 per hundredweight. (16) In the case of graded wool, $1.15 per pound. (17) In the case of nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound. (18) In the case of mohair, $4.20 per pound. (19) In the case of honey, $0.69 per pound. (20) In the case of peanuts, $355 per ton. (b) Single county loan rate for other oilseeds The Secretary shall establish a single loan rate in each county for each kind of other oilseeds described in subsection (a)(11). 1203. Term of loans (a) Term of loan In the case of each loan commodity, a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 shall have a term of 9 months beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the loan is made. (b) Extensions prohibited The Secretary may not extend the term of a marketing assistance loan for any loan commodity. 1204. Repayment of loans (a) General rule The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity (other than upland cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, extra long staple cotton, peanuts and confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed)) at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)); (2) a rate (as determined by the Secretary) that— (A) is calculated based on average market prices for the loan commodity during the preceding 30-day period; and (B) will minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries; or (3) a rate that the Secretary may develop using alternative methods for calculating a repayment rate for a loan commodity that the Secretary determines will— (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures; (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of the commodity by the Federal Government; (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing the commodity; (D) allow the commodity produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and (E) minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries. (b) Repayment rates for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice The Secretary shall permit producers to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)); or (2) the prevailing world market price for the commodity, as determined and adjusted by the Secretary in accordance with this section. (c) Repayment rates for extra long staple cotton Repayment of a marketing assistance loan for extra long staple cotton shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)). (d) Prevailing world market price For purposes of this section and section 1207, the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation— (1) a formula to determine the prevailing world market price for each of upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice; and (2) a mechanism by which the Secretary shall announce periodically those prevailing world market prices. (e) Adjustment of prevailing world market price for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice (1) Rice The prevailing world market price for long grain rice and medium grain rice determined under subsection (d) shall be adjusted to United States quality and location. (2) Cotton The prevailing world market price for upland cotton determined under subsection (d)— (A) shall be adjusted to United States quality and location, with the adjustment to include— (i) a reduction equal to any United States Premium Factor for upland cotton of a quality higher than Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch; and (ii) the average costs to market the commodity, including average transportation costs, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) may be further adjusted, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on July 31, 2019, if the Secretary determines the adjustment is necessary— (i) to minimize potential loan forfeitures; (ii) to minimize the accumulation of stocks of upland cotton by the Federal Government; (iii) to ensure that upland cotton produced in the United States can be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and (iv) to ensure an appropriate transition between current-crop and forward-crop price quotations, except that the Secretary may use forward-crop price quotations prior to July 31 of a marketing year only if— (I) there are insufficient current-crop price quotations; and (II) the forward-crop price quotation is the lowest such quotation available. (3) Guidelines for additional adjustments In making adjustments under this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a mechanism for determining and announcing the adjustments in order to avoid undue disruption in the United States market. (f) Repayment rates for confectionery and other kinds of sunflower seeds The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed) at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)); or (2) the repayment rate established for oil sunflower seed. (g) Payment of cotton storage costs Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary shall make cotton storage payments available in the same manner, and at the same rates as the Secretary provided storage payments for the 2006 crop of cotton, except that the rates shall be reduced by 10 percent. (h) Repayment rate for peanuts The Secretary shall permit producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan for peanuts under section 1201 at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for peanuts under section 1202(a)(20), plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)); or (2) a rate that the Secretary determines will— (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures; (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of peanuts by the Federal Government; (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing peanuts; and (D) allow peanuts produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally. (i) Authority To temporarily adjust repayment rates (1) Adjustment authority In the event of a severe disruption to marketing, transportation, or related infrastructure, the Secretary may modify the repayment rate otherwise applicable under this section for marketing assistance loans under section 1201 for a loan commodity. (2) Duration Any adjustment made under paragraph (1) in the repayment rate for marketing assistance loans for a loan commodity shall be in effect on a short-term and temporary basis, as determined by the Secretary. 1205. Loan deficiency payments (a) Availability of loan deficiency payments (1) In general Except as provided in subsection (d), the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available to producers on a farm that, although eligible to obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 with respect to a loan commodity, agree to forgo obtaining the loan for the commodity in return for loan deficiency payments under this section. (2) Unshorn pelts, hay, and silage (A) Marketing assistance loans Subject to subparagraph (B), nongraded wool in the form of unshorn pelts and hay and silage derived from a loan commodity are not eligible for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201. (B) Loan deficiency payment Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available under this section to producers on a farm that produce unshorn pelts or hay and silage derived from a loan commodity. (b) Computation A loan deficiency payment for a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (1) the payment rate determined under subsection (c) for the commodity; by (2) the quantity of the commodity produced by the eligible producers, excluding any quantity for which the producers obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201. (c) Payment rate (1) In general In the case of a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204. (2) Unshorn pelts In the case of unshorn pelts, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for ungraded wool; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for ungraded wool may be repaid under section 1204. (3) Hay and silage In the case of hay or silage derived from a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity from which the hay or silage is derived; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204. (d) Exception for extra long staple cotton This section shall not apply with respect to extra long staple cotton. (e) Effective date for payment rate determination The Secretary shall determine the amount of the loan deficiency payment to be made under this section to the producers on a farm with respect to a quantity of a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) using the payment rate in effect under subsection (c) as of the date the producers request the payment. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage (a) Eligible producers (1) In general Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, in the case of a producer that would be eligible for a loan deficiency payment under section 1205 for wheat, barley, or oats, but that elects to use acreage planted to the wheat, barley, or oats for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of the wheat, barley, or oats on that acreage. (2) Grazing of triticale acreage Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, with respect to a producer on a farm that uses acreage planted to triticale for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of triticale on that acreage. (b) Payment amount (1) In general The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(1) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying— (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying— (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of wheat, barley, or oats; and (ii) (I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to that loan commodity on the farm; or (II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for that loan commodity, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act. (2) Grazing of triticale acreage The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying— (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect for wheat, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying— (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of triticale; and (ii) (I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to wheat on the farm; or (II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for wheat, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act. (c) Time, manner, and availability of payment (1) Time and manner A payment under this section shall be made at the same time and in the same manner as loan deficiency payments are made under section 1205. (2) Availability (A) In general The Secretary shall establish an availability period for the payments authorized by this section. (B) Certain commodities In the case of wheat, barley, and oats, the availability period shall be consistent with the availability period for the commodity established by the Secretary for marketing assistance loans authorized by this subtitle. (d) Prohibition on crop insurance indemnity or noninsured crop assistance A 2014 crop or succeeding annual crop of wheat, barley, oats, or triticale planted on acreage that a producer elects, in the agreement required by subsection (a), to use for the grazing of livestock in lieu of any other harvesting of the crop shall not be eligible for an indemnity under a policy or plan of insurance authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) or noninsured crop assistance under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333). 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton (a) Special import quota (1) Definition of special import quota In this subsection, the term special import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota. (2) Establishment (A) In general The President shall carry out an import quota program beginning on August 1, 2014, as provided in this subsection. (B) Program requirements Whenever the Secretary determines and announces that for any consecutive 4-week period, the Friday through Thursday average price quotation for the lowest-priced United States growth, as quoted for Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch cotton, delivered to a definable and significant international market, as determined by the Secretary, exceeds the prevailing world market price, there shall immediately be in effect a special import quota. (3) Quantity The quota shall be equal to the consumption during a 1-week period of cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary. (4) Application The quota shall apply to upland cotton purchased not later than 90 days after the date of the Secretary’s announcement under paragraph (2) and entered into the United States not later than 180 days after that date. (5) Overlap A special quota period may be established that overlaps any existing quota period if required by paragraph (2), except that a special quota period may not be established under this subsection if a quota period has been established under subsection (b). (6) Preferential tariff treatment The quantity under a special import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of— (A) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2703(d) ); (B) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3203 ); (C) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2463(d) ); and (D) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. (7) Limitation The quantity of cotton entered into the United States during any marketing year under the special import quota established under this subsection may not exceed the equivalent of 10 weeks’ consumption of upland cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the 3 months immediately preceding the first special import quota established in any marketing year. (b) Limited global import quota for upland cotton (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Demand The term demand means— (i) the average seasonally adjusted annual rate of domestic mill consumption of cotton during the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary; and (ii) the larger of— (I) average exports of upland cotton during the preceding 6 marketing years; or (II) cumulative exports of upland cotton plus outstanding export sales for the marketing year in which the quota is established. (B) Limited global import quota The term limited global import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota. (C) Supply The term supply means, using the latest official data of the Department of Agriculture— (i) the carry-over of upland cotton at the beginning of the marketing year (adjusted to 480-pound bales) in which the quota is established; (ii) production of the current crop; and (iii) imports to the latest date available during the marketing year. (2) Program The President shall carry out an import quota program that provides that whenever the Secretary determines and announces that the average price of the base quality of upland cotton, as determined by the Secretary, in the designated spot markets for a month exceeded 130 percent of the average price of the quality of cotton in the markets for the preceding 36 months, notwithstanding any other provision of law, there shall immediately be in effect a limited global import quota subject to the following conditions: (A) Quantity The quantity of the quota shall be equal to 21 days of domestic mill consumption of upland cotton at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary. (B) Quantity if prior quota If a quota has been established under this subsection during the preceding 12 months, the quantity of the quota next established under this subsection shall be the smaller of 21 days of domestic mill consumption calculated under subparagraph (A) or the quantity required to increase the supply to 130 percent of the demand. (C) Preferential tariff treatment The quantity under a limited global import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of— (i) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2703(d) ); (ii) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3203 ); (iii) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2463(d) ); and (iv) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. (D) Quota entry period When a quota is established under this subsection, cotton may be entered under the quota during the 90-day period beginning on the date the quota is established by the Secretary. (3) No overlap Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a quota period may not be established that overlaps an existing quota period or a special quota period established under subsection (a). (c) Economic adjustment assistance to users of upland cotton (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, on a monthly basis, make economic adjustment assistance available to domestic users of upland cotton in the form of payments for all documented use of that upland cotton during the previous monthly period regardless of the origin of the upland cotton. (2) Value of assistance Effective beginning on August 1, 2013, the value of the assistance provided under paragraph (1) shall be 3 cents per pound. (3) Allowable purposes Economic adjustment assistance under this subsection shall be made available only to domestic users of upland cotton that certify that the assistance shall be used only to acquire, construct, install, modernize, develop, convert, or expand land, plant, buildings, equipment, facilities, or machinery. (4) Review or audit The Secretary may conduct such review or audit of the records of a domestic user under this subsection as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this subsection. (5) Improper use of assistance If the Secretary determines, after a review or audit of the records of the domestic user, that economic adjustment assistance under this subsection was not used for the purposes specified in paragraph (3), the domestic user shall be— (A) liable for the repayment of the assistance to the Secretary, plus interest, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) ineligible to receive assistance under this subsection for a period of 1 year following the determination of the Secretary. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton (a) Competitiveness program Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall carry out a program— (1) to maintain and expand the domestic use of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; (2) to increase exports of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; and (3) to ensure that extra long staple cotton produced in the United States remains competitive in world markets. (b) Payments under program; trigger Under the program, the Secretary shall make payments available under this section whenever— (1) for a consecutive 4-week period, the world market price for the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is below the prevailing United States price for a competing growth of extra long staple cotton; and (2) the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is less than 134 percent of the loan rate for extra long staple cotton. (c) Eligible recipients The Secretary shall make payments available under this section to domestic users of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States and exporters of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States that enter into an agreement with the Commodity Credit Corporation to participate in the program under this section. (d) Payment amount Payments under this section shall be based on the amount of the difference in the prices referred to in subsection (b)(1) during the fourth week of the consecutive 4-week period multiplied by the amount of documented purchases by domestic users and sales for export by exporters made in the week following such a consecutive 4-week period. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton (a) High moisture feed grains (1) Definition of high moisture state In this subsection, the term high moisture state means corn or grain sorghum having a moisture content in excess of Commodity Credit Corporation standards for marketing assistance loans made by the Secretary under section 1201. (2) Recourse loans available For the 2014 crop and each succeeding annual crop of corn and grain sorghum, the Secretary shall make available recourse loans, as determined by the Secretary, to producers on a farm that— (A) normally harvest all or a portion of their crop of corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state; (B) present— (i) certified scale tickets from an inspected, certified commercial scale, including a licensed warehouse, feedlot, feed mill, distillery, or other similar entity approved by the Secretary, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary; or (ii) field or other physical measurements of the standing or stored crop in regions of the United States, as determined by the Secretary, that do not have certified commercial scales from which certified scale tickets may be obtained within reasonable proximity of harvest operation; (C) certify that the producers on the farm were the owners of the feed grain at the time of delivery to, and that the quantity to be placed under loan under this subsection was in fact harvested on the farm and delivered to, a feedlot, feed mill, or commercial or on-farm high-moisture storage facility, or to a facility maintained by the users of corn and grain sorghum in a high moisture state; and (D) comply with deadlines established by the Secretary for harvesting the corn or grain sorghum and submit applications for loans under this subsection within deadlines established by the Secretary. (3) Eligibility of acquired feed grains A loan under this subsection shall be made on a quantity of corn or grain sorghum of the same crop acquired by the producer equivalent to a quantity determined by multiplying— (A) the acreage of the corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state harvested on the farm of the producer; by (B) the lower of the farm program payment yield used to make payments under subtitle A or the actual yield on a field, as determined by the Secretary, that is similar to the field from which the corn or grain sorghum was obtained. (b) Recourse loans available for seed cotton For the 2014 crop and each succeeding annual crop of upland cotton and extra long staple cotton, the Secretary shall make available recourse seed cotton loans, as determined by the Secretary, on any production. (c) Repayment rates Repayment of a recourse loan made under this section shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity by the Secretary, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )). 1210. Adjustments of loans (a) Adjustment authority Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rates for any loan commodity (other than cotton) for differences in grade, type, quality, location, and other factors. (b) Manner of adjustment The adjustments under subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in such a manner that the average loan level for the commodity will, on the basis of the anticipated incidence of the factors, be equal to the level of support determined in accordance with this subtitle and subtitle C. (c) Adjustment on county basis (1) In general The Secretary may establish loan rates for a crop for producers in individual counties in a manner that results in the lowest loan rate being 95 percent of the national average loan rate, if those loan rates do not result in an increase in outlays. (2) Prohibition Adjustments under this subsection shall not result in an increase in the national average loan rate for any year. (d) Adjustment in loan rate for cotton (1) In general The Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rate for cotton for differences in quality factors. (2) Types of adjustments Loan rate adjustments under paragraph (1) may include— (A) the use of non-spot market price data, in addition to spot market price data, that would enhance the accuracy of the price information used in determining quality adjustments under this subsection; (B) adjustments in the premiums or discounts associated with upland cotton with a staple length of 33 or above due to micronaire with the goal of eliminating any unnecessary artificial splits in the calculations of the premiums or discounts; and (C) such other adjustments as the Secretary determines appropriate, after consultations conducted in accordance with paragraph (3). (3) Consultation with private sector (A) Prior to revision In making adjustments to the loan rate for cotton (including any review of the adjustments) as provided in this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the United States cotton industry. (B) Inapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to consultations under this subsection. (4) Review of adjustments The Secretary may review the operation of the upland cotton quality adjustments implemented pursuant to this subsection and may make further adjustments to the administration of the loan program for upland cotton, by revoking or revising any adjustment taken under paragraph (2). (e) Rice The Secretary shall not make adjustments in the loan rates for long grain rice and medium grain rice, except for differences in grade and quality (including milling yields). C Sugar 1301. Sugar program (a) Continuation of current program and loan rates (1) Sugarcane Section 156(a)(5) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(a)(5)) is amended by striking the 2012 crop year and inserting the 2012 crop year and each succeeding crop year . (2) Sugar beets Section 156(b)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(b)(2) ) is amended by striking each of the 2009 through 2012 crop years and inserting the 2009 crop year and each succeeding crop year . (3) Effective period Section 156(i) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(i)) is repealed. (b) Flexible marketing allotments for sugar (1) Sugar estimates Section 359b(a)(1) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359bb(a)(1)) is amended by striking each of the 2008 through 2012 crop years and inserting the 2008 crop year and each succeeding crop year . (2) Effective period Section 359i(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359ii(a)) is amended by striking only for the 2008 through 2012 crop years and inserting for the 2008 crop year and each succeeding crop year . D Dairy I Dairy Producer Margin Insurance Program 1401. Dairy producer margin insurance program Subtitle E of title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8771 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1511. Dairy producer margin insurance program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Actual dairy producer margin The term actual dairy producer margin means the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost, as calculated under subsection (b)(2). (2) All-milk price The term all-milk price means the average price received, per hundredweight of milk, by dairy producers for all milk sold to plants and dealers in the United States, as reported by the National Agricultural Statistics Service. (3) Average feed cost The term average feed cost means the average cost of feed used by a dairy operation to produce a hundredweight of milk, determined under subsection (b)(1) using the sum of the following: (A) The product determined by multiplying— (i) 1.0728; by (ii) the price of corn per bushel. (B) The product determined by multiplying— (i) 0.00735; by (ii) the price of soybean meal per ton. (C) The product determined by multiplying— (i) 0.0137; by (ii) the price of alfalfa hay per ton. (4) Consecutive 2-month period The term consecutive 2-month period refers to the 2-month period consisting of the months of January and February, March and April, May and June, July and August, September and October, or November and December, respectively. (5) Dairy producer The term dairy producer means an individual or entity that directly or indirectly (as determined by the Secretary)— (A) shares in the risk of producing milk; and (B) makes contributions (including land, labor, management, equipment, or capital) to the dairy operation of the individual or entity that are at least commensurate with the share of the individual or entity of the proceeds of the operation. (6) Margin insurance program The term margin insurance program means the dairy producer margin insurance program required by this section. (7) Participating dairy producer The term participating dairy producer means a dairy producer that registers under subsection (d)(2) to participate in the margin insurance program. (8) Production history The term production history means the quantity of annual milk marketings determined for a dairy producer under subsection (e)(1). (9) United States The term United States , in a geographical sense, means the 50 States. (b) Calculation of average feed cost and actual dairy producer margins (1) Calculation of average feed cost The Secretary shall calculate the national average feed cost for each month using the following data: (A) The price of corn for a month shall be the price received during that month by agricultural producers in the United States for corn, as reported in the monthly Agriculture Prices report by the Secretary. (B) The price of soybean meal for a month shall be the central Illinois price for soybean meal, as reported in the Market News–Monthly Soybean Meal Price Report by the Secretary. (C) The price of alfalfa hay for a month shall be the price received during that month by agricultural producers in the United States for alfalfa hay, as reported in the monthly Agriculture Prices report by the Secretary. (2) Calculation of actual dairy producer margins The Secretary shall calculate the actual dairy producer margin for each consecutive 2-month period by subtracting— (A) the average feed cost for that consecutive 2-month period, determined in accordance with paragraph (1); from (B) the all-milk price for that consecutive 2-month period. (c) Establishment of dairy producer margin insurance program The Secretary shall establish and administer a dairy producer margin insurance program for the purpose of protecting dairy producer income by paying participating dairy producers margin insurance payments when actual dairy producer margins are less than the threshold levels for the payments. (d) Eligibility and registration of dairy producers for margin insurance program (1) Eligibility All dairy producers in the United States shall be eligible to participate in the margin insurance program. (2) Registration process (A) Registration (i) Annual registration On an annual basis, the Secretary shall register all interested dairy producers in the margin insurance program. (ii) Manner and form The Secretary shall specify the manner and form by which a dairy producer shall register for the margin insurance program. (B) Treatment of multi-producer operations If a dairy operation consists of more than 1 dairy producer, all of the dairy producers of the operation shall be treated as a single dairy producer for purposes of— (i) purchasing margin insurance; and (ii) payment of producer premiums under subsection (f)(4). (C) Treatment of producers with multiple dairy operations If a dairy producer operates 2 or more dairy operations, each dairy operation of the producer shall require a separate registration to participate and purchase margin insurance. (3) Time for registration (A) Existing dairy producers During the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, a dairy producer that is actively engaged in a dairy operation as of that date may register with the Secretary to participate in the margin insurance program. (B) New Entrants A dairy producer that has no existing interest in a dairy operation as of the date of enactment of this section, but that, after that date, establishes a new dairy operation, may register with the Secretary during the 180-day period beginning on the date on which the dairy operation first markets milk commercially to participate in the margin insurance program. (4) Retroactivity (A) Notice of availability of retroactive protection Not later than 30 days after the effective date of this section, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register to inform dairy producers of the availability of retroactive margin insurance, subject to the condition that interested producers must file a notice of intent (in such form and manner as the Secretary specifies in the Federal Register notice) to participate in the margin insurance program. (B) Retroactive margin insurance (i) Availability If a dairy producer files a notice of intent under subparagraph (A) to participate in the margin insurance program before the initiation of the sign-up period for the margin insurance program and subsequently signs up for the margin insurance program, the producer shall receive margin insurance retroactive to the effective date of this section. (ii) Duration Retroactive margin insurance under this paragraph for a dairy producer shall apply from the effective date of this section until the date on which the producer signs up for the margin insurance program. (C) Notice of intent and obligation to participate In no way does filing a notice of intent under this paragraph obligate a dairy producer to sign up for the margin insurance program once the program rules are final, but if a producer does file a notice of intent and subsequently signs up for the margin insurance program, that dairy producer is obligated to pay premiums for any retroactive margin insurance selected in the notice of intent. (5) Reconstitution The Secretary shall ensure that a dairy producer does not reconstitute a dairy operation for the sole purpose of purchasing margin insurance. (e) Production history of participating dairy producers (1) Determination of production history (A) In general The Secretary shall determine the production history of the dairy operation of each participating dairy producer in the margin insurance program. (B) Calculation Except as provided in subparagraphs (C) and (D), the production history of a participating dairy producer shall be equal to the highest annual milk marketings of the dairy producer during any 1 of the 3 calendar years immediately preceding the registration of the dairy producer for participation in the margin insurance program. (C) Updating production history So long as a participating producer remains registered, the production history of the participating producer shall be annually updated based on the highest annual milk marketings of the dairy producer during any one of the 3 immediately preceding calendar years. (D) New producers If a dairy producer has been in operation for less than 1 year, the Secretary shall determine the initial production history of the dairy producer under subparagraph (B) by extrapolating the actual milk marketings for the months that the dairy producer has been in operation to a yearly amount. (2) Required information A participating dairy producer shall provide all information that the Secretary may require in order to establish the production history of the dairy operation of the dairy producer. (3) Transfer of production history (A) Transfer by sale (i) Request for transfer If an existing dairy producer sells an entire dairy operation to another party, the seller and purchaser may jointly request that the Secretary transfer to the purchaser the interest of the seller in the production history of the dairy operation. (ii) Transfer If the Secretary determines that the seller has sold the entire dairy operation to the purchaser, the Secretary shall approve the transfer and, thereafter, the seller shall have no interest in the production history of the sold dairy operation. (B) Transfer by Lease (i) Request for transfer If an existing dairy producer leases an entire dairy operation to another party, the lessor and lessee may jointly request that the Secretary transfer to the lessee for the duration of the term of the lease the interest of the lessor in the production history of the dairy operation. (ii) Transfer If the Secretary determines that the lessor has leased the entire dairy operation to the lessee, the Secretary shall approve the transfer and, thereafter, the lessor shall have no interest for the duration of the term of the lease in the production history of the leased dairy operation. (C) Coverage level A purchaser or lessee to whom the Secretary transfers a production history under this paragraph may not obtain a different level of margin insurance coverage held by the seller or lessor from whom the transfer was obtained. (D) New entrants The Secretary may not transfer the production history determined for a dairy producer described in subsection (d)(3)(B) to another person. (4) Movement and transfer of production history (A) Movement and transfer authorized Subject to subparagraph (B), if a dairy producer moves from 1 location to another location, the dairy producer may maintain the production history associated with the operation. (B) Notification requirement A dairy producer shall notify the Secretary of any move of a dairy operation under subparagraph (A). (C) Subsequent occupation of vacated location A party subsequently occupying a dairy operation location vacated as described in subparagraph (A) shall have no interest in the production history previously associated with the operation at that location. (f) Margin insurance (1) In general At the time of the registration of a dairy producer in the margin insurance program under subsection (d) and annually thereafter during the duration of the margin insurance program, an eligible dairy producer may purchase margin insurance. (2) Selection of payment threshold A participating dairy producer purchasing margin insurance shall elect a coverage level in any increment of $0.50, with a minimum of $4.00 and a maximum of $8.00. (3) Selection of coverage percentage A participating dairy producer purchasing margin insurance shall elect a percentage of coverage, equal to not more than 80 percent nor less than 25 percent, of the production history of the dairy operation of the participating dairy producer. (4) Producer Premiums (A) Premiums required A participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance shall pay an annual premium equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (i) the percentage selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (3); (ii) the production history applicable to the dairy producer; and (iii) the premium per hundredweight of milk, as specified in the applicable table under subparagraph (B) or (C). (B) Premium per hundredweight for first 4 million pounds of production For the first 4,000,000 pounds of milk marketings included in the annual production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level specified in the following table is as follows: Coverage Level Premium per Cwt. $4.00 $0.00 $4.50 $0.01 $5.00 $0.02 $5.50 $0.035 $6.00 $0.045 $6.50 $0.09 $7.00 $0.18 $7.50 $0.60 $8.00 $0.95 (C) Premium per hundredweight for production in excess of 4 million pounds For milk marketings in excess of 4,000,000 pounds included in the annual production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level is as follows: Coverage Level Premium per Cwt. $4.00 $0.030 $4.50 $0.045 $5.00 $0.066 $5.50 $0.11 $6.00 $0.185 $6.50 $0.29 $7.00 $0.38 $7.50 $0.83 $8.00 $1.06 (D) Time for payment (i) First year As soon as practicable after a dairy producer registers to participate in the margin insurance program and purchases margin insurance, the dairy producer shall pay the premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for the first calendar year of the margin insurance. (ii) Subsequent years (I) In general When the dairy producer first purchases margin insurance, the dairy producer shall also elect the method by which the dairy producer will pay premiums under this subsection for subsequent years in accordance with 1 of the schedules described in subclauses (II) and (III). (II) Single annual payment The participating dairy producer may elect to pay 100 percent of the annual premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for a calendar year by not later than January 15 of the calendar year. (III) Semi-annual payments The participating dairy producer may elect to pay— (aa) 50 percent of the annual premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for a calendar year by not later than January 15 of the calendar year; and (bb) the remaining 50 percent of the premium by not later than June 15 of the calendar year. (5) Producer premium obligations (A) Pro-ration of first year premium A participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance after initial registration in the margin insurance program shall pay a pro-rated premium for the first calendar year based on the date on which the producer purchases the coverage. (B) Subsequent premiums Except as provided in subparagraph (A), the annual premium for a participating dairy producer shall be determined under paragraph (4) for each year in which the margin insurance program is in effect. (C) Legal obligation (i) In general Except as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii), a participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance shall be legally obligated to pay the applicable premiums for the entire period of the margin insurance program (as provided in the payment schedule elected under paragraph (4)(B)), and may not opt out of the margin insurance program. (ii) Death If the dairy producer dies, the estate of the deceased may cancel the margin insurance and shall not be responsible for any further premium payments. (iii) Retirement If the dairy producer retires, the producer may request that Secretary cancel the margin insurance if the producer has terminated the dairy operation entirely and certifies under oath that the producer will not be actively engaged in any dairy operation for at least the next 7 years. (6) Payment threshold A participating dairy producer with margin insurance shall receive a margin insurance payment whenever the average actual dairy producer margin for a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2). (7) Margin insurance payments (A) In general The Secretary shall make a margin insurance protection payment to each participating dairy producer whenever the average actual dairy producer margin for a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2). (B) Amount of payment The margin insurance payment for the dairy operation of a participating dairy producer shall be determined as follows: (i) The Secretary shall calculate the difference between— (I) the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2); and (II) the average actual dairy producer margin for the consecutive 2-month period. (ii) The amount determined under clause (i) shall be multiplied by— (I) the percentage selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (3); and (II) the lesser of— (aa) the quotient obtained by dividing— (AA) the production history applicable to the producer under subsection (e)(1); by (BB) 6; and (bb) the actual quantity of milk marketed by the dairy operation of the dairy producer during the consecutive 2-month period. (g) Effect of failure To pay premiums (1) Loss of benefits A participating dairy producer that is in arrears on premium payments for margin insurance— (A) remains legally obligated to pay the premiums; and (B) may not receive margin insurance until the premiums are fully paid. (2) Enforcement The Secretary may take such action as is necessary to collect premium payments for margin insurance. (h) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation The Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and the authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this section. (i) Program start date The Secretary shall conduct the margin insurance program beginning on October 1, 2013. . 1402. Rulemaking (a) Procedure The promulgation of regulations for the initiation of the margin insurance program, and for administration of the margin insurance program, shall be made— (1) without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act); (2) without regard to the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and (3) subject to subsection (b), pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code. (b) Special rulemaking requirements (1) Interim rules authorized With respect to the margin insurance program, the Secretary may promulgate interim rules under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of section 553(b) of title 5, United States Code, if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed. Any such interim rules for the margin insurance program shall be effective on publication. (2) Final rules With respect to the margin insurance program, the Secretary shall promulgate final rules, with an opportunity for public notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Inclusion of additional order Section 143(a)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7253(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: Subsection (b)(2) does not apply to the authority of the Secretary under this subsection. . II Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-related provisions 1411. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs (a) Repeal of dairy product price support program Section 1501 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8771 ) is repealed. (b) Repeal of milk income loss contract program Section 1506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8773 ) is repealed. 1412. Repeal of dairy export incentive program (a) Repeal Section 153 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (15 U.S.C. 713a–14) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendments Section 902(2) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 ( 22 U.S.C. 7201(2) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (D); and (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively. 1413. Extension of dairy forward pricing program Section 1502(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8772(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2015 and inserting 2021 . 1414. Extension of dairy indemnity program Section 3 of Public Law 90–484 ( 7 U.S.C. 450l ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 1415. Extension of dairy promotion and research program Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 ( 7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 1416. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission Section 1509 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1726) is repealed. III Effective date 1421. Effective date This subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013. E Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible producer on a farm (A) In general The term eligible producer on a farm means an individual or entity described in subparagraph (B) that, as determined by the Secretary, assumes the production and market risks associated with the agricultural production of crops or livestock. (B) Description An individual or entity referred to in subparagraph (A) is— (i) a citizen of the United States; (ii) a resident alien; (iii) a partnership of citizens of the United States; or (iv) a corporation, limited liability corporation, or other farm organizational structure organized under State law. (2) Farm-raised fish The term farm-raised fish means any aquatic species that is propagated and reared in a controlled environment. (3) Livestock The term livestock includes— (A) cattle (including dairy cattle); (B) bison; (C) poultry; (D) sheep; (E) swine; (F) horses; and (G) other livestock, as determined by the Secretary. (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (b) Livestock indemnity payments (1) Payments For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to make livestock indemnity payments to eligible producers on farms that have incurred livestock death losses in excess of the normal mortality, as determined by the Secretary, due to— (A) attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government or protected by Federal law, including wolves and avian predators; or (B) adverse weather, as determined by the Secretary, during the calendar year, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat, and extreme cold. (2) Payment rates Indemnity payments to an eligible producer on a farm under paragraph (1) shall be made at a rate of 75 percent of the market value of the applicable livestock on the day before the date of death of the livestock, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Special rule for payments made due to disease The Secretary shall ensure that payments made to an eligible producer under paragraph (1) are not made for the same livestock losses for which compensation is provided pursuant to section 10407(d) of the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8306(d) ). (c) Livestock forage disaster program (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Covered livestock (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the term covered livestock means livestock of an eligible livestock producer that, during the 60 days prior to the beginning date of a qualifying drought or fire condition, as determined by the Secretary, the eligible livestock producer— (I) owned; (II) leased; (III) purchased; (IV) entered into a contract to purchase; (V) is a contract grower; or (VI) sold or otherwise disposed of due to qualifying drought conditions during— (aa) the current production year; or (bb) subject to paragraph (3)(B)(ii), 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year. (ii) Exclusion The term covered livestock does not include livestock that were or would have been in a feedlot, on the beginning date of the qualifying drought or fire condition, as a part of the normal business operation of the eligible livestock producer, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Drought monitor The term drought monitor means a system for classifying drought severity according to a range of abnormally dry to exceptional drought, as defined by the Secretary. (C) Eligible livestock producer (i) In general The term eligible livestock producer means an eligible producer on a farm that— (I) is an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of covered livestock that provides the pastureland or grazing land, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land, for the livestock; (II) provides the pastureland or grazing land for covered livestock, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land that is physically located in a county affected by drought; (III) certifies grazing loss; and (IV) meets all other eligibility requirements established under this subsection. (ii) Exclusion The term eligible livestock producer does not include an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of livestock that rents or leases pastureland or grazing land owned by another person on a rate-of-gain basis. (D) Normal carrying capacity The term normal carrying capacity , with respect to each type of grazing land or pastureland in a county, means the normal carrying capacity, as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i), that would be expected from the grazing land or pastureland for livestock during the normal grazing period, in the absence of a drought or fire that diminishes the production of the grazing land or pastureland. (E) Normal grazing period The term normal grazing period , with respect to a county, means the normal grazing period during the calendar year for the county, as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i). (2) Program For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide compensation for losses to eligible livestock producers due to grazing losses for covered livestock due to— (A) a drought condition, as described in paragraph (3); or (B) fire, as described in paragraph (4). (3) Assistance for losses due to drought conditions (A) Eligible losses (i) In general An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this subsection only for grazing losses for covered livestock that occur on land that— (I) is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover; or (II) is planted to a crop planted specifically for the purpose of providing grazing for covered livestock. (ii) Exclusions An eligible livestock producer may not receive assistance under this subsection for grazing losses that occur on land used for haying or grazing under the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.). (B) Monthly payment rate (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the payment rate for assistance under this paragraph for 1 month shall, in the case of drought, be equal to 60 percent of the lesser of— (I) the monthly feed cost for all covered livestock owned or leased by the eligible livestock producer, as determined under subparagraph (C); or (II) the monthly feed cost calculated by using the normal carrying capacity of the eligible grazing land of the eligible livestock producer. (ii) Partial compensation In the case of an eligible livestock producer that sold or otherwise disposed of covered livestock due to drought conditions in 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year, as determined by the Secretary, the payment rate shall be 80 percent of the payment rate otherwise calculated in accordance with clause (i). (C) Monthly feed cost (i) In general The monthly feed cost shall equal the product obtained by multiplying— (I) 30 days; (II) a payment quantity that is equal to the feed grain equivalent, as determined under clause (ii); and (III) a payment rate that is equal to the corn price per pound, as determined under clause (iii). (ii) Feed grain equivalent For purposes of clause (i)(II), the feed grain equivalent shall equal— (I) in the case of an adult beef cow, 15.7 pounds of corn per day; or (II) in the case of any other type of weight of livestock, an amount determined by the Secretary that represents the average number of pounds of corn per day necessary to feed the livestock. (iii) Corn price per pound For purposes of clause (i)(III), the corn price per pound shall equal the quotient obtained by dividing— (I) the higher of— (aa) the national average corn price per bushel for the 12-month period immediately preceding March 1 of the year for which the disaster assistance is calculated; or (bb) the national average corn price per bushel for the 24-month period immediately preceding that March 1; by (II) 56. (D) Normal grazing period and drought monitor intensity (i) F SA county committee determinations (I) In general The Secretary shall determine the normal carrying capacity and normal grazing period for each type of grazing land or pastureland in the county served by the applicable committee. (II) Changes No change to the normal carrying capacity or normal grazing period established for a county under subclause (I) shall be made unless the change is requested by the appropriate State and county Farm Service Agency committees. (ii) Drought intensity (I) D 2 An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D2 (severe drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 8 consecutive weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph in an amount equal to 1 monthly payment using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B). (II) D 3 An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having at least a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph— (aa) in an amount equal to 3 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B); (bb) if the county is rated as having a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4 weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, or is rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to 4 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B); or (cc) if the county is rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4 weeks during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to 5 monthly payments using the monthly rate determined under subparagraph (B). (4) Assistance for losses due to fire on public managed land (A) In general An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this paragraph only if— (i) the grazing losses occur on rangeland that is managed by a Federal agency; and (ii) the eligible livestock producer is prohibited by the Federal agency from grazing the normal permitted livestock on the managed rangeland due to a fire. (B) Payment rate The payment rate for assistance under this paragraph shall be equal to 50 percent of the monthly feed cost for the total number of livestock covered by the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer, as determined under paragraph (3)(C). (C) Payment duration (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), an eligible livestock producer shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph for the period— (I) beginning on the date on which the Federal agency excludes the eligible livestock producer from using the managed rangeland for grazing; and (II) ending on the last day of the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer. (ii) Limitation An eligible livestock producer may only receive assistance under this paragraph for losses that occur on not more than 180 days per year. (5) No duplicative payments An eligible livestock producer may elect to receive assistance for grazing or pasture feed losses due to drought conditions under paragraph (3) or fire under paragraph (4), but not both for the same loss, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Emergency assistance for livestock, honey bees, and farm-Raised fish (1) In general For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not more than $20,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease (including cattle tick fever), adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary, that are not covered under subsection (b) or (c). (2) Use of funds Funds made available under this subsection shall be used to reduce losses caused by feed or water shortages, disease, or other factors as determined by the Secretary. (3) Availability of funds Any funds made available under this subsection shall remain available until expended. (e) Tree assistance program (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Eligible orchardist The term eligible orchardist means a person that produces annual crops from trees for commercial purposes. (B) Natural disaster The term natural disaster means plant disease, insect infestation, drought, fire, freeze, flood, earthquake, lightning, or other occurrence, as determined by the Secretary. (C) Nursery tree grower The term nursery tree grower means a person who produces nursery, ornamental, fruit, nut, or Christmas trees for commercial sale, as determined by the Secretary. (D) Tree The term tree includes a tree, bush, and vine. (2) Eligibility (A) Loss Subject to subparagraph (B), for fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide assistance— (i) under paragraph (3) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that planted trees for commercial purposes but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) under paragraph (3)(B) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that have a production history for commercial purposes on planted or existing trees but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Limitation An eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower shall qualify for assistance under subparagraph (A) only if the tree mortality of the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower, as a result of damaging weather or related condition, exceeds 15 percent (adjusted for normal mortality). (3) Assistance Subject to paragraph (4), the assistance provided by the Secretary to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers for losses described in paragraph (2) shall consist of— (A) (i) reimbursement of 65 percent of the cost of replanting trees lost due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent mortality (adjusted for normal mortality); or (ii) at the option of the Secretary, sufficient seedlings to reestablish a stand; and (B) reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost of pruning, removal, and other costs incurred by an eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower to salvage existing trees or, in the case of tree mortality, to prepare the land to replant trees as a result of damage or tree mortality due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent damage or mortality (adjusted for normal tree damage and mortality). (4) Limitations on assistance (A) Definitions of legal entity and person In this paragraph, the terms legal entity and person have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a)). (B) Amount The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this subsection may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year, or an equivalent value in tree seedlings. (C) Acres The total quantity of acres planted to trees or tree seedlings for which a person or legal entity shall be entitled to receive payments under this subsection may not exceed 500 acres. (f) Payment limitations (1) Definitions of legal entity and person In this subsection, the terms legal entity and person have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a)). (2) Amount The total amount of disaster assistance payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this section (excluding payments received under subsection (e)) may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year. (3) Direct attribution Subsections (e) and (f) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) or any successor provisions relating to direct attribution shall apply with respect to assistance provided under this section. 1502. National Drought Council and National Drought Policy Action Plan (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Council The term Council means the National Drought Council established by this section. (2) Drought The term drought means a natural disaster that is caused by a deficiency in precipitation— (A) that may lead to a deficiency in surface and subsurface water supplies (including rivers, streams, wetlands, ground water, soil moisture, reservoir supplies, lake levels, and snow pack); and (B) that causes or may cause— (i) substantial economic or social impacts; or (ii) physical damage or injury to individuals, property, or the environment. (3) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b). (4) Member The term member , with respect to the National Drought Council, means a member of the Council specified or appointed under this section or, in the absence of the member, the member’s designee. (5) Mitigation The term mitigation means a short- or long-term action, program, or policy that is implemented in advance of or during a drought to minimize any risks and impacts of drought. (6) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (7) State The term State means the several States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. (8) Trigger The term trigger means the thresholds or criteria that must be satisfied before mitigation or emergency assistance may be provided to an area— (A) in which drought is emerging; or (B) that is experiencing a drought. (9) Watershed The term watershed means a region or area with common hydrology, an area drained by a waterway that drains into a lake or reservoir, the total area above a given point on a stream that contributes water to the flow at that point, or the topographic dividing line from which surface streams flow in two different directions. In no case shall a watershed be larger than a river basin. (10) Watershed group The term watershed group means a group of individuals, formally recognized by the appropriate State or States, who represent the broad scope of relevant interests within a watershed and who work together in a collaborative manner to jointly plan the management of the natural resources contained within the watershed. (b) Effect of section This section does not affect— (1) the authority of a State to allocate quantities of water under the jurisdiction of the State; or (2) any State water rights established as of the date of enactment of this Act. (c) National drought council (1) Establishment There is established in the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture a council to be known as the National Drought Council . (2) Membership (A) Composition The Council shall be composed of— (i) the Secretary (or the designee of the Secretary); (ii) the Secretary of Commerce (or the designee of the Secretary of Commerce); (iii) the Secretary of the Army (or the designee of the Secretary of the Army); (iv) the Secretary of the Interior (or the designee of the Secretary of the Interior); (v) the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or the designee of the Director); (vi) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (or the designee of the Administrator); (vii) 4 members appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Governors Association, each of whom shall be the Governor of a State (or the designee of the Governor) and who collectively shall represent the geographic diversity of the Nation; (viii) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Association of Counties; (ix) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the United States Conference of Mayors; (x) 1 member appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with Indian tribes, to represent the interests of tribal governments; and (xi) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Association of Conservation Districts, to represent local soil and water conservation districts. (B) Date of appointment The appointment of each member of the Council shall be made not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (3) Term; vacancies (A) Term A non-Federal member of the Council appointed under paragraph (2) shall be appointed for a term of two years. (B) Vacancies A vacancy on the Council— (i) shall not affect the powers of the Council; and (ii) shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made. (C) Terms of members filling vacancies Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member’s predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term. (4) Meetings (A) In general The Council shall meet at the call of the co-chairs. (B) Frequency The Council shall meet at least semiannually. (5) Quorum A majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings or conduct other business. (6) Council leadership (A) In general There shall be a Federal co-chair and non-Federal co-chair of the Council. (B) Appointment (i) Federal co-chair The Secretary shall be the Federal co-chair. (ii) Non-Federal co-chair The non-Federal members of the Council shall elect, on a biannual basis, a non-Federal co-chair of the Council from among the members appointed under paragraph (2). (d) Duties of the council (1) In general The Council shall— (A) not later than one year after the date of the first meeting of the Council, develop a comprehensive National Drought Policy Action Plan that— (i) (I) delineates and integrates responsibilities for activities relating to drought (including drought preparedness, mitigation, research, risk management, training, and emergency relief) among Federal agencies; and (II) ensures that those activities are coordinated with the activities of the States, local governments, Indian tribes, and neighboring countries; (ii) is consistent with— (I) this Act and other applicable Federal laws; and (II) the laws and policies of the States for water management; (iii) is integrated with drought management programs of the States, Indian tribes, local governments, watershed groups, and private entities; and (iv) avoids duplicating Federal, State, tribal, local, watershed, and private drought preparedness and monitoring programs in existence on the date of enactment of this Act; (B) evaluate Federal drought-related programs in existence on the date of enactment of this Act and make recommendations to Congress and the President on means of eliminating— (i) discrepancies between the goals of the programs and actual service delivery; (ii) duplication among programs; and (iii) any other circumstances that interfere with the effective operation of the programs; (C) make recommendations to the President, Congress, and appropriate Federal agencies on— (i) the establishment of common interagency triggers for authorizing Federal drought mitigation programs; and (ii) improving the consistency and fairness of assistance among Federal drought relief programs; (D) encourage and facilitate the development of drought preparedness plans under subtitle C, including establishing the guidelines under this section; (E) based on a review of drought preparedness plans, develop and make available to the public drought planning models to reduce water resource conflicts relating to water conservation and droughts; (F) develop and coordinate public awareness activities to provide the public with access to understandable and informative materials on drought, including— (i) explanations of the causes of drought, the impacts of drought, and the damages from drought; (ii) descriptions of the value and benefits of land stewardship to reduce the impacts of drought and to protect the environment; (iii) clear instructions for appropriate responses to drought, including water conservation, water reuse, and detection and elimination of water leaks; (iv) information on State and local laws applicable to drought; and (v) opportunities for assistance to resource-dependent businesses and industries in times of drought; and (G) establish operating procedures for the Council. (2) Consultation In carrying out this subsection, the Council shall consult with groups affected by drought emergencies. (3) Reports to congress (A) Annual report (i) In general Not later than one year after the date of the first meeting of the Council, and annually thereafter, the Council shall submit to Congress a report on the activities carried out under this section. (ii) Inclusions (I) In general The annual report shall include a summary of drought preparedness plans. (II) Initial report The initial report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include any recommendations of the Council. (B) Final report Not later than seven years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Council shall submit to Congress a report that recommends— (i) amendments to this section; and (ii) whether the Council should continue. (e) Powers of the council (1) Hearings The Council may hold hearings, meet and act at any time and place, take any testimony and receive any evidence that the Council considers advisable to carry out this section. (2) Information from Federal agencies (A) In general The Council may obtain directly from any Federal agency any information that the Council considers necessary to carry out this section. (B) Provision of information (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), on request of the Secretary or the non-Federal co-chair of the Council, the head of a Federal agency may provide information to the Council. (ii) Limitation The head of a Federal agency shall not provide any information to the Council that the Federal agency head determines the disclosure of which may cause harm to national security interests. (3) Postal services The Council may use the United States mail in the same manner and under the same conditions as other agencies of the Federal Government. (4) Gifts The Council may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. (f) Council personnel matters (1) Compensation of members (A) Non-Federal employees A member of the Council who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve without compensation. (B) Federal employees A member of the Council who is an officer or employee of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to the compensation received for services of the member as an officer or employee of the Federal Government. (2) Travel expenses A member of the Council shall be allowed travel expenses at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Council. (g) Termination of council The Council shall terminate at the end of the eighth fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. F Administration 1601. Administration generally (a) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation The Secretary of Agriculture shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this title. (b) Determinations by Secretary A determination made by the Secretary under this title shall be final and conclusive. (c) Regulations (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Commodity Credit Corporation, as appropriate, shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement this title and the amendments made by this title. (2) Procedure The promulgation of the regulations and administration of this title and the amendments made by this title and sections 10003 and 10016 of this Act shall be made— (A) pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, including by interim rules effective on publication under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of subsection (b) of such section if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed and final rules, with an opportunity for notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of this Act; (B) without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act ); and (C) without regard to the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking. (d) Adjustment Authority Related to Trade Agreements Compliance (1) Required determination; adjustment If the Secretary determines that expenditures under this title that are subject to the total allowable domestic support levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements (as defined in section 2 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3501 )) will exceed the allowable levels for any applicable reporting period, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make adjustments in the amount of the expenditures during that period to ensure that the expenditures do not exceed the allowable levels. (2) Congressional notification Before making any adjustment under paragraph (1), 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 report describing the determination made under that paragraph and the extent of the adjustment to be made. 1602. Repeal of permanent price support authority (a) Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (1) Repeals The following provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 are repealed: (A) Parts II through V of subtitle B of title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1326 et seq. ). (B) Subtitle D of title III (7 U.S.C. 1379a et seq.). (C) Title IV (7 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.). (2) Inapplicability to upland cotton Section 377 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1377) is amended by striking was not fully planted and inserting was not fully planted: Provided further , That effective on the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, this section shall not apply to upland cotton . (b) Agricultural Act of 1949 The following provisions of the Agricultural Act of 1949 are repealed: (1) Section 101 (7 U.S.C. 1441). (2) Section 103(a) (7 U.S.C. 1444(a)). (3) Section 105 (7 U.S.C. 1444b). (4) Section 107 (7 U.S.C. 1445a). (5) Section 110 (7 U.S.C. 1445e). (6) Section 112 (7 U.S.C. 1445g). (7) Section 115 (7 U.S.C. 1445k). (8) Section 201 (7 U.S.C. 1446). (9) Title III (7 U.S.C. 1447 et seq.). (10) Title IV (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.), other than sections 404, 412, and 416 ( 7 U.S.C. 1424 , 1429, and 1431). (11) Title V (7 U.S.C. 1461 et seq.). (12) Title VI (7 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.). (c) Suspension of certain quota provisions The joint resolution entitled A joint resolution relating to corn and wheat marketing quotas under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended , approved May 26, 1941 (7 U.S.C. 1330, 1340), is repealed. 1603. Payment limitations (a) In general Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Legal entity (A) In general The term legal entity means— (i) an organization that (subject to the requirements of this section and section 1001A) is eligible to receive a payment under a provision of law referred to in subsection (b), (c), or (d); (ii) a corporation, joint stock company, association, limited partnership, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, charitable organization, estate, irrevocable trust, grantor of a revocable trust, or other similar entity (as determined by the Secretary); and (iii) an organization that is participating in a farming operation as a partner in a general partnership or as a participant in a joint venture. (B) Exclusion The term legal entity does not include a general partnership or joint venture. ; (2) by striking subsections (b) through (d) and inserting the following: (b) Limitation on payments for covered commodities and peanuts The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity for any crop year for 1 or more covered commodities and peanuts under title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 may not exceed $125,000, of which— (1) not more than $75,000 may consist of marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments under subtitle B of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013; and (2) not more than $50,000 may consist of any other payments made for covered commodities and peanuts under title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. (c) Spousal equity (1) In general Notwithstanding subsection (b), except as provided in paragraph (2), if a person and the spouse of the person are covered by paragraph (2) and receive, directly or indirectly, any payment or gain covered by this section, the total amount of payments or gains (as applicable) covered by this section that the person and spouse may jointly receive during any crop year may not exceed an amount equal to twice the applicable dollar amounts specified in subsection (b). (2) Exceptions (A) Separate farming operations In the case of a married couple in which each spouse, before the marriage, was separately engaged in an unrelated farming operation, each spouse shall be treated as a separate person with respect to a farming operation brought into the marriage by a spouse, subject to the condition that the farming operation shall remain a separate farming operation, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Election to receive separate payments A married couple may elect to receive payments separately in the name of each spouse if the total amount of payments and benefits described in subsection (b) that the married couple receives, directly or indirectly, does not exceed an amount equal to twice the applicable dollar amounts specified in those subsections. ; (3) in paragraph (3)(B) of subsection (f), by adding at the end the following: (iii) Irrevocable trusts In promulgating regulations to define the term legal entity as the term applies to irrevocable trusts, the Secretary shall ensure that irrevocable trusts are legitimate entities that have not been created for the purpose of avoiding a payment limitation. ; and (4) in subsection (h), in the second sentence, by striking or other entity and inserting or legal entity . (b) Conforming amendments (1) Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (e), by striking subsections (b) and (c) each place it appears in paragraphs (1) and (3)(B) and inserting subsection (b) ; (B) in subsection (f)— (i) in paragraph (2), by striking Subsections (b) and (c) and inserting Subsection (b) ; (ii) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking subsection (b) or (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; (iii) in paragraph (5)— (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking subsection (d) ; and (II) in subparagraph (B), by striking subsection (b), (c), or (d) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (iv) in paragraph (6)— (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking Notwithstanding subsection (d), except as provided in subsection (g) and inserting Except as provided in subsection (f) ; and (II) in subparagraph (B), by striking subsections (b), (c), and (d) and inserting subsection (b) ; (C) in subsection (g)— (i) in paragraph (1)— (I) by striking subsection (f)(6)(A) and inserting subsection (e)(6)(A) ; and (II) by striking subsection (b) or (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (ii) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (D) by redesignating subsections (e) through (h) as subsections (d) through (g), respectively. (2) Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–1 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (a), by striking subsections (b) and (c) of section 1001 and inserting section 1001(b) ; and (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 and inserting section 1001(b) . (3) Section 1001B(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–2(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking subsections (b) and (c) of section 1001 and inserting section 1001(b) . (c) Application The amendments made by this section shall apply beginning with the 2014 crop year. 1603A. Payments limited to active farmers Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–1) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) by striking or active personal management each place it appears in subparagraphs (A)(i)(II) and (B)(ii); and (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking , as applied to the legal entity, are met by the legal entity, the partners or members making a significant contribution of personal labor or active personal management and inserting are met by partners or members making a significant contribution of personal labor, those partners or members ; and (2) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) the landowner share-rents the land at a rate that is usual and customary; ; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (C) the share of the payments received by the landowner is commensurate with the share of the crop or income received as rent. ; (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking active personal management or ; (C) in paragraph (5)— (i) by striking (5) and all that follows through (A) In general .—A person and inserting the following: (5) Custom farming services A person ; (ii) by inserting under usual and customary terms after services ; and (iii) by striking subparagraph (B); and (D) by adding at the end the following: (7) Farm managers A person who otherwise meets the requirements of this subsection other than (b)(2)(A)(i)(II) shall be considered to be actively engaged in farming, as determined by the Secretary, with respect to the farming operation, including a farming operation that is a sole proprietorship, a legal entity such as a joint venture or general partnership, or a legal entity such as a corporation or limited partnership, if the person— (A) makes a significant contribution of management to the farming operation necessary for the farming operation, taking into account— (i) the size and complexity of the farming operation; and (ii) the management requirements normally and customarily required by similar farming operations; (B) (i) is the only person in the farming operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming by using the farm manager special class designation under this paragraph; and (ii) together with any other persons in the farming operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming under subsection (b)(2) or as part of a special class under this subsection, does not collectively receive, directly or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the applicable limits under section 1001(b); (C) does not use the management contribution under this paragraph to qualify as actively engaged in more than 1 farming operation; and (D) manages a farm operation that does not substantially share equipment, labor, or management with persons or legal entities that with the person collectively receive, directly or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the applicable limits under section 1001(b). . 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation (a) Limitations and covered benefits Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by striking Limitations and inserting Limitations on Commodity and Conservation Programs ; (2) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs: (1) Limitation Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person or legal entity shall not be eligible to receive any benefit described in paragraph (2) during a crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, if the average adjusted gross income of the person or legal entity exceeds $950,000. (2) Covered benefits Paragraph (1) applies with respect to a payment or benefit under subtitle A, B, or E of title I, or title II of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , title II of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, title II of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, section 524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b) ), or section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333). . (b) Elimination of unused definitions Paragraph (1) of section 1001D(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(a)) is amended to read as follows: (1) Average adjusted gross income In this section, the term average adjusted gross income , with respect to a person or legal entity, means the average of the adjusted gross income or comparable measure of the person or legal entity over the 3 taxable years preceding the most immediately preceding complete taxable year, as determined by the Secretary. . (c) Income determination Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (c); and (2) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively. (d) Conforming amendments Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) by striking subparagraph (A) or (B) of ; and (B) by striking , the average adjusted gross farm income, and the average adjusted gross nonfarm income ; (2) in subsection (a)(3), by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income both places it appears; (3) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income both places it appears; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) and inserting subsection (b)(2) ; and (4) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)— (A) by striking paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) and inserting subsection (b)(2) ; and (B) by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, or average adjusted gross nonfarm income . (e) Effective period Subsection (e) of section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ), as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section, is repealed. (f) Limitation on applicability Section 1001(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: or title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . (g) Transition Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a), as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall apply with respect to the 2013 crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, for each program described in paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) of that section (as so in effect on that day). 1605. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers Section 1621(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8792(d) ) is amended by striking each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting fiscal year 2009 and each succeeding fiscal year . 1606. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies Section 164 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7284 ) is amended by striking and title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 each place it appears and inserting title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq. ), and title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . 1607. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs (a) Reconciliation At least twice each year, the Secretary shall reconcile Social Security numbers of all individuals who receive payments under this title, whether directly or indirectly, with the Commissioner of Social Security to determined if the individuals are alive. (b) Preclusion The Secretary shall preclude the issuance of payments to, and on behalf of, deceased individuals that were not eligible for payments. 1608. Technical corrections (a) Missing punctuation Section 359f(c)(1)(B) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359ff(c)(1)(B)) is amended by adding a period at the end. (b) Erroneous cross reference (1) Amendment Section 1603(g) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1739) is amended in paragraphs (2) through (6) and the amendments made by those paragraphs by striking 1703(a) each place it appears and inserting 1603(a) . (2) Effective date This subsection and the amendments made by this subsection take effect as if included in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 1651). (c) Continued applicability of appropriations general provision Section 767 of division A of Public Law 108–7 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 note; 117 Stat. 48) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking sections 1101 and 1102 of Public Law 107–171 and inserting subtitle A of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 ; and (B) by striking such section 1102 and inserting such subtitle ; and (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) This section, as amended by section 1608(c) of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , shall take effect beginning with the 2014 crop year. . 1609. Assignment of payments (a) In general The provisions of section 8(g) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590h(g) ), relating to assignment of payments, shall apply to payments made under this title. (b) Notice The producer making the assignment, or the assignee, shall provide the Secretary with notice, in such manner as the Secretary may require, of any assignment made under this section. 1610. Tracking of benefits As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may track the benefits provided, directly or indirectly, to individuals and entities under titles I and II and the amendments made by those titles. 1611. Signature authority (a) In general In carrying out this title and title II and amendments made by those titles, if the Secretary approves a document, the Secretary shall not subsequently determine the document is inadequate or invalid because of the lack of authority of any person signing the document on behalf of the applicant or any other individual, entity, general partnership, or joint venture, or the documents relied upon were determined inadequate or invalid, unless the person signing the program document knowingly and willfully falsified the evidence of signature authority or a signature. (b) Affirmation (1) In general Nothing in this section prohibits the Secretary from asking a proper party to affirm any document that otherwise would be considered approved under subsection (a). (2) No retroactive effect A denial of benefits based on a lack of affirmation under paragraph (1) shall not be retroactive with respect to third-party producers who were not the subject of the erroneous representation of authority, if the third-party producers— (A) relied on the prior approval by the Secretary of the documents in good faith; and (B) substantively complied with all program requirements. 1612. Implementation (a) Streamlining In implementing this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and other administrative requirements; (2) improve coordination, information sharing, and administrative work with the Risk Management Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and (3) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery to producers. (b) Maintenance of base acres and payment yields (1) In general The Secretary shall maintain, for each covered commodity and upland cotton, base acres and payment yields on a farm established under— (A) (i) in the case of covered commodities and upland cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 , 7912); and (ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 7952); and (B) (i) in the case of covered commodities and upland cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8711, 8712); and (ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 8752). (2) Special rule for long grain and medium grain rice (A) In general The Secretary shall maintain separate base acres for long grain rice and medium grain rice. (B) Limitation In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall use the same total base acres and payment yields established with respect to rice under sections 1108 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8718 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, subject to any adjustment under section 1105. (c) Implementation The Secretary shall make available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title $100,000,000. 1613. Protection of producer information (a) Prohibition of public disclosure of protected information Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary, any officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture, any contractor or cooperator of the Department, and any officer or employee of another Federal agency shall not disclose— (1) information submitted by a producer or owner of agricultural land to the Federal Government pursuant to title I or II of this Act; or (2) other information provided by a producer or owner of agricultural land concerning the agricultural operation, farming or conservation practices, or the land itself in order to participate in programs of the Department of Agriculture or other Federal agencies. (b) Exceptions Information described in subsection (a) may be disclosed if— (1) the information is required to be made publicly available under any other provision of Federal law; (2) the producer or owner of agricultural land who provided the information has lawfully publicly disclosed the information; (3) the producer or owner of agricultural land who provided the information consents to the disclosure; or (4) the information is disclosed to the Attorney General, to the extent necessary, to ensure compliance and law enforcement. (c) Notice of disclosure Any disclosure of information pursuant to an exception provided in subsection (b) shall be reported to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate within 24 hours after the disclosure. (d) Producer defined In this section, the term producer has the meaning given that term in section 1104(14) of this Act. II Conservation A Conservation Reserve Program 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program (a) Extension Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(a)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Eligible land Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and inserting the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 ; (2) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); (3) by inserting before paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: (3) grasslands that— (A) contain forbs or shrubland (including improved rangeland and pastureland) for which grazing is the predominant use; (B) are located in an area historically dominated by grasslands; and (C) could provide habitat for animal and plant populations of significant ecological value if the land is retained in its current use or restored to a natural condition; ; (4) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking filterstrips devoted to trees or shrubs and inserting filterstrips or riparian buffers devoted to trees, shrubs, or grasses ; and (5) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraph: (5) the portion of land in a field not enrolled in the conservation reserve in a case in which— (A) more than 50 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a buffer or filterstrip, or more than 75 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a conservation practice other than as a buffer or filterstrip; and (B) the remainder of the field is— (i) infeasible to farm; and (ii) enrolled at regular rental rates. . (c) Planting Status of Certain Land Section 1231(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(c) ) is amended by striking if and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting if, during the crop year, the land was devoted to a conserving use. . (d) Enrollment Subsection (d) of section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Enrollment (1) Maximum acreage enrolled The Secretary may maintain in the conservation reserve at any one time during— (A) fiscal year 2014, no more than 27,500,000 acres; (B) fiscal year 2015, no more than 26,000,000 acres; (C) fiscal year 2016, no more than 25,000,000 acres; (D) fiscal year 2017, no more than 24,000,000 acres; and (E) fiscal year 2018, no more than 24,000,000 acres. (2) Grasslands (A) Limitation For purposes of applying the limitations in paragraph (1), no more than 2,000,000 acres of the land described in subsection (b)(3) may be enrolled in the program at any one time during the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years. (B) Priority In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may give priority to land with expiring conservation reserve program contracts. (C) Method of enrollment In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall make the program available to owners or operators of eligible land on a continuous enrollment basis with one or more ranking periods. . (e) Duration of contract Section 1231(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(e) ) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Special rule for certain land In the case of land devoted to hardwood trees, shelterbelts, windbreaks, or wildlife corridors under a contract entered into under this subchapter, the owner or operator of the land may, within the limitations prescribed under paragraph (1), specify the duration of the contract. . (f) Conservation priority areas Section 1231(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking watershed areas of the Chesapeake Bay Region, the Great Lakes Region, the Long Island Sound Region, and other ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking watersheds.— Watersheds and inserting areas.— Areas ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking a watershed’s designation— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting an area’s designation if the Secretary finds that the area no longer contains actual and significant adverse water quality or habitat impacts related to agricultural production activities. . 2002. Farmable wetland program (a) Extension Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(a)(1)) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by striking a program and inserting a farmable wetland program . (b) Eligible acreage Section 1231B(b)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(b)(1)(B)) is amended by striking flow from a row crop agriculture drainage system and inserting surface and subsurface flow from row crop agricultural production . (c) Acreage limitation Section 1231B(c)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(c)(1)(B) ) is amended by striking 1,000,000 and inserting 750,000 . (d) Clerical amendment The heading of section 1231B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b) is amended to read as follows: Farmable wetland program . . 2003. Duties of owners and operators (a) Limitation on harvesting, grazing, or commercial use of forage Section 1232(a)(8) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3832(a)(8)) is amended by striking except that and all that follows through the semicolon at the end of the paragraph and inserting except as provided in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1233; . (b) Conservation plan requirements Subsection (b) of section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832 ) is amended to read as follows: (b) Conservation plans The plan referred to in subsection (a)(1) shall set forth— (1) the conservation measures and practices to be carried out by the owner or operator during the term of the contract; and (2) the commercial use, if any, to be permitted on the land during the term. . (c) Rental payment reduction Section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832 ) is amended by striking subsection (d). 2004. Duties of the Secretary Section 1233 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3833 ) is amended to read as follows: 1233. Duties of the Secretary (a) Cost-Share and rental payments In return for a contract entered into by an owner or operator under the conservation reserve program, the Secretary shall— (1) share the cost of carrying out the conservation measures and practices set forth in the contract for which the Secretary determines that cost sharing is appropriate and in the public interest; and (2) for a period of years not in excess of the term of the contract, pay an annual rental payment in an amount necessary to compensate for— (A) the conversion of highly erodible cropland or other eligible lands normally devoted to the production of an agricultural commodity on a farm or ranch to a less intensive use; (B) the retirement of any base history that the owner or operator agrees to retire permanently; and (C) the development and management of grasslands for multiple natural resource conservation benefits, including to soil, water, air, and wildlife. (b) Specified activities permitted The Secretary shall permit certain activities or commercial uses of land that is subject to a contract under the conservation reserve program in a manner that is consistent with a plan approved by the Secretary, as follows: (1) Harvesting, grazing, or other commercial use of the forage in response to a drought or other emergency created by a natural disaster, without any reduction in the rental rate. (2) Consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat (including habitat during nesting seasons for birds in the area), and in exchange for a reduction of not less than 25 percent in the annual rental rate for the acres covered by the authorized activity— (A) managed harvesting and other commercial use (including the managed harvesting of biomass), except that in permitting managed harvesting, the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee— (i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements; and (ii) shall identify periods during which managed harvesting may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every three years; (B) routine grazing or prescribed grazing for the control of invasive species, except that in permitting such routine grazing or prescribed grazing, the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee— (i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements and stocking rates for the land that are suitable for continued routine grazing; and (ii) shall identify the periods during which routine grazing may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every two years, taking into consideration regional differences such as— (I) climate, soil type, and natural resources; (II) the number of years that should be required between routine grazing activities; and (III) how often during a year in which routine grazing is permitted that routine grazing should be allowed to occur; and (C) the installation of wind turbines and associated access, except that in permitting the installation of wind turbines, the Secretary shall determine the number and location of wind turbines that may be installed, taking into account— (i) the location, size, and other physical characteristics of the land; (ii) the extent to which the land contains wildlife and wildlife habitat; and (iii) the purposes of the conservation reserve program under this subchapter. (3) The intermittent and seasonal use of vegetative buffer practices incidental to agricultural production on lands adjacent to the buffer such that the permitted use does not destroy the permanent vegetative cover. (c) Authorized activities on grasslands For eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall permit the following activities: (1) Common grazing practices, including maintenance and necessary cultural practices, on the land in a manner that is consistent with maintaining the viability of grassland, forb, and shrub species appropriate to that locality. (2) Haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed production, subject to appropriate restrictions during the nesting season for critical bird species in the area. (3) Fire presuppression, fire-related rehabilitation, and construction of fire breaks. (4) Grazing-related activities, such as fencing and livestock watering. (d) Resource conserving use (1) In general Beginning on the date that is 1 year before the date of termination of a contract under the program, the Secretary shall allow an owner or operator to make conservation and land improvements that facilitate maintaining protection of enrolled land after expiration of the contract. (2) Conservation plan The Secretary shall require an owner or operator carrying out the activities described in paragraph (1) to develop and implement a conservation plan. (3) Re-enrollment prohibited Land improved under paragraph (1) may not be re-enrolled in the conservation reserve program for 5 years after the date of termination of the contract. . 2005. Payments (a) Trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife corridors Section 1234(b)(3)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(b)(3)(A)) is amended— (1) in clause (i), by inserting and after the semicolon; (2) by striking clause (ii); and (3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii). (b) Annual rental payments Section 1234(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting or other eligible lands after highly erodible cropland both places it appears; and (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Methods of Determination (A) In general The amounts payable to owners or operators in the form of rental payments under contracts entered into under this subchapter may be determined through— (i) the submission of bids for such contracts by owners and operators in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe; or (ii) such other means as the Secretary determines are appropriate. (B) Grasslands In the case of eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall make annual payments in an amount that is not more than 75 percent of the grazing value of the land covered by the contract. . (c) Payment schedule Subsection (d) of section 1234 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Payment schedule (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this section, payments under this subchapter shall be made in cash in such amount and on such time schedule as is agreed on and specified in the contract. (2) Advance payment Payments under this subchapter may be made in advance of determination of performance. . (d) Payment limitation Section 1234(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking , including rental payments made in the form of in-kind commodities, ; (2) by striking paragraph (3); and (3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2). 2006. Contract requirements (a) Early termination by owner or operator Section 1235(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835(e)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A)— (A) by striking The Secretary and inserting During fiscal year 2014, the Secretary ; and (B) by striking before January 1, 1995, ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following: (C) Land devoted to hardwood trees. (D) Wildlife habitat, duck nesting habitat, pollinator habitat, upland bird habitat buffer, wildlife food plots, State acres for wildlife enhancement, shallow water areas for wildlife, and rare and declining habitat. (E) Farmable wetland and restored wetland. (F) Land that contains diversions, erosion control structures, flood control structures, contour grass strips, living snow fences, salinity reducing vegetation, cross wind trap strips, and sediment retention structures. (G) Land located within a federally-designated wellhead protection area. (H) Land that is covered by an easement under the conservation reserve program. (I) Land located within an average width, according to the applicable Natural Resources Conservation Service field office technical guide, of a perennial stream or permanent water body. ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking 60 days after the date on which the owner or operator submits the notice required under paragraph (1)(C) and inserting upon approval by the Secretary . (b) Transition option for certain farmers or ranchers Section 1235(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835(f)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Duties and all that follows through a beginning farmer and inserting Transition to covered farmer or rancher.— In the case of a contract modification approved in order to facilitate the transfer of land subject to a contract from a retired farmer or rancher to a beginning farmer ; (B) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting , including preparing to plant an agricultural crop after improvements ; (C) in subparagraph (D), by striking the farmer or rancher and inserting the covered farmer or rancher ; and (D) in subparagraph (E), by striking section 1001A(b)(3)(B) and inserting section 1001 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking requirement of section 1231(h)(4)(B) and inserting option pursuant to section 1234(c)(2)(A)(ii) . (c) Final year contract Section 1235 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections: (g) Final year of contract The Secretary shall not consider an owner or operator to be in violation of a term or condition of the conservation reserve contract if— (1) during the year prior to expiration of the contract, the land is enrolled in the conservation stewardship program; and (2) the activity required under the conservation stewardship program pursuant to such enrollment is consistent with this subchapter. (h) Land enrolled in agricultural conservation easement program The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under this subchapter if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H. . 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses Section 1235A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835a) is repealed. 2008. Effective date (a) In general The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013, except the amendment made by section 2001(d), which shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Effect on existing contracts (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Updating of existing contracts The Secretary shall permit an owner or operator of land subject to a contract entered into under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, to update the contract to reflect the activities and uses of land under contract permitted under the terms and conditions of section 1233(b) of that Act (as amended by section 2004), as determined appropriate by the Secretary. B Conservation Stewardship Program 2101. Conservation stewardship program (a) Revision of current program Subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq.) is amended to read as follows: B Conservation stewardship program 1238D. Definitions In this subchapter: (1) Agricultural operation The term agricultural operation means all eligible land, whether or not contiguous, that is— (A) under the effective control of a producer at the time the producer enters into a contract under the program; and (B) operated with equipment, labor, management, and production or cultivation practices that are substantially separate from other agricultural operations, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Conservation activities (A) In general The term conservation activities means conservation systems, practices, or management measures. (B) Inclusions The term conservation activities includes— (i) structural measures, vegetative measures, and land management measures, including agriculture drainage management systems, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) planning needed to address a priority resource concern. (3) Conservation stewardship plan The term conservation stewardship plan means a plan that— (A) identifies and inventories priority resource concerns; (B) establishes benchmark data and conservation objectives; (C) describes conservation activities to be implemented, managed, or improved; and (D) includes a schedule and evaluation plan for the planning, installation, and management of the new and existing conservation activities. (4) Eligible land (A) In general The term eligible land means— (i) private or tribal land on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-related products are produced; and (ii) lands associated with the land described in clause (i) on which priority resource concerns could be addressed through a contract under the program. (B) Inclusions The term eligible land includes— (i) cropland; (ii) grassland; (iii) rangeland; (iv) pasture land; (v) nonindustrial private forest land; and (vi) other agricultural areas (including cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land used or capable of being used for the production of livestock), as determined by the Secretary. (5) Priority resource concern The term priority resource concern means a natural resource concern or problem, as determined by the Secretary, that— (A) is identified at the national, State, or local level as a priority for a particular area of a State; (B) represents a significant concern in a State or region; and (C) is likely to be addressed successfully through the implementation of conservation activities under this program. (6) Program The term program means the conservation stewardship program established by this subchapter. (7) Stewardship threshold The term stewardship threshold means the level of management required, as determined by the Secretary, to conserve and improve the quality and condition of a natural resource. 1238E. Conservation stewardship program (a) Establishment and purpose During each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall carry out a conservation stewardship program to encourage producers to address priority resource concerns in a comprehensive manner— (1) by undertaking additional conservation activities; and (2) by improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities. (b) Exclusions (1) Land enrolled in other conservation programs Subject to paragraph (2), the following land (even if covered by the definition of eligible land) is not eligible for enrollment in the program: (A) Land enrolled in the conservation reserve program, unless— (i) the conservation reserve contract will expire at the end of the fiscal year in which the land is to be enrolled in the program; and (ii) conservation reserve program payments for land enrolled in the program cease before the first program payment is made to the applicant under this subchapter. (B) Land enrolled in a wetland easement through the agricultural conservation easement program. (C) Land enrolled in the conservation security program. (2) Conversion to cropland Eligible land used for crop production after October 1, 2013, that had not been planted, considered to be planted, or devoted to crop production for at least 4 of the 6 years preceding that date shall not be the basis for any payment under the program, unless the land does not meet the requirement because— (A) the land had previously been enrolled in the conservation reserve program; (B) the land has been maintained using long-term crop rotation practices, as determined by the Secretary; or (C) the land is incidental land needed for efficient operation of the farm or ranch, as determined by the Secretary. 1238F. Stewardship contracts (a) Submission of contract offers To be eligible to participate in the conservation stewardship program, a producer shall submit to the Secretary a contract offer for the agricultural operation that— (1) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the producer, at the time of the contract offer, meets or exceeds the stewardship threshold for at least 2 priority resource concerns; and (2) would, at a minimum, meet or exceed the stewardship threshold for at least 1 additional priority resource concern by the end of the stewardship contract by— (A) installing and adopting additional conservation activities; and (B) improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities across the entire agricultural operation in a manner that increases or extends the conservation benefits in place at the time the contract offer is accepted by the Secretary. (b) Evaluation of contract offers (1) Ranking of applications In evaluating contract offers submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary shall rank applications based on— (A) the level of conservation treatment on all applicable priority resource concerns at the time of application; (B) the degree to which the proposed conservation activities effectively increase conservation performance; (C) the number of applicable priority resource concerns proposed to be treated to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract; (D) the extent to which other priority resource concerns will be addressed to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract period; (E) the extent to which the actual and anticipated conservation benefits from the contract are provided at the least cost relative to other similarly beneficial contract offers; and (F) the extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed when transitioning from the conservation reserve program to agricultural production. (2) Prohibition The Secretary may not assign a higher priority to any application because the applicant is willing to accept a lower payment than the applicant would otherwise be eligible to receive. (3) Additional criteria The Secretary may develop and use such additional criteria that the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure that national, State, and local priority resource concerns are effectively addressed. (c) Entering into contracts After a determination that a producer is eligible for the program under subsection (a), and a determination that the contract offer ranks sufficiently high under the evaluation criteria under subsection (b), the Secretary shall enter into a conservation stewardship contract with the producer to enroll the eligible land to be covered by the contract. (d) Contract provisions (1) Term A conservation stewardship contract shall be for a term of 5 years. (2) Required provisions The conservation stewardship contract of a producer shall— (A) state the amount of the payment the Secretary agrees to make to the producer for each year of the conservation stewardship contract under section 1238G(d); (B) require the producer— (i) to implement a conservation stewardship plan that describes the program purposes to be achieved through 1 or more conservation activities; (ii) to maintain and supply information as required by the Secretary to determine compliance with the conservation stewardship plan and any other requirements of the program; and (iii) not to conduct any activities on the agricultural operation that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program; (C) permit all economic uses of the eligible land that— (i) maintain the agricultural nature of the land; and (ii) are consistent with the conservation purposes of the conservation stewardship contract; (D) include a provision to ensure that a producer shall not be considered in violation of the contract for failure to comply with the contract due to circumstances beyond the control of the producer, including a disaster or related condition, as determined by the Secretary; (E) include provisions requiring that upon the violation of a term or condition of the contract at any time the producer has control of the land— (i) if the Secretary determines that the violation warrants termination of the contract— (I) the producer shall forfeit all rights to receive payments under the contract; and (II) the producer shall refund all or a portion of the payments received by the producer under the contract, including any interest on the payments, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) if the Secretary determines that the violation does not warrant termination of the contract, the producer shall refund or accept adjustments to the payments provided to the producer, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; (F) include provisions in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of this section; and (G) include any additional provisions the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the program. (3) Change of interest in land subject to a contract (A) In general At the time of application, a producer shall have control of the eligible land to be enrolled in the program. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a change in the interest of a producer in eligible land covered by a contract under the program shall result in the termination of the contract with regard to that land. (B) Transfer of duties and rights Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if— (i) within a reasonable period of time (as determined by the Secretary) after the date of the change in the interest in eligible land covered by a contract under the program, the transferee of the land provides written notice to the Secretary that all duties and rights under the contract have been transferred to, and assumed by, the transferee for the portion of the land transferred; (ii) the transferee meets the eligibility requirements of the program; and (iii) the Secretary approves the transfer of all duties and rights under the contract. (4) Modification and termination of contracts (A) Voluntary modification or termination The Secretary may modify or terminate a contract with a producer if— (i) the producer agrees to the modification or termination; and (ii) the Secretary determines that the modification or termination is in the public interest. (B) Involuntary termination The Secretary may terminate a contract if the Secretary determines that the producer violated the contract. (5) Repayment If a contract is terminated, the Secretary may, consistent with the purposes of the program— (A) allow the producer to retain payments already received under the contract; or (B) require repayment, in whole or in part, of payments received and assess liquidated damages. (e) Contract renewal At the end of the initial 5-year contract period, the Secretary may allow the producer to renew the contract for 1 additional 5-year period if the producer— (1) demonstrates compliance with the terms of the initial contract; (2) agrees to adopt and continue to integrate conservation activities across the entire agricultural operation, as determined by the Secretary; and (3) agrees, by the end of the contract period— (A) to meet the stewardship threshold of at least two additional priority resource concerns on the agricultural operation; or (B) to exceed the stewardship threshold of two existing priority resource concerns that are specified by the Secretary in the initial contract. 1238G. Duties of the secretary (a) In general To achieve the conservation goals of a contract under the conservation stewardship program, the Secretary shall— (1) make the program available to eligible producers on a continuous enrollment basis with 1 or more ranking periods, one of which shall occur in the first quarter of each fiscal year; (2) identify not less than 5 priority resource concerns in a particular watershed or other appropriate region or area within a State; and (3) establish a science-based stewardship threshold for each priority resource concern identified under paragraph (2). (b) Allocation to states The Secretary shall allocate acres to States for enrollment, based— (1) primarily on each State’s proportion of eligible land to the total acreage of eligible land in all States; and (2) also on consideration of— (A) the extent and magnitude of the conservation needs associated with agricultural production in each State; (B) the degree to which implementation of the program in the State is, or will be, effective in helping producers address those needs; and (C) other considerations to achieve equitable geographic distribution of funds, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Acreage enrollment limitation During the period beginning on October 1, 2013, and ending on September 30, 2021, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) enroll in the program an additional 8,695,000 acres for each fiscal year; and (2) manage the program to achieve a national average rate of $18 per acre, which shall include the costs of all financial assistance, technical assistance, and any other expenses associated with enrollment or participation in the program. (d) Conservation stewardship payments (1) Availability of payments The Secretary shall provide annual payments under the program to compensate the producer for— (A) installing and adopting additional conservation activities; and (B) improving, maintaining, and managing conservation activities in place at the agricultural operation of the producer at the time the contract offer is accepted by the Secretary. (2) Payment amount The amount of the conservation stewardship annual payment shall be determined by the Secretary and based, to the maximum extent practicable, on the following factors: (A) Costs incurred by the producer associated with planning, design, materials, installation, labor, management, maintenance, or training. (B) Income forgone by the producer. (C) Expected conservation benefits. (D) The extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed through the installation and adoption of conservation activities on the agricultural operation. (E) The level of stewardship in place at the time of application and maintained over the term of the contract. (F) The degree to which the conservation activities will be integrated across the entire agricultural operation for all applicable priority resource concerns over the term of the contract. (G) Such other factors as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (3) Exclusions A payment to a producer under this subsection shall not be provided for— (A) the design, construction, or maintenance of animal waste storage or treatment facilities or associated waste transport or transfer devices for animal feeding operations; or (B) conservation activities for which there is no cost incurred or income forgone to the producer. (4) Delivery of payments In making payments under this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable— (A) prorate conservation performance over the term of the contract so as to accommodate, to the extent practicable, producers earning equal annual payments in each fiscal year; and (B) make payments as soon as practicable after October 1 of each fiscal year for activities carried out in the previous fiscal year. (e) Supplemental payments for resource-conserving crop rotations (1) Availability of payments The Secretary shall provide additional payments to producers that, in participating in the program, agree to adopt or improve resource-conserving crop rotations to achieve beneficial crop rotations as appropriate for the eligible land of the producers. (2) Beneficial crop rotations The Secretary shall determine whether a resource-conserving crop rotation is a beneficial crop rotation eligible for additional payments under paragraph (1) based on whether the resource-conserving crop rotation is designed to provide natural resource conservation and production benefits. (3) Eligibility To be eligible to receive a payment described in paragraph (1), a producer shall agree to adopt and maintain beneficial resource-conserving crop rotations for the term of the contract. (4) Resource-conserving crop rotation In this subsection, the term resource-conserving crop rotation means a crop rotation that— (A) includes at least 1 resource-conserving crop (as defined by the Secretary); (B) reduces erosion; (C) improves soil fertility and tilth; (D) interrupts pest cycles; and (E) in applicable areas, reduces depletion of soil moisture or otherwise reduces the need for irrigation. (f) Payment limitations A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, payments under the program that, in the aggregate, exceed $200,000 under all contracts entered into during fiscal years 2014 through 2018, excluding funding arrangements with Indian tribes, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under the program by the person or legal entity. (g) Specialty crop and organic producers The Secretary shall ensure that outreach and technical assistance are available, and program specifications are appropriate to enable specialty crop and organic producers to participate in the program. (h) Coordination with organic certification The Secretary shall establish a transparent means by which producers may initiate organic certification under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ) while participating in a contract under the program. (i) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations that— (1) prescribe such other rules as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under subsection (f); and (2) otherwise enable the Secretary to carry out the program. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. (c) Effect on existing contracts (1) In general The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Conservation stewardship program Funds made available under section 1241(a)(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(4)) (as amended by section 2601(a) of this title) may be used to administer and make payments to program participants that enrolled into contracts during any of fiscal years 2009 through 2013. C Environmental Quality Incentives Program 2201. Purposes Section 1240 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C) and, in such subparagraph, by inserting and after the semicolon; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: (B) developing and improving wildlife habitat; and ; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (3) by striking paragraph (5). 2202. Establishment and administration Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2014 and inserting 2018 ; (2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Term A contract under the program shall have a term that does not exceed 10 years. ; (3) in subsection (d)(4)— (A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting , veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))), before or a beginning farmer or rancher ; and (B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (B) Advance payments (i) In general Not more than 50 percent of the amount determined under subparagraph (A) may be provided in advance for the purpose of purchasing materials or contracting. (ii) Return of funds If funds provided in advance are not expended during the 90-day period beginning on the date of receipt of the funds, the funds shall be returned within a reasonable time frame, as determined by the Secretary. ; (4) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following new subsection: (f) Allocation of funding (1) Livestock For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, at least 60 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices relating to livestock production. (2) Wildlife habitat For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, 7.5 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices benefitting wildlife habitat. ; (5) in subsection (g)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking Federally Recognized Native American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations and inserting Indian Tribes ; (B) by striking federally recognized Native American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations (including their affiliated membership organizations) and inserting Indian tribes ; and (C) by striking or Native Corporation ; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (j) Wildlife habitat incentive practice The Secretary shall provide payments to producers under the program for practices, including recurring practices for the term of the contract, that support the restoration, development, protection, and improvement of wildlife habitat on eligible land, including— (1) upland wildlife habitat; (2) wetland wildlife habitat; (3) habitat for threatened and endangered species; (4) fish habitat; (5) habitat on pivot corners and other irregular areas of a field; and (6) other types of wildlife habitat, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (k) Funding for community irrigation associations (1) In general The Secretary may enter into an alternative funding arrangement with an eligible irrigation association if the Secretary determines that— (A) the purposes of the program will be met by such an arrangement; and (B) statutory limitations regarding contracts with individual producers will not be exceeded by any member of the irrigation association. (2) Eligible irrigation associations In this subsection, the term eligible irrigation association means an irrigation association that is— (A) comprised of producers; and (B) a local government entity, but does not have the authority to impose taxes or levies. . 2203. Evaluation of applications Section 1240C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–3(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking environmental and inserting conservation ; and (2) in paragraph (3), by striking purpose of the environmental quality incentives program specified in section 1240(1) and inserting purposes of the program . 2204. Duties of producers Section 1240D(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–4(2) ) is amended by striking farm, ranch, or forest and inserting enrolled . 2205. Limitation on payments Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–7 ) is amended to read as follows: 1240G. Limitation on payments A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, cost-share or incentive payments under this chapter that, in aggregate, exceed $450,000 for all contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or legal entity during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or legal entity. . 2206. Conservation innovation grants and payments Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–8) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: (E) facilitate on-farm conservation research and demonstration activities; and (F) facilitate pilot testing of new technologies or innovative conservation practices. ; and (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Reporting Not later than December 31, 2014, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the status of projects funded under this section, including— (1) funding awarded; (2) project results; and (3) incorporation of project findings, such as new technology and innovative approaches, into the conservation efforts implemented by the Secretary. . 2207. Effective date (a) In general The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013. (b) Effect on existing contracts The amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. D Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program (a) Establishment Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle: H Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 1265. Establishment and purposes (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish an agricultural conservation easement program for the conservation of eligible land and natural resources through easements or other interests in land. (b) Purposes The purposes of the program are to— (1) combine the purposes and coordinate the functions of the wetlands reserve program established under section 1237, the grassland reserve program established under section 1238N, and the farmland protection program established under section 1238I, as such sections were in effect on September 30, 2013; (2) restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible land; (3) protect the agricultural use and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land; and (4) protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring and conserving eligible land. 1265A. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Agricultural land easement The term agricultural land easement means an easement or other interest in eligible land that— (A) is conveyed for the purpose of protecting natural resources and the agricultural nature of the land; and (B) permits the landowner the right to continue agricultural production and related uses subject to an agricultural land easement plan, as approved by the Secretary. (2) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) an agency of State or local government or an Indian tribe (including a farmland protection board or land resource 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 170(h)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (ii) an organization described in section 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 section 509(a) of that Code; or (II) section 509(a)(3) of that Code and is controlled by an organization described in section 509(a)(2) of that Code. (3) Eligible land The term eligible land means private or tribal land that is— (A) in the case of an agricultural land easement, agricultural land, including land on a farm or ranch— (i) that is subject to a pending offer for purchase of an agricultural land easement from an eligible entity; (ii) that— (I) has prime, unique, or other productive soil; (II) contains historical or archaeological resources; or (III) the protection of which will further a State or local policy consistent with the purposes of the program; and (iii) that is— (I) cropland; (II) rangeland; (III) grassland or land that contains forbs, or shrubland for which grazing is the predominate use; (IV) pastureland; or (V) nonindustrial private forest land that contributes to the economic viability of an offered parcel or serves as a buffer to protect such land from development; (B) in the case of a wetland easement, a wetland or related area, including— (i) farmed or converted wetlands, together with adjacent land that is functionally dependent on that land, if the Secretary determines it— (I) is likely to be successfully restored in a cost-effective manner; and (II) will maximize the wildlife benefits and wetland functions and values, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior at the local level; (ii) cropland or grassland that was used for agricultural production prior to flooding from the natural overflow of— (I) a closed basin lake and adjacent land that is functionally dependent upon it, if the State or other entity is willing to provide 50 percent share of the cost of an easement; and (II) a pothole and adjacent land that is functionally dependent on it; (iii) farmed wetlands and adjoining lands that— (I) are enrolled in the conservation reserve program; (II) have the highest wetland functions and values, as determined by the Secretary; and (III) are likely to return to production after they leave the conservation reserve program; (iv) riparian areas that link wetlands that are protected by easements or some other device that achieves the same purpose as an easement; or (v) other wetlands of an owner that would not otherwise be eligible, if the Secretary determines that the inclusion of such wetlands in a wetland easement would significantly add to the functional value of the easement; or (C) in the case of either an agricultural land easement or wetland easement, other land that is incidental to land described in subparagraph (A) or (B), if the Secretary determines that it is necessary for the efficient administration of the easements under this program. (4) Program The term program means the agricultural conservation easement program established by this subtitle. (5) Wetland easement The term wetland easement means a reserved interest in eligible land that— (A) is defined and delineated in a deed; and (B) stipulates— (i) the rights, title, and interests in land conveyed to the Secretary; and (ii) the rights, title, and interests in land that are reserved to the landowner. 1265B. Agricultural land easements (a) Availability of assistance The Secretary shall facilitate and provide funding for— (1) the purchase by eligible entities of agricultural land easements and other interests in eligible land; and (2) technical assistance to provide for the conservation of natural resources pursuant to an agricultural land easement plan. (b) Cost-Share assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall protect the agricultural use, including grazing, and related conservation values of eligible land through cost-share assistance to eligible entities for purchasing agricultural land easements. (2) Scope of assistance available (A) Federal share An agreement described in paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share determined by the Secretary of an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement or other interest in land, as determined by the Secretary using— (i) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice; (ii) an area-wide market analysis or survey; or (iii) another industry-approved method. (B) Non-federal share (i) In general Under the agreement, the eligible entity shall provide a share that is at least equivalent to that provided by the Secretary. (ii) Source of contribution An eligible entity may include as part of its share a charitable donation or qualified conservation contribution (as defined by section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the private landowner if the eligible entity contributes its own cash resources in an amount that is at least 50 percent of the amount contributed by the Secretary. (C) Exception In the case of grassland of special environmental 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. (3) Evaluation and ranking of applications (A) Criteria The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program. (B) Considerations In establishing the criteria, the Secretary shall emphasize support for— (i) protecting agricultural uses and related conservation values of the land; and (ii) maximizing the protection of areas devoted to agricultural use. (C) Bidding down If the Secretary determines that 2 or more applications for cost-share assistance are comparable in achieving the purpose of the program, the Secretary shall not assign a higher priority to any of those applications solely on the basis of lesser cost to the program. (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 shall be for a term that is— (i) in the case of an eligible entity certified under the process described in paragraph (5), a minimum of five years; and (ii) for all other eligible entities, at least three, but not more than five years. (C) Minimum terms and conditions An eligible entity shall be authorized to use its own terms and conditions for agricultural land easements so long as the Secretary determines such terms and conditions— (i) are consistent with the purposes of the program; (ii) permit effective enforcement of the conservation purposes of such easements; (iii) include a right of enforcement for the Secretary, that may be used only if the terms of the easement are not enforced by the holder of the easement; (iv) subject the land in which an interest is purchased to an agricultural land easement plan that— (I) describes the activities which promote the long-term viability of the land to meet the purposes for which the easement was acquired; (II) requires the management of grasslands according to a grasslands management plan; and (III) includes a conservation plan, where appropriate, and requires, at the option of the Secretary, the conversion of highly erodible cropland to less intensive uses; and (v) include a limit on the impervious surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with the agricultural activities to be conducted. (D) Substitution of qualified projects An agreement shall allow, upon mutual agreement of the parties, substitution of qualified projects that are identified at the time of the proposed substitution. (E) Effect of violation If a violation occurs of a term or condition of an agreement under this subsection— (i) the Secretary may terminate the agreement; and (ii) the Secretary may require the eligible entity to refund all or part of any payments received by the entity under the program, with interest on the payments as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (5) Certification of eligible entities (A) Certification process The Secretary shall establish a process under which the Secretary may— (i) directly certify eligible entities that meet established criteria; (ii) enter into long-term agreements with certified eligible entities; and (iii) accept proposals for cost-share assistance for the purchase of agricultural land easements throughout the duration of such agreements. (B) Certification criteria In order to be certified, an eligible entity shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the entity will maintain, at a minimum, for the duration of the agreement— (i) a plan for administering easements that is consistent with the purpose of this subtitle; (ii) the capacity and resources to monitor and enforce agricultural land easements; and (iii) policies and procedures to ensure— (I) the long-term integrity of agricultural land easements on eligible land; (II) timely completion of acquisitions of such easements; and (III) timely and complete evaluation and reporting to the Secretary on the use of funds provided under the program. (C) Review and revision (i) Review The Secretary shall conduct a review of eligible entities certified under subparagraph (A) every three years to ensure that such entities are meeting the criteria established under subparagraph (B). (ii) Revocation If the Secretary finds that the certified eligible entity no longer meets the criteria established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary may— (I) allow the certified eligible entity a specified period of time, at a minimum 180 days, in which to take such actions as may be necessary to meet the criteria; and (II) revoke the certification of the eligible entity, if, after the specified period of time, the certified eligible entity does not meet such criteria. (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 allowed under applicable State laws. (d) Technical assistance The Secretary may provide technical assistance, if requested, to assist in— (1) compliance with the terms and conditions of easements; and (2) implementation of an agricultural land easement plan. 1265C. Wetland easements (a) Availability of assistance The Secretary shall provide assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands through— (1) wetland easements and related wetland easement plans; and (2) technical assistance. (b) Easements (1) Method of enrollment The Secretary shall enroll eligible land under this section through the use of— (A) 30-year easements; (B) permanent easements; (C) easements for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws; or (D) as an option for Indian tribes only, 30-year contracts (which shall be considered to be 30-year easements for the purposes of this subtitle). (2) Limitations (A) Ineligible land The Secretary may not acquire easements on— (i) land established to trees under the conservation reserve program, except in cases where the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program; and (ii) farmed wetlands or converted wetlands where the conversion was not commenced prior to December 23, 1985. (B) Changes in ownership No wetland easement shall be created on land that has changed ownership during the preceding 24-month period unless— (i) the new ownership was acquired by will or succession as a result of the death of the previous owner; (ii) (I) the ownership change occurred because of foreclosure on the land; and (II) immediately before the foreclosure, the owner of the land exercises a right of redemption from the mortgage holder in accordance with State law; or (iii) the Secretary determines that the land was acquired under circumstances that give adequate assurances that such land was not acquired for the purposes of placing it in the program. (3) Evaluation and ranking of offers (A) Criteria The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program. (B) Considerations When evaluating offers from landowners, the Secretary may consider— (i) the conservation benefits of obtaining a wetland easement, including the potential environmental benefits if the land was removed from agricultural production; (ii) the cost-effectiveness of each wetland easement, so as to maximize the environmental benefits per dollar expended; (iii) whether the landowner or another person is offering to contribute financially to the cost of the wetland easement to leverage Federal funds; and (iv) such other factors as the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the purposes of the program. (C) Priority The Secretary shall place priority on acquiring wetland easements based on the value of the wetland easement for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. (4) Agreement To be eligible to place eligible land into the program through a wetland easement, the owner of such land shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary to— (A) grant an easement on such land to the Secretary; (B) authorize the implementation of a wetland easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f); (C) create and record an appropriate deed restriction in accordance with applicable State law to reflect the easement agreed to; (D) provide a written statement of consent to such easement signed by those holding a security interest in the land; (E) comply with the terms and conditions of the easement and any related agreements; and (F) permanently retire any existing base history for the land on which the easement has been obtained. (5) Terms and conditions of easement (A) In general A wetland easement shall include terms and conditions that— (i) permit— (I) repairs, improvements, and inspections on the land that are necessary to maintain existing public drainage systems; and (II) owners to control public access on the easement areas while identifying access routes to be used for restoration activities and management and easement monitoring; (ii) prohibit— (I) the alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural features of such land, unless specifically authorized by the Secretary; (II) the spraying of such land with chemicals or the mowing of such land, except where such spraying or mowing is authorized by the Secretary or is necessary— (aa) to comply with Federal or State noxious weed control laws; (bb) to comply with a Federal or State emergency pest treatment program; or (cc) to meet habitat needs of specific wildlife species; (III) any activities to be carried out on the owner’s or successor’s land that is immediately adjacent to, and functionally related to, the land that is subject to the easement if such activities will alter, degrade, or otherwise diminish the functional value of the eligible land; and (IV) the adoption of any other practice that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary; (iii) provide for the efficient and effective establishment of wildlife functions and values; and (iv) include such additional provisions as the Secretary determines are desirable to carry out the program or facilitate the practical administration thereof. (B) Violation On the violation of the terms or conditions of a wetland easement, the wetland easement shall remain in force and the Secretary may require the owner to refund all or part of any payments received by the owner under the program, together with interest thereon as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (C) Compatible uses Land subject to a wetland easement may be used for compatible economic uses, including such activities as hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, or periodic haying or grazing, if such use is specifically permitted by the wetland easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f) and is consistent with the long-term protection and enhancement of the wetland resources for which the easement was established. (D) Reservation of grazing rights The Secretary may include in the terms and conditions of a wetland easement a provision under which the owner reserves grazing rights if— (i) the Secretary determines that the reservation and use of the grazing rights— (I) is compatible with the land subject to the easement; (II) is consistent with the historical natural uses of the land and the long-term protection and enhancement goals for which the easement was established; and (III) complies with the wetland easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f); and (ii) the agreement provides for a commensurate reduction in the easement payment to account for the grazing value, as determined by the Secretary. (6) Compensation (A) Determination (i) Permanent easements The Secretary shall pay as compensation for a permanent wetland easement acquired under the program an amount necessary to encourage enrollment in the program, based on the lowest of— (I) the fair market value of the land, as determined by the Secretary, using the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice or an area-wide market analysis or survey; (II) the amount corresponding to a geographical cap, as determined by the Secretary in regulations; or (III) the offer made by the landowner. (ii) 30-year easements Compensation for a 30-year wetland easement shall be not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the compensation that would be paid for a permanent wetland easement. (B) Form of payment Compensation for a wetland easement shall be provided by the Secretary in the form of a cash payment, in an amount determined under subparagraph (A). (C) Payment schedule (i) Easements valued at $500,000 or less For wetland easements valued at $500,000 or less, the Secretary may provide easement payments in not more than 10 annual payments. (ii) Easements valued at more than $500,000 For wetland easements valued at more than $500,000, the Secretary may provide easement payments in at least 5, but not more than 10 annual payments, except that, if the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program, the Secretary may make a lump-sum payment for such an easement. (c) Easement restoration (1) In general The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to owners of eligible land to carry out the establishment of conservation measures and practices and protect wetland functions and values, including necessary maintenance activities, as set forth in a wetland easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f). (2) Payments The Secretary shall— (A) in the case of a permanent wetland easement, pay an amount that is not less than 75 percent, but not more than 100 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) in the case of a 30-year wetland easement, pay an amount that is not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Technical assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall assist owners in complying with the terms and conditions of wetland easements. (2) Contracts or agreements The Secretary may enter into 1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements with a State, non-governmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out necessary restoration, enhancement, or maintenance of a wetland easement if the Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will advance the purposes of the program. (e) Wetland enhancement option The Secretary may enter into 1 or more agreements with a State (including a political subdivision or agency of a State), nongovernmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out a special wetland enhancement option that the Secretary determines would advance the purposes of program. (f) Administration (1) Wetland easement plan The Secretary shall develop a wetland easement plan for eligible lands subject to a wetland easement, which shall include practices and activities necessary to restore, protect, enhance, and maintain the enrolled lands. (2) Delegation of easement administration The Secretary may delegate— (A) any of the easement management, monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary to other Federal or State agencies that have the appropriate authority, expertise, and resources necessary to carry out such delegated responsibilities; and (B) any of the easement management responsibilities of the Secretary to other conservation organizations if the Secretary determines the organization has the appropriate expertise and resources. (3) Payments (A) Timing of payments The Secretary shall provide payment for obligations incurred by the Secretary under this section— (i) with respect to any easement restoration obligation under subsection (c), as soon as possible after the obligation is incurred; and (ii) with respect to any annual easement payment obligation incurred by the Secretary, as soon as possible after October 1 of each calendar year. (B) Payments to others If an owner who is entitled to a payment under this section dies, becomes incompetent, is otherwise unable to receive such payment, or is succeeded by another person or entity who renders or completes the required performance, the Secretary shall make such payment, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary and without regard to any other provision of law, in such manner as the Secretary determines is fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances. 1265D. Administration (a) Ineligible land The Secretary may not use program funds for the purposes of acquiring an easement on— (1) lands owned by an agency of the United States, other than land held in trust for Indian tribes; (2) lands owned in fee title by a State, including an agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of local government; (3) land subject to an easement or deed restriction which, as determined by the Secretary, provides similar protection as would be provided by enrollment in the program; or (4) lands where the purposes of the program would be undermined due to on-site or off-site conditions, such as risk of hazardous substances, proposed or existing rights of way, infrastructure development, or adjacent land uses. (b) Priority In evaluating applications under the program, the Secretary may give priority to land that is currently enrolled in the conservation reserve program in a contract that is set to expire within 1 year and— (1) in the case of an agricultural land easement, is grassland that would benefit from protection under a long-term easement; and (2) in the case of a wetland easement, is a wetland or related area with the highest functions and value and is likely to return to production after the land leaves the conservation reserve program. (c) Subordination, exchange, modification, and termination (1) In general The Secretary may subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the Secretary determines that— (A) it is in the Federal Government’s interest to subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate the interest in land; (B) the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action— (i) will address a compelling public need for which there is no practicable alternative; or (ii) such action will further the practical administration of the program; and (C) the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action will result in comparable conservation value and equivalent or greater economic value to the United States. (2) Consultation The Secretary shall work with the owner, and eligible entity if applicable, to address any subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of the interest, or portion of such interest, in land. (3) Notice At least 90 days before taking any termination action described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide written notice of such action to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. (d) Land enrolled in conservation reserve program The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under section 1231(a) if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the program. (e) Allocation of funds for agricultural land easements Of the funds made available under section 1241 to carry out the program for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, use for agricultural land easements— (1) no less than 40 percent in each of fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (2) no less than 50 percent in fiscal year 2018. . (b) Compliance with certain requirements Before an eligible entity or owner of eligible land may receive assistance under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, the eligible entity or person shall agree, during the crop year for which the assistance is provided and in exchange for the assistance— (1) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.); and (2) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq.). (c) Cross reference; calculation Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3844 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (A); (ii) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); and (iii) by striking subparagraph (C); (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (2) the agricultural conservation easement program established under subtitle H; and ; and (2) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking programs administered under subchapters B and C of chapter 1 of subtitle D and inserting conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D and wetland easements under section 1265C ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking an easement acquired under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D and inserting a wetland easement under section 1265C ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) Calculation In calculating the percentages described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include any acreage that was included in calculations of percentages made under such paragraph, as in effect on September 30, 2013, and that remains enrolled when the calculation is made after that date under paragraph (1). . (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. E Regional Conservation Partnership Program 2401. Regional conservation partnership program (a) In general Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after subtitle H, as added by section 2301, the following new subtitle: I Regional Conservation Partnership Program 1271. Establishment and purposes (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a regional conservation partnership program to implement eligible activities on eligible land through— (1) partnership agreements with eligible partners; and (2) contracts with producers. (b) Purposes The purposes of the program are as follows: (1) To use covered programs to accomplish purposes and functions similar to those of the following programs, as in effect on September 30, 2013: (A) The agricultural water enhancement program established under section 1240I. (B) The Chesapeake Bay watershed program established under section 1240Q. (C) The cooperative conservation partnership initiative established under section 1243. (D) The Great Lakes basin program for soil erosion and sediment control established under section 1240P. (2) To further the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife, and related natural resources on eligible land on a regional or watershed scale. (3) To encourage eligible partners to cooperate with producers in— (A) meeting or avoiding the need for national, State, and local natural resource regulatory requirements related to production on eligible land; and (B) implementing projects that will result in the carrying out of eligible activities that affect multiple agricultural or nonindustrial private forest operations on a local, regional, State, or multistate basis. 1271A. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Covered program The term covered program means the following: (A) The agricultural conservation easement program. (B) The environmental quality incentives program. (C) The conservation stewardship program. (D) The healthy forests reserve program established under section 501 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571). (2) Eligible activity The term eligible activity means any of the following conservation activities: (A) Water quality or quantity conservation, restoration, or enhancement projects relating to surface water and groundwater resources, including— (i) the conversion of irrigated cropland to the production of less water-intensive agricultural commodities or dryland farming; or (ii) irrigation system improvement and irrigation efficiency enhancement. (B) Drought mitigation. (C) Flood prevention. (D) Water retention. (E) Air quality improvement. (F) Habitat conservation, restoration, and enhancement. (G) Erosion control and sediment reduction. (H) Other related activities that the Secretary determines will help achieve conservation benefits. (3) Eligible land The term eligible land means land on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-related products are produced, including— (A) cropland; (B) grassland; (C) rangeland; (D) pastureland; (E) nonindustrial private forest land; and (F) other land incidental to agricultural production (including wetlands and riparian buffers) on which significant natural resource issues could be addressed under the program. (4) Eligible partner The term eligible partner means any of the following: (A) An agricultural or silvicultural producer association or other group of producers. (B) A State or unit of local government. (C) An Indian tribe. (D) A farmer cooperative. (E) A water district, irrigation district, rural water district or association, or other organization with specific water delivery authority to producers on agricultural land. (F) An institution of higher education. (G) An organization or entity with an established history of working cooperatively with producers on agricultural land, as determined by the Secretary, to address— (i) local conservation priorities related to agricultural production, wildlife habitat development, or nonindustrial private forest land management; or (ii) critical watershed-scale soil erosion, water quality, sediment reduction, or other natural resource issues. (5) Partnership agreement The term partnership agreement means an agreement entered into under section 1271B between the Secretary and an eligible partner. (6) Program The term program means the regional conservation partnership program established by this subtitle. 1271B. Regional conservation partnerships (a) Partnership agreements authorized The Secretary may enter into a partnership agreement with an eligible partner to implement a project that will assist producers with installing and maintaining an eligible activity on eligible land. (b) Length A partnership agreement shall be for a period not to exceed 5 years, except that the Secretary may extend the agreement one time for up to 12 months when an extension is necessary to meet the objectives of the program. (c) Duties of partners (1) In general Under a partnership agreement, the eligible partner shall— (A) define the scope of a project, including— (i) the eligible activities to be implemented; (ii) the potential agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land operations affected; (iii) the local, State, multistate, or other geographic area covered; and (iv) the planning, outreach, implementation, and assessment to be conducted; (B) conduct outreach to producers for potential participation in the project; (C) at the request of a producer, act on behalf of a producer participating in the project in applying for assistance under section 1271C; (D) leverage financial or technical assistance provided by the Secretary with additional funds to help achieve the project objectives; (E) conduct an assessment of the project’s effects; and (F) at the conclusion of the project, report to the Secretary on its results and funds leveraged. (2) Contribution An eligible partner shall provide a significant portion of the overall costs of the scope of the project that is the subject of the agreement entered into under subsection (a), as determined by the Secretary. (d) Applications (1) Competitive process The Secretary shall conduct a competitive process to select applications for partnership agreements and may assess and rank applications with similar conservation purposes as a group. (2) Criteria used In carrying out the process described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make public the criteria used in evaluating applications. (3) Content An application to the Secretary shall include a description of— (A) the scope of the project, as described in subsection (c)(1)(A); (B) the plan for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on progress made toward achieving the project’s objectives; (C) the program resources requested for the project, including the covered programs to be used and estimated funding needed from the Secretary; (D) eligible partners collaborating to achieve project objectives, including their roles, responsibilities, capabilities, and financial contribution; and (E) any other elements the Secretary considers necessary to adequately evaluate and competitively select applications for funding under the program. (4) Priority to certain applications The Secretary may give a higher priority to applications that— (A) assist producers in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory requirement; (B) have a high percentage of eligible producers in the area to be covered by the agreement; (C) significantly leverage non-Federal financial and technical resources and coordinate with other local, State, or national efforts; (D) deliver high percentages of applied conservation to address conservation priorities or regional, State, or national conservation initiatives; (E) provide innovation in conservation methods and delivery, including outcome-based performance measures and methods; or (F) meet other factors that are important for achieving the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary. 1271C. Assistance to producers (a) In general The Secretary shall enter into contracts with producers to provide financial and technical assistance to— (1) producers participating in a project with an eligible partner, as described in section 1271B; or (2) producers that fit within the scope of a project described in section 1271B or a critical conservation area designated under section 1271F, but who are seeking to implement an eligible activity on eligible land independent of a partner. (b) Terms and conditions (1) Consistency with program rules Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall ensure that the terms and conditions of a contract under this section are consistent with the applicable rules of the covered programs to be used as part of the project, as described in the application under section 1271B(d)(3)(C). (2) Adjustments Except with respect to statutory program requirements governing appeals, payment limitations, and conservation compliance, the Secretary may adjust the discretionary program rules of a covered program— (A) to provide a simplified application and evaluation process; and (B) to better reflect unique local circumstances and purposes if the Secretary determines such adjustments are necessary to achieve the purposes of the program. (c) Payments (1) In general In accordance with statutory requirements of the covered programs involved, the Secretary may make payments to a producer in an amount determined by the Secretary to be necessary to achieve the purposes of the program. (2) Payments to producers in States with water quantity concerns The Secretary may provide payments to producers participating in a project that addresses water quantity concerns for a period of five years in an amount sufficient to encourage conversion from irrigated farming to dryland farming. (3) Waiver authority To assist in the implementation of the program, the Secretary may waive the applicability of the limitation in section 1001D(b)(2) of this Act for participating producers if the Secretary determines that the waiver is necessary to fulfill the objectives of the program. 1271D. Funding (a) Availability of funds The Secretary shall use $100,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out the program. (b) Duration of availability Funds made available under subsection (a) shall remain available until expended. (c) Additional funding and acres (1) In general In addition to the funds made available under subsection (a), the Secretary shall reserve 6 percent of the funds and acres made available for a covered program for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 in order to ensure additional resources are available to carry out this program. (2) Unused funds and acres Any funds or acres reserved under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from a covered program that are not obligated under this program by April 1 of that fiscal year shall be returned for use under the covered program. (d) Allocation of funding Of the funds and acres made available for the program under subsections (a) and (c), the Secretary shall allocate— (1) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a State competitive process administered by the State Conservationist, with the advice of the State technical committee established under subtitle G; (2) 50 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a national competitive process to be established by the Secretary; and (3) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects for the critical conservation areas designated under section 1271F. (e) Limitation on administrative expenses None of the funds made available under the program may be used to pay for the administrative expenses of eligible partners. 1271E. Administration (a) Disclosure In addition to the criteria used in evaluating applications as described in section 1271B(d)(2), the Secretary shall make publicly available information on projects selected through the competitive process described in section 1271B(d)(1). (b) Reporting Not later than December 31, 2014, and every two years 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 report on the status of projects funded under the program, including— (1) the number and types of eligible partners and producers participating in the partnership agreements selected; (2) the number of producers receiving assistance; and (3) total funding committed to projects, including from Federal and non-Federal resources. 1271F. Critical conservation areas (a) In general In administering funds under section 1271D(d)(3), the Secretary shall select applications for partnership agreements and producer contracts within critical conservation areas designated under this section. (b) Critical conservation area designations (1) Priority In designating critical conservation areas under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to geographical areas based on the degree to which the geographical area— (A) includes multiple States with significant agricultural production; (B) is covered by an existing regional, State, binational, or multistate agreement or plan that has established objectives, goals, and work plans and is adopted by a Federal, State, or regional authority; (C) would benefit from water quality improvement, including through reducing erosion, promoting sediment control, and addressing nutrient management activities affecting large bodies of water of regional, national, or international significance; (D) would benefit from water quantity improvement, including improvement relating to— (i) groundwater, surface water, aquifer, or other water sources; or (ii) a need to promote water retention and flood prevention; or (E) contains producers that need assistance in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory requirement that could have a negative economic impact on agricultural operations within the area. (2) Limitation The Secretary may not designate more than 8 geographical areas as critical conservation areas under this section. (c) Administration (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall administer any partnership agreement or producer contract under this section in a manner that is consistent with the terms of the program. (2) Relationship to existing activity The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that eligible activities carried out in critical conservation areas designated under this section complement and are consistent with other Federal and State programs and water quality and quantity strategies. (3) Additional authority For a critical conservation area described in subsection (b)(1)(D), the Secretary may use authorities under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), other than section 14 of such Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012 ), to carry out projects for the purposes of this section. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. F Other Conservation Programs 2501. Conservation of private grazing land Section 1240M(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb(e)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 2502. Grassroots source water protection program Section 1240O(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–2) is amended to read as follows: (b) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018. (2) Availability of funds In addition to funds made available under paragraph (1), of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use $5,000,000, to remain available until expended. . 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program (a) Funding Section 1240R(f)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5(f)(1)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: and $30,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Report on program effectiveness Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 evaluating the effectiveness of the voluntary public access program established by section 1240R of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5), including— (1) identifying cooperating agencies; (2) identifying the number of land holdings and total acres enrolled by each State and tribal government; (3) evaluating the extent of improved access on eligible lands, improved wildlife habitat, and related economic benefits; and (4) any other relevant information and data relating to the program that would be helpful to such committees. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program (a) Funding Subsection (c) of section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3851 ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Funding (1) In general The Secretary may carry out the ACES program using funds made available to carry out each program under this title. (2) Exclusion Funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program may not be used to carry out the ACES program. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program (a) Availability of Funds Section 14(h)(1) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(1) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; (3) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (H) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain available until expended. . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 14(h)(2)(E) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 2506. Agricultural management assistance program (a) Uses Section 524(b)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(2)) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (B) and redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (F) as subparagraphs (B) through (E), respectively; and (2) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking or resource conservation practices ; and (B) by striking clause (i) and redesignating clauses (ii) through (iv) as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively. (b) Commodity Credit Corporation (1) Funding Section 524(b)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(B) ) is amended to read as follows: (B) Funding The Commodity Credit Corporation shall make available to carry out this subsection not less than $10,000,000 for each fiscal year. . (2) Certain uses Section 524(b)(4)(C) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(C) ) is amended— (A) in clause (i)— (i) by striking 50 and inserting 30 ; and (ii) by striking (A), (B), and (C) and inserting (A) and (B) ; and (B) in clause (iii), by striking 40 and inserting 60 . 2507. Emergency watershed protection program Section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: In evaluating requests for assistance under this section, the Secretary shall give priority consideration to projects that address runoff retardation and soil-erosion preventive measures needed to mitigate the risks and remediate the effects of catastrophic wildfire on land that is the source of drinking water for landowners and land users. . G Funding and Administration 2601. Funding (a) In general Subsection (a) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended to read as follows: (a) Annual funding For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the following programs under this title (including the provision of technical assistance): (1) The conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D, including, to the maximum extent practicable, $25,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out section 1235(f) to facilitate the transfer of land subject to contracts from retired or retiring owners and operators to beginning farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. (2) The agriculture conservation easement program under subtitle H, using, to the maximum extent practicable— (A) $425,000,000 in fiscal year 2014; (B) $450,000,000 in fiscal year 2015; (C) $475,000,000 in fiscal year 2016; (D) $500,000,000 in fiscal year 2017; and (E) $200,000,000 in fiscal year 2018. (3) The conservation security program under subchapter A of chapter 2 of subtitle D, using such sums as are necessary to administer contracts entered into before September 30, 2008. (4) The conservation stewardship program under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D. (5) The environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D, using, to the maximum extent practicable, $1,750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Regional equity; guaranteed availability of funds Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (d); (2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: (b) Availability of funds Amounts made available by subsection (a) shall be used by the Secretary to carry out the programs specified in such subsection for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 and shall remain available until expended. Amounts made available for the programs specified in such subsection during a fiscal year through modifications, cancellations, terminations, and other related administrative actions and not obligated in that fiscal year shall remain available for obligation during subsequent fiscal years, but shall reduce the amount of additional funds made available in the subsequent fiscal year by an amount equal to the amount remaining unobligated. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2602. Technical assistance (a) In general Subsection (c) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ), as redesignated by section 2601(b)(2) of this Act, is amended to read as follows: (c) Technical assistance (1) Availability of funds Commodity Credit Corporation funds made available for a fiscal year for each of the programs specified in subsection (a)— (A) shall be available for the provision of technical assistance for the programs for which funds are made available as necessary to implement the programs effectively; and (B) shall not be available for the provision of technical assistance for conservation programs specified in subsection (a) other than the program for which the funds were made available. (2) Report Not later than December 31, 2013, the Secretary shall submit (and update as necessary in subsequent years) to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report— (A) detailing the amount of technical assistance funds requested and apportioned in each program specified in subsection (a) during the preceding fiscal year; and (B) any other data relating to this subsection that would be helpful to such committees. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2603. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access (a) In general Subsection (g) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) Preference In providing assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))) that qualifies under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1). . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2604. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance (a) In general Subsection (h) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking wetlands reserve program and inserting agricultural conservation easement program ; (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and (3) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking agricultural water enhancement program and inserting regional conservation partnership program ; and (B) by striking 1240I(g) and inserting 1271C(c)(3) . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2605. Review of conservation practice standards Section 1242(h)(1)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(h)(1)(A)) is amended by striking the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and inserting the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . 2606. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation programs (a) In general Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3844 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))). ; (2) in subsection (d), by inserting , H, and I before the period at the end; (3) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking country and inserting county ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by striking subsection (c)(2)(B) or (f)(4) and inserting subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii) or (f)(2) ; (4) in subsection (h)(2), by inserting , including, to the extent practicable, practices that maximize benefits for honey bees after pollinators ; and (5) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (j) Improved administrative efficiency and effectiveness In administrating a conservation program under this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining conservation planning and program resources; and (2) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. (k) Relation to other payments Any payment received by an owner or operator under this title, including an easement payment or rental payment, shall be in addition to, and not affect, the total amount of payments that the owner or operator is otherwise eligible to receive under any of the following: (1) This Act. (2) The Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.). (3) The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. (4) Any law that succeeds a law specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3). . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2607. Standards for State technical committees Section 1261(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3861(b)) is amended by striking Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary shall develop and inserting The Secretary shall review and update as necessary . 2608. Rulemaking authority Subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1246. Regulations (a) In general The Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement programs under this title, including such regulations as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under section 1244(f). (b) Rulemaking procedure The promulgation of regulations and administration of programs under this title— (1) shall be carried out without regard to— (A) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and (B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act); and (2) shall be made pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, including by interim rules effective on publication under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of subsection (b) of such section if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed and final rules, with an opportunity for notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. . 2609. Wetlands mitigation Section 1222 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3822 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (2)(D), by striking unless more acreage is needed to provide equivalent functions and values that will be lost as a result of the wetland conversion to be mitigated ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(E)— (i) by inserting not before greater than ; and (ii) by striking if more acreage is needed to provide equivalent functions and values that will be lost as a result of the wetland conversion that is mitigated ; and (2) by striking subsection (g). 2610. Lesser prairie-chicken conservation report (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 report containing the results of a review and analysis of each of the programs administered by the Secretary that pertain to the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken, including the conservation reserve program, the environmental quality incentives program, the wildlife habitat incentive program, and the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative. (b) Contents The Secretary shall include in the report required by this section, at a minimum— (1) with respect to each program described in subsection (a) as it relates to the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken, findings regarding— (A) the cost of the program to the Federal Government, impacted State governments, and the private sector; (B) the conservation effectiveness of the program; and (C) the cost-effectiveness of the program; and (2) a ranking of the programs described in subsection (a) based on their relative cost-effectiveness. H Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 1230 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3830) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment The heading of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq. ) is amended to read as follows: Conservation Reserve . 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program (a) Repeal Section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831a) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831a ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2703. Wetlands reserve program (a) Repeal Subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program (a) Repeal Subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment The heading of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838 et seq.) is amended by striking and Farmland Protection . (c) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendments made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2705. Grassland reserve program (a) Repeal Subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program (a) Repeal Section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2708. Great Lakes basin program (a) Repeal Section 1240P of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–3) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program (a) Repeal Section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative (a) Repeal Section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3843) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3843 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2711. Environmental easement program Chapter 3 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839 et seq.) is repealed. 2712. Technical amendments (a) Definitions Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking E and inserting I . (b) Program ineligibility Section 1211(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811(a) ) is amended by striking predominate each place it appears and inserting predominant . (c) Specialty crop producers Section 1242(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3842(i) ) is amended in the header by striking Speciality and inserting Specialty . III Trade A Food for Peace Act 3001. General authority Section 201 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1721) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting (to be implemented by the Administrator) after under this title ; and (2) by striking paragraph (7) and the second sentence and inserting the following new paragraph: (7) build resilience to mitigate and prevent food crises and reduce the future need for emergency aid. . 3002. Support for organizations through which assistance is provided Section 202(e)(1) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1722(e)(1) ) is amended by striking 13 percent and inserting 11 percent . 3003. Food aid quality Section 202(h) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722(h)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)— (i) by striking The Administrator shall use funds made available for fiscal year 2009 and inserting In consultation with the Secretary, the Administrator shall use funds made available for fiscal year 2013 ; and (ii) by inserting to establish a mechanism after this title ; (B) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); and (C) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs: (C) to evaluate, as necessary, the use of current and new agricultural commodities and products thereof in different program settings and for particular recipient groups, including the testing of prototypes; (D) to establish and implement appropriate protocols for quality assurance of food products procured by the Secretary for food aid programs; and (E) to periodically update program guidelines on the recommended use of agricultural commodities and food products in food aid programs to reflect findings from the implementation of this subsection and other relevant information. ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking The Administrator and inserting In consultation with the Secretary, the Administrator ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking section 207(f) and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: section 207(f)— (A) for fiscal years 2009 through 2013, not more than $4,500,000 may be used to carry out this subsection; and (B) for fiscal years 2014 through 2018, not more than $1,000,000 may be used to carry out this subsection. . 3004. Minimum levels of assistance Section 204(a) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1724(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group (a) Membership Section 205(b) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725(b)) is amended— (1) by striking and at the end of paragraph (6); (2) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph: (7) representatives from the United States agricultural processing sector involved in providing agricultural commodities for programs under this Act; and . (b) Consultation Section 205(d) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725(d)) is amended— (1) by striking the first sentence and inserting the following: (1) Consultation in advance of issuance of implementation regulations, handbooks, and guidelines Not later than 45 days before a proposed regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this title, or a proposed significant revision to a regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this title, becomes final, the Administrator shall provide the proposal to the Group for review and comment. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Consultation regarding food aid quality efforts The Administrator shall seek input from and consult with the Group on the implementation of section 202(h). . (c) Reauthorization Section 205(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725(f)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation (a) Regulations and guidance Section 207(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(c) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by inserting and Guidance after Regulations ; (2) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new sentence: Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , the Administrator shall issue all regulations and revisions to agency guidance necessary to implement the amendments made to this title by such Act. ; and (3) in paragraph (2), by inserting and guidance after develop regulations . (b) Funding Section 207(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)— (A) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (D); (B) by striking ; and at the end of subparagraph (E) and inserting the period; and (C) by striking subparagraph (F); (2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and (3) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and (4) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking 2012 and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 2013, and up to $10,000,000 of such funds for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (c) Implementation reports Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Agency for International Development shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committees on Agriculture and Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report describing— (1) the implementation of section 207(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(c) ); (2) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements for programs conducted under title II of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.) by an eligible organization that is a nongovernmental organization (as such term is defined in section 402 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1732)); and (3) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements for such programs by an eligible organization that is an intergovernmental organization, such as the World Food Program or other multilateral organization. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726b(f)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3008. General provisions (a) Impact on Local Farmers and Economy Section 403(b) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733(b) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: The Secretary or the Administrator, as appropriate, shall seek information, as part of the regular proposal and submission process, from implementing agencies on the potential benefits to the local economy of sales of agricultural commodities within the recipient country. . (b) Prevention of price disruptions Section 403(e) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2), by striking reasonable market price and inserting fair market value ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Coordination on assessments The Secretary and the Administrator shall coordinate in assessments to carry out paragraph (1) and in the development of approaches to be used by implementing agencies for determining the fair market value described in paragraph (2). . (c) Report on use of funds Section 403 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (m) Report on use of funds Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report— (1) specifying the amount of funds (including funds for administrative costs, indirect cost recovery, and internal transportation, storage and handling, and associated distribution costs) provided to each eligible organization that received assistance under this Act in the previous fiscal year; and (2) describing how those funds were used by the eligible organization. . 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities Section 407(c)(4) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736a(c)(4)) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (B) by striking for each such fiscal year not more than $10,000,000 of such funds and inserting for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2013 not more than $10,000,000 of such funds and for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 not more than $15,000,000 of such funds ; and (2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (B) Additional prepositioning sites The Administrator may establish additional sites for prepositioning in foreign countries or change the location of current sites for prepositioning in foreign countries after conducting, and based on the results of, assessments of need, the availability of appropriate technology for long-term storage, feasibility, and cost. . 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities Section 407(f)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736a(f)(1)) is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking agricultural trade and inserting food aid ; (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: and the total number of beneficiaries of the project and the activities carried out through such project ; and (3) in subparagraph (B)(iii)— (A) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by inserting , and the total number of beneficiaries in, after commodities made available to ; (B) by striking and at the end of subclause (I); (C) by inserting and at the end of subclause (II); and (D) by inserting after subclause (II) the following new subclause: (III) the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program established by section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o–1); . 3011. 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 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3012. Authorization of appropriations (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 412(a)(1) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736f(a)(1) ) is amended by striking for fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter, $2,500,000,000 and inserting $2,500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013 and $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance Paragraph (1) of section 412(e) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736f(e) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Funds and commodities For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, of the amounts made available to carry out emergency and nonemergency food assistance programs under title II, not less than $400,000,000 shall be expended for nonemergency food assistance programs under such title. . 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs (a) Elimination of obsolete reference to study Section 415(a)(2)(B) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(a)(2)(B)) is amended by striking , using recommendations and all that follows through quality enhancements . (b) Extension Section 415(c) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(c)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737) is amended— (1) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2013, and not less than the greater of $15,000,000 or 0.5 percent of the amounts made available for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, ; and (2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . B Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 3101. Funding for export credit guarantee program Section 211(b) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5641(b)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3102. Funding for market access program Section 211(c)(1)(A) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5641(c)(1)(A)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program Section 703(a) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5723(a)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Other Agricultural Trade Laws 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985 (a) Extension The Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o) is amended— (1) in subsection (f)(3), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (2) in subsection (g), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (3) in subsection (k), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (4) in subsection (l)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Repeal of completed project Subsection (f) of the Food for Progress Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o ) is amended by striking paragraph (6). 3202. 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 2012 both places it appears and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (h), by striking 2012 both places it appears and inserting 2018 . 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets (a) Direct credits or export credit guarantees Section 1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101–624 ; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Development of agricultural systems Section 1542(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–624; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (a) Reauthorization Section 3107(l)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(l)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Technical correction Section 3107(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(d)) is amended by striking to in the matter preceding paragraph (1). 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops (a) Purpose Section 3205(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5680(b) ) is amended by striking related barriers to trade and inserting technical barriers to trade . (b) Funding Section 3205(e)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5680(e)(2) ) is amended— (1) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (C); and (2) by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (D) $9,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2018. . (c) U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish study Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct an economic study on the existing market in the United States for U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust Section 3202(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 22 U.S.C. 2220a note) is amended by striking section and all that follows through the period and inserting the following: section— (1) $60,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 3207. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services (a) In general Subtitle B of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 225 (7 U.S.C. 6931) the following new section: 225A. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services (a) Authorization The Secretary is authorized to establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services. (b) Confirmation required If the Secretary establishes the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (c) Functions of under secretary (1) Principal functions Upon establishment, the Secretary shall delegate to the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services those functions under the jurisdiction of the Department that are related to foreign agricultural services. (2) Additional functions The Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services shall perform such other functions as may be required by law or prescribed by the Secretary. (d) Succession Any official who is serving as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services on the date of the enactment of this section and who was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall not be required to be reappointed under subsection (b) or section 225(b) to the successor position authorized under subsection (a) or section 225(a) if the Secretary establishes the position, and the official occupies the new position, with 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section (or such later date set by the Secretary if litigation delays rapid succession). . (b) Conforming amendments Section 225 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6931 ) is amended— (1) by striking Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services each place it appears and inserting Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Services ; and (2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking and foreign agricultural . (c) Permanent authority Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (6)(C), by striking or at the end; (2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (8) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services in accordance with section 225A; . 3208. Department of Agriculture certificates of origin The Secretary of Agriculture shall seek to ensure that Department of Agriculture certificates of origin are accepted by any country with respect to which the United States has entered into a free trade agreement providing for preferential duty treatment. IV Credit A Farm ownership loans 4001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans (a) In general Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking (a) In general.— The and inserting the following: (a) In general (1) Eligibility requirements The ; (2) in the 1st sentence, by inserting after limited liability companies the following: , and such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; (3) in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1) through (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively; (4) in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking and limited liability companies each place it appears and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) in the 3rd sentence, by striking (3) and (4) and inserting (C) and (D) , respectively; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (2) Special deeming rules (A) Eligibility of certain operating-only entities An entity that is or will become only the operator of a family farm is deemed to meet the owner-operator requirements of paragraph (1) if the individuals that are the owners of the family farm own more than 50 percent (or such other percentage as the Secretary determines is appropriate) of the entity. (B) Eligibility of certain embedded entities An entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph (1), or an operator described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph that is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities, is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . (b) Direct farm ownership experience requirement Section 302(b)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(b)(1)) is amended by inserting or has other acceptable experience for a period of time, as determined by the Secretary, after 3 years . (c) Conforming amendments (1) Section 304(c)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1924(c)(2)) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 302(a) and inserting clauses (A) and (B) of section 302(a)(1) . (2) Section 310D of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1934) is amended— (A) by inserting after partnership the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; and (B) by striking or partners each place it appears and inserting partners, or owners . 4002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program (a) Eligibility Section 304(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(c) ) is amended by inserting after limited liability companies the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, . (b) Limitation on loan guarantee amount Section 304(e) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(e) ) is amended by striking 75 percent and inserting 90 percent . (c) Extension of program Section 304(h) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4003. Down payment loan program (a) In general Section 310E(b)(1)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1935(b)(1)(C)) is amended by striking $500,000 and inserting $667,000 . (b) Technical correction Section 310E(b) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1935(b) ) is amended by striking the 2nd paragraph (2). 4004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement Section 307 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1927 ) is amended by striking subsection (d) and redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d). B Operating loans 4101. Eligibility for farm operating loans Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking (a) In general.— The and inserting the following: (a) In general (1) Eligibility requirements The ; (2) in the 1st sentence, by inserting after limited liability companies the following: , and such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; (3) in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1) through (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively; (4) in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking and limited liability companies each place it appears and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) in the 3rd sentence, by striking (3) and (4) and inserting (C) and (D) , respectively; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (2) Special deeming rule An entity that is an operator described in paragraph (1) that is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities, is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . 4102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth Section 311(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(b)(1) ) is amended by striking who are rural residents . 4103. Authority to waive personal liability for youth loans due to circumstances beyond borrower control Section 311(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(b) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) The Secretary may, on a case-by-case basis, waive the personal liability of a borrower for a loan made under this subsection if any default on the loan was due to circumstances beyond the control of the borrower. . 4104. Microloans (a) In general Section 313 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943) is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Microloans (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may establish a program to make or guarantee microloans. (2) Limitation The Secretary shall not make or guarantee a microloan under this subsection that exceeds $35,000 or that would cause the total principal indebtedness outstanding at any 1 time for microloans made under this chapter to any 1 borrower to exceed $70,000. (3) Applications To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall limit the administrative burdens and streamline the application and approval process for microloans under this subsection. (4) Cooperative lending projects (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may contract with community-based and nongovernmental organizations, State entities, or other intermediaries, as the Secretary determines appropriate— (i) to make or guarantee a microloan under this subsection; and (ii) to provide business, financial, marketing, and credit management services to borrowers. (B) Requirements Before contracting with an entity described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary— (i) shall review and approve— (I) the loan loss reserve fund for microloans established by the entity; and (II) the underwriting standards for microloans of the entity; and (ii) establish such other requirements for contracting with the entity as the Secretary determines necessary. . (b) Exceptions for direct loans Section 311(c)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(c)(2) ) is amended to read as follows: (2) Exceptions In this subsection, the term direct operating loan shall not include— (A) a loan made to a youth under subsection (b); or (B) a microloan made to a beginning farmer or rancher or a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)). . (c) Section 312(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1942(a)) is amended by inserting (including a microloan, as defined by the Secretary) after A direct loan . (d) Section 316(a)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1946(a)(2)) is amended by inserting a microloan to a beginning farmer or rancher or veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)), or after The interest rate on . C Emergency loans 4201. Eligibility for emergency loans Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1961(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking owner-operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle A) or operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B) each place it appears and inserting (in the case of farm ownership loans in accordance with subtitle A) owner-operators or operators, or (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B) operators ; (2) by inserting after limited liability companies the 1st place it appears the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate ; (3) by inserting after limited liability companies the 2nd place it appears the following: , or other legal entities ; (4) by striking and limited liability companies, and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) by striking ownership and operator and inserting ownership or operator ; and (6) by adding at the end the following: An entity that is an owner-operator or operator described in this subsection is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under this subsection if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . D Administrative provisions 4301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program Section 333B(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983b(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4302. Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers (a) Conforming amendments relating to changes in eligibility rules Section 343(a)(11) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11) ) is amended— (1) by inserting after joint operation, the 1st place it appears the following: or such other legal entity as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; (2) by striking or joint operators each place it appears and inserting joint operators, or owners ; and (3) by inserting after joint operation, the 2nd and 3rd place it appears the following: or such other legal entity, . (b) Modification of acreage ownership limitation Section 343(a)(11)(F) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)(F)) is amended by striking median acreage and inserting average acreage . 4303. Loan authorization levels Section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(1) ) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4304. Priority for participation loans Section 346(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(i)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (III) Priority In order to maximize the number of borrowers served under this clause, the Secretary— (aa) shall give priority to applicants who apply under the down payment loan program under section 310E or joint financing arrangements under section 307(a)(3)(D); and (bb) may offer other financing options under this subtitle to applicants only if the Secretary determines that down payment or other participation loan options are not a viable approach for the applicants. . 4305. Loan fund set-asides Section 346(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III)) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by striking of the total amount . 4306. Conforming amendment to borrower training provision, relating to eligibility changes Section 359(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2006a(c)(2) ) is amended by striking section 302(a)(2) or 311(a)(2) and inserting section 302(a)(1)(B) or 311(a)(1)(B) . E State agricultural mediation programs 4401. State agricultural mediation programs Section 506 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5106) is amended by striking 2015 and inserting 2018 . F Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land 4501. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land The first section of Public Law 91–229 ( 25 U.S.C. 488 ) is amended in subsection (b)(1) by striking pursuant to section 205(c) of the Indian Land Consolidation Act ( 25 U.S.C. 2204(c) ) and inserting or to intermediaries in order to establish revolving loan funds for the purchase of highly fractionated land . V Rural development A Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 5001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants Section 306(a)(2)(B)(vii) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)(vii) ) is amended by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 5002. Rural business opportunity grants Section 306(a)(11)(D) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11)(D)) is amended by striking $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5003. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant program funds Section 306(a)(19) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (C). 5004. Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities Section 306(a)(24) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(24) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C) Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities The Secretary shall consider the benefits to communities that result from using loan guarantees in the Community Facilities Program and to the maximum extent possible utilize guarantees to enhance community involvement. . 5005. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program Section 306(a)(22) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22) ) is amended to read as follows: (22) Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program (A) In general The Secretary shall continue a national rural water and wastewater circuit rider program that— (i) is consistent with the activities and results of the program conducted before the date of enactment of this paragraph, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) receives funding from the Secretary, acting through the Rural Utilities Service. (B) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. . 5006. Tribal college and university essential community facilities Section 306(a)(25)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C) ) is amended by striking $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5007. Essential community facilities technical assistance and training Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (26) Essential community facilities technical assistance and training (A) In general The Secretary may make grants to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations, such as States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and villages, boroughs, authorities, districts and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations which will serve rural areas for the purpose of enabling them to provide to associations described in this subsection technical assistance and training, with respect to essential community facilities programs authorized under this subsection, to— (i) assist communities in identifying and planning for community facility needs; (ii) identify public and private resources to finance community facilities needs; (iii) prepare reports and surveys necessary to request financial assistance to develop community facilities; (iv) prepare applications for financial assistance; (v) improve the management, including financial management, related to the operation of community facilities; or (vi) assist with other areas of need identified by the Secretary. (B) Selection priority In selecting recipients of grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to private, nonprofit, or public organizations that have experience in providing technical assistance and training to rural entities. (C) Funding Not less than 3 nor more than 5 percent of any funds appropriated to carry out each of the essential community facilities grant, loan and loan guarantee programs as authorized under this subsection for any fiscal year shall be reserved for grants under this paragraph. . 5008. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program Section 306A(i)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926a(i)(2) ) is amended by striking $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $27,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5009. Household water well systems Section 306E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926e(d) ) is amended by striking $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5010. Rural business and industry loan program (a) Flexibility for the business and loan program Section 310B(a)(2)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(a)(2)(A) ) is amended by inserting including working capital after employment . (b) Greater flexibility for adequate collateral through accounts receivable Section 310B(g)(7) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(7) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: In the discretion of the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that the action would not create or otherwise contribute to an unreasonable risk of default or loss to the Federal Government, the Secretary may take account receivables as security for the obligations entered into in connection with loans and a borrower may use account receivables as collateral to secure a loan made or guaranteed under this subsection. . (c) Regulations Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement the amendments made by this section. 5011. Rural cooperative development grants Section 310B(e)(12) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(12) ) is amended by striking $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5012. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(v)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(v)(I) ) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by inserting and not more than 7 percent after 5 percent . 5013. Intermediary relending program (a) In general Subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922–1936a ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 310H. Intermediary relending program (a) In general The Secretary shall make loans to the entities, for the purposes, and subject to the terms and conditions specified in the 1st, 2nd, and last sentences of section 623(a) of the Community Economic Development Act of 1981 ( 42 U.S.C. 9812(a) ). (b) Limitations on authorization of appropriations For loans under subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Conforming amendments Section 1323(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( Public Law 99–198 ; 7 U.S.C. 1932 note) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by adding and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (3) by striking subparagraph (C). 5014. Rural college coordinated strategy Section 331 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1981 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Rural college coordinated strategy The Secretary shall develop a coordinated strategy across the relevant programs within the Rural Development mission areas to serve the specific, local needs of rural communities when making investments in rural community colleges and technical colleges through other current authorities. During the development of a coordinated strategy, the Secretary shall consult with groups representing rural-serving community colleges and technical colleges to coordinate critical investments in rural community colleges and technical colleges involved in workforce training. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to provide a priority for funding within current authorities. The Secretary shall use the coordinated strategy and information developed for the strategy to more effectively serve rural communities with respect to investments in community colleges and technical colleges. . 5015. Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983 ) is amended— (1) by striking require ; (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting require after (1) ; (3) in paragraph (2), by inserting , require after 314 ; (4) in paragraph (3), by inserting require after loans, ; (5) in paragraph (4)— (A) by inserting require after (4) ; and (B) by striking and after the semicolon; (6) in paragraph (5)— (A) by inserting require after (5) ; and (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (7) by adding at the end the following: (6) with respect to water and waste disposal direct and guaranteed loans provided under section 306, encourage, to the maximum extent practicable, private or cooperative lenders to finance rural water and waste disposal facilities by— (A) maximizing the use of loan guarantees to finance eligible projects in rural communities where the population exceeds 5,500; (B) maximizing the use of direct loans to finance eligible projects in rural communities where the impact on rate payers will be material when compared to financing with a loan guarantee; (C) establishing and applying a materiality standard when determining the difference in impact on rate payers between a direct loan and a loan guarantee; (D) in the case of projects that require interim financing in excess of $500,000, requiring that such projects initially seek such financing from private or cooperative lenders; and (E) determining if an existing direct loan borrower can refinance with a private or cooperative lender, including with a loan guarantee, prior to providing a new direct loan. . 5016. Simplified applications (a) In general Section 333A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983a ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (h) Simplified application forms Except as provided in subsection (g)(2) of this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, develop a simplified application process, including a single page application where possible, for grants and relending authorized under sections 306, 306C, 306D, 306E, 310B(b), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(f), 310H, 379B, and 379E. . (b) Report to the Congress Within 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 written report that contains an evaluation of the implementation of the amendment made by subsection (a). 5017. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008p(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 5018. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program Section 379E(d)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008s(d)(2) ) is amended by striking $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5019. Delta Regional Authority (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 382M(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009aa–12(a) ) is amended by striking $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Termination of authority Section 382N of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa–13) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5020. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 383N(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb–12(a)) is amended by striking $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Termination of authority Section 383O of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb–13) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5021. Rural business investment program Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc–18) is amended by striking $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . B Rural Electrification Act of 1936 5101. Relending for certain purposes (a) In general The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. ) is amended— (1) in section 2(a), by inserting (including relending for this purpose as provided in section 4) after efficiency ; (2) in section 4(a), by inserting (including relending to ultimate consumers for this purpose by borrowers enumerated in the proviso in this section) after efficiency ; and (3) in section 313(b)(2)(B)— (A) by inserting (acting through the Rural Utilities Service) after Secretary ; and (B) by inserting energy efficiency (including relending to ultimate consumers for this purpose), after promoting . (b) Current authority The authority provided in this section is in addition to any other relending authority of the Secretary under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et. seq.) or any other law. (c) Administration The Secretary (acting through the Rural Utilities Service) shall continue to carry out section 313 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c ) in the same manner as on the day before enactment of this Act until such time as any regulations necessary to carry out the amendments made by this section are fully implemented. 5102. Fees for certain loan guarantees The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. ) is amended by inserting after section 4 the following: 5. Fees for certain loan guarantees (a) In general For electrification baseload generation loan guarantees, the Secretary shall, at the request of the borrower, charge an upfront fee to cover the costs of the loan guarantee. (b) Fee The fee described in subsection (a) for a loan guarantee shall be equal to the costs of the loan guarantee (within the meaning of section 502(5)(C) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a(5)(C))). (c) Limitation Funds received from a borrower to pay the fee described in this section shall not be derived from a loan or other debt obligation that is made or guaranteed by the Federal Government. . 5103. Rural utilities service contracting authority Section 18(c) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 918(c)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking Rural Electrification Administration each place it appears and inserting Rural Utilities Service ; and (2) in paragraph (4)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by inserting cooperative before agreements ; and (B) by inserting after the 1st sentence the following: A contract funded by a borrower that is to be paid for out of the general funds of the borrower is not a public contract within the meaning of title 41, United States Code. . 5104. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes Section 313A(f) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c–1(f)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5105. Expansion of 911 access Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940e(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5106. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb) is amended— (1) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Priorities In making or guaranteeing loans under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give— (A) the highest priority to applicants that offer to provide broadband service to the greatest proportion of households that, prior to the provision of the broadband service, had no incumbent service provider; and (B) priority to applicants that offer in their applications to provide broadband service not predominantly for business service, but where at least 25 percent of customers in the proposed service territory are commercial interests. ; (2) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (5)— (i) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); (ii) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting a semicolon; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (D) the amount and type of support requested; and (E) a list of the census block groups or tracts proposed to be so served. ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (8) Additional process The Secretary shall establish a process under which an incumbent service provider which, as of the date of the publication of notice under paragraph (5) with respect to an application submitted by the provider, is providing broadband service to a remote rural area, may (but shall not be required to) submit to the Secretary, not less than 15 and not more than 30 days after that date, information regarding the broadband services that the provider offers in the proposed service territory, so that the Secretary may assess whether the application meets the requirements of this section with respect to eligible projects. ; (3) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following: (3) Requirement In considering the technology needs of customers in a proposed service territory, the Secretary shall take into consideration the upgrade or replacement cost for the construction or acquisition of facilities and equipment in the territory. ; and (4) in each of subsections (k)(1) and (l), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Miscellaneous 5201. Distance learning and telemedicine (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 2335A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa–5 ) is amended by striking $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2012 and inserting $65,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Conforming amendment Section 1(b) of Public Law 102–551 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5202. Value-added agricultural market development program grants Section 231(b)(7) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 1632a(b)(7) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by striking 2008 and inserting 2013 ; and (B) by striking $15,000,000 and inserting $50,000,000 ; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5203. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program Section 6402(i) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1632b(i) ) is amended by striking $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 5204. Program metrics (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture shall collect data regarding economic activities created through grants and loans, including any technical assistance provided as a component of the grant or loan program, and measure the short and long term viability of award recipients and any entities to whom those recipients provide assistance using award funds under section 231 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 106–224), section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107 ), section 313(b)(2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c(b)(2) ), or section 306(a)(11), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(g), 310H, or 379E, or subtitle E, of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11) , 1932(c), 1932(e), 1932(g), 2008s, or 2009 through 2009m). (b) Data The data collected under subsection (a) shall include information collected from recipients both during the award period and after the period as determined by the Secretary, but not less than 2 years after the award period ends. (c) Report Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years 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 report that contains the data described in subsection (a). The report shall include detailed information regarding— (1) actions taken by the Secretary to utilize the data; (2) the number of jobs, including self-employment and the value of salaries and wages; (3) how the provision of funds from the grant or loan involved affected the local economy; (4) any benefit, such as an increase in revenue or customer base; and (5) such other information as the Secretary deems appropriate. 5205. Study of rural transportation issues (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation shall publish an updated version of the study described in section 6206 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (as amended by subsection (b)). (b) Addition to study Section 6206(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 1971) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) the sufficiency of infrastructure along waterways in the United States and the impact of such infrastructure on the movement of agricultural goods in terms of safety, efficiency and speed, as well as the benefits derived through upgrades and repairs to locks and dams. . (c) Report to congress Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the Congress the updated version of the study required by subsection (a). 5206. Certain Federal actions not to be considered major In the case of a loan, loan guarantee, or grant program in the rural development mission area of the Department of Agriculture, an action of the Secretary before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act that does not involve the provision by the Department of Agriculture of Federal dollars or a Federal loan guarantee, including— (1) the approval by the Department of Agriculture of the decision of a borrower to commence a privately funded activity; (2) a lien accommodation or subordination; (3) a debt settlement or restructuring; or (4) the restructuring of a business entity by a borrower, shall not be considered a major Federal action. 5207. Telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas Section 2333(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa-2(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking and at the end of paragraph (12); and (2) by redesignating paragraph (13) as paragraph (14) and inserting after paragraph (12) the following: (13) whether the applicant for assistance is located in a designated health professional shortage area (within the meaning of section 332 of the Public Health Service Act) . 5208. Regional economic and infrastructure development Section 15751 of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking Not more than and inserting the following: (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), not more than ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (2) Limited funding In a case in which less than $10,000,000 is made available to a Commission for a fiscal year under this section, paragraph (1) shall not apply. . VI Research, Extension, and Related Matters A National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 6101. Option to be included as non-land-grant college of agriculture Section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraph: (5) Cooperating forestry school (A) In general The term cooperating forestry school means an institution— (i) that is eligible to receive funds under the Act of October 10, 1962 (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.), commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962; and (ii) with respect to which the Secretary has not received a declaration of the intent of that institution to not be considered a cooperating forestry school. (B) Termination of declaration A declaration of the intent of an institution to not be considered a cooperating forestry school submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect until September 30, 2018. ; and (2) in paragraph (10)— (A) in subparagraph (A)— (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking that ; (ii) in clause (i)— (I) by inserting that before qualify ; and (II) by striking and at the end; (iii) in clause (ii)— (I) by inserting that before offer ; and (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) with respect to which the Secretary has not received a statement of the declaration of the intent of a college or university to not be considered a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university. ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Termination of declaration of intent A declaration of the intent of a college or university to not be considered a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect until September 30, 2018. . 6102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (a) Extension of termination date Section 1408(h) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123(h)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Duties of National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board Section 1408(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) consult with industry groups on agricultural research, extension, education, and economics, and make recommendations to the Secretary based on that consultation. . 6103. Specialty crop committee Section 1408A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123a(c)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking Measures and inserting Programs ; (2) by striking paragraph (2); (3) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and (4) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Programs that would and inserting Research, extension, and teaching programs designed to improve competitiveness in the specialty crop industry, including programs that would ; (B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting , including improving the quality and taste of processed specialty crops before the semicolon; and (C) in subparagraph (G), by inserting the remote sensing and the before mechanization . 6104. Veterinary services grant program The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1415A ( 7 U.S.C. 3151a ) the following new section: 1415B. Veterinary services grant program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Qualified entity The term qualified entity means— (A) a for-profit or nonprofit entity located in the United States that, or an individual who, operates a veterinary clinic providing veterinary services— (i) in a rural area, as defined in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)); and (ii) in a veterinarian shortage situation; (B) a State, national, allied, or regional veterinary organization or specialty board recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association; (C) a college or school of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association; (D) a university research foundation or veterinary medical foundation; (E) a department of veterinary science or department of comparative medicine accredited by the Department of Education; (F) a State agricultural experiment station; or (G) a State, local, or tribal government agency. (2) Veterinarian shortage situation The term veterinarian shortage situation means a veterinarian shortage situation as determined by the Secretary under section 1415A. (b) Establishment (1) Competitive grants The Secretary shall carry out a program to make competitive grants to qualified entities that carry out programs or activities described in paragraph (2) for the purpose of developing, implementing, and sustaining veterinary services. (2) Eligibility requirements A qualified entity shall be eligible to receive a grant described in paragraph (1) if the entity carries out programs or activities that the Secretary determines will— (A) substantially relieve veterinarian shortage situations; (B) support or facilitate private veterinary practices engaged in public health activities; or (C) support or facilitate the practices of veterinarians who are providing or have completed providing services under an agreement entered into with the Secretary under section 1415A(a)(2). (c) Award processes and preferences (1) Application, evaluation, and input processes In administering the grant program established under this section, the Secretary shall— (A) use an appropriate application and evaluation process, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) seek the input of interested persons. (2) Coordination preference In selecting recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes described in subsection (d)(1), the Secretary shall give a preference to qualified entities that provide documentation of coordination with other qualified entities, with respect to any such purpose. (3) Consideration of available funds In selecting recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes described in subsection (d), the Secretary shall take into consideration the amount of funds available for grants and the purposes for which the grant funds will be used. (4) Nature of grants A grant awarded under this section shall be considered to be a competitive research, extension, or education grant. (d) Use of grants To relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a qualified entity may use funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services for any of the following purposes: (A) To promote recruitment (including for programs in secondary schools), placement, and retention of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students of veterinary medicine, and students of veterinary technology. (B) To allow veterinary students, veterinary interns, externs, fellows, and residents, and veterinary technician students to cover expenses (other than the types of expenses described in section 1415A(c)(5)) to attend training programs in food safety or food animal medicine. (C) To establish or expand accredited veterinary education programs (including faculty recruitment and retention), veterinary residency and fellowship programs, or veterinary internship and externship programs carried out in coordination with accredited colleges of veterinary medicine. (D) To provide continuing education and extension, including veterinary telemedicine and other distance-based education, for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other health professionals needed to strengthen veterinary programs and enhance food safety. (E) To provide technical assistance for the preparation of applications submitted to the Secretary for designation as a veterinarian shortage situation under this section or section 1415A. (2) Qualified entities operating veterinary clinics A qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) may only use funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to establish or expand veterinary practices, including— (A) equipping veterinary offices; (B) sharing in the reasonable overhead costs of such veterinary practices, as determined by the Secretary; or (C) establishing mobile veterinary facilities in which a portion of the facilities will address education or extension needs. (e) Special requirements for certain grants (1) Terms of service requirements (A) In general Funds provided through a grant made under this section to a qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) and used by such entity under subsection (d)(2) shall be subject to an agreement between the Secretary and such entity that includes a required term of service for such entity (including a qualified entity operating as an individual), as prospectively established by the Secretary. (B) Considerations In establishing a term of service under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider only— (i) the amount of the grant awarded; and (ii) the specific purpose of the grant. (2) Breach remedies (A) In general An agreement under paragraph (1) shall provide remedies for any breach of the agreement by the qualified entity referred to in paragraph (1)(A), including repayment or partial repayment of the grant funds, with interest. (B) Waiver The Secretary may grant a waiver of the repayment obligation for breach of contract if the Secretary determines that such qualified entity demonstrates extreme hardship or extreme need. (C) Treatment of amounts recovered Funds recovered under this paragraph shall— (i) be credited to the account available to carry out this section; and (ii) remain available until expended without further appropriation. (f) Prohibition on use of grant funds for construction Except as provided in subsection (d)(2), funds made available for grants under this section may not be used— (1) to construct a new building or facility; or (2) to acquire, expand, remodel, or alter an existing building or facility, including site grading and improvement and architect fees. (g) Regulations Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this section. (h) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended. . 6105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education Section 1417(m) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3152(m) ) is amended by striking section $60,000,000 and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1990 through 2013; and (2) $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6106. Policy research centers Section 1419A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting Agricultural and food before policy ; (2) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1)— (A) by striking Secretary may and inserting Secretary shall, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, ; (B) by striking make grants, competitive grants, and special research grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements and other contracting instruments with, and inserting make competitive grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, ; and (C) by inserting with a history of providing unbiased, nonpartisan economic analysis to Congress after subsection (b) ; (3) in subsection (b), by striking other research institutions and all that follows through shall be eligible and inserting and other public research institutions and organizations shall be eligible ; (4) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; (5) by inserting after subsection (b), the following new subsection: (c) Preference In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give a preference to policy research centers that have extensive databases, models, and demonstrated experience in providing Congress with agricultural market projections, rural development analysis, agricultural policy analysis, and baseline projections at the farm, multiregional, national, and international levels. ; and (6) by striking subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)) and inserting the following new subsection: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6107. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program Effective October 1, 2013, section 1424 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3174 ) is repealed. 6108. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research Effective October 1, 2013, section 1424A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3174a ) is repealed. 6109. Nutrition education program Section 1425(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175(f)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6110. Continuing animal health and disease research programs Section 1433 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3195 ) is amended by striking the section designation and heading and all that follows through subsection (a) and inserting the following: 1433. Appropriations for continuing animal health and disease research programs (a) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to support continuing animal health and disease research programs at eligible institutions— (A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Use of funds Funds made available under this section shall be used— (A) to meet the expenses of conducting animal health and disease research, publishing and disseminating the results of such research, and contributing to the retirement of employees subject to the Act of March 4, 1940 ( 7 U.S.C. 331 ); (B) for administrative planning and direction; and (C) to purchase equipment and supplies necessary for conducting the research described in subparagraph (A). . 6111. Repeal of appropriations for research on national or regional problems (a) Repeal Effective October 1, 2013, section 1434 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3196) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendments (1) Matching funds Section 1438 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3200 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking , exclusive of the funds provided for research on specific national or regional animal health and disease problems under the provisions of section 1434 of this title, . (2) Authorization of appropriations for existing and certain new agricultural research programs Section 1463(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3311(c) ) is amended by striking sections 1433 and 1434 and inserting section 1433 . 6112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions (a) Supporting tropical and subtropical agricultural research (1) In general Section 1447B(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(a) ) is amended to read as follows: (a) Purpose It is the intent of Congress to assist the land-grant colleges and universities in the insular areas in efforts to— (1) acquire, alter, or repair facilities or relevant equipment necessary for conducting agricultural research; and (2) support tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research. . (2) Conforming amendment Section 1447B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b–2) is amended in the heading— (A) by inserting and support tropical and subtropical agricultural research after equipment ; and (B) by striking institutions and inserting colleges and universities . (b) Extension Section 1447B(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(d)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers Effective October 1, 2013, section 1448 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222c) is repealed. 6115. Hispanic-serving institutions Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3241(c)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6116. Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth Section 1456(e)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3243(e)(1)) is amended to read as follows: (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a competitive grants program— (A) to fund fundamental and applied research and extension at Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities in agriculture, human nutrition, food science, bioenergy, and environmental science; and (B) to award competitive grants to Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities to provide for training in the food and agricultural sciences of Hispanic agricultural workers and Hispanic youth working in the food and agricultural sciences. . 6117. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs Section 1459A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3292b(c)) is amended to read as follows: (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6118. Repeal of research equipment grants Effective October 1, 2013, section 1462A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310a) is repealed. 6119. University research Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311) is amended in both of subsections (a) and (b) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6120. Extension service Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3312) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6121. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements Section 1469 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3315 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2), by adding and at the end; (B) by striking paragraph (3); and (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3); (2) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsections: (b) Administrative expenses (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may retain not more than 4 percent of amounts made available for agricultural research, extension, and teaching assistance programs for the administration of those programs authorized under this Act or any other Act. (2) Exceptions The limitation on administrative expenses under paragraph (1) shall not apply to peer panel expenses under subsection (d) or any other provision of law related to the administration of agricultural research, extension, and teaching assistance programs that contains a limitation on administrative expenses that is less than the limitation under paragraph (1). (c) Agreements with non-Federal entities (1) Former agricultural research facilities of the Department To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary, for purposes of supporting ongoing research and information dissemination activities, including supporting research and those activities through co-locating scientists and other technical personnel, sharing of laboratory and field equipment, and providing financial support, shall enter into grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with former Department of Agriculture agricultural research facilities. (2) Agreements with agricultural research organizations The Secretary, for purposes of receiving from a non-Federal agricultural research organization support for agricultural research, including staffing, laboratory and field equipment, or direct financial assistance, may enter into grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with a non-Federal agricultural research organization, the operation of which is consistent with the research mission and programs of an agricultural research facility of the Department of Agriculture. . 6122. Supplemental and alternative crops (a) Authorization of appropriations and termination Section 1473D of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319d ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Competitive grants Section 1473D(c)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319d(c)(1) ) is amended by striking use such research funding, special or competitive grants, or other means, as the Secretary determines, and inserting make competitive grants . 6123. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions Section 1473F(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319i(b)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6124. Aquaculture assistance programs (a) Competitive grants Section 1475(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3322(b) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting competitive before grants . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 1477 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3324) is amended to read as follows: 1477. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle— (1) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (b) Prohibition on use Funds made available under this section may not be used to acquire or construct a building. . 6125. Rangeland research programs Section 1483(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3336(a)) is amended by striking subtitle and all that follows and inserting the following: subtitle— (1) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6126. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response Section 1484(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3351(a) ) is amended by striking response such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: response— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6127. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education (a) Distance education grants for insular areas (1) Competitive grants Section 1490(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3362(a) ) is amended by striking or noncompetitive . (2) Authorization of appropriations Section 1490(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(f)) is amended by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Resident instruction grants for insular areas Section 1491(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3363(c)) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6128. Matching funds requirement (a) In general The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle: P General Provisions 1492. Matching funds requirement (a) In general The recipient of a competitive grant that is awarded by the Secretary under a covered law shall provide funds, in-kind contributions, or a combination of both, from sources other than funds provided through such grant in an amount at least equal to the amount of such grant. (b) Exception The matching funds requirement under subsection (a) shall not apply to grants awarded— (1) to a research agency of the Department of Agriculture; or (2) to an entity eligible to receive funds under a capacity and infrastructure program (as defined in section 251(f)(1)(C) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C))), including a partner of such entity. (c) Covered law In this section, the term covered law means each of the following provisions of law: (1) This title. (2) Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.). (3) The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7601 et seq. ). (4) Part III of subtitle E of title VII of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 3202 et seq.). (5) The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i). . (b) Conforming amendment Paragraph (9) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (B); (2) in the heading, by inserting for equipment grants after funds ; (3) by striking (A) Equipment grants.— ; and (4) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and moving the margins of such subparagraphs two ems to the left. (c) Application to amendments (1) New grants Section 1492 of the National Agricultural, Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to grants described in such section awarded after October 1, 2013, unless the provision of a covered law under which such grants are awarded specifically exempts such grants from the matching funds requirement under such section. (2) Existing grants A matching funds requirement in effect on or before October 1, 2013, under a covered law shall continue to apply to a grant awarded under such provision of law on or before that date. 6129. Sense of Congress regarding expansion of the land grant program to include enhanced funding and additional institutions It is the sense of the Congress that— (1) institutions of higher education designated under the Act of August 30, 1890 (commonly known, and referred to in this section, as the Second Morrill Act ; 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.) have played an integral role in the education and advancement of agriculture and mechanic arts for over a century; (2) in addition to those institutions, a number of colleges and universities have fulfilled similar and parallel missions in successfully training and graduating generations of students who have gone on to be leaders in their field; (3) the colleges and universities, both with and without designation under the Second Morrill Act, fulfill a vital role to the future of industry, opportunities for increased job creation, and the strength of agriculture in the United States; (4) Congress must ensure that the United States’ higher education framework and policies meet the needs of young individuals in the United States, and that students from across the country are able to choose from a variety of institutions and programs that will equip them with the skills and training necessary to achieve their individual goals; and (5) as Congress and the agricultural community generally consider policies and approaches to improve research, extension, and education in the agricultural sciences, expansion of the land grant program under the Second Morrill Act to include enhanced funding and additional institutions should be considered. B Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 6201. Best utilization of biological applications Section 1624 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5814 ) is amended in the first sentence— (1) by striking $40,000,000 for each fiscal year ; and (2) by inserting $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018 after chapter . 6202. Integrated management systems Section 1627(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5821(d)) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018. . 6203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program Section 1628(f) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5831(f) ) is amended to read as follows: (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6204. National training program Section 1629(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5832(i)) is amended to read as follows: (i) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the National Training Program $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018. . 6205. National Genetics Resources Program Section 1635(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5844(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking such funds as may be necessary ; and (2) by striking subtitle and all that follows and inserting the following: subtitle— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6206. Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System Effective October 1, 2013, subtitle D of title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5851 et seq.) is repealed. 6207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program Effective October 1, 2013, section 1670 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5923 ) is repealed. 6208. Repeal of agricultural genome initiative Effective October 1, 2013, section 1671 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5924 ) is repealed. 6209. High-priority research and extension initiatives Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925 ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking subsections (e) through (i) and inserting subsections (e), (f), and (g) ; (2) in subsection (b)(2), in the first sentence, by striking subsections (e) through (i) and inserting subsections (e), (f), and (g) ; (3) by striking subsections (e), (f), and (i); (4) by redesignating subsections (g), (h), and (j) as subsections (e), (f), and (h), respectively; (5) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))— (A) by striking 2012 each place it appears in paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3) and inserting 2018 ; and (B) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting and honey bee health disorders after collapse ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting , including best management practices after strategies ; (6) by inserting after subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)) the following new subsection: (g) Coffee plant health initiative (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a coffee plant health initiative to address the critical needs of the coffee industry by— (A) developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat the coffee berry borer ( Hypothenemus hampei ); and (B) establishing an area-wide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of, being affected by the coffee berry borer. (2) Eligible entities The Secretary may carry out the coffee plant health initiative through— (A) Federal agencies, including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; (B) National Laboratories; (C) institutions of higher education; (D) research institutions or organizations; (E) private organizations or corporations; (F) State agricultural experiment stations; (G) individuals; or (H) groups consisting of 2 or more entities or individuals described in subparagraphs (A) through (G). (3) Project grants and cooperative agreements In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities, as appropriate; and (B) award grants on a competitive basis. (4) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (7) in subsection (h) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension initiative Effective October 1, 2013, section 1672A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925a ) is repealed. 6211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following new subsection: (e) Farm business management encouraged Following the completion of a peer review process for grant proposals received under this section, the Secretary shall give a priority to grant proposals found in the review process to be scientifically meritorious using the same criteria the Secretary uses to give priority to grants under section 1672D(b). ; and (2) in subsection (f) — (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2009 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (ii) by striking 2009 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 6212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative (a) Repeal Effective October 1, 2013, section 1672C of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925e ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D) ) is amended— (1) by striking clause (xi); and (2) by redesignating clauses (xii) and (xiii) as clauses (xi) and (xii), respectively. 6213. Farm business management Section 1672D(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925f(d) ) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary to carry out this section. and inserting the following: to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6214. Centers of excellence The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 1672D (7 U.S.C. 5925f) the following new section: 1673. Centers of excellence (a) Funding priorities The Secretary shall prioritize centers of excellence established for specific agricultural commodities for the receipt of funding for any competitive research or extension program administered by the Secretary. (b) Composition A center of excellence is composed of 1 or more of the eligible entities specified in subsection (b)(7) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7)) that provide financial or in-kind support to the center of excellence. (c) Criteria for centers of excellence (1) Required efforts The criteria for consideration to be recognized as a center of excellence shall include efforts— (A) to ensure coordination and cost effectiveness by reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts regarding research, teaching, and extension; (B) to leverage available resources by using public/private partnerships among agricultural industry groups, institutions of higher education, and the Federal Government; (C) to implement teaching initiatives to increase awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to target audiences through extension activities; and (D) to increase the economic returns to rural communities by identifying, attracting, and directing funds to high-priority agricultural issues. (2) Additional efforts Where practicable, the criteria for consideration to be recognized as a center of excellence shall include efforts to improve teaching capacity and infrastructure at colleges and universities (including land-grant institutions, schools of forestry, schools of veterinary medicine, and NLGCA Institutions). . 6215. Repeal of red meat safety research center Effective October 1, 2013, section 1676 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5929 ) is repealed. 6216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities Section 1680(c)(1) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5933(c)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking is and inserting are ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (A) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (B) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6217. National rural information center clearinghouse Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125b(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 6301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department Section 103(a)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(a)(2)) is amended— (1) in the heading by striking Merit review of extension and inserting Relevance and merit review of research, extension, ; (2) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by inserting relevance and before merit ; and (B) by striking extension or education and inserting research, extension, or education ; and (3) in subparagraph (B), by inserting on a continuous basis after procedures . 6302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program Section 406(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7626(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6303. Repeal of coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations (a) Repeal Effective October 1, 2013, section 407 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7627) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D)), as amended by section 6212(b), is further amended— (1) by striking clause (xi) (as redesignated by section 6212(b)); and (2) by redesignating clause (xii) (as redesignated by section 6212(b)) as clause (xi). 6304. Fusarium Graminearum grants Section 408(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7628(e)) is amended to read as follows: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6305. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program Effective October 1, 2013, section 409 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7629) is repealed. 6306. Grants for youth organizations Section 410(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7630(d)) is amended by striking section such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6307. Specialty crop research initiative Section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking and genomics and inserting genomics, and other methods ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting handling and processing, after production efficiency, ; (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following new subsection: (d) Research projects In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall award competitive grants on the basis of— (1) an initial scientific peer review conducted by a panel of subject matter experts from Federal agencies, non-Federal entities, and the specialty crop industry; and (2) a final funding determination made by the Secretary based on a review and ranking for merit, relevance, and impact conducted by a panel of specialty crop industry representatives for the specific specialty crop. ; and (3) in subsection (h)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking (1) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2008 through 2012.— Of the funds and inserting the following: (1) Mandatory funding (A) Fiscal years 2008 through 2012 Of the funds ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Subsequent funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section— (i) $50,000,000 for fiscal years 2014 and 2015; (ii) $55,000,000 for fiscal years 2016 and 2017; and (iii) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter. ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the heading, by striking 2008 Through 2012 and inserting 2014 Through 2018 ; and (ii) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 6308. Food animal residue avoidance database program Section 604(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7642(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6309. Repeal of national swine research center Effective October 1, 2013, section 612 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–185; 112 Stat. 605) is repealed. 6310. Office of pest management policy Section 614(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7653(f)) is amended— (1) by striking such sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6311. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and education Effective October 1, 2013, subtitle C of title VI of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7671 et seq.) is repealed. D Other Laws 6401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act Section 16(a) of the Critical Agricultural Materials Act (7 U.S.C. 178n(a)) is amended— (1) by striking such sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking Act and all that follows and inserting the following: Act— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (a) Definition of 1994 institutions Section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382) is amended— (1) in paragraph (8), by striking Memorial ; (2) in paragraph (26), by striking Community ; (3) by striking paragraphs (5), (10), and (27); (4) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (6), (7), (8), (9), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), (23), (24), (25), (26), (28), (29), (30), (31), (32), (33), and (34) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (7), (8), (9), (5), (10), (15), (17), (18), (19), (20), (22), (23), (24), (25), (32), (26), (27), (28), (29), (30), (31), (33), (34), (35), and (14), respectively, and transferring the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order; (5) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (1) Aaniih Nakoda College. ; (6) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (6) College of the Muscogee Nation. ; (7) by inserting after paragraph (15) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph: (16) Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College. ; and (8) by inserting after paragraph (20) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph: (21) Navajo Technical College. . (b) Endowment for 1994 institutions Section 533(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (c) Institutional Capacity Building Grants Section 535 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c) and inserting 2018 . (d) Research grants (1) Authorization of appropriations Section 536(c) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (2) Research grant requirements Section 536(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382) is amended by striking with at least 1 other land-grant college or university and all that follows and inserting the following: with— (1) the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture; or (2) at least 1— (A) other land-grant college or university (exclusive of another 1994 Institution); (B) non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 )); or (C) cooperating forestry school (as defined in that section). . 6403. Research Facilities Act Section 6(a) of the Research Facilities Act ( 7 U.S.C. 390d(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6404. Repeal of carbon cycle research Effective October 1, 2013, section 221 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 6711 ) is repealed. 6405. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (a) Extension Subsection (b)(11)(A) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(11)(A) ) is amended in the matter preceding clause (i) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Priority areas Subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) in clause (vi), by striking and at the end; (B) in clause (vii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new clause: (viii) plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern (as determined by the Secretary). ; (2) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in clause (vii), by striking and at the end; (B) in clause (viii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following new clauses: (ix) the research and development of surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, or diagnostic tests for pests and diseases (especially zoonotic diseases) in wildlife reservoirs presenting a potential concern to public health or domestic livestock and pests and diseases in minor species (including deer, elk, and bison); and (x) the identification of animal drug needs and the generation and dissemination of data for safe and effective therapeutic applications of animal drugs for minor species and minor uses of such drugs in major species. ; (3) in subparagraph (C)— (A) in clause (ii), by inserting before the semicolon , including the effects of plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern on diet and health ; (B) in clause (iii), by inserting before the semicolon , including plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern ; (C) in clause (iv), by inserting before the semicolon , including postharvest practices conducted with respect to plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern ; and (D) in clause (v), by inserting before the period , including improving the functionality of plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern ; (4) in subparagraph (D)— (A) by redesignating clauses (iv), (v), and (vi) as clauses (v), (vi), and (vii), respectively; and (B) by inserting after clause (iii) the following new clause: (iv) the effectiveness of conservation practices and technologies designed to address nutrient losses and improve water quality; ; and (5) in subparagraph (F)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting economics, after trade, ; (B) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi) as clauses (vi) and (vii), respectively; and (C) by inserting after clause (iv) the following new clause: (v) the economic costs, benefits, and viability of producers adopting conservation practices and technologies designed to improve water quality; . (c) General administration Subsection (b)(4) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(4)) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) establish procedures under which a commodity board established under a commodity promotion law (as such term is defined under section 501(a) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7401(a))) or a State commodity board (or other equivalent State entity) may directly submit to the Secretary proposals for requests for applications to specifically address particular issues related to the priority areas specified in paragraph (2). . (d) Special considerations Subsection (b)(6) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(6)) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) to eligible entities to carry out the specific research proposals submitted under procedures established under paragraph (4)(F). . (e) Eligible entities Subsection (b)(7)(G) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7)(G)) is amended by striking or corporations and inserting , foundations, or corporations . (f) Inter-Regional Research Project Number 4 Subsection (e) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking minor use pesticides and inserting pesticides for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops (as defined in section 3 of the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note)), ; and (2) in paragraph (4)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting and for use on specialty crops after minor agricultural use ; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (G); and (D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraphs: (C) prioritize potential pest management technology for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops; (D) conduct research to develop the data necessary to facilitate pesticide registrations, reregistrations, and associated tolerances; (E) assist in removing trade barriers caused by residues of pesticides registered for minor agricultural use and for use on domestically grown specialty crops; (F) assist in the registration and reregistration of pest management technologies for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops; and . (g) Emphasis on sustainable agriculture The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i ) is amended by striking subsection (k). 6406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 6 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1675 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Termination date Section 8 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1671 note; Public Law 95–306) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980 Section 10 of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2809) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . 6408. Repeal of use of remote sensing data Effective October 1, 2013, section 892 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 5935 ) is repealed. 6409. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (a) Repeal of report on producers and handlers for organic products Effective October 1, 2013, section 7409 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5925b note; Public Law 107–171) is repealed. (b) Repeal of report on genetically modified pest-Protected plants Effective October 1, 2013, section 7410 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–171; 116 Stat. 462) is repealed. (c) Repeal of study on nutrient banking Effective October 1, 2013, section 7411 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5925a note; Public Law 107–171) is repealed. 6410. Beginning farmer and rancher development program Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraphs (A) through (R) and inserting the following new subparagraphs: (A) basic livestock, forest management, and crop farming practices; (B) innovative farm, ranch, and private, nonindustrial forest land transfer strategies; (C) entrepreneurship and business training; (D) financial and risk management training (including the acquisition and management of agricultural credit); (E) natural resource management and planning; (F) diversification and marketing strategies; (G) curriculum development; (H) mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships; (I) resources and referral; (J) farm financial benchmarking; (K) assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers; (L) agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training for veterans; and (M) other similar subject areas of use to beginning farmers or ranchers. ; (B) in paragraph (7), by striking and community-based organizations and inserting , community-based organizations, and school-based agricultural educational organizations ; (C) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following new paragraph: (8) Military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers (A) In general Not less than 5 percent of the funds used to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year shall be used to support programs and services that address the needs of military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers. (B) Coordination permitted A recipient of a grant under this section using the grant as described in subparagraph (A) may coordinate with a recipient of a grant under section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933) in addressing the needs of military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers with disabilities. ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (11) Limitation on indirect costs A recipient of a grant under this section may not use more than 10 percent of the funds provided by the grant for the indirect costs of carrying out the initiatives described in paragraph (1). ; (2) in subsection (h)(1)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. ; and (3) in subsection (h)(2)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (B) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 6411. Inclusion of American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands as a State under McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act Section 8 of Public Law 87–788 (commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; 16 U.S.C. 582a–7) is amended by striking and Guam and inserting Guam, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands . E Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 1 Agricultural Security 6501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center Section 14112(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8912(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response Section 14113 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8913 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) by striking such sums as may be necessary ; and (B) by striking subsection and all that follows and inserting the following: subsection— (A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection and all that follows and inserting the following: are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection— (A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures Section 14121(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8921(b) ) is amended by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section and all that follows and inserting the following: are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program Section 14122(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8922(e) ) is amended— (1) by striking sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013, to remain available until expended; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. . 2 Miscellaneous 6511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program Section 308 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(6)(A), by striking 5 years and inserting 10 years ; and (2) in subsection (d)(2), by striking 1, 3, and 5 years and inserting 6, 8, and 10 years . 6512. Grazinglands research laboratory Section 7502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2019) is amended by striking 5-year period and inserting 10-year period . 6513. Budget submission and funding Section 7506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7614c ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection: (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered program The term covered program means— (A) each research program carried out by the Agricultural Research Service or the Economic Research Service for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President; and (B) each competitive program carried out by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President. (2) Request for awards The term request for awards means a funding announcement published by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture that provides detailed information on funding opportunities at the Institute, including the purpose, eligibility, restriction, focus areas, evaluation criteria, regulatory information, and instructions on how to apply for such opportunities. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (e) Additional Presidential budget submission requirement (1) In general Each year, the President shall submit to Congress, together with the annual budget submission of the President, the information described in paragraph (2) for each funding request for a covered program. (2) Information described The information described in this paragraph includes— (A) baseline information, including with respect to each covered program— (i) the funding level for the program for the fiscal year preceding the year the annual budget submission of the President is submitted; (ii) the funding level requested in the annual budget submission of the President, including any increase or decrease in the funding level; and (iii) an explanation justifying any change from the funding level specified in clause (i) to the level specified in clause (ii); (B) with respect to each covered program that is carried out by the Economic Research Service or the Agricultural Research Service, the location and staff years of the program; (C) the proposed funding levels to be allocated to, and the expected publication date, scope, and allocation level for, each request for awards to be published under or associated with— (i) each priority area specified in subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2)); (ii) each research and extension project carried out under section 1621(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5811(a) ); (iii) each grant to be awarded under section 1672B(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b(a)); (iv) each grant awarded under section 412(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632(d) ); and (v) each grant awarded under 7405(c)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f(c)(1)); or (D) any other information the Secretary determines will increase congressional oversight with respect to covered programs. (3) Prohibition Unless the President submits the information described in paragraph (2)(C) for a fiscal year, the President may not carry out any program during the fiscal year that is authorized under— (A) subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)); (B) section 1621 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5811 ); (C) section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b ); (D) section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632 ); or (E) section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f ). (f) Report of the Secretary of Agriculture Each year on a date that is not later than the date on which the President submits the annual budget, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing a description of the agricultural research, extension, and education activities carried out by the Federal Government during the fiscal year that immediately precedes the year for which the report is submitted, including— (1) a review of the extent to which those activities— (A) are duplicative or overlap within the Department of Agriculture; or (B) are similar to activities carried out by— (i) other Federal agencies; (ii) the States (including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and other territories or possessions of the United States); (iii) institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)); or (iv) the private sector; and (2) for each report submitted under this section on or after January 1, 2013, a 5-year projection of national priorities with respect to agricultural research, extension, and education, taking into account domestic needs. . 6514. Research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria Section 7521(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 3202(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6515. Repeal of farm and ranch stress assistance network Effective October 1, 2013, section 7522 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5936 ) is repealed. 6516. Repeal of seed distribution Effective October 1, 2013, section 7523 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 415–1) is repealed. 6517. Natural products research program Section 7525(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5937(e) ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6518. Sun grant program (a) In general Section 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8114) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(4)(B), by striking the Department of Energy and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies (as determined by the Secretary) ; (2) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking multistate and all that follows through the period and inserting integrated, multistate research, extension, and education programs on technology development and technology implementation. ; (B) by striking subparagraph (C); and (C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking in accordance with paragraph (2) ; (ii) by striking gasification and inserting bioproducts ; and (iii) by striking the Department of Energy and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies ; (B) by striking paragraph (2); and (C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and (4) in subsection (g), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Conforming amendments Section 7526(f)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8114(f)(1) ) is amended by striking subsection (c)(1)(D)(i) and inserting subsection (c)(1)(C)(i) . 6519. Repeal of study and report on food deserts Effective October 1, 2013, section 7527 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2039) is repealed. 6520. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and education Effective October 1, 2013, section 7529 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5938 ) is repealed. F Miscellaneous provisions 6601. Agreements with nonprofit organizations for National Arboretum Section 6 of the Act of March 4, 1927 (20 U.S.C. 196), is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) negotiate agreements for the National Arboretum with nonprofit scientific or educational organizations, the interests of which are complementary to the mission of the National Arboretum, or nonprofit organizations that support the purpose of the National Arboretum, except that the net proceeds of the organizations from the agreements shall be used exclusively for research and educational work for the benefit of the National Arboretum and the operation and maintenance of the facilities of the National Arboretum, including enhancements, upgrades, restoration, and conservation; ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (d) Recognition of donors A non-profit organization that entered into an agreement under subsection (a)(1) may recognize donors if that recognition is approved in advance by the Secretary. In considering whether to approve such recognition, the Secretary shall broadly exercise the discretion of the Secretary to the fullest extent allowed under Federal law in effect on the date of the enactment of this subsection. . 6602. Cotton Disease Research Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the fungus fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum race 4 (referred to in this section as FOV Race 4 ) and the impact of such fungus on cotton, including— (1) an overview of the threat FOV Race 4 poses to the cotton industry in the United States; (2) the status and progress of Federal research initiatives to detect, contain, or eradicate FOV Race 4, including current FOV Race 4-specific research projects; and (3) a comprehensive strategy to combat FOV Race 4 that establishes— (A) detection and identification goals; (B) containment goals; (C) eradication goals; and (D) a plan to partner with the cotton industry in the United States to maximize resources, information sharing, and research responsiveness and effectiveness. 6603. Acceptance of facility for Agricultural Research Service (a) Construction authorized Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of Agriculture may authorize a non-Federal entity to construct, at no cost and without obligation to the Federal Government, a facility for use by the Agricultural Research Service on land owned by the Agricultural Research Service and managed by the Secretary. (b) Acceptance of gift (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), upon the completion of the construction of the facility by the non-Federal entity under subsection (a), the Secretary shall accept the facility as a gift in accordance with Public Law 95–442 ( 7 U.S.C. 2269 ). (2) Certification The Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall certify in advance that the acceptance under paragraph (1) complies with the limitations specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c). (c) Limitations (1) Value The Secretary may not accept a facility as a gift under this section if the fair market value of the facility is more than $5,000,000. (2) No Federal cost The Secretary shall not enter into any acquisitions, demonstrations, exchanges, grants, contracts, incentives, leases, procurements, sales, or other transaction authorities or arrangements that would obligate future appropriations with respect to the facility constructed under subsection (a). (d) Termination of authority No facility may be accepted by the Secretary for use by the Agricultural Research Service under this section after September 30, 2018. 6604. Miscellaneous technical corrections Sections 7408 and 7409 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2013) are both amended by striking Title III of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 and inserting Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 . 6605. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research (a) In general Notwithstanding the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq. ), the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 ( 41 U.S.C. 8101 et seq. ), the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 (20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), or any other Federal law, an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) may grow or cultivate industrial hemp if— (1) the industrial hemp is grown or cultivated for purposes of agricultural research or other academic research; and (2) the growing or cultivating of industrial hemp is allowed under the laws of the State in which such institution of higher education is located and such research occurs. (b) Industrial hemp defined In this section, the term industrial hemp means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. VII Forestry A Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs 7001. Forest land enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 4 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 8002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–171; 16 U.S.C. 2103 note) is amended by striking subsection (a). (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 7002. Watershed forestry assistance program (a) Repeal Section 6 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103b ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 7003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing program Section 18 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2112 ) is repealed. 7004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program (a) Repeal Section 8402 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 16 U.S.C. 1649a ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 7005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program (a) Repeal Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6542 ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 7006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process Section 322 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Public Law 102–381; 16 U.S.C. 1612 note) is repealed. Section 428 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 ( Public Law 112–74 ; 125 Stat. 1046; 16 U.S.C. 6515 note) shall not apply to any project or activity implementing a land and resource management plan developed under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604) that is categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ). B Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Programs 7101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources Section 2A(c) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2101a(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (4), by striking and ; (2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: (5) as feasible, appropriate military installations where the voluntary participation and management of private or State-owned or other public forestland is able to support, promote, and contribute to the missions of such installations; and . 7102. Forest Legacy Program Subsection (m) of section 7 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103c ) is amended to read as follows: (m) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7103. Community forest and open space conservation program Subsection (g) of section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103d ) is amended to read as follows: (g) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . C Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws 7201. Rural revitalization technologies Section 2371(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6601(d)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7202. Office of International Forestry Subsection (d) of section 2405 of the Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6704 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2013; and (2) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7203. Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve program Section 508 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6578 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking In general and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; (2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (d); and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsections: (b) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out this section $9,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (c) Additional source of funds In addition to funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use such amount of the funds appropriated for that fiscal year to carry out the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590a et seq. ) as the Secretary determines necessary to cover the cost of technical assistance, management, and enforcement responsibilities for land enrolled in the healthy forests reserve program pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of section 504. . 7204. Stewardship end result contracting project authority Section 347 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (as contained in section 101(e) of division A of Public Law 105–277; 16 U.S.C. 2104 note) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (6) Contract for sale of property At the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture, a contract entered into by the Forest Service under this section may be considered a contract for the sale of property under such terms as the Secretary may prescribe without regard to any other provision of law. (7) Fire liability provisions Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Chief and the Director shall issue for use in all contracts and agreements under this section fire liability provisions that are in substantially the same form as the fire liability provisions contained in— (A) integrated resource timber contracts, as described in the Forest Service contract numbered 2400–13, part H, section H.4; and (B) timber sale contracts conducted pursuant to section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a). . D National Forest Critical Area Response 7301. Definitions In this title: (1) Critical area The term critical area means an area of the National Forest System designated by the Secretary under section 7302. (2) National forest system The term National Forest System has the meaning given that term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)). (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. 7302. Designation of critical areas (a) Designation requirements The Secretary of Agriculture shall designate critical areas within the National Forest System for the purposes of addressing— (1) deteriorating forest health conditions in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act due to insect infestation, drought, disease, or storm damage; and (2) the future risk of insect infestations or disease outbreaks through preventative treatments. (b) Designation method In considering National Forest System land for designation as a critical area, the Secretary shall use— (1) for purposes of subsection (a)(1), the most recent annual forest health aerial surveys of mortality and defoliation; and (2) for purposes of subsection (a)(2), the National Insect and Disease Risk Map. (c) Time for initial designations The first critical areas shall be designated by the Secretary not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Duration of designation The designation of a critical area shall expire not later than 10 years after the date of the designation. 7303. Application of expedited procedures and activities of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to critical areas (a) Applicability Subject to subsections (b) through (e), title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511 et seq.) (including the environmental analysis requirements of section 104 of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6514 ), the special administrative review process under section 105 of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6515 ), and the judicial review process under section 106 of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6516 )), shall apply to all Forest Service projects and activities carried out in a critical area. (b) Application of other law Section 322 of Public Law 102–381 ( 16 U.S.C. 1612 note; 106 Stat. 1419) shall not apply to projects conducted in accordance with this section. (c) Required modifications In applying title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511 et seq.) to Forest Service projects and activities in a critical area, the Secretary shall make the following modifications: (1) The authority shall apply to the entire critical area, including land that is outside of a wildland-urban interface area or that does not satisfy any of the other eligibility criteria specified in section 102(a) of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6512(a) ). (2) All projects and activities of the Forest Service, including necessary connected actions (as described in section 1508.25(a)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)), shall be considered to be authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects for purposes of applying the title. (d) Smaller projects (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a project conducted in a critical area in accordance with this section that comprises less than 10,000 acres shall be— (A) considered an action categorically excluded from the requirements for an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation); and (B) exempt from the special administrative review process under section 105 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6515). (2) Exclusion of certain areas Paragraph (1) does not apply to— (A) a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (B) any Federal land on which, by Act of Congress or Presidential proclamation, the removal of vegetation is restricted or prohibited; (C) a congressionally designated wilderness study area; or (D) an area in which activities under paragraph (1) would be inconsistent with the applicable land and resource management plan. (e) Forest Management Plans All projects and activities carried out in a critical area pursuant to this subtitle shall be consistent with the land and resource management plan established under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604) for the unit of the National Forest System containing the critical area. 7304. Good neighbor authority (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible State The term eligible State means a State that contains National Forest System land. (2) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (3) State forester The term State forester means the head of a State agency with jurisdiction over State forestry programs in an eligible State. (b) Cooperative agreements and contracts (1) In general The Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement or contract (including a sole source contract) with a State forester to authorize the State forester to provide the forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration, management, and protection services described in paragraph (2) on National Forest System land in the eligible State. (2) Authorized services The forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration, management, and protection services referred to in paragraph (1) include the conduct of— (A) activities to treat insect infected forests; (B) activities to reduce hazardous fuels; (C) activities involving commercial harvesting or other mechanical vegetative treatments; or (D) any other activities to restore or improve forest, rangeland, and watershed health, including fish and wildlife habitat. (3) State as agent Except as provided in paragraph (6), a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1) may authorize the State forester to serve as the agent for the Secretary in providing the restoration, management, and protection services authorized under that paragraph. (4) Subcontracts In accordance with applicable contract procedures for the eligible State, a State forester may enter into subcontracts to provide the restoration, management, and protection services authorized under a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1). (5) Timber sales Subsections (d) and (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ) shall not apply to services performed under a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1). (6) Retention of NEPA responsibilities Any decision required to be made under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) with respect to any restoration, management, and protection services to be provided under this section by a State forester on National Forest System land shall not be delegated to a State forester or any other officer or employee of the eligible State. (7) Applicable law The restoration, management, and protection services to be provided under this section shall be carried out on a project-to-project basis under existing authorities of the Forest Service. E Miscellaneous Provisions 7401. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis (a) Revision required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall revise the strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis initially prepared pursuant to section 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1642(e) ) to address the requirements imposed by subsection (b). (b) Elements of revised strategic plan In revising the strategic plan, the Secretary of Agriculture shall describe in detail the organization, procedures, and funding needed to achieve each of the following: (1) Complete the transition to a fully annualized forest inventory program and include inventory and analysis of interior Alaska. (2) Implement an annualized inventory of trees in urban settings, including the status and trends of trees and forests, and assessments of their ecosystem services, values, health, and risk to pests and diseases. (3) Report information on renewable biomass supplies and carbon stocks at the local, State, regional, and national level, including by ownership type. (4) Engage State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis in reevaluating the list of core data variables collected on forest inventory and analysis plots with an emphasis on demonstrated need. (5) Improve the timeliness of the timber product output program and accessibility of the annualized information on that database. (6) Foster greater cooperation among the forest inventory and analysis program, research station leaders, and State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis. (7) Promote availability of and access to non-Federal resources to improve information analysis and information management. (8) Collaborate with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and United States Geological Survey to integrate remote sensing, spatial analysis techniques, and other new technologies in the forest inventory and analysis program. (9) Understand and report on changes in land cover and use. (10) Expand existing programs to promote sustainable forest stewardship through increased understanding, in partnership with other Federal agencies, of the over 10 million family forest owners, their demographics, and the barriers to forest stewardship. (11) Implement procedures to improve the statistical precision of estimates at the sub-State level. (c) Submission of revised strategic plan The Secretary of Agriculture shall submit the revised strategic plan to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. 7402. Forest Service participation in ACES Program The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may use funds derived from conservation-related programs executed on National Forest System lands to utilize the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services Program established pursuant to section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3851 ) to provide technical services for conservation-related programs and authorities carried out by the Secretary on National Forest System lands. 7403. Green science and technology transfer research under Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (a) Additional Forestry and Rangeland Research and Education High Priority Section 3(d)(2) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1642(d)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) Science and technology transfer, through the Forest Products Laboratory, to demonstrate the beneficial characteristics of wood as a green building material, including investments in life cycle assessment for wood products. . (b) Research facilities and cooperation Section 4 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1643 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) 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 an annual report describing, for the period covered by the report— (1) the research conducted in furtherance of the research and education priority specified in section 3(d)(2)(F); (2) the number of buildings the Forest Service has built with wood as the primary structural material; and (3) the investments made by the Forest Service in green building wood promotion. . 7404. Extension of stewardship contracts authority regarding use of designation by prescription to all thinning sales under National Forest Management Act of 1976 Subsection (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ) is amended to read as follows: (g) Designation, including but not limited to, marking when necessary, designation by description, or designation by prescription, and supervision of harvesting of trees, portions of trees, or forest products shall be conducted by persons employed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Such persons shall have no personal interest in the purchase or harvest of such products and shall not be directly or indirectly in the employment of the purchaser thereof. Designation by prescription and designation by prescription shall be considered valid methods for designation, and may be supervised by use of post-harvest cruise, sample weight scaling, or other methods determined by the Secretary to be appropriate. . 7405. Reimbursement of fire funds expended by a State for management and suppression of certain wildfires (a) Definition of State In this section, the term State includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (b) Reimbursement authority If a State seeks reimbursement for amounts expended for resources and services provided to another State for the management and suppression of a wildfire, the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to subsections (c) and (d)— (1) may accept the reimbursement amounts from the other State; and (2) shall pay those amounts to the State seeking reimbursement. (c) Mutual assistance agreement As a condition of seeking and providing reimbursement under subsection (b), the State seeking reimbursement and the State providing reimbursement must each have a mutual assistance agreement with the Forest Service or an agency of the Department of the Interior for providing and receiving wildfire management and suppression resources and services. (d) Terms and conditions The Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe the terms and conditions determined to be necessary to carry out subsection (b). (e) Effect on prior reimbursements Any acceptance of funds or reimbursements made by the Secretary of Agriculture before the date of enactment of this Act that otherwise would have been authorized under this section shall be considered to have been made in accordance with this section. 7406. Ability of National Forest System lands to meet needs of local wood producing facilities for raw materials Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress a report containing— (1) an assessment of the raw material needs of wood producing facilities located within the boundaries of each unit of the National Forest System or located outside of the unit, but within 100 miles of such boundaries; (2) the volume of timber which would be available if the unit of the National Forest System annually sold its Allowable Sale Quantity in the current Forest Plan; (3) the volume of timber actually sold and harvested from each unit of the National Forest System for the previous decade; (4) a comparison of the volume actually sold and harvested from the previous decade to the Allowable Sale Quantity calculated in that decade by preceding or current forest plans; and (5) an assessment of the ability of each unit of National Forest System to meet the needs of these facilities for raw materials. 7407. Report on the National Forest System roads Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the following: (1) The total mileage of National Forest System roads and trails not meeting forest plan standards and guidelines. (2) The total amount, in dollars, of Capital Improvement & Maintenance deferred maintenance needs for National Forest System roads, including a five-year analysis in the trend in total deferred maintenance costs. (3) The sources of funds used for capital improvement & maintenance roads, including appropriated funds, mandatory funds, and receipts from activities on National Forest System lands. (4) The impact of road closures on recreational activities and timber harvesting. (5) The impact on land acquisitions, whether through fee acquisition, donation, or easement, on the maintenance backlog. 7408. Forest Service large airtanker and aerial asset firefighting recapitalization pilot program (a) In general Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may establish a large airtanker and aerial asset lease program in accordance with this section. (b) Aircraft requirements In carrying out the program described in subsection (a), the Secretary may enter into a multiyear lease contract for up to five aircraft that meet the criteria— (1) described in the Forest Service document entitled Large Airtanker Modernization Strategy and dated February 10, 2012, for large airtankers; and (2) determined by the Secretary, for other aerial assets. (c) Lease terms The term of any individual lease agreement into which the Secretary enters under this section shall be— (1) up to five years, inclusive of any options to renew or extend the initial lease term; and (2) in accordance with section 3903 of title 41, United States Code. (d) Prohibition No lease entered into under this section shall provide for the purchase of the aircraft by, or the transfer of ownership to, the Forest Service. 7409. Land conveyance, Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia (a) Conveyance required Upon payment by the Association of the consideration under subsection (b) and the costs under subsection (d), the Secretary shall, subject to valid existing rights, convey to the Association all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of National Forest System land in the Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia, consisting of approximately 0.70 acres and containing the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery and an easement to provide access to the parcel, as generally depicted on the map. (b) Consideration (1) Fair market value As consideration for the land conveyed under subsection (a), the Association shall pay to the Secretary cash in an amount equal to the market value of the land, as determined by an appraisal approved by the Secretary and conducted in conformity with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and section 206 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716). (2) Deposit The consideration received by the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall be deposited into the general fund of the Treasury of the United States for the purposes of deficit reduction. (c) Description of property The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary. (d) Costs The Association shall pay to the Secretary at closing the reasonable costs of the survey, the appraisal, and any administrative and environmental analyses required by law. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Association The term Association means the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery Association of Pound, Virginia. (2) Map The term map means the map titled Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery dated March 1, 2013. (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (f) Additional terms and conditions The Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. 7410. Categorical exclusion for forest projects in response to emergencies In the case of National Forest System land damaged by a natural disaster regarding which the President declares a disaster or emergency pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), any forest project carried out to clean up or restore the damaged National Forest System land during the two-year period beginning on the date of the declaration shall be categorically excluded from the requirements relating to environmental assessments or environmental impact statements under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. VIII Energy 8001. Definition of renewable energy system Section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8101 ) is amended by— (1) striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new paragraph: (4) Biobased product (A) In general The term biobased product means a product determined by the Secretary to be a commercial or industrial product (other than food or feed) that is— (i) composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products, including renewable domestic agricultural materials and forestry materials; or (ii) an intermediate ingredient or feedstock. (B) Inclusion The term biobased product , with respect to forestry materials, includes forest products that meet biobased content requirements, notwithstanding the market share the product holds, the age of the product, or whether the market for the product is new or emerging. ; (2) redesignating paragraphs (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), and (14) as paragraphs (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), and (16); (3) inserting after paragraph (8), the following new paragraph: (9) Forest product (A) In general The term forest product means a product made from materials derived from the practice of forestry or the management of growing timber. (B) Inclusions The term forest product includes— (i) pulp, paper, paperboard, pellets, lumber, and other wood products; and (ii) any recycled products derived from forest materials. ; and (4) inserting after paragraph (14) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (15) Renewable energy system (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the term renewable energy system means a system that— (i) produces usable energy from a renewable energy source; and (ii) may include distribution components necessary to move energy produced by such system to the initial point of sale. (B) Limitation A system described in subparagraph (A) may not include a mechanism for dispensing energy at retail. . 8002. Biobased markets program Section 9002(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8102(h) ) is amended by— (1) striking (h) Funding.— and all that follows through to carry out this section, there and inserting (h) Funding.— There ; and (2) striking 2013 and inserting 2018 . 8003. Biorefinery assistance (a) Program adjustments Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8103 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c), by striking to eligible entities and all that follows through guarantees for loans and inserting to eligible entities guarantees for loans ; (2) by striking subsection (d); (3) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h) as subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively; and (4) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking subsection (c)(2) each place it appears and inserting subsection (c) ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking subsection (h) and inserting subsection (g) . (b) Funding Section 9003(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as redesignated by subsection (a)(3), is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8004. Repowering assistance program Section 9004(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8104(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8005. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels Section 9005(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8105(c) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program Section 9006(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8106(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in the heading of paragraph (1) (as so redesignated), by striking Authorization of appropriations and inserting Fiscal year 2013 ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8007. Rural Energy for America Program (a) Tiered application process Section 9007(c) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107(c) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (2) Tiered application process In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a three-tiered application, evaluation, and oversight process that varies based on the cost of the proposed project with the process most simplified for projects referred to in subparagraph (A), more comprehensive for projects referred to in subparagraph (B), and most comprehensive for projects referred to in subparagraph (C). The three tiers for such process shall be as follows: (A) Tier 1 Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is not more than $80,000. (B) Tier 2 Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is more than $80,000 but less than $200,000. (C) Tier 3 Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is $200,000 or more. . (b) Funding Section 9007(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107(g) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2); (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8008. Biomass Research and Development Section 9008(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8108(h) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8110(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 . 8010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program Section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8111 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking paragraph (6); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (7) and (8) as paragraphs (6) and (7), respectively; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking Program to and all that follows through support the establishment and inserting Program to support the establishment ; (B) by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (C) by striking paragraph (2); (3) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (2)(B)— (i) in clause (viii), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (ii) by redesignating clause (ix) as clause (x); and (iii) by inserting after clause (viii) the following new clause: (ix) existing project areas that have received funding under this section and the continuation of funding of such project areas to advance the maturity of such project areas; and ; and (B) in paragraph (5)(C)(ii)— (i) by striking subclause (III); and (ii) by redesignating subclauses (IV) and (V) as subclauses (III) and (IV), respectively; (4) by striking subsection (d); (5) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and (6) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking paragraph (1); (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (C) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (i) by striking Fiscal year 2013 and all that follows through There is authorized and inserting Fiscal year 2013.— There is authorized ; and (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as paragraph (3) and moving the margin of such paragraph (as so redesignated) two ems to the left; (D) by inserting after paragraph (1), the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (E) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C)(ii) of this paragraph), by striking this paragraph and inserting this subsection . 8011. Community wood energy program Section 9013(e) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8113(e) ) is amended by striking carry out this section and all that follows and inserting the following: carry out this section— (1) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8012. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study Section 9002 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2095) is repealed. 8013. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study Section 9003 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2096) is repealed. 8014. Energy efficiency report for USDA facilities (a) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 on energy use and energy efficiency projects at Department of Agriculture facilities. (b) Contents The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An analysis of energy use by Department of Agriculture facilities. (2) A list of energy audits that have been conducted at such facilities. (3) A list of energy efficiency projects that have been conducted at such facilities. (4) A list of energy savings projects that could be achieved with enacting a consistent, timely, and proper mechanical insulation maintenance program and upgrading mechanical insulation at such facilities. IX Horticulture 9001. Specialty crops market news allocation Section 10107(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622b(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 9002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops Effective October 1, 2013, section 10403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622c ) is repealed. 9003. Farmers market and local food promotion program Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 ( 7 U.S.C. 3005 ) is amended— (1) in the heading of such section, by inserting and Local Food after Farmers’ Market ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting and Local Food after Farmers’ Market ; (B) by striking farmers’ markets and to promote ; and (C) by striking the period and inserting and assist in the development of local food business enterprises. ; (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Program purposes The purposes of the Program are to increase domestic consumption of, and consumer access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products by assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of— (1) domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities; and (2) local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, and store locally or regionally produced food products. ; (4) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) by inserting or other agricultural business entity after cooperative ; and (B) by inserting , including a community supported agriculture network or association after association ; (5) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); (6) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection: (e) Funds requirements for eligible entities (1) Matching funds An entity receiving a grant under this section for a project to carry out a purpose described in subsection (b)(2) shall provide matching funds in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total cost of such project. (2) Limitation on use of funds An eligible entity may not use a grant or other assistance provided under this section for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of a building or structure. ; and (7) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (5))— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (B) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5); (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6); and (D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraphs: (3) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (4) Use of funds Of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, 50 percent of such funds shall be used for the purposes described in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) and 50 percent of such funds shall be used for the purposes described in paragraph (2) of such subsection. (5) Limitation on administrative expenses Not more than 3 percent of the total amount made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year may be used for administrative expenses. . 9004. Organic agriculture (a) Organic production and market data initiatives Section 7407(d)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925c(d)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (2) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . (b) Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program Section 2122 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6521 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (c) Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program The Secretary shall modernize database and technology systems of the national organic program. . (c) Authorization of appropriations for national organic program Effective October 1, 2013, section 2123(b)(6) of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522(b)(6)) is amended to read as follows: (6) $11,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (d) National organic certification cost-Share program Effective October 1, 2013, section 10606 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 6523) is repealed. (e) Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments Subsection (e) of section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401 ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments (1) In general Notwithstanding any provision of a commodity promotion law, a person that produces, handles, markets, or imports organic products may be exempt from the payment of an assessment under a commodity promotion law with respect to any agricultural commodity that is certified as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation). (2) Split operations The exemption described in paragraph (1) shall apply to the certified organic or ‘100 percent organic’ (as defined in part 205 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)) products of a producer, handler, or marketer regardless of whether the agricultural commodity subject to the exemption is produced, handled, or marketed by a person that also produces, handles, or markets conventional or nonorganic agricultural products, including conventional or nonorganic agricultural products of the same agricultural commodity as that for which the exemption is claimed. (3) Approval The Secretary shall approve the exemption of a person under this subsection if the person maintains a valid organic certificate issued under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ). (4) Termination of effectiveness This subsection shall be effective until the date on which the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order in accordance with subsection (f). (5) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1). . (f) Organic commodity promotion order Section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (f) Organic commodity promotion order (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Certified organic farm The term certified organic farm has the meaning given the term in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502). (B) Covered person The term covered person means a producer, handler, marketer, or importer of an organic agricultural commodity. (C) Dual-covered agricultural commodity The term dual-covered agricultural commodity means an agricultural commodity that— (i) is produced on a certified organic farm; and (ii) is covered under both— (I) an organic commodity promotion order issued pursuant to paragraph (2); and (II) any other agricultural commodity promotion order issued under section 514. (2) Authorization The Secretary may issue an organic commodity promotion order under section 514 that includes any agricultural commodity that— (A) is produced or handled (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502)) and that is certified to be sold or labeled as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation)); or (B) is imported with a valid organic certificate (as defined in such part). (3) Election If the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order described in paragraph (2), a covered person may elect, for applicable dual-covered agricultural commodities and in the sole discretion of the covered person, whether to be assessed under the organic commodity promotion order or another applicable agricultural commodity promotion order. (4) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1). . (g) Definition of agricultural commodity Section 513(1) of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7412(1) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph: (E) products, as a class, that are produced on a certified organic farm (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 )) and that are certified to be sold or labeled as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation); . 9005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 2122 ( 7 U.S.C. 6521 ) the following new section: 2122A. Investigation and enforcement (a) Expedited administrative hearing The Secretary shall establish an expedited administrative hearing procedure under which the Secretary may suspend or revoke the organic certification of a producer or handler or the accreditation of a certifying agent in accordance with subsection (d). Such a hearing may be conducted in addition to a hearing conducted pursuant to section 2120. (b) Investigation (1) In general The Secretary may take such investigative actions as the Secretary considers to be necessary to carry out this title— (A) to verify the accuracy of any information reported or made available under this title; and (B) to determine, with regard to actions, practices, or information required under this title, whether a person covered by this title has committed a violation of this title. (2) Investigative powers The Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel attendance of witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of any records required to be maintained under section 2112(d) or 2116(c) that are relevant to the investigation. (c) Unlawful Act It shall be unlawful and a violation of this title for any person covered by this title— (1) to refuse to provide information required by the Secretary under this title; or (2) to violate— (A) a suspension or revocation of the organic certification of a producer or handler; or (B) a suspension or revocation of the accreditation of a certifying agent. (d) Enforcement (1) Suspension (A) In general The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for an expedited administrative hearing, suspend the organic certification of a producer, handler or the accreditation of a certifying agent if— (i) the Secretary, during such expedited administrative hearing, proved that— (I) in the case of a producer or handler, the producer or handler— (aa) has recklessly committed a violation of a term, condition, or requirement of the organic plan to which the producer or handler is subject; or (bb) has recklessly committed, or is recklessly committing, a violation of this title; or (II) in the case of a certifying agent, the agent has recklessly committed, or is recklessly committing, a violation of this title; or (ii) the producer, handler, or certifying agent has waived such expedited administrative hearing. (B) Issuance of suspension A suspension issued under this paragraph shall be issued not later than five days after the date on which— (i) the expedited administrative hearing referred to in clause (i) of subparagraph (A) concludes; or (ii) the Secretary receives notice of the waiver referred to in clause (ii) of such subparagraph. (C) Duration of suspension The period of a suspension issued under this paragraph shall be not more than 90 days, beginning on the date on which the Secretary issues the suspension. (D) Curing of violations (i) In general The Secretary may not issue a suspension of a certification or accreditation under this paragraph if the producer, handler, or certifying agent subject to such suspension— (I) before the date on which the suspension would otherwise have been issued, cures, or corrects the deficiency giving rise to, the violation for which the certification or accreditation would have been suspended; or (II) within a reasonable timeframe (as determined by the Secretary), enters into a settlement with the Secretary regarding a deficiency referred to in subclause (I). (ii) During suspension The Secretary shall terminate the suspension of an organic certification or accreditation issued under this paragraph if the producer, handler, or certifying agent subject to such suspension cures the violation for which the certification or accreditation was suspended under this paragraph before the date on which the period of the suspension ends. (2) Revocation (A) In general The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for an expedited administrative hearing under this section and an expedited administrative appeal under section 2121, revoke the organic certification of a producer or handler, or the accreditation of a certifying agent if— (i) the Secretary, during such hearing, proved that— (I) in the case of a producer or handler, the producer or handler— (aa) has knowingly committed an egregious violation of a term, condition, or requirement of the organic plan to which the producer or handler is subject; or (bb) has knowingly committed, or is knowingly committing, an egregious violation of this title; or (II) in the case of a certifying agent, the agent has knowingly committed, or is knowingly committing, an egregious violation of this title; or (ii) the producer, handler, or certifying agent has waived such expedited administrative hearing and such an expedited administrative appeal. (B) Initiation of revocation proceedings (i) In general If the Secretary finds, during an investigation or during the period of a suspension under paragraph (1), that a producer, handler, or certifying agent has knowingly committed an egregious violation of this title, the Secretary shall initiate revocation proceedings with respect to such violation not later than 30 days after the date on which the producer, handler, or certifying agent receives notice of such finding in accordance with clause (ii). The Secretary may not initiate revocation proceedings with respect to such violation after the date on which that 30-day period ends. (ii) Notice Not later than five days after the date on which the Secretary makes the finding described in clause (i), the Secretary shall provide to the producer, handler, or certifying agent notice of such finding. (e) Appeal (1) Suspensions (A) In general The suspension of a certification or accreditation under subsection (d)(1) by the Secretary may be appealed to a United States district court in accordance with section 2121(b) not later than 30 business days after the date on which the person subject to such suspension receives notice of the suspension. (B) Suspension final and conclusive A suspension of a certification or accreditation under subsection (d)(1) by the Secretary shall be final and conclusive— (i) in the case of a suspension that is appealed under subparagraph (A) within the 30-day period specified in such subparagraph, on the date on which judicial review of such suspension is complete; or (ii) in the case of a suspension that is not so appealed, the date on which such 30-day period ends. (2) Revocations (A) In general The revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) by the Secretary may be appealed to a United States district court in accordance with section 2121(b) not later than 30 business days after the date on which the person subject to such revocation receives notice of the revocation. (B) Revocation final and conclusive A revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) by the Secretary shall be final and conclusive— (i) in the case of a revocation that is appealed under subparagraph (A) within the 30-day period specified in such subparagraph, on the date on which judicial review of such revocation is complete; or (ii) in the case of a revocation that is not so appealed, the date on which such 30-day period ends. (3) Standards for review of suspensions and revocations A suspension or revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d) shall be reviewed in accordance with the standards of review specified in section 706(2) of title 5, United States Code. (f) Noncompliance (1) In general If a person covered by this title fails to obey a revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) after such revocation has become final and conclusive or after the appropriate United States district court has entered a final judgment in favor of the Secretary, the United States may apply to the appropriate United States district court for enforcement of such revocation. (2) Enforcement If the court determines that the revocation was lawfully made and duly served and that the person violated the revocation, the court shall enforce the revocation. (3) Civil penalty If the court finds that the person violated the revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2), the person shall be subject to one or more of the penalties provided in subsections (a) and (b) of section 2120. (g) Violation of this title defined In this section, the term violation of this title means a violation specified in section 2120. . 9006. Food safety education initiatives Section 10105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7655 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , including farm workers after industry ; (B) in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end; (C) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) practices that prevent bacterial contamination of food, how to identify sources of food contamination, and other means of decreasing food contamination. ; and (2) in subsection (c), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 9007. Specialty crop block grants Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108–465) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking subsection (j) and inserting subsection (l) ; and (B) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Grants based on value and acreage Subject to subsection (c), for each State whose application for a grant for a fiscal year that is accepted by the Secretary under subsection (f), the amount of the grant for such fiscal year to the State under this section shall bear the same ratio to the total amount made available under subsection (l)(1) for such fiscal year as— (1) the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in the State and the acreage of specialty crop production in the State, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data; bears to (2) the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in all States and the acreage of specialty crop production in all States, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data. ; (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) an assurance that any grant funds received under this section that are used for equipment or capital-related research costs determined to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops— (A) shall be supplemented by the expenditure of State funds in an amount that is not less than 50 percent of such costs during the fiscal year in which such costs were incurred; and (B) shall be completely replaced by State funds on the day after the date on which such fiscal year ends. ; (4) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (l); (5) by inserting after subsection (i) the following new subsections: (j) Multistate projects Not later than 180 days after the effective date of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue guidance for the purpose of making grants to multistate projects under this section for projects involving— (1) food safety; (2) plant pests and disease; (3) research; (4) crop-specific projects addressing common issues; and (5) any other area that furthers the purposes of this section, as determined by the Secretary. (k) Administration (1) Department The Secretary of Agriculture may not use more than 3 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year for administrative expenses. (2) States A State receiving a grant under this section may not use more than 8 percent of the funds received under the grant for a fiscal year for administrative expenses. ; and (6) in subsection (l) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and moving the margins of such subparagraphs two ems to the right; (B) by striking Of the funds and inserting the following: (1) In general Of the funds ; (C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)— (i) in subparagraph (B) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: (D) $72,500,000 for fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (E) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Multistate projects Of the funds made available under paragraph (1), the Secretary may use to carry out subsection (j), to remain available until expended— (A) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; (B) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (C) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; (D) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and (E) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. . 9008. Department of Agriculture consultation regarding enforcement of certain labor law provisions Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the Secretary of Labor regarding the restraining of shipments of agricultural commodities, or the confiscation of such commodities, by the Department of Labor for actual or suspected labor law violations in order to consider— (1) the perishable nature of such commodities; (2) the impact of such restraining or confiscation on the economic viability of farming operations; and (3) the competitiveness of specialty crops through grants awarded to States under section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note). 9009. Report on honey (a) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with persons affected by the potential establishment of a Federal standard for the identity of honey, shall submit to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs a report describing how an appropriate Federal standard for the identity of honey would be in the interest of consumers, the honey industry, and United States agriculture. (b) Considerations In preparing the report required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall take into consideration the March 2006, Standard of Identity citizens petition filed with the Food and Drug Administration, including any current industry amendments or clarifications necessary to update such petition. 9010. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada (a) Bulk shipment of apples to Canada Section 4 of the Export Apple Act ( 7 U.S.C. 584 ) is amended— (1) by striking Apples in and inserting (a) Apples in ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (b) Apples may be shipped to Canada in bulk bins without complying with the provisions of this Act. . (b) Definition of bulk bin Section 9 of the Export Apple Act ( 7 U.S.C. 589 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) The term bulk bin means a bin that contains a quantity of apples weighing more than 100 pounds. . (c) Regulations Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section. 9011. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs (a) Relocation of legislative language relating to national clean plant network Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection: (e) National clean plant network (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a program to be known as the National Clean Plant Network (referred to in this subsection as the Program ). (2) Requirements Under the Program, the Secretary shall establish a network of clean plant centers for diagnostic and pathogen elimination services— (A) to produce clean propagative plant material; and (B) to maintain blocks of pathogen-tested plant material in sites located throughout the United States. (3) Availability of clean plant source material Clean plant source material may be made available to— (A) a State for a certified plant program of the State; and (B) private nurseries and producers. (4) Consultation and collaboration In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall— (A) consult with— (i) State departments of agriculture; and (ii) land-grant colleges and universities and NLGCA Institutions (as those terms are defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); and (B) to the extent practicable and with input from the appropriate State officials and industry representatives, use existing Federal or State facilities to serve as clean plant centers. (5) Funding for fiscal year 2013 There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2013. . (b) Funding Subsection (f) of section 420 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7721) (as so redesignated) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking and each fiscal year thereafter. and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (5) $62,500,000 for fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (6) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. . (c) Repeal of existing provision Section 10202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7761) is repealed. (d) Clarification of use of funds for technical assistance Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7721), as amended by subsection (a), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (g) Relationship to other law The use of Commodity Credit Corporation funds under this section to provide technical assistance shall not be considered an allotment or fund transfer from the Commodity Credit Corporation for purposes of the limit on expenditures for technical assistance imposed by section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714i). . (e) Use of funds for clean plant network Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ), as amended by subsections (a) and (d), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (h) Use of funds for clean plant network Of the funds made available under subsection (f) to carry out this section for a fiscal year, not less than $5,000,000 shall be available to carry out the national clean plant network under subsection (e). . 9012. Modification, cancellation, or suspension on basis of a biological opinion (a) In general Except in the case of a voluntary request from a pesticide registrant to amend a registration under section 3 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a), a registration of a pesticide may be modified, canceled, or suspended on the basis of the implementation of a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service prior to the date of completion of the study referred to in subsection (b), or January 1, 2015, whichever is earlier, only if— (1) the modification, cancellation, or suspension is undertaken pursuant to section 6 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 136d); and (2) the Biological Opinion complies with the recommendations contained in the study referred to in subsection (b). (b) National Academy of Sciences Study The study commissioned by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on March 10, 2011, shall include, at a minimum, each of the following: (1) A formal, independent, and external peer review, consistent with Office of Management and Budget policies, of each Biological Opinion described in subsection (a). (2) Assessment of economic impacts of measures or alternatives recommended in each such Biological Opinion. (3) An examination of the specific scientific and procedural questions and issues pertaining to economic feasibility contained in the June 23, 2011, letter sent to the Administrator (and other Federal officials) by the Chairmen of the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Natural Resources, and the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations, of the House of Representatives. 9013. Use and discharges of authorized pesticides (a) Short title This section may be cited as the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2013 . (b) Use of authorized pesticides Section 3(f) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136a(f) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) Use of authorized pesticides Except as provided in section 402(s) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Administrator or a State may not require a permit under such Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under this Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of such pesticide. . (c) Discharges of pesticides Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342) is amended by adding at the end the following: (s) Discharges of pesticides (1) No permit requirement Except as provided in paragraph (2), a permit shall not be required by the Administrator or a State under this Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of such pesticide. (2) Exceptions Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the following discharges of a pesticide or pesticide residue: (A) A discharge resulting from the application of a pesticide in violation of a provision of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act that is relevant to protecting water quality, if— (i) the discharge would not have occurred but for the violation; or (ii) the amount of pesticide or pesticide residue in the discharge is greater than would have occurred without the violation. (B) Stormwater discharges subject to regulation under subsection (p). (C) The following discharges subject to regulation under this section: (i) Manufacturing or industrial effluent. (ii) Treatment works effluent. (iii) Discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, including a discharge resulting from ballasting operations or vessel biofouling prevention. . 9014. Seed not pesticide or device for purposes of importation Section 17(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136o(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentences: Solely for purposes of notifications of arrival upon importation, for purposes of this subsection, seed, including treated seed, shall not be considered a pesticide or device. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as precluding or limiting the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to the importation or movement of plants, plant products, or seeds, under the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) or the Federal Seed Act (7 U.S.C. 1551 et seq.). . 9015. Stay of regulations related to Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall lift the administrative stay that was imposed by the rule entitled Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Stay of Regulations and published by the Department of Agriculture on November 17, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 71241), on the regulations in subpart A of part 214 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, establishing an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for fresh cut Christmas trees. 9016. Study on proposed order pertaining to sulfuryl fluoride Not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the potential economic and public health effects that would result from finalization of the proposed order published in the January 19, 2011, Federal Register (76 Fed. Reg. 3422) pertaining to the pesticide sulfuryl fluoride, including the anticipated impacts of such finalization on the production of an adequate, wholesome, and economical food supply and on farmers and related agricultural sectors. 9017. Study on local and regional food production and program evaluation (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture shall— (1) collect data on the production and marketing of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (2) facilitate interagency collaboration and data sharing on programs related to local and regional food systems; and (3) monitor the effectiveness of programs designed to expand or facilitate local food systems. (b) Requirements In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall— (1) collect and distribute comprehensive reporting of prices of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (2) conduct surveys and analysis and publish reports relating to the production, handling, distribution, and retail sales of, and trend studies (including consumer purchasing patterns) on, locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs in growing local and regional food systems, including— (A) the impact of local food systems on job creation and economic development; (B) the level of participation in the Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion Program established under section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005), including the percentage of projects funded in comparison to applicants and the types of eligible entities receiving funds; (C) the ability for participants to leverage private capital and a synopsis of the places from which non-Federal funds are derived; and (D) any additional resources required to aid in the development or expansion of local and regional food systems; (4) expand the Agricultural Resource Management Survey to include questions on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; and (5) seek to establish or expand private-public partnerships to facilitate, to the maximum extent practicable, the collection of data on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products, including the development of a nationally coordinated and regionally balanced evaluation of the redevelopment of locally or regionally produced food systems. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until September 30, 2018, 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 report describing the progress that has been made in implementing this section and identifying any additional needs related to developing local and regional food systems. 9018. Annual report on invasive species (a) Initial report (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on invasive species. (2) Matters included The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A list of each invasive species that is in the United States as of the date of the report. (B) For each invasive species listed under subparagraph (A)— (i) the country from which the species originated; (ii) the means in which the species entered the United States; (iii) the year in which the species entered the United States; (iv) the rate by which the entry of the species is increasing or decreasing; (v) cost estimates, covering both the date of the report and future periods, of the cost of such species to the public and private sectors; (vi) if cost estimates cannot be conducted under clause (v), a detailed explanation of why; (vii) environmental impact estimates, covering both the date of the report and future periods, of the environmental impact of the species; (viii) if environmental impact estimates cannot be conducted under clause (vii), a detailed explanation of why; (ix) recommendations as to what steps are needed to combat the species; (x) a description of the ongoing research occurring to combat the species; and (xi) a description of any legal recourse available to people affected by the species. (C) Any other matter the Secretary determines appropriate. (3) Period covered The report under paragraph (1) shall cover the period beginning in 1980 and ending on the date on which the report is submitted. (b) Annual updated reports Not later than October 1 of each fiscal year beginning after the date on which the report under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) is submitted, the Secretary shall submit annually to Congress an updated report, including an update to each of the matters described in paragraph (2) of such subsection. (c) Public availability The Secretary shall make each report under this section available to the public. X Crop Insurance 10001. Information sharing (a) In General Section 502(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) Information (A) Request Subject to subparagraph (B), the Farm Service Agency shall, in a timely manner, provide to an agent or an approved insurance provider authorized by the producer any information (including Farm Service Agency Form 578s (or any successor form) or maps (or any corrections to those forms or maps) that may assist the agent or approved insurance provider in insuring the producer under a policy or plan of insurance under this subtitle. (B) Privacy Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an agent or approved insurance provider that receives the information of a producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall treat the information in accordance with paragraph (1). (C) Sharing Nothing in this section prohibits the sharing of the information of a producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) between the agent and the approved insurance provider of the producer. . (b) Disclosure of crop insurance premium subsidies made on behalf of Members of Congress and certain other individuals and entities Section 502(c)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(c)(2)) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (D) and (E) respectively; and (2) by inserting before subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated) the following: (A) Disclosure in the public interest Notwithstanding paragraph (1) or any other provision of law, except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall on an annual basis make available to the public— (i) (I) the name of each individual or entity specified in subparagraph (C) who obtained a federally subsidized crop insurance, livestock, or forage policy or plan of insurance during the previous fiscal year; (II) the amount of premium subsidy received by that individual or entity from the Corporation; and (III) the amount of any Federal portion of indemnities paid in the event of a loss during that fiscal year for each policy associated with that individual or entity; and (ii) for each private insurance provider, by name— (I) the underwriting gains earned through participation in the federally subsidized crop insurance program; and (II) the amount paid under this subtitle for— (aa) administrative and operating expenses; (bb) any Federal portion of indemnities and reinsurance; and (cc) any other purpose. (B) Limitation The Secretary shall not disclose information pertaining to individuals and entities covered by a catastrophic risk protection plan offered under section 508(b). (C) Covered individuals and entities Subparagraph (A) applies with respect to the following: (i) Members of Congress and their immediate families. (ii) Cabinet Secretaries and their immediate families. (iii) Entities of which any individual described in clause (i) or (ii), or combination of such individuals, is a majority shareholder. . 10002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium adjustments Section 508(a)(9) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Publication of violations (i) Publication required Subject to clause (ii), the Corporation shall publish in a timely manner on the website of the Risk Management Agency information regarding each violation of this paragraph, including any sanctions imposed in response to the violation, in sufficient detail so that the information may serve as effective guidance to approved insurance providers, agents, and producers. (ii) Protection of privacy In providing information under clause (i) regarding violations of this paragraph, the Corporation shall redact the identity of the persons and entities committing the violations in order to protect their privacy. . 10003. Supplemental coverage option (a) Availability of supplemental coverage option Paragraph (3) of section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (3) Yield and loss basis options A producer shall have the option of purchasing additional coverage based on— (A) (i) an individual yield and loss basis; or (ii) an area yield and loss basis; (B) an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis to cover a part of the deductible under the individual yield and loss policy, as described in paragraph (4)(C); or (C) a margin basis alone or in combination with the coverages available in subparagraph (A) or (B). . (b) Level of coverage Paragraph (4) of section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (4) Level of coverage (A) Dollar denomination and percentage of yield Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the level of coverage— (i) shall be dollar denominated; and (ii) may be purchased at any level not to exceed 85 percent of the individual yield or 95 percent of the area yield (as determined by the Corporation). (B) Information The Corporation shall provide producers with information on catastrophic risk and additional coverage in terms of dollar coverage (within the allowable limits of coverage provided in this paragraph). (C) Supplemental coverage option (i) In general Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of the supplemental coverage option described in paragraph (3)(B), the Corporation shall offer producers the opportunity to purchase coverage in combination with a policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle that would allow indemnities to be paid to a producer equal to a part of the deductible under the policy or plan of insurance— (I) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent practicable; or (II) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis of such larger geographical area as the Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of providing the coverage. (ii) Trigger Coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall be triggered only if the losses in the area exceed 10 percent of normal levels (as determined by the Corporation). (iii) Coverage Subject to the trigger described in clause (ii), coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall not exceed the difference between— (I) 90 percent; and (II) the coverage level selected by the producer for the underlying policy or plan of insurance. (iv) Ineligible crops and acres Crops for which the producer has elected under section 1107(c)(1) of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 to receive revenue loss coverage and acres that are enrolled in the stacked income protection plan under section 508B shall not be eligible for supplemental coverage under this subparagraph. (v) Calculation of premium Notwithstanding subsection (d), the premium for coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall— (I) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and (II) include an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with subsection (k)(4)(F). . (c) Payment of portion of premium by Corporation Section 508(e)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (H) In the case of the supplemental coverage option authorized in subsection (c)(4)(C), the amount shall be equal to the sum of— (i) 65 percent of the additional premium associated with the coverage; and (ii) the amount determined under subsection (c)(4)(C)(vi)(II), subject to subsection (k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover operating and administrative expenses. . (d) Effective date The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall begin to provide additional coverage based on an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis, not later than for the 2014 crop year. 10004. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection Subparagraph (A) of section 508(d)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(d)(2) ) is amended to read as follows: (A) In the case of catastrophic risk protection, the amount of the premium established by the Corporation for each crop for which catastrophic risk protection is available shall be reduced by the percentage equal to the difference between the average loss ratio for the crop and 100 percent, plus a reasonable reserve. . 10005. Repeal of performance-based discount (a) Repeal Section 508(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(d)) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (3); and (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3). (b) Conforming amendment Section 508(a)(9)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9)(B) ) is amended— (1) by inserting or at the end of clause (i); (2) by striking clause (ii); and (3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii). 10006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy Subparagraph (A) of section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5) ) is amended to read as follows: (A) In general The Corporation may pay a portion of the premiums for plans or policies of insurance for which the insurable unit is defined on a whole farm or enterprise unit basis that is higher than would otherwise be paid in accordance with paragraph (2). . 10007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops Section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) Nonirrigated crops Beginning with the 2014 crop year, the Corporation shall make available separate enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated acreage of crops in counties. . 10008. Data collection Section 508(g)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Sources of yield data To determine yields under this paragraph, the Corporation— (i) shall use county data collected by the Risk Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics Service, or both; or (ii) if sufficient county data is not available, may use other data considered appropriate by the Secretary. . 10009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields Section 508(g)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(4)(B)) is amended by striking 60 each place it appears and inserting 70 . 10010. Submission and review of policies (a) In general Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(h) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (B) by striking (1) In general .—In addition and inserting the following: (1) Authority to submit (A) In general In addition ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Review and submission by Corporation The Corporation shall review any policy developed under section 522(c) or any pilot program developed under section 523 and submit the policy or program to the Board under this subsection if the Corporation, at the sole discretion of the Corporation, finds that the policy or program— (i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection; (ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form; and (iii) adequately protects the interests of producers. ; and (2) in paragraph (3)— (A) by striking A policy and inserting the following: (A) In general A policy ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Specified review and approval priorities In reviewing policies and other materials submitted to the Board under this subsection for approval, the Board— (i) shall make the development and approval of a revenue policy for peanut producers a priority so that a revenue policy is available to peanut producers in time for the 2014 crop year; (ii) shall make the development and approval of a margin coverage policy for rice producers a priority so that a margin coverage policy is available to rice producers in time for the 2014 crop year; and (iii) may approve a submission that is made pursuant to this subsection that would, beginning with the 2014 crop year, allow producers that purchase policies in accordance with subsection (e)(5)(A) to separate enterprise units by risk rating for acreage of crops in counties. . (b) Advance payments Section 522(b)(2)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(b)(2)(E)) is amended by striking 50 percent and inserting 75 percent . 10011. Equitable relief for specialty crop policies Section 508(k)(8)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8)(E) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) Equitable relief for specialty crop policies (I) In general For each of the 2011 through 2015 reinsurance years, in addition to the total amount of funding for reimbursement of administrative and operating costs that is otherwise required to be made available in each such reinsurance year pursuant to an agreement entered into by the Corporation, the Corporation shall use $41,000,000 to provide additional reimbursement with respect to eligible insurance contracts for any agricultural commodity that is not eligible for a benefit under subtitles A, B or C of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . (II) Treatment Additional reimbursements made under this clause shall be included as part of the base level of administrative and operating expense reimbursement to which any limit on compensation to persons involved in the direct sale and service of any eligible crop insurance contract required under an agreement entered into by the Corporation is applied. (III) Rule of construction Nothing in this clause shall be construed as statutory assent to the limit described in subclause (II). . 10012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance agreement Section 508(k)(8) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) Budget (i) In general The Board shall ensure that any Standard Reinsurance Agreement negotiated under subparagraph (A)(ii), as compared to the previous Standard Reinsurance Agreement— (I) to the maximum extent practicable, shall be budget neutral; and (II) in no event, may significantly depart from budget neutrality. (ii) Use of savings To the extent that any budget savings is realized in the renegotiation of a Standard Reinsurance Agreement under subparagraph (A)(ii), and the savings are determined not to be a significant departure from budget neutrality under clause (i), the savings shall be used to increase the obligations of the Corporation under subsections (e)(2) or (k)(4) or section 523. . 10013. Crop production on native sod (a) Federal crop insurance Section 508(o) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(o)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled, after tilled ; (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking Ineligibility for and inserting Reduction in ; and (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking for benefits under— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting for— (i) a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under this subtitle in accordance with paragraph (3); (ii) benefits under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333); and (iii) payments described in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308). ; and (3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following new paragraphs: (3) Administration (A) In general During the first 4 crop years of planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in paragraph (2)— (i) paragraph (2) shall apply to 65 percent of the transitional yield of the producer; and (ii) the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the producer under this subtitle shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply. (B) Yield substitution During the period native sod acreage is covered by this subsection, a producer may not substitute yields for the native sod acreage. (4) Application This subsection shall only apply to native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area. . (b) Noninsured crop disaster assistance Section 196(a)(4) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333(a)(4) ) is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ineligibility and inserting benefit reduction ; (2) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled, after tilled ; (3) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in the subparagraph heading, by striking Ineligibility and inserting Reduction in ; and (B) in clause (i), by striking for benefits under— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting for— (I) benefits under this section; (II) a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) in accordance with subparagraph (C); and (III) payments described in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308). ; and (4) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs: (C) Administration (i) In general During the first 4 crop years of planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in subparagraph (B)— (I) subparagraph (B) shall apply to 65 percent of the transitional yield of the producer; and (II) the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the producer under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply. (ii) Yield substitution During the period native sod acreage is covered by this paragraph, a producer may not substitute yields for the native sod acreage. (D) Application This paragraph shall only apply to native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area. . (c) Cropland report (1) Baseline Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 describes the cropland acreage in each applicable county and State, and the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each applicable county and State, beginning with calendar year 2000 and including that information for the most recent year for which that information is available. (2) Annual updates Not later than January 1, 2015, and each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 2018, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 describes— (A) the cropland acreage in each applicable county and State as of the date of submission of the report; and (B) the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each applicable county and State. 10014. Coverage levels by practice Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (p) Coverage levels by practice Beginning with the 2015 crop year, a producer that produces an agricultural commodity on both dry land and irrigated land may elect a different coverage level for each production practice. . 10015. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions (a) Definition Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (9) as paragraphs (4) through (10), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Beginning farmer or rancher The term beginning farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who has not actively operated and managed a farm or ranch with a bona fide insurable interest in a crop or livestock as an owner-operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper for more than 5 crop years, as determined by the Secretary. . (b) Premium adjustments Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(5)(E), by inserting and beginning farmers or ranchers after limited resource farmers ; (2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (8) Premium for beginning farmers or ranchers Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection regarding payment of a portion of premiums, a beginning farmer or rancher shall receive premium assistance that is 10 percentage points greater than premium assistance that would otherwise be available under paragraphs (2) (except for subparagraph (A) of that paragraph), (5), (6), and (7) for the applicable policy, plan of insurance, and coverage level selected by the beginning farmer or rancher. ; and (3) in subsection (g)— (A) in paragraph (2)(B)— (i) in clause (i), by striking or at the end; (ii) in clause (ii)(III), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (iii) if the producer is a beginning farmer or rancher who was previously involved in a farming or ranching operation, including involvement in the decisionmaking or physical involvement in the production of the crop or livestock on the farm, for any acreage obtained by the beginning farmer or rancher, a yield that is the higher of— (I) the actual production history of the previous producer of the crop or livestock on the acreage determined under subparagraph (A); or (II) a yield of the producer, as determined in clause (i). ; and (B) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii) (as amended by section 10009)— (i) by inserting (I) after (ii) ; (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (II) in the case of beginning farmers or ranchers, replace each excluded yield with a yield equal to 80 percent of the applicable transitional yield. . 10016. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton (a) Availability of Stacked Income Protection Plan for Producers of Upland Cotton The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508A ( 7 U.S.C. 1508a ) the following new section: 508B. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton (a) Availability Beginning not later than the 2014 crop of upland cotton, the Corporation shall make available to producers of upland cotton an additional policy (to be known as the Stacked Income Protection Plan ), which shall provide coverage consistent with the Group Risk Income Protection Plan (and the associated Harvest Revenue Option Endorsement) offered by the Corporation for the 2011 crop year. (b) Required terms The Corporation may modify the Stacked Income Protection Plan on a program-wide basis, except that the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall comply with the following requirements: (1) Provide coverage for revenue loss of not less than 10 percent and not more than 30 percent of expected county revenue, specified in increments of 5 percent. The deductible is the minimum percent of revenue loss at which indemnities are triggered under the plan, not to be less than 10 percent of the expected county revenue. (2) Be offered to producers of upland cotton in all counties with upland cotton production— (A) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent practicable; or (B) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis of such larger geographical area as the Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of providing the coverage. (3) Be purchased in addition to any other individual or area coverage in effect on the producer’s acreage or as a stand-alone policy, except that if a producer has an individual or area coverage for the same acreage, the maximum coverage available under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not exceed the deductible for the individual or area coverage. (4) Establish coverage based on— (A) the expected price established under existing Group Risk Income Protection or area wide policy offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year; and (B) an expected county yield that is the higher of— (i) the expected county yield established for the existing area-wide plans offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year (or, in geographic areas where area-wide plans are not offered, an expected yield determined in a manner consistent with those of area-wide plans); or (ii) the average of the applicable yield data for the county (or area) for the most recent 5 years, excluding the highest and lowest observations, from the Risk Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics Service (or both) or, if sufficient county data is not available, such other data considered appropriate by the Secretary. (5) Use a multiplier factor to establish maximum protection per acre (referred to as a protection factor ) of not less than the higher of the level established on a program wide basis or 120 percent. (6) Pay an indemnity based on the amount that the expected county revenue exceeds the actual county revenue, as applied to the individual coverage of the producer. Indemnities under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not include or overlap the amount of the deductible selected under paragraph (1). (7) In all counties for which data are available, establish separate coverage levels for irrigated and non-irrigated practices. (c) Premium Notwithstanding section 508(d), the premium for the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall— (1) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and (2) include an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with section 508(k)(4)(F). (d) Payment of portion of premium by Corporation Subject to section 508(e)(4), the amount of premium paid by the Corporation for all qualifying coverage levels of the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall be— (1) 80 percent of the amount of the premium established under subsection (c) for the coverage level selected; and (2) the amount determined under subsection (c)(2), subject to section 508(k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover administrative and operating expenses. (e) Relation to other coverages The Stacked Income Protection Plan is in addition to all other coverages available to producers of upland cotton. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 508(k)(4)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)(F)) is amended by inserting or authorized under subsection (c)(4)(C) or section 508B after of this subparagraph . 10017. Peanut revenue crop insurance The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508B, as added by the previous section, the following new section: 508C. Peanut revenue crop insurance (a) In general Effective beginning with the 2014 crop year, the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall make available to producers of peanuts a revenue crop insurance program for peanuts. (b) Effective price Subject to subsection (c), for purposes of the revenue crop insurance program and the multiperil crop insurance program under this Act, the effective price for peanuts shall be equal to the Rotterdam price index for peanuts, as adjusted to reflect the farmer stock price of peanuts in the United States. (c) Adjustments (1) In general The effective price for peanuts established under subsection (b) may be adjusted by the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation to correct distortions. (2) Administration If an adjustment is made under paragraph (1), the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall— (A) make the adjustment in an open and transparent manner; and (B) 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 describes the reasons for the adjustment. . 10018. Authority to correct errors Section 515(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1515(c) ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; (2) in the second sentence, by striking Beginning with and inserting the following: (2) Frequency Beginning with ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Corrections (A) In general In addition to the corrections permitted by the Corporation as of the date of enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , the Corporation shall allow an agent or an approved insurance provider, subject to subparagraph (B)— (i) within a reasonable amount of time following the applicable sales closing date, to correct unintentional errors in information that is provided by a producer for the purpose of obtaining coverage under any policy or plan of insurance made available under this subtitle to ensure that the eligibility information is correct; (ii) within a reasonable amount of time following— (I) the acreage reporting date, to correct unintentional errors in factual information that is provided by a producer after the sales closing date to reconcile the information with the information reported by the producer to the Farm Service Agency; or (II) the date of any subsequent correction of data by the Farm Service Agency made as a result of the verification of information; and (iii) at any time, to correct unintentional errors that were made by the Farm Service Agency or an agent or approved insurance provider in transmitting the information provided by the producer to the approved insurance provider or the Corporation. (B) Limitation In accordance with the procedures of the Corporation, correction to the information described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) may only be made if the corrections do not allow the producer— (i) to avoid ineligibility requirements for insurance; (ii) to obtain, enhance, or increase an insurance guarantee or indemnity, or avoid premium owed, if a cause of loss exists or has occurred before any correction has been made; or (iii) to avoid an obligation or requirement under any Federal or State law. (C) Exception to late filing sanctions Any corrections made pursuant to this paragraph shall not be subject to any late filing sanctions authorized in the reinsurance agreement with the Corporation. . 10019. Implementation Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1515) is amended— (1) in subsection (j), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) Systems maintenance and upgrades (A) In general The Secretary shall maintain and upgrade the information management systems of the Corporation used in the administration and enforcement of this subtitle. (B) Requirement (i) In general In maintaining and upgrading the systems, the Secretary shall ensure that new hardware and software are compatible with the hardware and software used by other agencies of the Department to maximize data sharing and promote the purposes of this section. (ii) Acreage report streamlining initiative project As soon as practicable, the Secretary shall develop and implement an acreage report streamlining initiative project to allow producers to report acreage and other information directly to the Department. ; and (2) in subsection (k), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) Information technology (A) In general For purposes of subsection (j)(1), the Corporation may use, from amounts made available from the insurance fund established under section 516(c), not more than— (i) (I) for fiscal year 2014, $25,000,000; and (II) for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, $10,000,000; or (ii) if the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project is substantially completed by September 30, 2015, not more than $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2018. (B) Notification The Secretary shall notify the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate of the substantial completion of the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project not later than July 1, 2015. . 10020. Research and development priorities (a) Authority To conduct research and development, priorities Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading by striking contracting ; (2) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking may enter into contracts to carry out research and development to and inserting may conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to maintain or improve existing policies or develop new policies to ; (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting conduct research and development or after The Corporation may ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting conducting research and development or after Before ; (4) in paragraph (5), by inserting after expert review in accordance with section 505(e) after approved by the Board ; and (5) in paragraph (6), by striking a pasture, range, and forage program and inserting policies that increase participation by producers of underserved agricultural commodities, including sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, rice, peanuts, sugarcane, alfalfa, pennycress, and specialty crops . (b) Funding Section 522(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking (A) Authority .— and inserting (A) Conducting and contracting for research and development .— ; (B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting conduct research and development and after the Corporation may use to ; and (C) in subparagraph (B), by inserting conduct research and development and after for the fiscal year to ; (2) in paragraph (3), by striking to provide either reimbursement payments or contract payments ; and (3) by striking paragraph (4). 10021. Additional research and development contracting requirements Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (17) as paragraph (24); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (16), the following new paragraphs: (17) Margin coverage for catfish (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with a qualified entity to conduct research and development regarding a policy to insure producers against reduction in the margin between the market value of catfish and selected costs incurred in the production of catfish. (B) Eligibility Eligibility for the policy described in subparagraph (A) shall be limited to freshwater species of catfish that are propagated and reared in controlled or selected environments. (C) Implementation The Board shall review the policy described in subparagraph (B) under subsection 508(h) and approve the policy if the Board finds that the policy— (i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection; (ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form; (iii) adequately protects the interests of producers; and (iv) the proposed policy meets other requirements of this subtitle determined appropriate by the Board. (18) Biomass and sweet sorghum energy crop insurance policies (A) Authority The Corporation shall offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with qualified entities to carry out research and development regarding— (i) a policy to insure biomass sorghum that is grown expressly for the purpose of producing a feedstock for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity, or biobased products; and (ii) a policy to insure sweet sorghum that is grown for a purpose described in clause (i). (B) Research and development Research and development with respect to each of the policies required in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools for the production of biomass sorghum or sweet sorghum, including policies and plans of insurance that— (i) are based on market prices and yields; (ii) to the extent that insufficient data exist to develop a policy based on market prices and yields, evaluate the policies and plans of insurance based on the use of weather indices, including excessive or inadequate rainfall, to protect the interest of crop producers; and (iii) provide protection for production or revenue losses, or both. (19) Study on swine catastrophic disease program (A) In general The Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of insuring swine producers for a catastrophic event. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). (20) Whole farm diversified risk management insurance plan (A) In general The Corporation shall conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to develop a whole farm risk management insurance plan, with a liability limitation of $1,250,000, that allows a diversified crop or livestock producer the option to qualify for an indemnity if actual gross farm revenue is below 85 percent of the average gross farm revenue or the expected gross farm revenue that can reasonably be expected of the producer, as determined by the Corporation. (B) Eligible producers The Corporation shall permit producers (including direct-to-consumer marketers and producers servicing local and regional and farm identity-preserved markets) who produce multiple agricultural commodities, including specialty crops, industrial crops, livestock, and aquaculture products, to participate in the plan in lieu of any other plan under this subtitle. (C) Diversification The Corporation may provide diversification-based additional coverage payment rates, premium discounts, or other enhanced benefits in recognition of the risk management benefits of crop and livestock diversification strategies for producers that grow multiple crops or that may have income from the production of livestock that uses a crop grown on the farm. (D) Market readiness The Corporation may include coverage for the value of any packing, packaging, or any other similar on-farm activity the Corporation determines to be the minimum required in order to remove the commodity from the field. (E) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results and feasibility of the research and development conducted under this paragraph, including an analysis of potential adverse market distortions. (21) Study on poultry catastrophic disease program (A) In general The Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of insuring poultry producers for a catastrophic event. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). (22) Poultry business interruption insurance policy (A) Authority The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with a university or other legal entity to carry out research and development regarding a policy to insure the commercial production of poultry against business interruptions caused by integrator bankruptcy. (B) Research and development As part of the research and development conducted pursuant to a contract or cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (A), the entity shall— (i) evaluate the market place for business interruption insurance that is available to poultry growers; (ii) determine what statutory authority would be necessary to implement a business interruption insurance through the Corporation; (iii) assess the feasibility of a policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle to insure against losses due to the bankruptcy of an business integrator; and (iv) analyze the costs to the Federal Government of a Federal business interruption insurance program for poultry growers. (C) Definitions In this paragraph, the terms poultry and poultry grower have the meanings given those terms in section 2(a) of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. 182(a)). (D) Deadline for contract or cooperative agreement Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall enter into the contract or cooperative agreement required by subparagraph (A). (E) Deadline for completion of research and development Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the research and development conducted pursuant to the contract or cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (A). (23) Study of food safety insurance (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with 1 or more qualified entities to conduct a study to determine whether offering policies that provide coverage for specialty crops from food safety and contamination issues would benefit agricultural producers. (B) Subject The study described in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate policies and plans of insurance coverage that provide protection for production or revenue impacted by food safety concerns including, at a minimum, government, retail, or national consumer group announcements of a health advisory, removal, or recall related to a contamination concern. (C) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). . 10022. Program compliance partnerships Paragraph (1) of section 522(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Purpose The purpose of this subsection is to authorize the Corporation to enter into partnerships with public and private entities for the purpose of either— (A) increasing the availability of loss mitigation, financial, and other risk management tools for producers, with a priority given to risk management tools for producers of agricultural commodities covered by section 196 of the Agricultural Market Transition Act (7 U.S.C. 7333), specialty crops, and underserved agricultural commodities; or (B) improving analysis tools and technology regarding compliance or identifying and using innovative compliance strategies. . 10023. Pilot programs Section 523(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1523(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting , at the sole discretion of the Corporation, after may ; and (2) by striking paragraph (5). 10024. Technical amendments (a) Eligibility for department programs Section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (7); and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (11) as paragraphs (7) through (10), respectively. (b) Exclusions to assistance for losses due to drought conditions (1) In general Section 531(d)(3)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1531(d)(3)(A)) is amended— (A) by striking (A) Eligible losses .— and all that follows through An eligible in clause (i) and inserting the following: (A) Eligible losses An eligible ; (B) by striking clause (ii); and (C) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately. (2) Conforming amendment Section 901(d)(3)(A) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2497(d)(3)(A)) is amended— (A) by striking (A) Eligible losses .— and all that follows through An eligible in clause (i) and inserting the following: (A) Eligible losses An eligible ; (B) by striking clause (ii); and (C) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately. 10025. Advance public notice of crop insurance policy and plan changes Section 505(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1505(e)) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (6) and (7); respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5): (5) Advance notice of modification before implementation (A) In general Any modification to be made in the terms or conditions of any policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle shall not take effect for a crop year unless the Secretary publishes the modification in the Federal Register and on the website of the Corporation and provides for a subsequent period of public comment— (i) with respect to fall-planted crops, not later than 60 days before June 30 during the preceding crop year; and (ii) with respect to spring-planted crops, not later than 60 days before November 30 during the preceding crop year. (B) Waiver The Secretary may waive the application of subparagraph (A) in an emergency situation declared by the Secretary upon notice to Congress of the nature of the emergency and the need for immediate implementation of the policy or plan modification referred to in such subparagraph. . XI Miscellaneous A Livestock 11101. Repeal of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Effective October 1, 2013, section 375 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008j ) is repealed. 11102. Repeal of certain regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (a) Repeal of certain regulation requirement Section 11006 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2120) is repealed. (b) Repeal of certain existing regulation Subsection (n) of section 201.2 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, is repealed. (c) Prohibition on enforcement of certain regulations or issuance of similar regulations Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Agriculture shall not— (1) enforce subsection (n) of section 201.2 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations; (2) finalize or implement sections 201.2(l), 201.2(t), 201.2(u), 201.3(c), 201.210, 201.211, 201.213, and 201.214 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as proposed to be added by the proposed rule entitled Implementation of Regulations Required Under Title XI of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008; Conduct in Violation of the Act published by the Department of Agriculture on June 22, 2010 (75 Fed. Reg. 35338); or (3) issue regulations or adopt a policy similar to the provisions— (A) referred to in paragraph (1) or (2); or (B) rescinded by the Secretary pursuant to section 742 of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (Public Law 113–6). 11103. Trichinae certification program (a) Alternative certification process The Secretary of Agriculture shall amend the rule made under paragraph (2) of section 11010(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8304(a)) to implement the voluntary trichinae certification program established under paragraph (1) of such section, to include a requirement to establish an alternative trichinae certification process based on surveillance or other methods consistent with international standards for categorizing compartments as having negligible risk for trichinae. (b) Final regulations Not later than one year after the date on which the international standards referred to in subsection (a) are adopted, the Secretary shall finalize the rule amended under such subsection. (c) Reauthorization Section 10405(d)(1) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8304(d)(1)) is amended in subparagraphs (A) and (B) by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . 11104. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan Section 11013(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8322(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 11105. Country of origin labeling (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall conduct an economic analysis of the proposed rule entitled Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Goat Meat, Wild and Farm-raised Fish and Shellfish, Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts, Pecans, Ginseng and Macadamia Nuts published by the Department of Agriculture on March 12, 2013 (76 Fed. Reg. 15645). (b) Contents The economic analysis described in subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the labeling of beef, pork, and chicken, an analysis of the impact on consumers, producers, and packers in the United States of— (1) the implementation of subtitle D of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1638 et seq. ); and (2) the proposed rule referred to in subsection (a). 11106. National animal health laboratory network Subtitle E of title X of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after section 10409 (7 U.S.C. 8308) the following new section: 10409A. National animal health laboratory network (a) In general The Secretary shall enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with eligible laboratories for any of the following purposes: (1) To enhance the capability of the Secretary to detect, and respond in a timely manner to, emerging or existing threats to animal health and to support the protection of public health, the environment, and the agricultural economy of the United States. (2) To provide the capacity and capability for standardized— (A) test procedures, reference materials, and equipment; (B) laboratory biosafety and biosecurity levels; (C) quality management system requirements; (D) interconnected electronic reporting and transmission of data; and (E) evaluation for emergency preparedness. (3) To coordinate the development, implementation, and enhancement of national veterinary diagnostic laboratory capabilities, with special emphasis on surveillance planning and vulnerability analysis, technology development and validation, training, and outreach. (b) Eligibility An eligible laboratory under this section is a diagnostic laboratory meeting specific criteria developed by the Secretary, in consultation with State animal health officials and State and university veterinary diagnostic laboratories. (c) Priority To the extent practicable and to the extent capacity and specialized expertise may be necessary, the Secretary shall give priority to existing Federal, State, and university facilities. (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 11107. Repeal of duplicative catfish inspection program (a) In general Effective on the date of the enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq.), section 11016 of such Act (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2130) and the amendments made by such section are repealed. (b) Application The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) and the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) shall be applied and administered as if section 11016 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 2130) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq.) and the amendments made by such section had not been enacted. 11108. National Poultry Improvement Program The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that the Department of Agriculture continues to administer the diagnostic surveillance program for H5/H7 low pathogenic avian influenza with respect to commercial poultry under section 146.14 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) without amending the regulations in section 147.43 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) with respect to the governance of the General Conference Committee established under such section. The Secretary of Agriculture shall maintain— (1) the operations of the General Conference Committee— (A) in the physical location at which the Committee was located on the date of the enactment of this Act; and (B) with the organizational structure within the Department of Agriculture in effect as of such date; and (2) the funding levels for the National Poultry Improvement Plan for Commercial Poultry (established under part 146 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation) at the fiscal year 2013 funding levels for the Plan. 11109. Report on bovine tuberculosis in Texas Not later than December 31, 2014, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 on the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in Texas. The report shall cover the period beginning on January 1, 1997, and ending on December 31, 2013. 11110. Economic fraud in wild and farm-raised seafood (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall submit to Congress a report on the economic implications for consumers, fishermen, and aquaculturists of fraud and mislabeling in wild and farm-raised seafood. (b) Contents The report required under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to fraud and mislabeling in wild and farm-raised seafood, an analysis of the impact on consumers and producers in the United States of— (1) sales of imported seafood that is misrepresented as domestic product; (2) country of origin labeling that allows seafood harvested outside the United States to be labeled as a product of the United States; (3) the lack of seafood product traceability through the supply chain; and (4) the inadequate use of DNA testing and other technology to address seafood safety and fraud, including traceability. B Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers 11201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers (a) Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting and veteran farmers and ranchers after ranchers ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; (B) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; and (C) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in the heading of such subparagraph, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (II) in clause (i), by striking and at the end; (III) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (IV) by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (3) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting or veteran farmers and ranchers after socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers ; (4) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members ; and (5) in subsection (e)(5)(A)— (A) in clause (i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; and (B) in clause (ii), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers . (b) Definition of veteran farmer or rancher Section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (7) Veteran farmer or rancher The term veteran farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released from the service under conditions other than dishonorable. . 11202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach Paragraph (3) of section 226B(f) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934(f)) is amended to read as follows: (3) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection— (A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013; and (B) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 11203. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279 ), as amended by section 11201, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (i) Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers policy research center The Secretary shall award a grant to a college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including Tuskegee University, to establish a policy research center to be known as the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center for the purpose of developing policy recommendations for the protection and promotion of the interests of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. . 11204. Receipt for service or denial of service from certain department of agriculture agencies Section 2501A(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279–1(e)) is amended by striking and, at the time of the request, also requests a receipt . C Other miscellaneous provisions 11301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force Subsection (d) of section 14204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2008q–1 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 11302. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high plains water study Section 2901 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 1818) is amended by striking this Act or an amendment made by this Act and inserting this Act, an amendment made by this Act, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , or an amendment made by the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . 11303. Office of Tribal Relations (a) In general Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by adding after section 308 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125a note; Public Law 103–354) the following new section: 309. Office of Tribal Relations The Secretary shall establish in the Office of the Secretary an Office of Tribal Relations to advise the Secretary on policies related to Indian tribes. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended by inserting after paragraph (8), as added by section 3207, the following new paragraph: (9) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Secretary the Office of Tribal Relations in accordance with section 309; and . 11304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (a) In general Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 218 (7 U.S.C. 6918) the following new section: 219. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (a) Authorization The Secretary shall establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. (b) Duties The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall— (1) provide information to returning veterans about, and connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate to the needs and interests of returning veterans, including assisting veterans in using Federal veterans educational benefits for purposes relating to beginning a farming or ranching career; (2) provide information to veterans concerning the availability of and eligibility requirements for participation in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs; (3) serve as a resource for assisting veteran farmers and ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying for participation in agricultural programs; and (4) advocate on behalf of veterans in interactions with employees of the Department. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended by inserting after paragraph (9), as added by section 11303, the following new paragraph: (10) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison in accordance with section 219. . 11305. Prohibition on keeping GSA leased cars overnight Effective immediately, a Federal employee of a State office of the Farm Service Agency in the field and non-Federal employees of county and area committees established under section 8(b)(5) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590h(b)(5)) shall keep leased interagency motor pool vehicles at a location listed on the General Services Administration inventory of owned and leased properties or a location owned or leased by the Department of Agriculture overnight unless the employee assigned the vehicle is on overnight, approved travel status involving per diem. 11306. Noninsured crop assistance program Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ), as amended by section 10013(b), is further amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) In general (A) Coverages In the case of an eligible crop described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Agriculture shall operate a noninsured crop disaster assistance program to provide coverages based on individual yields (other than for value-loss crops) equivalent to— (i) catastrophic risk protection available under section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(b) ); or (ii) additional coverage available under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) that does not exceed 65 percent. (B) Administration The Secretary shall carry out this section through the Farm Service Agency (referred to in this section as the Agency ). ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in clause (i), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (II) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and (III) by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause: (ii) for which additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is not available; and ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, before and industrial crops ; (2) in subsection (d), by striking The Secretary and inserting Subject to subsection (l), the Secretary ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (l) Payment equivalent to additional coverage (1) In general The Secretary shall make available to a producer eligible for noninsured assistance under this section a payment equivalent to an indemnity for additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) that does not exceed 65 percent of the established yield for the eligible crop on the farm, computed by multiplying— (A) the quantity that is not greater than 65 percent of the established yield for the crop, as determined by the Secretary, specified in increments of 5 percent; (B) 100 percent of the average market price for the crop, as determined by the Secretary; and (C) a payment rate for the type of crop, as determined by the Secretary, that reflects— (i) in the case of a crop that is produced with a significant and variable harvesting expense, the decreasing cost incurred in the production cycle for the crop that is, as applicable— (I) harvested; (II) planted but not harvested; or (III) prevented from being planted because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) in the case of a crop that is produced without a significant and variable harvesting expense, such rate as shall be determined by the Secretary. (2) Premium To be eligible to receive a payment under this subsection, a producer shall pay— (A) the service fee required by subsection (k); and (B) a premium for the applicable crop year that is equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (i) the number of acres devoted to the eligible crop; (ii) the established yield for the eligible crop, as determined by the Secretary under subsection (e); (iii) the coverage level elected by the producer; (iv) the average market price, as determined by the Secretary; and (v) .0525. (3) Limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers The additional coverage made available under this subsection shall be available to limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged producers, as determined by the Secretary, in exchange for a premium that is 50 percent of the premium determined for a producer under paragraph (2). (4) Premium Payment and Application Deadline (A) Premium payment A producer electing additional coverage under this subsection shall pay the premium amount owed for the additional coverage by September 30 of the crop year for which the additional coverage is purchased. (B) Application Deadline The latest date on which additional coverage under this subsection may be elected shall be the application closing date described in subsection (b)(1). (5) Effective date Additional coverage under this subsection shall be available beginning with the 2015 crop. . 11307. Ensuring high standards for agency use of scientific information (a) Requirement for final guidelines Not later than January 1, 2014, each Federal agency shall have in effect guidelines for ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of scientific information relied upon by such agency. (b) Content of guidelines The guidelines described in subsection (a), with respect to a Federal agency, shall ensure that— (1) when scientific information is considered by the agency in policy decisions— (A) the information is subject to well-established scientific processes, including peer review where appropriate; (B) the agency appropriately applies the scientific information to the policy decision; (C) except for information that is protected from disclosure by law or administrative practice, the agency makes available to the public the scientific information considered by the agency; (D) the agency gives greatest weight to information that is based on experimental, empirical, quantifiable, and reproducible data that is developed in accordance with well-established scientific processes; and (E) with respect to any proposed rule issued by the agency, such agency follows procedures that include, to the extent feasible and permitted by law, an opportunity for public comment on all relevant scientific findings; (2) the agency has procedures in place to make policy decisions only on the basis of the best reasonably obtainable scientific, technical, economic, and other evidence and information concerning the need for, consequences of, and alternatives to the decision; and (3) the agency has in place procedures to identify and address instances in which the integrity of scientific information considered by the agency may have been compromised, including instances in which such information may have been the product of a scientific process that was compromised. (c) Approval needed for policy decisions To take effect No policy decision issued after January 1, 2014, by an agency subject to this section may take effect prior to such date that the agency has in effect guidelines under subsection (a) that have been approved by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. (d) Policy decisions not in compliance (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), a policy decision of an agency that does not comply with guidelines approved under subsection (c) shall be deemed to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and otherwise not in accordance with law. (2) Exception This subsection shall not apply to policy decisions that are deemed to be necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or because of another emergency. (e) Definitions For purposes of this section: (1) Agency The term agency has the meaning given such term in section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code. (2) Policy decision The term policy decision means, with respect to an agency, an agency action as defined in section 551(13) of title 5, United States Code, (other than an adjudication, as defined in section 551(7) of such title), and includes— (A) the listing, labeling, or other identification of a substance, product, or activity as hazardous or creating risk to human health, safety, or the environment; and (B) agency guidance. (3) Agency guidance The term agency guidance means an agency statement of general applicability and future effect, other than a regulatory action, that sets forth a policy on a statutory, regulatory, or technical issue or on an interpretation of a statutory or regulatory issue. 11308. Evaluation required for purposes of prohibition on closure or relocation of county offices for the Farm Service Agency (a) Prohibition on closure or relocation of offices with high workload volume Section 14212 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a ) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection: (a) Prohibition on closure or relocation of offices with high workload volume The Secretary of Agriculture may not close or relocate a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency in a State if the Secretary determines, after conducting the evaluation required under subsection (b)(1)(B), that the office has a high workload volume compared with other county offices in the State. . (b) Workload evaluation Section 14212(b)(1) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(1) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and moving the margins of such clauses two ems to the right; (2) by striking the Farm Service Agency, to the maximum extent practicable and inserting the Farm Service Agency— (A) to the maximum extent practicable ; (3) in clause (ii) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))— (A) by inserting as of the date of the enactment of this Act after employees ; and (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) conduct and complete an evaluation of all workload assessments for Farm Service Agency county offices that were open and operational as of January 1, 2012, during the period that begins on a date that is not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 and ends on the date that is 18 months after such date of enactment. . (c) Notice required Section 14212(b)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(2)) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking After the period referred to in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of Agriculture may not close a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency unless— and inserting After carrying out each of the activities required under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall, before closing a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency— ; (2) in subparagraph (A), by striking the Secretary holds and inserting hold ; and (3) in subparagraph (B), by striking the Secretary notifies and inserting notify . (d) Conforming amendment Section 14212(b)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(1)) is amended by striking After the period referred to in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary and inserting The Secretary . 11309. Acer access and development program (a) Grants authorized The Secretary of Agriculture may make competitive grants to States, tribal governments, and research institutions to support the efforts of such States, tribal governments, and research institutions to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through the following activities: (1) Promotion of research and education related to maple syrup production. (2) Promotion of natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry. (3) Market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap products. (4) Encouragement of owners and operators of privately held land containing species of trees in the genus Acer— (A) to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the land; or (B) to voluntarily make the land available, including by lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-sugaring activities. (b) Application In submitting an application for a competitive grant under this section, a State, tribal government, or research institution shall include— (1) a description of the activities to be supported using the grant funds; (2) a description of the benefits that the State, tribal government, or research institution intends to achieve as a result of engaging in such activities; and (3) an estimate of the increase in maple-sugaring activities or maple syrup production that the State, tribal government, or research institution anticipates will occur as a result of engaging in such activities. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to preempt a State or tribal government law, including a State or tribal government liability law. (d) Definition of maple-Sugaring In this section, the term maple-sugaring means the collection of sap from any species of tree in the genus Acer for the purpose of boiling to produce food. (e) Regulations The Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section. (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. 11310. Regulatory review by the Secretary of Agriculture (a) Review of regulatory agenda The Secretary of Agriculture shall review publications that may give notice that the Environmental Protection Agency is preparing or plans to prepare any guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect that may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities, including— (1) any regulatory agenda of the Environmental Protection Agency published pursuant to section 602 of title 5, United States Code; (2) any regulatory plan or agenda published by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to an Executive order, including Executive Order 12866; and (3) any other publication issued by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Management and Budget that may reasonably be foreseen to contain notice of plans by the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare any guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect that may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities. (b) Information gathering For a publication item reviewed under subsection (a) that the Secretary determines may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities, the Secretary shall— (1) solicit from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency any information the Administrator may provide to facilitate a review of the publication item; (2) utilize the Chief Economist of the Department of Agriculture to produce an economic impact statement for the publication item that contains a detailed estimate of potential costs to agricultural entities; (3) identify individuals representative of potentially affected agricultural entities for the purpose of obtaining advice and recommendations from such individuals about the potential impacts of the publication item; and (4) convene a review panel for analysis of the publication item that includes the Secretary, any full-time Federal employee of the Department of Agriculture appointed to the panel by the Secretary, and any employee of the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within the Office of Management and Budget that accepts an invitation from the Secretary to participate in the panel. (c) Duties of the review panel A review panel convened for a publication item under subsection (b)(4) shall— (1) review any information or material obtained by the Secretary and prepared in connection with the publication item, including any draft proposed guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect; (2) collect advice and recommendations from agricultural entity representatives identified by the Administrator after consultation with the Secretary; (3) compile and analyze such advice and recommendations; and (4) make recommendations to the Secretary based on the information gathered by the review panel or provided by agricultural entity representatives. (d) Comments (1) In general Not later than 60 days after the date the Secretary convenes a review panel pursuant to subsection (b)(4), the Secretary shall submit to the Administrator comments on the planned or proposed guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect for consideration and inclusion in any related administrative record, including— (A) a report by the Secretary on the concerns of agricultural entities; (B) the findings of the review panel; (C) the findings of the Secretary, including any adopted findings of the review panel; and (D) recommendations of the Secretary. (2) Publication The Secretary shall publish the comments in the Federal Register and make the comments available to the public on the public Internet website of the Department of Agriculture. (e) Waivers The Secretary may waive initiation of the review panel under subsection (b)(4) as the Secretary determines appropriate. (f) Definition of agricultural entity In this section, the term agricultural entity means any entity involved in or related to agricultural enterprise, including enterprises that are engaged in the business of production of food and fiber, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries. 11311. Prohibition on attending an animal fighting venture or causing a minor to attend an animal fighting venture Section 26(a)(1) of the Animal Welfare Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2156(a)(1) ) is amended by striking the period and inserting or to knowingly attend or knowingly cause a minor to attend an animal fighting venture. . 11312. Prohibition against interference by State and local governments with production or manufacture of items in other States (a) In general Consistent with Article I, section 8, clause 3 of the Constitution of the United States, the government of a State or locality therein shall not impose a standard or condition on the production or manufacture of any agricultural product sold or offered for sale in interstate commerce if— (1) such production or manufacture occurs in another State; and (2) the standard or condition is in addition to the standards and conditions applicable to such production or manufacture pursuant to— (A) Federal law; and (B) the laws of the State and locality in which such production or manufacture occurs. (b) Agricultural product defined In this section, the term agricultural product has the meaning given such term in section 207 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1626). 11313. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Missouri River Basin (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Record runoff occurred in the Missouri River basin during 2011 as a result of historic rainfall over portions of the upper basin coupled with heavy plains and mountain snowpack. (2) Runoff above Sioux City, Iowa, during the 5-month period of March through July totaled an estimated 48.4 million acre-feet (referred to in this section as MAF ). This runoff volume was more than 20 percent greater than the design storm for the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System (referred to in this section as the System ), which was based on the 1881 runoff of 40.0 MAF during the same 5-month period. (3) During the 2011 runoff season, nearly 61 million acre-feet of water entered the Missouri River system, far surpassing the previous record of 49 MAF in runoff that was set during the flood of 1997. (4) Given the incredible amount of water entering the System, the summer months were spent working to evacuate as much water from the System as possible, ultimately leading to record high water releases from Gavins Point Dam of 160,000 cubic feet per second, a rate that more than doubled the previous release record of 70,000 cubic feet per second set in 1997. (5) For nearly four months, those extremely high releases from Gavins Point were maintained, resulting in severe and sustained flooding, with much of western Iowa and eastern Nebraska as well as portions of South Dakota, Kansas, and Missouri inundated by a flooding river three to five feet deep, up to 11 miles wide, and flowing at a rate of 4 to 11 miles per hour. (6) Thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage was done to roads and other public infrastructure. (7) In addition to the homes, businesses, and infrastructure impacted by the flooding, hundreds of thousands of acres of cropland were affected. (8) The Department of Agriculture has estimated that 400,000 to 500,000 acres of some of the most productive crop land in the world was flooded in 2011. (9) Local Farm Services Agency representatives have estimated that $82,100,000 was lost in 2011 alone due to damaged or lost crops and unplanted acres. (10) Not only did the flooding eliminate the 2011 crop, but it is highly unlikely that many farmers will be able to put that land back into production at any point in the near future. (11) Producers will have to contend with large piles of sand, silt, and other debris that have been deposited in their fields, meaning the impact of the 2011 flood will be felt in the agricultural communities up and down the Missouri River for many years to come. (12) Currently, the amount of storage capacity in the System that is set aside for flood control is based upon the vacated space required to control the 1881 flood, because prior to the 2011 flood, the 1881 flood was seen as the high water mark . (13) Given the historic flooding that took place in 2011, it is clear that year’s flooding now represents a new high water mark , surpassing the flooding of even the 1881 flood. (14) It is important that the flood control related functions of the System management be adjusted to reflect the reality of the 2011 flood as the new worst case scenario for flooding along the Missouri River. (15) System management may begin to be adjusted to account for the 2011 flood through a recalculation of the amount of storage space within the System that is allocated to flood control, using the model not of the 1881 flood, but of the greatest flood experienced—the flood of 2011. (16) As a result of the flooding in 2011, many States received disaster declarations from the Department of Agriculture to help farmers and producers recover from the damage done by the high water. (17) Though helpful, even the assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture will not provide many in the agriculture community with the resources to put their land back into production any time soon. (18) Without the protection that will come from a fundamental change in the System’s flood control storage allocations, farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests who may be in a position to restart their operations will find it difficult to justify doing so, given the fact that they will not be protected from similar flooding in the future. (b) Updated management of the Missouri river To protect agricultural interests In order to strengthen the agricultural economy, revitalize the rural communities, and conserve the natural resources of the Missouri River basin, the Congress directs that the Secretary of Agriculture take action to promote immediate increased flood protection to farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests in the Missouri River basin by working within its jurisdiction to support efforts— (1) to recalculate the amount of space within the System that is allocated to flood control storage using the 2011 flood as the model; and (2) to increase the Missouri River’s channel capacity between the reservoirs and below Gavins Point. 11314. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Black Dirt region In order to strengthen the agricultural economy, revitalize the rural communities, and conserve the natural resources of the Black Dirt region, the Congress directs that the Secretary of Agriculture take action to promote immediate increased flood protection to farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests around the Wallkill River and in the Black Dirt region. 11315. Protection of honey bees and other pollinators (a) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall carry out such activities as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect and ensure the long-term viability of populations of honey bees, wild bees, and other beneficial insects of agricultural crops, horticultural plants, wild plants, and other plants, including— (1) providing technical expertise relating to proposed agency actions that may threaten pollinator health or jeopardize the long-term viability of populations of pollinators; (2) providing formal guidance on national policies relating to— (A) permitting managed honey bees to forage on National Forest Service lands where compatible with other natural resource management priorities; and (B) planting and maintaining managed honey bee and native pollinator forage on National Forest Service lands where compatible with other natural resource management priorities; (3) making use of the best available peer-reviewed science regarding environmental and chemical stressors on pollinator health; and (4) regularly monitoring and reporting on the health and population status of managed and native pollinators including bees, birds, bats, and other species. (b) Task force on bee health and commercial beekeeping (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a task force— (A) to coordinate Federal efforts carried out on or after the date of enactment of this Act to address the serious worldwide decline in bee health, especially honey bees and declining native bees; and (B) to assess Federal efforts to mitigate pollinator losses and threats to the United States commercial beekeeping industry. (2) Agency consultation The task force established under this subsection shall seek ongoing consultation from any Federal agency carrying out activities important to bee health and commercial beekeeping, including officials from— (A) the Department of Agriculture; (B) the Department of the Interior; (C) the Environmental Protection Agency; (D) the Food and Drug Administration; (E) the Department of Commerce; and (F) U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (3) Stakeholder consultation The task force established under this subsection shall consult with beekeeper, conservation, scientist, and agricultural stakeholders. (c) Report to Congress Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the task force established under subsection (b) shall submit to Congress a report that— (1) summarizes Federal activities carried out pursuant to subsection (f) of section of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925 ) (as redesignated by section 7209) or any other provision of law (including regulations) to address bee decline; (2) summarizes international efforts to address the decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators; and (3) provides recommendations to Congress regarding how to better coordinate Federal agency efforts to address the decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators. (d) Pollinator research lab feasibility study (1) In general The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, may conduct feasibility studies regarding— (A) re-locating existing honey bee and native pollinator research from Federal laboratories to a cooperator-run facility in a location most geographically appropriate for pollinator research; and (B) modernizing existing honey bee research laboratories identified by the Agricultural Research Service in the capital investment strategy document dated 2012. (2) Consultation In conducting the feasibility studies under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with— (A) beekeeper, native bee, agricultural, research institution, and bee conservation stakeholders regarding new research laboratory needs under paragraph (1)(A); and (B) commercial beekeepers regarding the modernizing of existing honey bee laboratories under paragraph (1)(B). 11316. Produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States (a) Technical assistance to CBP The Secretary of Agriculture shall make available to U.S. Customs and Border Protection technical assistance related to the identification of produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. (b) Report to Congress 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 report on produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. 11317. Urban agriculture coordination The Secretary of Agriculture shall coordinate opportunities for urban agriculture, by— (1) compiling a list of all programs administered by the Secretary or by the head of any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States to which urban farmers can apply for assistance or participation; (2) examining and implementing opportunities to adjust the regulations governing the programs to enable urban farmers to participate in more of the programs; (3) developing a process for streamlining the process by which urban farmers may apply for assistance from, or for participation in, the programs, including through the use of a single, harmonized application for multiple programs; and (4) such other methods as the Secretary deems appropriate. 11318. Sense of Congress on increased business opportunities for black farmers, women, minorities, and small businesses It is the sense of Congress that the Federal Government should increase the number of contracts the Federal Government awards to black farmers, businesses owned and controlled by women, businesses owned and controlled by minorities, and small business concerns. 11319. Sense of Congress regarding agriculture security programs It is the sense of Congress that— (1) agricultural nutrients and other agricultural chemicals are essential to ensuring the most efficient production of food, fuel, and fiber; (2) these products must be properly stored, handled, transported, and used to ensure that they are not misused or cause harm either accidentally or intentionally; (3) the Department of Agriculture is the Federal agency with the staffing and technical expertise to understand the important role these products play in agriculture; (4) other Federal departments and agencies have been given lead responsibility to develop and implement security programs affecting the availability, storage, transportation, and use of a variety of chemicals and products used in agriculture; (5) it is critical that the Department of Agriculture participates fully in the development of any such security programs to ensure that they do not unnecessarily restrict the availability of the most efficient and beneficial products needed to sustain agriculture in the United States; (6) the Secretary of Agriculture should review staffing at the Department to ensure that the agency has senior employees within the Department at the Senior Executive Service level or higher, who have responsibility for coordinating with other Federal, State, and international agencies in the development of regulations, guidance, and procedures for the secure handling of agricultural chemicals; and (7) such employees shall— (A) work with manufacturers, retailers, and the general farm community to review existing and proposed Federal, State, and international agricultural chemical security regulations; (B) coordinate with manufacturers, retailers, transporters, and farmers to evaluate how existing and proposed security regulations, including systems to track the sale, transportation, delivery, and use of agricultural products, can be designed to minimize any adverse impact on agricultural productivity; (C) evaluate how existing and proposed security regulations will affect the ability of agricultural producers to have timely access to nutrients, chemicals, and other products that are affordable and best suited to the producers’ operations; (D) develop recommendations on best practices, policies, and regulatory mechanisms relating to existing and proposed security programs to ensure that there is minimal adverse impact on agricultural productivity; and (E) engage with Federal agencies with responsibility for establishing security programs to ensure that they have the information needed to develop procedures for effective security administration and enforcement that minimize any adverse impact on domestic or international agricultural productivity. 11320. Report on water sharing Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report on— (1) efforts by Mexico to meet its treaty deliveries of water to the Rio Grande in accordance with the Treaty between the United States and Mexico Respecting Utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande (done at Washington, February 3, 1944); and (2) the benefits to the United States of the Interim International Cooperative Measures in the Colorado River Basin through 2017 and Extension of Minute 318 Cooperative Measures to Address the Continued Effects of the April 2010 Earthquake in the Mexicali Valley, Baja, California (done at Coronado, California, November 20, 2012; commonly referred to as Minute No. 319 ). 11321. Scientific and economic analysis of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary ) may not enforce any regulations promulgated under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (Public Law 111–353) until the Secretary publishes in the Federal Register the following: (1) An analysis of the scientific information used in the final rule to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act with a particular focus on— (A) agricultural businesses of a variety of sizes; (B) regional differences of agriculture production, processing, marketing, and value added production; (C) agricultural businesses that are diverse livestock and produce producers; and (D) what, if any, negative impact on the agricultural businesses would be created, or exacerbated, by implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. (2) An analysis of the economic impact of the proposed final rule to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act with a particular focus on— (A) agricultural businesses of a variety of sizes; and (B) small and mid-sized value added food processors. (3) A plan to systematically evaluate the regulations by surveying farmers and processors and developing an ongoing process to evaluate and address business concerns. (b) Annual report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the impact of implementation of the regulations promulgated under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. 11322. Improved Department of Agriculture consideration of economic impact of regulations on small business The Secretary of Agriculture shall complete procedures consistent with the requirements of subsection (b) of section 609 of title 5, United States Code, whenever the Department of Agriculture promulgates any rule which will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 11323. Silvicultural activities Section 402(l) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1342(l) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Silvicultural activities (A) NPDES permit requirements for silvicultural activities The Administrator shall not require a permit or otherwise promulgate regulations under this section or directly or indirectly require any State to require a permit under this section for a discharge of stormwater runoff resulting from the conduct of the following silviculture activities: nursery operations, site preparation, reforestation and subsequent cultural treatment, thinning, prescribed burning, pest and fire control, harvesting operations, surface drainage, and road use, construction, and maintenance. (B) Permits for dredged or fill material Nothing in this paragraph exempts a silvicultural activity resulting in the discharge of dredged or fill material from any permitting requirement under section 404. . 11324. Applicability of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule (a) In general The Administrator, in implementing the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule with respect to any farm, shall— (1) require certification of compliance with such rule by— (A) a professional engineer for a farm with— (i) an individual tank with an aboveground storage capacity greater than 10,000 gallons; (ii) an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than or equal to 42,000 gallons; or (iii) a history that includes a spill, as determined by the Administrator; or (B) the owner or operator of the farm (via self-certification) for a farm with— (i) an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than 10,000 gallons but less than 42,000 gallons; and (ii) no history of spills, as determined by the Administrator; and (2) exempt from all requirements of such rule any farm— (A) with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of less than or equal to 10,000 gallons; and (B) no history of spills, as determined by the Administrator. (b) Calculation of aggregate aboveground storage capacity For the purposes of subsection (a), the aggregate aboveground storage capacity of a farm excludes— (1) all containers on separate parcels that have a capacity that is less than 1,320 gallons; and (2) all storage containers holding animal feed ingredients approved for use in livestock feed by the Food and Drug Administration. (c) Definitions In this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) Farm The term farm has the meaning given such term in section 112.2 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. (3) Gallon The term gallon refers to a United States liquid gallon. (4) History of spills The term history of spills has the meaning used to describe the term reportable discharge history in section 112.7(k)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations). (5) Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule The term Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule means the regulation promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency under part 112 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. 11325. Agricultural producer information disclosure (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) Agency The term Agency means the Environmental Protection Agency. (3) Agricultural operation The term agricultural operation includes any operation where an agricultural commodity crop is raised, including livestock operations. (4) Livestock operation The term livestock operation includes any operation involved in the raising or finishing of livestock or poultry. (b) Disclosure of information (1) Prohibition Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Administrator, any officer or employee of the Agency, or any contractor of the Agency, shall not make public the information of any owner, operator, or employee of an agricultural operation provided to the Agency by a farmer, rancher, or livestock producer or a State agency that has been obtained in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or any other law, including— (A) names; (B) telephone numbers; (C) email addresses; (D) physical addresses; (E) Global Positioning System coordinates; or (F) other identifying location information. (2) Effect Nothing in paragraph (1) affects— (A) the disclosure of information described in paragraph (1) if— (i) the information has been transformed into a statistical or aggregate form at the county level or higher without any information that identifies the agricultural operation or agricultural producer; or (ii) the producer consents to the disclosure; or (B) the authority of any State agency to collect information on livestock operations. (3) Condition of permit or other programs The approval of any permit, practice, or program administered by the Administrator shall not be conditioned on the consent of the agricultural producer or livestock producer under paragraph (2)(A)(ii). 11326. Report on National Ocean Policy (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Executive Order 13547, issued on July 19, 2010, established the national policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes and requires— (A) Federal implementation of ecosystem-based management to achieve a fundamental shift in how the United States manages ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources; and (B) the establishment of nine new governmental Regional Planning Bodies and Coastal and Marine Spatial Plans in every region of the United States. (2) Executive Order 13547 created a 54-member National Ocean Council led by the White House Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Science and Technology Policy that includes 54 principal and deputy-level representatives from Federal entities, including the Department of Agriculture. (3) Executive Order 13547 requires National Ocean Council members, including the Department of Agriculture, to take action to implement the Policy and participate in coastal and marine spatial planning to the maximum extent possible. (4) The Final Recommendations of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force that were adopted by Executive Order 13547 state that effective implementation of the National Ocean Policy will require clear and easily understood requirements and regulations, where appropriate, that include enforcement as a critical component . (5) Despite repeated Congressional requests, the National Ocean Council, which is charged with overseeing implementation of the policy, has still not provided a complete accounting of Federal activities under the policy and resources expended and allocated in furtherance of implementation of the policy. (6) The continued economic and budgetary challenges of the United States underscore the necessity for sound, transparent, and practical Federal policies. (b) Report Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture 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 detailing— (1) all activities engaged in and resources expended in furtherance of Executive Order 13547 since July 19, 2010; and (2) any budget requests for fiscal year 2014 for support of implementation of Executive Order 13547. 11327. Sunsetting of programs (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), each fiscal year the Secretary of Agriculture may not carry out any program— (1) for which an authorization of appropriations is established or extended under this Act; and (2) that is funded by discretionary appropriations (as defined in section 250(c) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 ( 2 U.S.C. 900(c) )). (b) Effective date Subsection (a) shall take effect with respect to a program referred to in such subsection on the date on which the authorization of appropriations under this Act for such program expires. (c) Existing obligations Subsection (a) does not affect the ability of the Secretary to carry out responsibilities with regard to loans, grants, or other obligations made or in existence before an applicable effective date under subsection (b). D Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery 11401. Short title This subtitle may be cited as the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2013 . 11402. Chesapeake Bay Crosscut Budget (a) Crosscut Budget The Director, in consultation with the Chesapeake Executive Council, the chief executive of each Chesapeake Bay State, and the Chesapeake Bay Commission, shall submit to Congress a financial report containing— (1) an interagency crosscut budget that displays— (A) the proposed funding for any Federal restoration activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year, including any planned interagency or intra-agency transfer, for each of the Federal agencies that carry out restoration activities; (B) to the extent that information is available, the estimated funding for any State restoration activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year; (C) all expenditures for Federal restoration activities from the preceding 2 fiscal years, the current fiscal year, and the succeeding fiscal year; and (D) all expenditures, to the extent that information is available, for State restoration activities during the equivalent time period described in subparagraph (C) ; (2) a detailed accounting of all funds received and obligated by all Federal agencies for restoration activities during the current and preceding fiscal years, including the identification of funds which were transferred to a Chesapeake Bay State for restoration activities; (3) to the extent that information is available, a detailed accounting from each State of all funds received and obligated from a Federal agency for restoration activities during the current and preceding fiscal years; and (4) a description of each of the proposed Federal and State restoration activities to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year (corresponding to those activities listed in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1)), including the— (A) project description; (B) current status of the project; (C) Federal or State statutory or regulatory authority, programs, or responsible agencies; (D) authorization level for appropriations; (E) project timeline, including benchmarks; (F) references to project documents; (G) descriptions of risks and uncertainties of project implementation; (H) adaptive management actions or framework; (I) coordinating entities; (J) funding history; (K) cost sharing; and (L) alignment with existing Chesapeake Bay Agreement and Chesapeake Executive Council goals and priorities. (b) Minimum funding levels The Director shall only describe restoration activities in the report required under subsection (a) that— (1) for Federal restoration activities, have funding amounts greater than or equal to $100,000; and (2) for State restoration activities, have funding amounts greater than or equal to $50,000. (c) Deadline The Director shall submit to Congress the report required by subsection (a) not later than 30 days after the submission by the President of the President’s annual budget to Congress. (d) Report Copies of the financial report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations, Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations, Environment and Public Works, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. (e) Effective Date This section shall apply beginning with the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act for which the President submits a budget to Congress. 11403. Restoration through adaptive management (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with other Federal and State agencies, and with the participation of stakeholders, shall develop a plan to provide technical and financial assistance to Chesapeake Bay States to employ adaptive management in carrying out restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. (b) Plan development The plan referred to in subsection (a) shall include— (1) specific and measurable objectives to improve water quality, habitat, and fisheries identified by Chesapeake Bay States; (2) a process for stakeholder participation; (3) monitoring, modeling, experimentation, and other research and evaluation technical assistance requested by Chesapeake Bay States; (4) identification of State restoration activities planned by Chesapeake Bay States to attain the State’s objectives under paragraph (1); (5) identification of Federal restoration activities that could help a Chesapeake Bay State to attain the State’s objectives under paragraph (1); (6) recommendations for a process for modification of State and Federal restoration activities that have not attained or will not attain the specific and measurable objectives set forth under paragraph (1); and (7) recommendations for a process for integrating and prioritizing State and Federal restoration activities and programs to which adaptive management can be applied. (c) Implementation In addition to carrying out Federal restoration activities under existing authorities and funding, the Administrator shall implement the plan developed under subsection (a) by providing technical and financial assistance to Chesapeake Bay States using resources available for such purposes that are identified by the Director under section 11402. (d) Updates The Administrator shall update the plan developed under subsection (a) every 2 years. (e) Report to Congress (1) In general Not later than 60 days after the end of a fiscal year, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress an annual report on the implementation of the plan required under this section for such fiscal year. (2) Contents The report required under paragraph (1) shall contain information about the application of adaptive management to restoration activities and programs, including level changes implemented through the process of adaptive management. (3) Effective date Paragraph (1) shall apply to the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act. (f) Inclusion of plan in annual action plan and annual progress report The Administrator shall ensure that the Annual Action Plan and Annual Progress Report required by section 205 of Executive Order 13508 includes the adaptive management plan outlined in subsection (a). 11404. Independent Evaluator for the Chesapeake Bay Program (a) In general There shall be an Independent Evaluator for restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, who shall review and report on restoration activities and the use of adaptive management in restoration activities, including on such related topics as are suggested by the Chesapeake Executive Council. (b) Appointment (1) In general The Independent Evaluator shall be appointed by the Administrator from among nominees submitted by the Chesapeake Executive Council. (2) Nominations The Chesapeake Executive Council may submit to the Administrator 4 nominees for appointment to any vacancy in the office of the Independent Evaluator. (c) Reports The Independent Evaluator shall submit a report to the Congress every 2 years in the findings and recommendations of reviews under this section. (d) Chesapeake Executive Council In this section, the term Chesapeake Executive Council has the meaning given that term by section 307 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–567; 15 U.S.C. 1511d). 11405. Definitions In this subtitle, the following definitions apply: (1) Adaptive management The term adaptive management means a type of natural resource management in which project and program decisions are made as part of an ongoing science-based process. Adaptive management involves testing, monitoring, and evaluating applied strategies and incorporating new knowledge into programs and restoration activities that are based on scientific findings and the needs of society. Results are used to modify management policy, strategies, practices, programs, and restoration activities. (2) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (3) Chesapeake Bay State The term Chesapeake Bay State or State means the States of Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York, the Commonwealths of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. (4) Chesapeake Bay Watershed The term Chesapeake Bay watershed means the Chesapeake Bay and the geographic area, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, consisting of 36 tributary basins, within the Chesapeake Bay States, through which precipitation drains into the Chesapeake Bay. (5) Chief Executive The term chief executive means, in the case of a State or Commonwealth, the Governor of each such State or Commonwealth and, in the case of the District of Columbia, the Mayor of the District of Columbia. (6) Director The term Director means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. (7) State restoration activities The term State restoration activities means any State programs or projects carried out under State authority that directly or indirectly protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat, water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including programs or projects that promote responsible land use, stewardship, and community engagement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Restoration activities may be categorized as follows: (A) Physical restoration. (B) Planning. (C) Feasibility studies. (D) Scientific research. (E) Monitoring. (F) Education. (G) Infrastructure development. (8) Federal restoration activities The term Federal restoration activities means any Federal programs or projects carried out under existing Federal authority that directly or indirectly protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat, water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including programs or projects that provide financial and technical assistance to promote responsible land use, stewardship, and community engagement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Restoration activities may be categorized as follows: (A) Physical restoration. (B) Planning. (C) Feasibility studies. (D) Scientific research. (E) Monitoring. (F) Education. (G) Infrastructure development.

Passed the House of Representatives July 11, 2013. Karen L. Haas, Clerk

July 16 (legislative day, July 15), 2013 Received; read twice and placed on the calendar

tv_txt: 113th CONGRESS 1st Session In the House of Representatives, U. S., September 28, 2013 HOUSE AMENDMENT TO SENATE AMENDMENT:

That the House agree to the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 2642) entitled An Act to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. , with the following In lieu of the matter proposed to be inserted by the amendment of the Senate to the text of the bill, insert the following: 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture. Title I—Commodities Subtitle A—Repeals and reforms Sec. 1101. Repeal of direct payments. Sec. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments. Sec. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program. Sec. 1104. Definitions. Sec. 1105. Base acres. Sec. 1106. Payment yields. Sec. 1107. Farm risk management election. Sec. 1108. Producer agreements. Subtitle B—Marketing loans Sec. 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities. Sec. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans. Sec. 1203. Term of loans. Sec. 1204. Repayment of loans. Sec. 1205. Loan deficiency payments. Sec. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage. Sec. 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton. Sec. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton. Sec. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton. Sec. 1210. Adjustments of loans. Subtitle C—Sugar Sec. 1301. Sugar program. Subtitle D—Dairy Part I—Dairy Producer Margin Insurance Program Sec. 1401. Dairy producer margin insurance program. Sec. 1402. Rulemaking. Part II—Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-related provisions Sec. 1411. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs. Sec. 1412. Repeal of dairy export incentive program. Sec. 1413. Extension of dairy forward pricing program. Sec. 1414. Extension of dairy indemnity program. Sec. 1415. Extension of dairy promotion and research program. Sec. 1416. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission. Part III—Effective date Sec. 1421. Effective date. Subtitle E—Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance. Sec. 1502. National Drought Council and National Drought Policy Action Plan. Subtitle F—Administration Sec. 1601. Administration generally. Sec. 1602. Repeal of permanent price support authority. Sec. 1603. Payment limitations. Sec. 1603A. Payments limited to active farmers. Sec. 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation. Sec. 1605. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Sec. 1606. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies. Sec. 1607. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs. Sec. 1608. Technical corrections. Sec. 1609. Assignment of payments. Sec. 1610. Tracking of benefits. Sec. 1611. Signature authority. Sec. 1612. Implementation. Sec. 1613. Protection of producer information. Title II—Conservation Subtitle A—Conservation Reserve Program Sec. 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program. Sec. 2002. Farmable wetland program. Sec. 2003. Duties of owners and operators. Sec. 2004. Duties of the Secretary. Sec. 2005. Payments. Sec. 2006. Contract requirements. Sec. 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses. Sec. 2008. Effective date. Subtitle B—Conservation Stewardship Program Sec. 2101. Conservation stewardship program. Subtitle C—Environmental Quality Incentives Program Sec. 2201. Purposes. Sec. 2202. Establishment and administration. Sec. 2203. Evaluation of applications. Sec. 2204. Duties of producers. Sec. 2205. Limitation on payments. Sec. 2206. Conservation innovation grants and payments. Sec. 2207. Effective date. Subtitle D—Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Sec. 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program. Subtitle E—Regional Conservation Partnership Program Sec. 2401. Regional conservation partnership program. Subtitle F—Other Conservation Programs Sec. 2501. Conservation of private grazing land. Sec. 2502. Grassroots source water protection program. Sec. 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program. Sec. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program. Sec. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program. Sec. 2506. Agricultural management assistance program. Sec. 2507. Emergency watershed protection program. Subtitle G—Funding and Administration Sec. 2601. Funding. Sec. 2602. Technical assistance. Sec. 2603. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access. Sec. 2604. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance. Sec. 2605. Review of conservation practice standards. Sec. 2606. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation programs. Sec. 2607. Standards for State technical committees. Sec. 2608. Rulemaking authority. Sec. 2609. Wetlands mitigation. Sec. 2610. Lesser prairie-chicken conservation report. Subtitle H—Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments Sec. 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program. Sec. 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program. Sec. 2703. Wetlands reserve program. Sec. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program. Sec. 2705. Grassland reserve program. Sec. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program. Sec. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program. Sec. 2708. Great Lakes basin program. Sec. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program. Sec. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative. Sec. 2711. Environmental easement program. Sec. 2712. Technical amendments. Title III—Trade Subtitle A—Food for Peace Act Sec. 3001. General authority. Sec. 3002. Support for organizations through which assistance is provided. Sec. 3003. Food aid quality. Sec. 3004. Minimum levels of assistance. Sec. 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group. Sec. 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation. Sec. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods. Sec. 3008. General provisions. Sec. 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities. Sec. 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities. Sec. 3011. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance. Sec. 3012. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs. Sec. 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program. Subtitle B—Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 Sec. 3101. Funding for export credit guarantee program. Sec. 3102. Funding for market access program. Sec. 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program. Subtitle C—Other Agricultural Trade Laws Sec. 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985. Sec. 3202. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act. Sec. 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets. Sec. 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Sec. 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops. Sec. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust. Sec. 3207. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services. Sec. 3208. Department of Agriculture certificates of origin. Title IV—Supplemental nutrition assistance program Sec. 4000. Short Title. Sec. 4001. Preventing payment of cash to recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance benefits for the return of empty bottles and cans used to contain food purchased with benefits provided under the program. Sec. 4002. Retailers. Sec. 4003. Enhancing services to elderly and disabled supplemental nutrition assistance program participants. Sec. 4004. Food distribution program on Indian reservations. Sec. 4005. Updating program eligibility. Sec. 4006. Exclusion of medical marijuana from excess medical expense deduction. Sec. 4007. Standard utility allowances based on the receipt of energy assistance payments. Sec. 4008. Eligibility disqualifications. Sec. 4009. Repeal of State work program waiver authority. Sec. 4010. Ending supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits for lottery or gambling winners. Sec. 4011. Improving security of food assistance. Sec. 4012. Demonstration projects on acceptance of benefits of mobile transactions. Sec. 4013. Use of benefits for purchase of community-supported agriculture share. Sec. 4014. Restaurant meals program. Sec. 4015. Mandating State immigration verification. Sec. 4016. Data exchange standardization for improved interoperability. Sec. 4017. Pilot projects to improve Federal-State cooperation in identifying and reducing fraud in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Sec. 4018. Prohibiting government-sponsored recruitment activities. Sec. 4019. Repeal of bonus program. Sec. 4020. Funding of employment and training programs. Sec. 4021. Monitoring employment and training programs. Sec. 4022. Cooperation with program research and evaluation. Sec. 4023. Pilot projects to reduce dependency and increase work effort in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Sec. 4024. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 4025. Limitation on use of block grant to Puerto Rico. Sec. 4026. Assistance for community food projects. Sec. 4027. Emergency food assistance. Sec. 4028. Nutrition education. Sec. 4029. Retailer trafficking. Sec. 4030. Technical and conforming amendments. Sec. 4031. Tolerance level for excluding small errors. Sec. 4032. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands pilot program. Sec. 4033. Annual State report on verification of SNAP participation. Sec. 4034. Termination of existing agreement. Sec. 4035. Service of traditional foods in public facilities. Sec. 4036. Testing applicants for unlawful use of controlled substances. Sec. 4037. Eligibility disqualifications for certain convicted felons. Sec. 4038. Expungement of unused supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits. Sec. 4039. Pilot projects to promote work and increase State accountability in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Sec. 4040. Improved wage verification using the National Directory of New Hires. Sec. 4041. Feasibility study for Indian tribes. Sec. 4042. Commodity distribution program. Sec. 4043. Commodity supplemental food program. Sec. 4044. Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects. Sec. 4045. Processing of commodities. Sec. 4046. Farmers’ market nutrition program. Sec. 4047. Nutrition information and awareness pilot program. Sec. 4048. Fresh fruit and vegetable program. Sec. 4049. Additional authority for purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other specialty food crops. Sec. 4050. Encouraging locally and regionally grown and raised food. Sec. 4051. Review of public health benefits of white potatoes. Sec. 4052. Healthy Food Financing Initiative. Sec. 4053. Review of sole-source contracts in Federal nutrition programs. Sec. 4054. Purchase of Halal and Kosher food for emergency food assistance program. Title V—Credit Subtitle A—Farm ownership loans Sec. 5001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans. Sec. 5002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program. Sec. 5003. Down payment loan program. Sec. 5004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement. Subtitle B—Operating loans Sec. 5101. Eligibility for farm operating loans. Sec. 5102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth. Sec. 5103. Authority to waive personal liability for youth loans due to circumstances beyond borrower control. Sec. 5104. Microloans. Subtitle C—Emergency loans Sec. 5201. Eligibility for emergency loans. Subtitle D—Administrative provisions Sec. 5301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program. Sec. 5302. Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers. Sec. 5303. Loan authorization levels. Sec. 5304. Priority for participation loans. Sec. 5305. Loan fund set-asides. Sec. 5306. Conforming amendment to borrower training provision, relating to eligibility changes. Subtitle E—State agricultural mediation programs Sec. 5401. State agricultural mediation programs. Subtitle F—Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land Sec. 5501. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land. Title VI—Rural Development Subtitle A—Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act Sec. 6001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants. Sec. 6002. Rural business opportunity grants. Sec. 6003. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant program funds. Sec. 6004. Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities. Sec. 6005. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program. Sec. 6006. Tribal college and university essential community facilities. Sec. 6007. Essential community facilities technical assistance and training. Sec. 6008. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program. Sec. 6009. Household water well systems. Sec. 6010. Rural business and industry loan program. Sec. 6011. Rural cooperative development grants. Sec. 6012. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products. Sec. 6013. Intermediary relending program. Sec. 6014. Rural college coordinated strategy. Sec. 6015. Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure. Sec. 6016. Simplified applications. Sec. 6017. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters. Sec. 6018. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program. Sec. 6019. Delta Regional Authority. Sec. 6020. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority. Sec. 6021. Rural business investment program. Subtitle B—Rural Electrification Act of 1936 Sec. 6101. Relending for certain purposes. Sec. 6102. Fees for certain loan guarantees. Sec. 6103. Rural utilities service contracting authority. Sec. 6104. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes. Sec. 6105. Expansion of 911 access. Sec. 6106. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas. Subtitle C—Miscellaneous Sec. 6201. Distance learning and telemedicine. Sec. 6202. Value-added agricultural market development program grants. Sec. 6203. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program. Sec. 6204. Program metrics. Sec. 6205. Study of rural transportation issues. Sec. 6206. Certain Federal actions not to be considered major. Sec. 6207. Telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas. Sec. 6208. Regional economic and infrastructure development. Title VII—Research, Extension, and Related Matters Subtitle A—National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 Sec. 7101. Option to be included as non-land-grant college of agriculture. Sec. 7102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. Sec. 7103. Specialty crop committee. Sec. 7104. Veterinary services grant program. Sec. 7105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education. Sec. 7106. Policy research centers. Sec. 7107. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program. Sec. 7108. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research. Sec. 7109. Nutrition education program. Sec. 7110. Continuing animal health and disease research programs. Sec. 7111. Repeal of appropriations for research on national or regional problems. Sec. 7112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Sec. 7113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions. Sec. 7114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers. Sec. 7115. Hispanic-serving institutions. Sec. 7116. Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth. Sec. 7117. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs. Sec. 7118. Repeal of research equipment grants. Sec. 7119. University research. Sec. 7120. Extension service. Sec. 7121. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements. Sec. 7122. Supplemental and alternative crops. Sec. 7123. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions. Sec. 7124. Aquaculture assistance programs. Sec. 7125. Rangeland research programs. Sec. 7126. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response. Sec. 7127. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education. Sec. 7128. Matching funds requirement. Sec. 7129. Sense of Congress regarding expansion of the land grant program to include enhanced funding and additional institutions. Subtitle B—Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 Sec. 7201. Best utilization of biological applications. Sec. 7202. Integrated management systems. Sec. 7203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program. Sec. 7204. National training program. Sec. 7205. National Genetics Resources Program. Sec. 7206. Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System. Sec. 7207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program. Sec. 7208. Repeal of agricultural genome initiative. Sec. 7209. High-priority research and extension initiatives. Sec. 7210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension initiative. Sec. 7211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative. Sec. 7212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative. Sec. 7213. Farm business management. Sec. 7214. Centers of excellence. Sec. 7215. Repeal of red meat safety research center. Sec. 7216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities. Sec. 7217. National rural information center clearinghouse. Subtitle C—Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 Sec. 7301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department. Sec. 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program. Sec. 7303. Repeal of coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations. Sec. 7304. Fusarium Graminearum grants. Sec. 7305. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program. Sec. 7306. Grants for youth organizations. Sec. 7307. Specialty crop research initiative. Sec. 7308. Food animal residue avoidance database program. Sec. 7309. Repeal of national swine research center. Sec. 7310. Office of pest management policy. Sec. 7311. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and education. Subtitle D—Other Laws Sec. 7401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act. Sec. 7402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 . Sec. 7403. Research Facilities Act. Sec. 7404. Repeal of carbon cycle research. Sec. 7405. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act. Sec. 7406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 . Sec. 7407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980 . Sec. 7408. Repeal of use of remote sensing data. Sec. 7409. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 . Sec. 7410. Beginning farmer and rancher development program. Sec. 7411. Inclusion of American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands as a State under McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act. Subtitle E—Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 Part 1—Agricultural Security Sec. 7501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center. Sec. 7502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response. Sec. 7503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures. Sec. 7504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program. Part 2—Miscellaneous Sec. 7511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program. Sec. 7512. Grazinglands research laboratory. Sec. 7513. Budget submission and funding. Sec. 7514. Research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Sec. 7515. Repeal of farm and ranch stress assistance network. Sec. 7516. Repeal of seed distribution. Sec. 7517. Natural products research program. Sec. 7518. Sun grant program. Sec. 7519. Repeal of study and report on food deserts. Sec. 7520. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and education. Subtitle F—Miscellaneous provisions Sec. 7601. Agreements with nonprofit organizations for National Arboretum. Sec. 7602. Cotton Disease Research Report. Sec. 7603. Acceptance of facility for Agricultural Research Service. Sec. 7604. Miscellaneous technical corrections. Sec. 7605. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research. Title VIII—Forestry Subtitle A—Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs Sec. 8001. Forest land enhancement program. Sec. 8002. Watershed forestry assistance program. Sec. 8003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing program. Sec. 8004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program. Sec. 8005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program. Sec. 8006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process. Subtitle B—Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Programs Sec. 8101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources. Sec. 8102. Forest Legacy Program. Sec. 8103. Community forest and open space conservation program. Subtitle C—Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws Sec. 8201. Rural revitalization technologies. Sec. 8202. Office of International Forestry. Sec. 8203. Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve program. Sec. 8204. Stewardship end result contracting project authority. Subtitle D—National Forest Critical Area Response Sec. 8301. Definitions. Sec. 8302. Designation of critical areas. Sec. 8303. Application of expedited procedures and activities of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to critical areas. Sec. 8304. Good neighbor authority. Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Provisions Sec. 8401. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis. Sec. 8402. Forest Service participation in ACES Program. Sec. 8403. Green science and technology transfer research under Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978. Sec. 8404. Extension of stewardship contracts authority regarding use of designation by prescription to all thinning sales under National Forest Management Act of 1976. Sec. 8405. Reimbursement of fire funds expended by a State for management and suppression of certain wildfires. Sec. 8406. Ability of National Forest System lands to meet needs of local wood producing facilities for raw materials. Sec. 8407. Report on the National Forest System roads. Sec. 8408. Forest Service large airtanker and aerial asset firefighting recapitalization pilot program. Sec. 8409. Land conveyance, Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia. Sec. 8410. Categorical exclusion for forest projects in response to emergencies. Title IX—Energy Sec. 9001. Definition of renewable energy system. Sec. 9002. Biobased markets program. Sec. 9003. Biorefinery assistance. Sec. 9004. Repowering assistance program. Sec. 9005. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels. Sec. 9006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program. Sec. 9007. Rural Energy for America Program. Sec. 9008. Biomass Research and Development. Sec. 9009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers. Sec. 9010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Sec. 9011. Community wood energy program. Sec. 9012. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study. Sec. 9013. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study. Sec. 9014. Energy efficiency report for USDA facilities. Title X—Horticulture Sec. 10001. Specialty crops market news allocation. Sec. 10002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops. Sec. 10003. Farmers market and local food promotion program. Sec. 10004. Organic agriculture. Sec. 10005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 . Sec. 10006. Food safety education initiatives. Sec. 10007. Specialty crop block grants. Sec. 10008. Department of Agriculture consultation regarding enforcement of certain labor law provisions. Sec. 10009. Report on honey. Sec. 10010. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada. Sec. 10011. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs. Sec. 10012. Modification, cancellation, or suspension on basis of a biological opinion. Sec. 10013. Use and discharges of authorized pesticides. Sec. 10014. Seed not pesticide or device for purposes of importation. Sec. 10015. Stay of regulations related to Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order. Sec. 10016. Study on proposed order pertaining to sulfuryl fluoride. Sec. 10017. Study on local and regional food production and program evaluation. Sec. 10018. Annual report on invasive species. Title XI—Crop Insurance Sec. 11001. Information sharing. Sec. 11002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium adjustments. Sec. 11003. Supplemental coverage option. Sec. 11004. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection. Sec. 11005. Repeal of performance-based discount. Sec. 11006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy. Sec. 11007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops. Sec. 11008. Data collection. Sec. 11009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields. Sec. 11010. Submission and review of policies. Sec. 11011. Equitable relief for specialty crop policies. Sec. 11012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance agreement. Sec. 11013. Crop production on native sod. Sec. 11014. Coverage levels by practice. Sec. 11015. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions. Sec. 11016. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton. Sec. 11017. Peanut revenue crop insurance. Sec. 11018. Authority to correct errors. Sec. 11019. Implementation. Sec. 11020. Research and development priorities. Sec. 11021. Additional research and development contracting requirements. Sec. 11022. Program compliance partnerships. Sec. 11023. Pilot programs. Sec. 11024. Technical amendments. Sec. 11025. Advance public notice of crop insurance policy and plan changes. Title XII—Miscellaneous Subtitle A—Livestock Sec. 12101. Repeal of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center. Sec. 12102. Repeal of certain regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 . Sec. 12103. Trichinae certification program. Sec. 12104. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan. Sec. 12105. Country of origin labeling. Sec. 12106. National animal health laboratory network. Sec. 12107. Repeal of duplicative catfish inspection program. Sec. 12108. National Poultry Improvement Program. Sec. 12109. Report on bovine tuberculosis in Texas. Sec. 12110. Economic fraud in wild and farm-raised seafood. Subtitle B—Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers Sec. 12201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers. Sec. 12202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach. Sec. 12203. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center. Sec. 12204. Receipt for service or denial of service from certain department of agriculture agencies. Subtitle C—Other miscellaneous provisions Sec. 12301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force. Sec. 12302. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high plains water study. Sec. 12303. Office of Tribal Relations. Sec. 12304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. Sec. 12305. Prohibition on keeping GSA leased cars overnight. Sec. 12306. Noninsured crop assistance program. Sec. 12307. Ensuring high standards for agency use of scientific information. Sec. 12308. Evaluation required for purposes of prohibition on closure or relocation of county offices for the Farm Service Agency. Sec. 12309. Acer access and development program. Sec. 12310. Regulatory review by the Secretary of Agriculture. Sec. 12311. Prohibition on attending an animal fighting venture or causing a minor to attend an animal fighting venture. Sec. 12312. Prohibition against interference by State and local governments with production or manufacture of items in other States. Sec. 12313. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Missouri River Basin. Sec. 12314. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Black Dirt region. Sec. 12315. Protection of honey bees and other pollinators. Sec. 12316. Produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. Sec. 12317. Urban agriculture coordination. Sec. 12318. Sense of Congress on increased business opportunities for black farmers, women, minorities, and small businesses. Sec. 12319. Sense of Congress regarding agriculture security programs. Sec. 12320. Report on water sharing. Sec. 12321. Scientific and economic analysis of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. Sec. 12322. Improved Department of Agriculture consideration of economic impact of regulations on small business. Sec. 12323. Silvicultural activities. Sec. 12324. Applicability of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule. Sec. 12325. Agricultural producer information disclosure. Sec. 12326. Report on National Ocean Policy. Sec. 12327. Sunsetting of programs. Subtitle D—Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Sec. 12401. Short title. Sec. 12402. Chesapeake Bay Crosscut Budget. Sec. 12403. Restoration through adaptive management. Sec. 12404. Independent Evaluator for the Chesapeake Bay Program. Sec. 12405. Definitions. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture In this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. I Commodities A Repeals and reforms 1101. Repeal of direct payments (a) Repeal Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 , 8753) are repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 , 8753), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm. (c) Continued application for 2014 and 2015 crop years Subject to this subtitle, the amendments made by sections 1603 and 1604 of this Act, and sections 1607 and 1611 of this Act, section 1103 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2014 and 2015 crop years with respect to upland cotton only (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )), except that, in applying such section 1103, the term payment acres means the following: (1) For crop year 2014, 70 percent of the base acres of upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made. (2) For crop year 2015, 60 percent of the base acres of upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments (a) Repeal Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8714 , 8754) are repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8714 , 8754), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program (a) Repeal Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8715 ) is repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8715 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm for which the irrevocable election under section 1105 of that Act was made before the date of enactment of this Act. 1104. Definitions In this subtitle and subtitle B: (1) Actual county revenue The term actual county revenue , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1107(c)(4) to determine whether revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year. (2) Base acres The term base acres , with respect to a covered commodity and cotton on a farm, means the number of acres established under sections 1101 and 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 , 7952) or sections 1101 and 1302 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8711 , 8752), as in effect on September 30, 2013, subject to any adjustment under section 1105 of this Act. For purposes of making payments under subsections (b) and (c) of section 1107, base acres are reduced by the payment acres calculated in section 1101(c). (3) County revenue loss coverage trigger The term county revenue loss coverage trigger , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1107(c)(5) to determine whether revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year. (4) Covered commodity The term covered commodity means wheat, oats, and barley (including wheat, oats, and barley used for haying and grazing), corn, grain sorghum, long grain rice, medium grain rice, pulse crops, soybeans, other oilseeds, and peanuts. (5) Effective price The term effective price , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the price calculated by the Secretary under section 1107(b)(2) to determine whether price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year. (6) Extra long staple cotton The term extra long staple cotton means cotton that— (A) is produced from pure strain varieties of the Barbadense species or any hybrid of the species, or other similar types of extra long staple cotton, designated by the Secretary, having characteristics needed for various end uses for which United States upland cotton is not suitable and grown in irrigated cotton-growing regions of the United States designated by the Secretary or other areas designated by the Secretary as suitable for the production of the varieties or types; and (B) is ginned on a roller-type gin or, if authorized by the Secretary, ginned on another type gin for experimental purposes. (7) Farm base acres The term farm base acres means the sum of the base acreage for all covered commodities and cotton on a farm in effect as of September 30, 2013, and subject to any adjustment under section 1105. (8) Medium grain rice The term medium grain rice includes short grain rice. (9) Midseason price The term midseason price means the applicable national average market price received by producers for the first 5 months of the applicable marketing year, as determined by the Secretary. (10) Other oilseed The term other oilseed means a crop of sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, crambe, sesame seed, or any oilseed designated by the Secretary. (11) Payment acres (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) through (D), the term payment acres , with respect to the provision of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss coverage payments, means— (i) 85 percent of total acres planted for the year to each covered commodity on a farm; and (ii) 30 percent of total acres approved as prevented from being planted for the year to each covered commodity on a farm. (B) Maximum The total quantity of payment acres determined under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed the farm base acres. (C) Reduction If the sum of all payment acres for a farm exceeds the limits established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall reduce the payment acres applicable to each crop proportionately. (D) Exclusion The term payment acres does not include any crop subsequently planted during the same crop year on the same land for which the first crop is eligible for payments under this subtitle, unless the crop was approved for double cropping in the county, as determined by the Secretary. (12) Payment yield The term payment yield means the yield established for counter-cyclical payments under section 1102 or 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7912 , 7952), section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8712 ), as in effect on September 30, 2013, or under section 1106 of this Act, for a farm for a covered commodity. (13) Price loss coverage The term price loss coverage means coverage provided under section 1107(b). (14) Producer (A) In general The term producer means an owner, operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper that shares in the risk of producing a crop and is entitled to share in the crop available for marketing from the farm, or would have shared had the crop been produced. (B) Hybrid seed In determining whether a grower of hybrid seed is a producer, the Secretary shall— (i) not take into consideration the existence of a hybrid seed contract; and (ii) ensure that program requirements do not adversely affect the ability of the grower to receive a payment under this title. (15) Pulse crop The term pulse crop means dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas. (16) Reference price The term reference price , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the following: (A) Wheat, $5.50 per bushel. (B) Corn, $3.70 per bushel. (C) Grain sorghum, $3.95 per bushel. (D) Barley, $4.95 per bushel. (E) Oats, $2.40 per bushel. (F) Long grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight. (G) Medium grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight. (H) Soybeans, $8.40 per bushel. (I) Other oilseeds, $20.15 per hundredweight. (J) Peanuts $535.00 per ton. (K) Dry peas, $11.00 per hundredweight. (L) Lentils, $19.97 per hundredweight. (M) Small chickpeas, $19.04 per hundredweight. (N) Large chickpeas, $21.54 per hundredweight. (17) Revenue loss coverage The term revenue loss coverage means coverage provided under section 1107(c). (18) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (19) State The term State means— (A) a State; (B) the District of Columbia; (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (D) any other territory or possession of the United States. (20) Temperate japonica rice The term temperate japonica rice means rice that is grown in high altitudes or temperate regions of high latitudes with cooler climate conditions, in the Western United States, as determined by the Secretary. (21) Transitional yield The term transitional yield has the meaning given the term in section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ). (22) United States The term United States , when used in a geographical sense, means all of the States. (23) United States premium factor The term United States Premium Factor means the percentage by which the difference in the United States loan schedule premiums for Strict Middling (SM) 1 1/8 -inch upland cotton and for Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch upland cotton exceeds the difference in the applicable premiums for comparable international qualities. 1105. Base acres (a) Adjustment of base acres (1) In general The Secretary shall provide for an adjustment, as appropriate, in the base acres for covered commodities and cotton for a farm whenever any of the following circumstances occurs: (A) A conservation reserve contract entered into under section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 ) with respect to the farm expires or is voluntarily terminated. (B) Cropland is released from coverage under a conservation reserve contract by the Secretary. (C) The producer has eligible oilseed acreage as the result of the Secretary designating additional oilseeds, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under section 1101(a)(1)(D) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8711(a)(1)(D) ). (2) Special conservation reserve acreage payment rules For the crop year in which a base acres adjustment under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) is first made, the owner of the farm shall elect to receive price loss coverage or revenue loss coverage with respect to the acreage added to the farm under this subsection or a prorated payment under the conservation reserve contract, but not both. (b) Prevention of excess base acres (1) Required reduction If the sum of the base acres for a farm, together with the acreage described in paragraph (2) exceeds the actual cropland acreage of the farm, the Secretary shall reduce the base acres for 1 or more covered commodities or cotton for the farm so that the sum of the base acres and acreage described in paragraph (2) does not exceed the actual cropland acreage of the farm. (2) Other acreage For purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include the following: (A) Any acreage on the farm enrolled in the conservation reserve program or wetlands reserve program (or successor programs) under chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq. ). (B) Any other acreage on the farm enrolled in a Federal conservation program for which payments are made in exchange for not producing an agricultural commodity on the acreage. (C) If the Secretary designates additional oilseeds, any eligible oilseed acreage, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under subsection (a)(1)(C). (3) Selection of acres The Secretary shall give the owner of the farm the opportunity to select the base acres for a covered commodity or cotton for the farm against which the reduction required by paragraph (1) will be made. (4) Exception for double-cropped acreage In applying paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make an exception in the case of double cropping, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Reduction in base acres (1) Reduction at option of owner (A) In general The owner of a farm may reduce, at any time, the base acres for any covered commodity or cotton for the farm. (B) Effect of reduction A reduction under subparagraph (A) shall be permanent and made in a manner prescribed by the Secretary. (2) Required action by Secretary (A) In general The Secretary shall proportionately reduce base acres on a farm for covered commodities and cotton for land that has been subdivided and developed for multiple residential units or other nonfarming uses if the size of the tracts and the density of the subdivision is such that the land is unlikely to return to the previous agricultural use, unless the producers on the farm demonstrate that the land— (i) remains devoted to commercial agricultural production; or (ii) is likely to be returned to the previous agricultural use. (B) Requirement The Secretary shall establish procedures to identify land described in subparagraph (A). 1106. Payment yields (a) Establishment and purpose For the purpose of making payments under this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide for the establishment of a yield for each farm for any designated oilseed for which a payment yield was not established under section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8712 ) in accordance with this section. (b) Payment yields for designated oilseeds (1) Determination of average yield In the case of designated oilseeds, the Secretary shall determine the average yield per planted acre for the designated oilseed on a farm for the 1998 through 2001 crop years, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the designated oilseed was zero. (2) Adjustment for payment yield (A) In general The payment yield for a farm for a designated oilseed shall be equal to the product of the following: (i) The average yield for the designated oilseed determined under paragraph (1). (ii) The ratio resulting from dividing the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1981 through 1985 crops by the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1998 through 2001 crops. (B) No national average yield information available To the extent that national average yield information for a designated oilseed is not available, the Secretary shall use such information as the Secretary determines to be fair and equitable to establish a national average yield under this section. (3) Use of county average yield If the yield per planted acre for a crop of a designated oilseed for a farm for any of the 1998 through 2001 crop years was less than 75 percent of the county yield for that designated oilseed, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the county yield for the purpose of determining the average under paragraph (1). (4) No historic yield data available In the case of establishing yields for designated oilseeds, if historic yield data is not available, the Secretary shall use the ratio for dry peas calculated under paragraph (2)(A)(ii) in determining the yields for designated oilseeds, as determined to be fair and equitable by the Secretary. (c) Effect of lack of payment yield (1) Establishment by secretary If no payment yield is otherwise established for a farm for which a covered commodity is planted and eligible to receive price loss coverage payments, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm under paragraph (2). (2) Use of similarly situated farms To establish an appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law. (d) Single opportunity To update yields used To determine price loss coverage payments (1) Election to update At the sole discretion of the owner of a farm, the owner of a farm shall have a 1-time opportunity to update the payment yields on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis that would otherwise be used in calculating any price loss coverage payment for covered commodities on the farm. (2) Time for election The election under paragraph (1) shall be made at a time and manner to be in effect for the 2014 crop year as determined by the Secretary. (3) Method of updating yields If the owner of a farm elects to update yields under this subsection, the payment yield for a covered commodity on the farm, for the purpose of calculating price loss coverage payments only, shall be equal to 90 percent of the average of the yield per planted acre for the crop of the covered commodity on the farm for the 2008 through 2012 crop years, as determined by the Secretary, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the crop of the covered commodity was zero. (4) Use of county average yield If the yield per planted acre for a crop of the covered commodity for a farm for any of the 2008 through 2012 crop years was less than 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for that commodity, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for the purposes of determining the average yield under paragraph (3). (5) Effect of lack of payment yield (A) Establishment by secretary For purposes of this subsection, if no payment yield is otherwise established for a covered commodity on a farm, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate updated payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm under subparagraph (B). (B) Use of similarly situated farms To establish an appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall take into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law. 1107. Farm risk management election (a) In general (1) Payments required Except as provided in paragraph (2), if the Secretary determines that payments are required under subsection (b)(1) or (c)(2) for a covered commodity, the Secretary shall make payments for that covered commodity available under such subsection to producers on a farm pursuant to the terms and conditions of this section. (2) Prohibition on payments; exceptions Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a producer on a farm may not receive price loss coverage payments or revenue loss coverage payments if the sum of the planted acres of covered commodities on the farm is 10 acres or less, as determined by the Secretary, unless the producer is— (A) a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (as defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2003(e) )); or (B) a limited resource farmer or rancher, as defined by the Secretary. (b) Price loss coverage (1) Payments For the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary shall make price loss coverage payments to producers on a farm for a covered commodity if the Secretary determines that— (A) the effective price for the covered commodity for the crop year; is less than (B) the reference price for the covered commodity for the crop year. (2) Effective price The effective price for a covered commodity for a crop year shall be the higher of— (A) the midseason price; or (B) the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such crop year under subtitle B. (3) Payment rate The payment rate shall be equal to the difference between— (A) the reference price for the covered commodity; and (B) the effective price determined under paragraph (2) for the covered commodity. (4) Payment amount If price loss coverage payments are required to be provided under this subsection for the 2014 crop year or any succeding crop year for a covered commodity, the amount of the price loss coverage payment to be paid to the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the payment rate for the covered commodity under paragraph (3); (B) the payment yield for the covered commodity; and (C) the payment acres for the covered commodity. (5) Time for payments If the Secretary determines under this subsection that price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, the payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity. (6) Special rule for barley In determining the effective price for barley in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall use the all-barley price. (7) Special rule for temperate japonica rice The Secretary shall provide a reference price with respect to temperate japonica rice in an amount equal to 115 percent of the amount established in subparagraphs (F) and (G) of section 1104(16) in order to reflect price premiums. (c) Revenue loss coverage (1) Available as an alternative As an alternative to receiving price loss coverage payments under subsection (b) for a covered commodity, all of the owners of the farm may make a one-time, irrevocable election on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis to receive revenue loss coverage payments for each covered commodity in accordance with this subsection. If any of the owners of the farm make different elections on the same covered commodity on the farm, all of the owners of the farm shall be deemed to have not made the election available under this paragraph. (2) Payments In the case of owners of a farm that make the election described in paragraph (1) for a covered commodity, the Secretary shall make revenue loss coverage payments available under this subsection for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year if the Secretary determines that— (A) the actual county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity; is less than (B) the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the crop year for the covered commodity. (3) Time for payments If the Secretary determines under this subsection that revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity. (4) Actual county revenue The amount of the actual county revenue for a crop year of a covered commodity shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the actual county yield, as determined by the Secretary, for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity; and (B) the higher of— (i) the midseason price; or (ii) the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such crop year under subtitle B. (5) County revenue loss coverage trigger (A) In general The county revenue loss coverage trigger for a crop year for a covered commodity on a farm shall equal 85 percent of the benchmark county revenue. (B) Benchmark county revenue (i) In general The benchmark county revenue shall be the product obtained by multiplying— (I) subject to clause (ii), the average historical county yield as determined by the Secretary for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest yields; and (II) subject to clause (iii), the average national marketing year average price for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest prices. (ii) Yield conditions If the historical county yield in clause (i)(I) for any of the 5 most recent crop years, as determined by the Secretary, is less than 70 percent of the transitional yield, as determined by the Secretary, the amounts used for any of those years in clause (i)(I) shall be 70 percent of the transitional yield. (iii) Reference price If the national marketing year average price in clause (i)(II) for any of the 5 most recent crop years is lower than the reference price for the covered commodity, the Secretary shall use the reference price for any of those years for the amounts in clause (i)(II). (6) Payment rate The payment rate shall be equal to the lesser of— (A) the difference between— (i) the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the covered commodity; and (ii) the actual county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity; or (B) 10 percent of the benchmark county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity. (7) Payment amount If revenue loss coverage payments under this subsection are required to be provided for the 2014 crop year or any succeeding crop year of a covered commodity, the amount of the revenue loss coverage payment to be provided to the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the payment rate under paragraph (6); and (B) the payment acres of the covered commodity on the farm. (8) Duties of the secretary In providing revenue loss coverage payments under this subsection, the Secretary— (A) shall ensure that producers on a farm do not reconstitute the farm of the producers to void or change the election made under paragraph (1); (B) to the maximum extent practicable, shall use all available information and analysis, including data mining, to check for anomalies in the provision of revenue loss coverage payments; (C) to the maximum extent practicable, shall calculate a separate county revenue loss coverage trigger for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities and a separate actual county revenue for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities; (D) shall assign a benchmark county yield for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity on the basis of the yield history of representative farms in the State, region, or crop reporting district, as determined by the Secretary, if— (i) the Secretary cannot establish the benchmark county yield for each planted acre for a crop year for a covered commodity in the county in accordance with paragraph (5); or (ii) the yield determined under paragraph (5) is an unrepresentative average yield for the county (as determined by the Secretary); and (E) to the maximum extent practicable, shall ensure that in order to be eligible for a payment under this subsection, the producers on the farm suffered an actual loss on the covered commodity for the crop year for which payment is sought. (d) Annual report 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 report annually containing an evaluation of the impact of price loss coverage and revenue loss coverage— (1) on the planting, production, price, and export of covered commodities; and (2) on the cost of each commodity program. (e) Cap on total obligations and expenditures Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the total amount of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss coverage payments made under this section during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2020 shall not exceed $16,956,500,000. Producer agreements required by section 1108 shall specifically state that payments made under this section shall be reduced as necessary to comply with this subsection. 1108. Producer agreements (a) Compliance with certain requirements (1) Requirements Before the producers on a farm may receive payments under this subtitle with respect to the farm, the producers shall agree, during the crop year for which the payments are made and in exchange for the payments— (A) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ); (B) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ); and (C) to effectively control noxious weeds and otherwise maintain the land in accordance with sound agricultural practices, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Compliance The Secretary may issue such rules as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure producer compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1). (3) Modification At the request of the transferee or owner, the Secretary may modify the requirements of this subsection if the modifications are consistent with the objectives of this subsection, as determined by the Secretary. (b) Transfer or change of interest in farm (1) Termination (A) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a transfer of (or change in) the interest of the producers on a farm for which payments under this subtitle are provided shall result in the termination of the payments, unless the transferee or owner of the acreage agrees to assume all obligations under subsection (a). (B) Effective date The termination shall take effect on the date determined by the Secretary. (2) Exception If a producer entitled to a payment under this subtitle dies, becomes incompetent, or is otherwise unable to receive the payment, the Secretary shall make the payment in accordance with rules issued by the Secretary. (c) Acreage reports As a condition on the receipt of any benefits under this subtitle or subtitle B, the Secretary shall require producers on a farm to submit to the Secretary annual acreage reports with respect to all cropland on the farm. (d) Tenants and sharecroppers In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers. (e) Sharing of payments The Secretary shall provide for the sharing of payments made under this subtitle among the producers on a farm on a fair and equitable basis. B Marketing loans 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities (a) Definition of loan commodity In this subtitle, the term loan commodity means wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, peanuts, soybeans, other oilseeds, graded wool, nongraded wool, mohair, honey, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas. (b) Nonrecourse loans available (1) In general For the 2014 crops and each succeeding annual crops of each loan commodity, the Secretary shall make available to producers on a farm nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities produced on the farm. (2) Terms and conditions The marketing assistance loans shall be made under terms and conditions that are prescribed by the Secretary and at the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity. (c) Eligible production The producers on a farm shall be eligible for a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b) for any quantity of a loan commodity produced on the farm. (d) Compliance with conservation and wetlands requirements As a condition of the receipt of a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b), the producer shall comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ) and applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ) during the term of the loan. (e) Special rules for peanuts (1) In general This subsection shall apply only to producers of peanuts. (2) Options for obtaining loan A marketing assistance loan under this section, and loan deficiency payments under section 1205, may be obtained at the option of the producers on a farm through— (A) a designated marketing association or marketing cooperative of producers that is approved by the Secretary; or (B) the Farm Service Agency. (3) Storage of loan peanuts As a condition on the approval by the Secretary of an individual or entity to provide storage for peanuts for which a marketing assistance loan is made under this section, the individual or entity shall agree— (A) to provide the storage on a nondiscriminatory basis; and (B) to comply with such additional requirements as the Secretary considers appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this section and promote fairness in the administration of the benefits of this section. (4) Storage, handling, and associated costs (A) In general To ensure proper storage of peanuts for which a loan is made under this section, the Secretary shall pay handling and other associated costs (other than storage costs) incurred at the time at which the peanuts are placed under loan, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Redemption and forfeiture The Secretary shall— (i) require the repayment of handling and other associated costs paid under subparagraph (A) for all peanuts pledged as collateral for a loan that is redeemed under this section; and (ii) pay storage, handling, and other associated costs for all peanuts pledged as collateral that are forfeited under this section. (5) Marketing A marketing association or cooperative may market peanuts for which a loan is made under this section in any manner that conforms to consumer needs, including the separation of peanuts by type and quality. (6) Reimbursable agreements and payment of administrative expenses The Secretary may implement any reimbursable agreements or provide for the payment of administrative expenses under this subsection only in a manner that is consistent with those activities in regard to other loan commodities. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans (a) In general For purposes of the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the loan rate for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity shall be equal to the following: (1) In the case of wheat, $2.94 per bushel. (2) In the case of corn, $1.95 per bushel. (3) In the case of grain sorghum, $1.95 per bushel. (4) In the case of barley, $1.95 per bushel. (5) In the case of oats, $1.39 per bushel. (6) In the case of base quality of upland cotton, for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the simple average of the adjusted prevailing world price for the 2 immediately preceding marketing years, as determined by the Secretary and announced October 1 preceding the next domestic plantings, but in no case less than $0.47 per pound or more than $0.52 per pound. (7) In the case of extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 per pound. (8) In the case of long grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight. (9) In the case of medium grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight. (10) In the case of soybeans, $5.00 per bushel. (11) In the case of other oilseeds, $10.09 per hundredweight for each of the following kinds of oilseeds: (A) Sunflower seed. (B) Rapeseed. (C) Canola. (D) Safflower. (E) Flaxseed. (F) Mustard seed. (G) Crambe. (H) Sesame seed. (I) Other oilseeds designated by the Secretary. (12) In the case of dry peas, $5.40 per hundredweight. (13) In the case of lentils, $11.28 per hundredweight. (14) In the case of small chickpeas, $7.43 per hundredweight. (15) In the case of large chickpeas, $11.28 per hundredweight. (16) In the case of graded wool, $1.15 per pound. (17) In the case of nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound. (18) In the case of mohair, $4.20 per pound. (19) In the case of honey, $0.69 per pound. (20) In the case of peanuts, $355 per ton. (b) Single county loan rate for other oilseeds The Secretary shall establish a single loan rate in each county for each kind of other oilseeds described in subsection (a)(11). 1203. Term of loans (a) Term of loan In the case of each loan commodity, a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 shall have a term of 9 months beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the loan is made. (b) Extensions prohibited The Secretary may not extend the term of a marketing assistance loan for any loan commodity. 1204. Repayment of loans (a) General rule The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity (other than upland cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, extra long staple cotton, peanuts and confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed)) at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); (2) a rate (as determined by the Secretary) that— (A) is calculated based on average market prices for the loan commodity during the preceding 30-day period; and (B) will minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries; or (3) a rate that the Secretary may develop using alternative methods for calculating a repayment rate for a loan commodity that the Secretary determines will— (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures; (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of the commodity by the Federal Government; (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing the commodity; (D) allow the commodity produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and (E) minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries. (b) Repayment rates for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice The Secretary shall permit producers to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) the prevailing world market price for the commodity, as determined and adjusted by the Secretary in accordance with this section. (c) Repayment rates for extra long staple cotton Repayment of a marketing assistance loan for extra long staple cotton shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )). (d) Prevailing world market price For purposes of this section and section 1207, the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation— (1) a formula to determine the prevailing world market price for each of upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice; and (2) a mechanism by which the Secretary shall announce periodically those prevailing world market prices. (e) Adjustment of prevailing world market price for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice (1) Rice The prevailing world market price for long grain rice and medium grain rice determined under subsection (d) shall be adjusted to United States quality and location. (2) Cotton The prevailing world market price for upland cotton determined under subsection (d)— (A) shall be adjusted to United States quality and location, with the adjustment to include— (i) a reduction equal to any United States Premium Factor for upland cotton of a quality higher than Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch; and (ii) the average costs to market the commodity, including average transportation costs, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) may be further adjusted, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on July 31, 2019, if the Secretary determines the adjustment is necessary— (i) to minimize potential loan forfeitures; (ii) to minimize the accumulation of stocks of upland cotton by the Federal Government; (iii) to ensure that upland cotton produced in the United States can be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and (iv) to ensure an appropriate transition between current-crop and forward-crop price quotations, except that the Secretary may use forward-crop price quotations prior to July 31 of a marketing year only if— (I) there are insufficient current-crop price quotations; and (II) the forward-crop price quotation is the lowest such quotation available. (3) Guidelines for additional adjustments In making adjustments under this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a mechanism for determining and announcing the adjustments in order to avoid undue disruption in the United States market. (f) Repayment rates for confectionery and other kinds of sunflower seeds The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed) at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) the repayment rate established for oil sunflower seed. (g) Payment of cotton storage costs Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary shall make cotton storage payments available in the same manner, and at the same rates as the Secretary provided storage payments for the 2006 crop of cotton, except that the rates shall be reduced by 10 percent. (h) Repayment rate for peanuts The Secretary shall permit producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan for peanuts under section 1201 at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for peanuts under section 1202(a)(20), plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) a rate that the Secretary determines will— (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures; (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of peanuts by the Federal Government; (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing peanuts; and (D) allow peanuts produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally. (i) Authority To temporarily adjust repayment rates (1) Adjustment authority In the event of a severe disruption to marketing, transportation, or related infrastructure, the Secretary may modify the repayment rate otherwise applicable under this section for marketing assistance loans under section 1201 for a loan commodity. (2) Duration Any adjustment made under paragraph (1) in the repayment rate for marketing assistance loans for a loan commodity shall be in effect on a short-term and temporary basis, as determined by the Secretary. 1205. Loan deficiency payments (a) Availability of loan deficiency payments (1) In general Except as provided in subsection (d), the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available to producers on a farm that, although eligible to obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 with respect to a loan commodity, agree to forgo obtaining the loan for the commodity in return for loan deficiency payments under this section. (2) Unshorn pelts, hay, and silage (A) Marketing assistance loans Subject to subparagraph (B), nongraded wool in the form of unshorn pelts and hay and silage derived from a loan commodity are not eligible for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201. (B) Loan deficiency payment Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available under this section to producers on a farm that produce unshorn pelts or hay and silage derived from a loan commodity. (b) Computation A loan deficiency payment for a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (1) the payment rate determined under subsection (c) for the commodity; by (2) the quantity of the commodity produced by the eligible producers, excluding any quantity for which the producers obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201. (c) Payment rate (1) In general In the case of a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204. (2) Unshorn pelts In the case of unshorn pelts, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for ungraded wool; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for ungraded wool may be repaid under section 1204. (3) Hay and silage In the case of hay or silage derived from a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity from which the hay or silage is derived; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204. (d) Exception for extra long staple cotton This section shall not apply with respect to extra long staple cotton. (e) Effective date for payment rate determination The Secretary shall determine the amount of the loan deficiency payment to be made under this section to the producers on a farm with respect to a quantity of a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) using the payment rate in effect under subsection (c) as of the date the producers request the payment. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage (a) Eligible producers (1) In general Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, in the case of a producer that would be eligible for a loan deficiency payment under section 1205 for wheat, barley, or oats, but that elects to use acreage planted to the wheat, barley, or oats for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of the wheat, barley, or oats on that acreage. (2) Grazing of triticale acreage Effective for the 2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, with respect to a producer on a farm that uses acreage planted to triticale for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of triticale on that acreage. (b) Payment amount (1) In general The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(1) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying— (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying— (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of wheat, barley, or oats; and (ii) (I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to that loan commodity on the farm; or (II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for that loan commodity, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act. (2) Grazing of triticale acreage The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying— (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect for wheat, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying— (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of triticale; and (ii) (I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to wheat on the farm; or (II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for wheat, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act. (c) Time, manner, and availability of payment (1) Time and manner A payment under this section shall be made at the same time and in the same manner as loan deficiency payments are made under section 1205. (2) Availability (A) In general The Secretary shall establish an availability period for the payments authorized by this section. (B) Certain commodities In the case of wheat, barley, and oats, the availability period shall be consistent with the availability period for the commodity established by the Secretary for marketing assistance loans authorized by this subtitle. (d) Prohibition on crop insurance indemnity or noninsured crop assistance A 2014 crop or succeeding annual crop of wheat, barley, oats, or triticale planted on acreage that a producer elects, in the agreement required by subsection (a), to use for the grazing of livestock in lieu of any other harvesting of the crop shall not be eligible for an indemnity under a policy or plan of insurance authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) or noninsured crop assistance under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ). 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton (a) Special import quota (1) Definition of special import quota In this subsection, the term special import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota. (2) Establishment (A) In general The President shall carry out an import quota program beginning on August 1, 2014, as provided in this subsection. (B) Program requirements Whenever the Secretary determines and announces that for any consecutive 4-week period, the Friday through Thursday average price quotation for the lowest-priced United States growth, as quoted for Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch cotton, delivered to a definable and significant international market, as determined by the Secretary, exceeds the prevailing world market price, there shall immediately be in effect a special import quota. (3) Quantity The quota shall be equal to the consumption during a 1-week period of cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary. (4) Application The quota shall apply to upland cotton purchased not later than 90 days after the date of the Secretary’s announcement under paragraph (2) and entered into the United States not later than 180 days after that date. (5) Overlap A special quota period may be established that overlaps any existing quota period if required by paragraph (2), except that a special quota period may not be established under this subsection if a quota period has been established under subsection (b). (6) Preferential tariff treatment The quantity under a special import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of— (A) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2703(d) ); (B) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3203 ); (C) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2463(d) ); and (D) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. (7) Limitation The quantity of cotton entered into the United States during any marketing year under the special import quota established under this subsection may not exceed the equivalent of 10 weeks’ consumption of upland cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the 3 months immediately preceding the first special import quota established in any marketing year. (b) Limited global import quota for upland cotton (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Demand The term demand means— (i) the average seasonally adjusted annual rate of domestic mill consumption of cotton during the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary; and (ii) the larger of— (I) average exports of upland cotton during the preceding 6 marketing years; or (II) cumulative exports of upland cotton plus outstanding export sales for the marketing year in which the quota is established. (B) Limited global import quota The term limited global import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota. (C) Supply The term supply means, using the latest official data of the Department of Agriculture— (i) the carry-over of upland cotton at the beginning of the marketing year (adjusted to 480-pound bales) in which the quota is established; (ii) production of the current crop; and (iii) imports to the latest date available during the marketing year. (2) Program The President shall carry out an import quota program that provides that whenever the Secretary determines and announces that the average price of the base quality of upland cotton, as determined by the Secretary, in the designated spot markets for a month exceeded 130 percent of the average price of the quality of cotton in the markets for the preceding 36 months, notwithstanding any other provision of law, there shall immediately be in effect a limited global import quota subject to the following conditions: (A) Quantity The quantity of the quota shall be equal to 21 days of domestic mill consumption of upland cotton at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary. (B) Quantity if prior quota If a quota has been established under this subsection during the preceding 12 months, the quantity of the quota next established under this subsection shall be the smaller of 21 days of domestic mill consumption calculated under subparagraph (A) or the quantity required to increase the supply to 130 percent of the demand. (C) Preferential tariff treatment The quantity under a limited global import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of— (i) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2703(d) ); (ii) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3203 ); (iii) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2463(d) ); and (iv) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. (D) Quota entry period When a quota is established under this subsection, cotton may be entered under the quota during the 90-day period beginning on the date the quota is established by the Secretary. (3) No overlap Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a quota period may not be established that overlaps an existing quota period or a special quota period established under subsection (a). (c) Economic adjustment assistance to users of upland cotton (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, on a monthly basis, make economic adjustment assistance available to domestic users of upland cotton in the form of payments for all documented use of that upland cotton during the previous monthly period regardless of the origin of the upland cotton. (2) Value of assistance Effective beginning on August 1, 2013, the value of the assistance provided under paragraph (1) shall be 3 cents per pound. (3) Allowable purposes Economic adjustment assistance under this subsection shall be made available only to domestic users of upland cotton that certify that the assistance shall be used only to acquire, construct, install, modernize, develop, convert, or expand land, plant, buildings, equipment, facilities, or machinery. (4) Review or audit The Secretary may conduct such review or audit of the records of a domestic user under this subsection as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this subsection. (5) Improper use of assistance If the Secretary determines, after a review or audit of the records of the domestic user, that economic adjustment assistance under this subsection was not used for the purposes specified in paragraph (3), the domestic user shall be— (A) liable for the repayment of the assistance to the Secretary, plus interest, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) ineligible to receive assistance under this subsection for a period of 1 year following the determination of the Secretary. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton (a) Competitiveness program Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall carry out a program— (1) to maintain and expand the domestic use of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; (2) to increase exports of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; and (3) to ensure that extra long staple cotton produced in the United States remains competitive in world markets. (b) Payments under program; trigger Under the program, the Secretary shall make payments available under this section whenever— (1) for a consecutive 4-week period, the world market price for the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is below the prevailing United States price for a competing growth of extra long staple cotton; and (2) the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is less than 134 percent of the loan rate for extra long staple cotton. (c) Eligible recipients The Secretary shall make payments available under this section to domestic users of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States and exporters of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States that enter into an agreement with the Commodity Credit Corporation to participate in the program under this section. (d) Payment amount Payments under this section shall be based on the amount of the difference in the prices referred to in subsection (b)(1) during the fourth week of the consecutive 4-week period multiplied by the amount of documented purchases by domestic users and sales for export by exporters made in the week following such a consecutive 4-week period. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton (a) High moisture feed grains (1) Definition of high moisture state In this subsection, the term high moisture state means corn or grain sorghum having a moisture content in excess of Commodity Credit Corporation standards for marketing assistance loans made by the Secretary under section 1201. (2) Recourse loans available For the 2014 crop and each succeeding annual crop of corn and grain sorghum, the Secretary shall make available recourse loans, as determined by the Secretary, to producers on a farm that— (A) normally harvest all or a portion of their crop of corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state; (B) present— (i) certified scale tickets from an inspected, certified commercial scale, including a licensed warehouse, feedlot, feed mill, distillery, or other similar entity approved by the Secretary, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary; or (ii) field or other physical measurements of the standing or stored crop in regions of the United States, as determined by the Secretary, that do not have certified commercial scales from which certified scale tickets may be obtained within reasonable proximity of harvest operation; (C) certify that the producers on the farm were the owners of the feed grain at the time of delivery to, and that the quantity to be placed under loan under this subsection was in fact harvested on the farm and delivered to, a feedlot, feed mill, or commercial or on-farm high-moisture storage facility, or to a facility maintained by the users of corn and grain sorghum in a high moisture state; and (D) comply with deadlines established by the Secretary for harvesting the corn or grain sorghum and submit applications for loans under this subsection within deadlines established by the Secretary. (3) Eligibility of acquired feed grains A loan under this subsection shall be made on a quantity of corn or grain sorghum of the same crop acquired by the producer equivalent to a quantity determined by multiplying— (A) the acreage of the corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state harvested on the farm of the producer; by (B) the lower of the farm program payment yield used to make payments under subtitle A or the actual yield on a field, as determined by the Secretary, that is similar to the field from which the corn or grain sorghum was obtained. (b) Recourse loans available for seed cotton For the 2014 crop and each succeeding annual crop of upland cotton and extra long staple cotton, the Secretary shall make available recourse seed cotton loans, as determined by the Secretary, on any production. (c) Repayment rates Repayment of a recourse loan made under this section shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity by the Secretary, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )). 1210. Adjustments of loans (a) Adjustment authority Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rates for any loan commodity (other than cotton) for differences in grade, type, quality, location, and other factors. (b) Manner of adjustment The adjustments under subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in such a manner that the average loan level for the commodity will, on the basis of the anticipated incidence of the factors, be equal to the level of support determined in accordance with this subtitle and subtitle C. (c) Adjustment on county basis (1) In general The Secretary may establish loan rates for a crop for producers in individual counties in a manner that results in the lowest loan rate being 95 percent of the national average loan rate, if those loan rates do not result in an increase in outlays. (2) Prohibition Adjustments under this subsection shall not result in an increase in the national average loan rate for any year. (d) Adjustment in loan rate for cotton (1) In general The Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rate for cotton for differences in quality factors. (2) Types of adjustments Loan rate adjustments under paragraph (1) may include— (A) the use of non-spot market price data, in addition to spot market price data, that would enhance the accuracy of the price information used in determining quality adjustments under this subsection; (B) adjustments in the premiums or discounts associated with upland cotton with a staple length of 33 or above due to micronaire with the goal of eliminating any unnecessary artificial splits in the calculations of the premiums or discounts; and (C) such other adjustments as the Secretary determines appropriate, after consultations conducted in accordance with paragraph (3). (3) Consultation with private sector (A) Prior to revision In making adjustments to the loan rate for cotton (including any review of the adjustments) as provided in this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the United States cotton industry. (B) Inapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to consultations under this subsection. (4) Review of adjustments The Secretary may review the operation of the upland cotton quality adjustments implemented pursuant to this subsection and may make further adjustments to the administration of the loan program for upland cotton, by revoking or revising any adjustment taken under paragraph (2). (e) Rice The Secretary shall not make adjustments in the loan rates for long grain rice and medium grain rice, except for differences in grade and quality (including milling yields). C Sugar 1301. Sugar program (a) Continuation of current program and loan rates (1) Sugarcane Section 156(a)(5) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(a)(5) ) is amended by striking the 2012 crop year and inserting the 2012 crop year and each succeeding crop year . (2) Sugar beets Section 156(b)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(b)(2) ) is amended by striking each of the 2009 through 2012 crop years and inserting the 2009 crop year and each succeeding crop year . (3) Effective period Section 156(i) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(i) ) is repealed. (b) Flexible marketing allotments for sugar (1) Sugar estimates Section 359b(a)(1) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359bb(a)(1) ) is amended by striking each of the 2008 through 2012 crop years and inserting the 2008 crop year and each succeeding crop year . (2) Effective period Section 359i(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359ii(a) ) is amended by striking only for the 2008 through 2012 crop years and inserting for the 2008 crop year and each succeeding crop year . D Dairy I Dairy Producer Margin Insurance Program 1401. Dairy producer margin insurance program Subtitle E of title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8771 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1511. Dairy producer margin insurance program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Actual dairy producer margin The term actual dairy producer margin means the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost, as calculated under subsection (b)(2). (2) All-milk price The term all-milk price means the average price received, per hundredweight of milk, by dairy producers for all milk sold to plants and dealers in the United States, as reported by the National Agricultural Statistics Service. (3) Average feed cost The term average feed cost means the average cost of feed used by a dairy operation to produce a hundredweight of milk, determined under subsection (b)(1) using the sum of the following: (A) The product determined by multiplying— (i) 1.0728; by (ii) the price of corn per bushel. (B) The product determined by multiplying— (i) 0.00735; by (ii) the price of soybean meal per ton. (C) The product determined by multiplying— (i) 0.0137; by (ii) the price of alfalfa hay per ton. (4) Consecutive 2-month period The term consecutive 2-month period refers to the 2-month period consisting of the months of January and February, March and April, May and June, July and August, September and October, or November and December, respectively. (5) Dairy producer The term dairy producer means an individual or entity that directly or indirectly (as determined by the Secretary)— (A) shares in the risk of producing milk; and (B) makes contributions (including land, labor, management, equipment, or capital) to the dairy operation of the individual or entity that are at least commensurate with the share of the individual or entity of the proceeds of the operation. (6) Margin insurance program The term margin insurance program means the dairy producer margin insurance program required by this section. (7) Participating dairy producer The term participating dairy producer means a dairy producer that registers under subsection (d)(2) to participate in the margin insurance program. (8) Production history The term production history means the quantity of annual milk marketings determined for a dairy producer under subsection (e)(1). (9) United States The term United States , in a geographical sense, means the 50 States. (b) Calculation of average feed cost and actual dairy producer margins (1) Calculation of average feed cost The Secretary shall calculate the national average feed cost for each month using the following data: (A) The price of corn for a month shall be the price received during that month by agricultural producers in the United States for corn, as reported in the monthly Agriculture Prices report by the Secretary. (B) The price of soybean meal for a month shall be the central Illinois price for soybean meal, as reported in the Market News–Monthly Soybean Meal Price Report by the Secretary. (C) The price of alfalfa hay for a month shall be the price received during that month by agricultural producers in the United States for alfalfa hay, as reported in the monthly Agriculture Prices report by the Secretary. (2) Calculation of actual dairy producer margins The Secretary shall calculate the actual dairy producer margin for each consecutive 2-month period by subtracting— (A) the average feed cost for that consecutive 2-month period, determined in accordance with paragraph (1); from (B) the all-milk price for that consecutive 2-month period. (c) Establishment of dairy producer margin insurance program The Secretary shall establish and administer a dairy producer margin insurance program for the purpose of protecting dairy producer income by paying participating dairy producers margin insurance payments when actual dairy producer margins are less than the threshold levels for the payments. (d) Eligibility and registration of dairy producers for margin insurance program (1) Eligibility All dairy producers in the United States shall be eligible to participate in the margin insurance program. (2) Registration process (A) Registration (i) Annual registration On an annual basis, the Secretary shall register all interested dairy producers in the margin insurance program. (ii) Manner and form The Secretary shall specify the manner and form by which a dairy producer shall register for the margin insurance program. (B) Treatment of multi-producer operations If a dairy operation consists of more than 1 dairy producer, all of the dairy producers of the operation shall be treated as a single dairy producer for purposes of— (i) purchasing margin insurance; and (ii) payment of producer premiums under subsection (f)(4). (C) Treatment of producers with multiple dairy operations If a dairy producer operates 2 or more dairy operations, each dairy operation of the producer shall require a separate registration to participate and purchase margin insurance. (3) Time for registration (A) Existing dairy producers During the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, a dairy producer that is actively engaged in a dairy operation as of that date may register with the Secretary to participate in the margin insurance program. (B) New Entrants A dairy producer that has no existing interest in a dairy operation as of the date of enactment of this section, but that, after that date, establishes a new dairy operation, may register with the Secretary during the 180-day period beginning on the date on which the dairy operation first markets milk commercially to participate in the margin insurance program. (4) Retroactivity (A) Notice of availability of retroactive protection Not later than 30 days after the effective date of this section, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register to inform dairy producers of the availability of retroactive margin insurance, subject to the condition that interested producers must file a notice of intent (in such form and manner as the Secretary specifies in the Federal Register notice) to participate in the margin insurance program. (B) Retroactive margin insurance (i) Availability If a dairy producer files a notice of intent under subparagraph (A) to participate in the margin insurance program before the initiation of the sign-up period for the margin insurance program and subsequently signs up for the margin insurance program, the producer shall receive margin insurance retroactive to the effective date of this section. (ii) Duration Retroactive margin insurance under this paragraph for a dairy producer shall apply from the effective date of this section until the date on which the producer signs up for the margin insurance program. (C) Notice of intent and obligation to participate In no way does filing a notice of intent under this paragraph obligate a dairy producer to sign up for the margin insurance program once the program rules are final, but if a producer does file a notice of intent and subsequently signs up for the margin insurance program, that dairy producer is obligated to pay premiums for any retroactive margin insurance selected in the notice of intent. (5) Reconstitution The Secretary shall ensure that a dairy producer does not reconstitute a dairy operation for the sole purpose of purchasing margin insurance. (e) Production history of participating dairy producers (1) Determination of production history (A) In general The Secretary shall determine the production history of the dairy operation of each participating dairy producer in the margin insurance program. (B) Calculation Except as provided in subparagraphs (C) and (D), the production history of a participating dairy producer shall be equal to the highest annual milk marketings of the dairy producer during any 1 of the 3 calendar years immediately preceding the registration of the dairy producer for participation in the margin insurance program. (C) Updating production history So long as a participating producer remains registered, the production history of the participating producer shall be annually updated based on the highest annual milk marketings of the dairy producer during any one of the 3 immediately preceding calendar years. (D) New producers If a dairy producer has been in operation for less than 1 year, the Secretary shall determine the initial production history of the dairy producer under subparagraph (B) by extrapolating the actual milk marketings for the months that the dairy producer has been in operation to a yearly amount. (2) Required information A participating dairy producer shall provide all information that the Secretary may require in order to establish the production history of the dairy operation of the dairy producer. (3) Transfer of production history (A) Transfer by sale (i) Request for transfer If an existing dairy producer sells an entire dairy operation to another party, the seller and purchaser may jointly request that the Secretary transfer to the purchaser the interest of the seller in the production history of the dairy operation. (ii) Transfer If the Secretary determines that the seller has sold the entire dairy operation to the purchaser, the Secretary shall approve the transfer and, thereafter, the seller shall have no interest in the production history of the sold dairy operation. (B) Transfer by Lease (i) Request for transfer If an existing dairy producer leases an entire dairy operation to another party, the lessor and lessee may jointly request that the Secretary transfer to the lessee for the duration of the term of the lease the interest of the lessor in the production history of the dairy operation. (ii) Transfer If the Secretary determines that the lessor has leased the entire dairy operation to the lessee, the Secretary shall approve the transfer and, thereafter, the lessor shall have no interest for the duration of the term of the lease in the production history of the leased dairy operation. (C) Coverage level A purchaser or lessee to whom the Secretary transfers a production history under this paragraph may not obtain a different level of margin insurance coverage held by the seller or lessor from whom the transfer was obtained. (D) New entrants The Secretary may not transfer the production history determined for a dairy producer described in subsection (d)(3)(B) to another person. (4) Movement and transfer of production history (A) Movement and transfer authorized Subject to subparagraph (B), if a dairy producer moves from 1 location to another location, the dairy producer may maintain the production history associated with the operation. (B) Notification requirement A dairy producer shall notify the Secretary of any move of a dairy operation under subparagraph (A). (C) Subsequent occupation of vacated location A party subsequently occupying a dairy operation location vacated as described in subparagraph (A) shall have no interest in the production history previously associated with the operation at that location. (f) Margin insurance (1) In general At the time of the registration of a dairy producer in the margin insurance program under subsection (d) and annually thereafter during the duration of the margin insurance program, an eligible dairy producer may purchase margin insurance. (2) Selection of payment threshold A participating dairy producer purchasing margin insurance shall elect a coverage level in any increment of $0.50, with a minimum of $4.00 and a maximum of $8.00. (3) Selection of coverage percentage A participating dairy producer purchasing margin insurance shall elect a percentage of coverage, equal to not more than 80 percent nor less than 25 percent, of the production history of the dairy operation of the participating dairy producer. (4) Producer Premiums (A) Premiums required A participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance shall pay an annual premium equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (i) the percentage selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (3); (ii) the production history applicable to the dairy producer; and (iii) the premium per hundredweight of milk, as specified in the applicable table under subparagraph (B) or (C). (B) Premium per hundredweight for first 4 million pounds of production For the first 4,000,000 pounds of milk marketings included in the annual production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level specified in the following table is as follows: Coverage Level Premium per Cwt. $4.00 $0.00 $4.50 $0.01 $5.00 $0.02 $5.50 $0.035 $6.00 $0.045 $6.50 $0.09 $7.00 $0.18 $7.50 $0.60 $8.00 $0.95 (C) Premium per hundredweight for production in excess of 4 million pounds For milk marketings in excess of 4,000,000 pounds included in the annual production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level is as follows: Coverage Level Premium per Cwt. $4.00 $0.030 $4.50 $0.045 $5.00 $0.066 $5.50 $0.11 $6.00 $0.185 $6.50 $0.29 $7.00 $0.38 $7.50 $0.83 $8.00 $1.06 (D) Time for payment (i) First year As soon as practicable after a dairy producer registers to participate in the margin insurance program and purchases margin insurance, the dairy producer shall pay the premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for the first calendar year of the margin insurance. (ii) Subsequent years (I) In general When the dairy producer first purchases margin insurance, the dairy producer shall also elect the method by which the dairy producer will pay premiums under this subsection for subsequent years in accordance with 1 of the schedules described in subclauses (II) and (III). (II) Single annual payment The participating dairy producer may elect to pay 100 percent of the annual premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for a calendar year by not later than January 15 of the calendar year. (III) Semi-annual payments The participating dairy producer may elect to pay— (aa) 50 percent of the annual premium determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for a calendar year by not later than January 15 of the calendar year; and (bb) the remaining 50 percent of the premium by not later than June 15 of the calendar year. (5) Producer premium obligations (A) Pro-ration of first year premium A participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance after initial registration in the margin insurance program shall pay a pro-rated premium for the first calendar year based on the date on which the producer purchases the coverage. (B) Subsequent premiums Except as provided in subparagraph (A), the annual premium for a participating dairy producer shall be determined under paragraph (4) for each year in which the margin insurance program is in effect. (C) Legal obligation (i) In general Except as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii), a participating dairy producer that purchases margin insurance shall be legally obligated to pay the applicable premiums for the entire period of the margin insurance program (as provided in the payment schedule elected under paragraph (4)(B)), and may not opt out of the margin insurance program. (ii) Death If the dairy producer dies, the estate of the deceased may cancel the margin insurance and shall not be responsible for any further premium payments. (iii) Retirement If the dairy producer retires, the producer may request that Secretary cancel the margin insurance if the producer has terminated the dairy operation entirely and certifies under oath that the producer will not be actively engaged in any dairy operation for at least the next 7 years. (6) Payment threshold A participating dairy producer with margin insurance shall receive a margin insurance payment whenever the average actual dairy producer margin for a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2). (7) Margin insurance payments (A) In general The Secretary shall make a margin insurance protection payment to each participating dairy producer whenever the average actual dairy producer margin for a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2). (B) Amount of payment The margin insurance payment for the dairy operation of a participating dairy producer shall be determined as follows: (i) The Secretary shall calculate the difference between— (I) the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2); and (II) the average actual dairy producer margin for the consecutive 2-month period. (ii) The amount determined under clause (i) shall be multiplied by— (I) the percentage selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (3); and (II) the lesser of— (aa) the quotient obtained by dividing— (AA) the production history applicable to the producer under subsection (e)(1); by (BB) 6; and (bb) the actual quantity of milk marketed by the dairy operation of the dairy producer during the consecutive 2-month period. (g) Effect of failure To pay premiums (1) Loss of benefits A participating dairy producer that is in arrears on premium payments for margin insurance— (A) remains legally obligated to pay the premiums; and (B) may not receive margin insurance until the premiums are fully paid. (2) Enforcement The Secretary may take such action as is necessary to collect premium payments for margin insurance. (h) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation The Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and the authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this section. (i) Program start date The Secretary shall conduct the margin insurance program beginning on October 1, 2013. . 1402. Rulemaking (a) Procedure The promulgation of regulations for the initiation of the margin insurance program, and for administration of the margin insurance program, shall be made— (1) without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act); (2) without regard to the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and (3) subject to subsection (b), pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code. (b) Special rulemaking requirements (1) Interim rules authorized With respect to the margin insurance program, the Secretary may promulgate interim rules under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of section 553(b) of title 5, United States Code, if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed. Any such interim rules for the margin insurance program shall be effective on publication. (2) Final rules With respect to the margin insurance program, the Secretary shall promulgate final rules, with an opportunity for public notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Inclusion of additional order Section 143(a)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7253(a)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: Subsection (b)(2) does not apply to the authority of the Secretary under this subsection. . II Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-related provisions 1411. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs (a) Repeal of dairy product price support program Section 1501 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8771 ) is repealed. (b) Repeal of milk income loss contract program Section 1506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8773 ) is repealed. 1412. Repeal of dairy export incentive program (a) Repeal Section 153 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 15 U.S.C. 713a–14 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendments Section 902(2) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 ( 22 U.S.C. 7201(2) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (D); and (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively. 1413. Extension of dairy forward pricing program Section 1502(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8772(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2015 and inserting 2021 . 1414. Extension of dairy indemnity program Section 3 of Public Law 90–484 ( 7 U.S.C. 450l ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 1415. Extension of dairy promotion and research program Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 ( 7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 1416. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission Section 1509 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1726) is repealed. III Effective date 1421. Effective date This subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013. E Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible producer on a farm (A) In general The term eligible producer on a farm means an individual or entity described in subparagraph (B) that, as determined by the Secretary, assumes the production and market risks associated with the agricultural production of crops or livestock. (B) Description An individual or entity referred to in subparagraph (A) is— (i) a citizen of the United States; (ii) a resident alien; (iii) a partnership of citizens of the United States; or (iv) a corporation, limited liability corporation, or other farm organizational structure organized under State law. (2) Farm-raised fish The term farm-raised fish means any aquatic species that is propagated and reared in a controlled environment. (3) Livestock The term livestock includes— (A) cattle (including dairy cattle); (B) bison; (C) poultry; (D) sheep; (E) swine; (F) horses; and (G) other livestock, as determined by the Secretary. (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (b) Livestock indemnity payments (1) Payments For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to make livestock indemnity payments to eligible producers on farms that have incurred livestock death losses in excess of the normal mortality, as determined by the Secretary, due to— (A) attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government or protected by Federal law, including wolves and avian predators; or (B) adverse weather, as determined by the Secretary, during the calendar year, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat, and extreme cold. (2) Payment rates Indemnity payments to an eligible producer on a farm under paragraph (1) shall be made at a rate of 75 percent of the market value of the applicable livestock on the day before the date of death of the livestock, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Special rule for payments made due to disease The Secretary shall ensure that payments made to an eligible producer under paragraph (1) are not made for the same livestock losses for which compensation is provided pursuant to section 10407(d) of the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8306(d) ). (c) Livestock forage disaster program (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Covered livestock (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the term covered livestock means livestock of an eligible livestock producer that, during the 60 days prior to the beginning date of a qualifying drought or fire condition, as determined by the Secretary, the eligible livestock producer— (I) owned; (II) leased; (III) purchased; (IV) entered into a contract to purchase; (V) is a contract grower; or (VI) sold or otherwise disposed of due to qualifying drought conditions during— (aa) the current production year; or (bb) subject to paragraph (3)(B)(ii), 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year. (ii) Exclusion The term covered livestock does not include livestock that were or would have been in a feedlot, on the beginning date of the qualifying drought or fire condition, as a part of the normal business operation of the eligible livestock producer, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Drought monitor The term drought monitor means a system for classifying drought severity according to a range of abnormally dry to exceptional drought, as defined by the Secretary. (C) Eligible livestock producer (i) In general The term eligible livestock producer means an eligible producer on a farm that— (I) is an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of covered livestock that provides the pastureland or grazing land, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land, for the livestock; (II) provides the pastureland or grazing land for covered livestock, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land that is physically located in a county affected by drought; (III) certifies grazing loss; and (IV) meets all other eligibility requirements established under this subsection. (ii) Exclusion The term eligible livestock producer does not include an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of livestock that rents or leases pastureland or grazing land owned by another person on a rate-of-gain basis. (D) Normal carrying capacity The term normal carrying capacity , with respect to each type of grazing land or pastureland in a county, means the normal carrying capacity, as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i), that would be expected from the grazing land or pastureland for livestock during the normal grazing period, in the absence of a drought or fire that diminishes the production of the grazing land or pastureland. (E) Normal grazing period The term normal grazing period , with respect to a county, means the normal grazing period during the calendar year for the county, as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i). (2) Program For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide compensation for losses to eligible livestock producers due to grazing losses for covered livestock due to— (A) a drought condition, as described in paragraph (3); or (B) fire, as described in paragraph (4). (3) Assistance for losses due to drought conditions (A) Eligible losses (i) In general An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this subsection only for grazing losses for covered livestock that occur on land that— (I) is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover; or (II) is planted to a crop planted specifically for the purpose of providing grazing for covered livestock. (ii) Exclusions An eligible livestock producer may not receive assistance under this subsection for grazing losses that occur on land used for haying or grazing under the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ). (B) Monthly payment rate (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the payment rate for assistance under this paragraph for 1 month shall, in the case of drought, be equal to 60 percent of the lesser of— (I) the monthly feed cost for all covered livestock owned or leased by the eligible livestock producer, as determined under subparagraph (C); or (II) the monthly feed cost calculated by using the normal carrying capacity of the eligible grazing land of the eligible livestock producer. (ii) Partial compensation In the case of an eligible livestock producer that sold or otherwise disposed of covered livestock due to drought conditions in 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year, as determined by the Secretary, the payment rate shall be 80 percent of the payment rate otherwise calculated in accordance with clause (i). (C) Monthly feed cost (i) In general The monthly feed cost shall equal the product obtained by multiplying— (I) 30 days; (II) a payment quantity that is equal to the feed grain equivalent, as determined under clause (ii); and (III) a payment rate that is equal to the corn price per pound, as determined under clause (iii). (ii) Feed grain equivalent For purposes of clause (i)(II), the feed grain equivalent shall equal— (I) in the case of an adult beef cow, 15.7 pounds of corn per day; or (II) in the case of any other type of weight of livestock, an amount determined by the Secretary that represents the average number of pounds of corn per day necessary to feed the livestock. (iii) Corn price per pound For purposes of clause (i)(III), the corn price per pound shall equal the quotient obtained by dividing— (I) the higher of— (aa) the national average corn price per bushel for the 12-month period immediately preceding March 1 of the year for which the disaster assistance is calculated; or (bb) the national average corn price per bushel for the 24-month period immediately preceding that March 1; by (II) 56. (D) Normal grazing period and drought monitor intensity (i) F SA county committee determinations (I) In general The Secretary shall determine the normal carrying capacity and normal grazing period for each type of grazing land or pastureland in the county served by the applicable committee. (II) Changes No change to the normal carrying capacity or normal grazing period established for a county under subclause (I) shall be made unless the change is requested by the appropriate State and county Farm Service Agency committees. (ii) Drought intensity (I) D 2 An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D2 (severe drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 8 consecutive weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph in an amount equal to 1 monthly payment using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B). (II) D 3 An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having at least a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph— (aa) in an amount equal to 3 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B); (bb) if the county is rated as having a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4 weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, or is rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to 4 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B); or (cc) if the county is rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4 weeks during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to 5 monthly payments using the monthly rate determined under subparagraph (B). (4) Assistance for losses due to fire on public managed land (A) In general An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this paragraph only if— (i) the grazing losses occur on rangeland that is managed by a Federal agency; and (ii) the eligible livestock producer is prohibited by the Federal agency from grazing the normal permitted livestock on the managed rangeland due to a fire. (B) Payment rate The payment rate for assistance under this paragraph shall be equal to 50 percent of the monthly feed cost for the total number of livestock covered by the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer, as determined under paragraph (3)(C). (C) Payment duration (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), an eligible livestock producer shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph for the period— (I) beginning on the date on which the Federal agency excludes the eligible livestock producer from using the managed rangeland for grazing; and (II) ending on the last day of the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer. (ii) Limitation An eligible livestock producer may only receive assistance under this paragraph for losses that occur on not more than 180 days per year. (5) No duplicative payments An eligible livestock producer may elect to receive assistance for grazing or pasture feed losses due to drought conditions under paragraph (3) or fire under paragraph (4), but not both for the same loss, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Emergency assistance for livestock, honey bees, and farm-Raised fish (1) In general For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not more than $20,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease (including cattle tick fever), adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary, that are not covered under subsection (b) or (c). (2) Use of funds Funds made available under this subsection shall be used to reduce losses caused by feed or water shortages, disease, or other factors as determined by the Secretary. (3) Availability of funds Any funds made available under this subsection shall remain available until expended. (e) Tree assistance program (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Eligible orchardist The term eligible orchardist means a person that produces annual crops from trees for commercial purposes. (B) Natural disaster The term natural disaster means plant disease, insect infestation, drought, fire, freeze, flood, earthquake, lightning, or other occurrence, as determined by the Secretary. (C) Nursery tree grower The term nursery tree grower means a person who produces nursery, ornamental, fruit, nut, or Christmas trees for commercial sale, as determined by the Secretary. (D) Tree The term tree includes a tree, bush, and vine. (2) Eligibility (A) Loss Subject to subparagraph (B), for fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide assistance— (i) under paragraph (3) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that planted trees for commercial purposes but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) under paragraph (3)(B) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that have a production history for commercial purposes on planted or existing trees but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Limitation An eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower shall qualify for assistance under subparagraph (A) only if the tree mortality of the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower, as a result of damaging weather or related condition, exceeds 15 percent (adjusted for normal mortality). (3) Assistance Subject to paragraph (4), the assistance provided by the Secretary to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers for losses described in paragraph (2) shall consist of— (A) (i) reimbursement of 65 percent of the cost of replanting trees lost due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent mortality (adjusted for normal mortality); or (ii) at the option of the Secretary, sufficient seedlings to reestablish a stand; and (B) reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost of pruning, removal, and other costs incurred by an eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower to salvage existing trees or, in the case of tree mortality, to prepare the land to replant trees as a result of damage or tree mortality due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent damage or mortality (adjusted for normal tree damage and mortality). (4) Limitations on assistance (A) Definitions of legal entity and person In this paragraph, the terms legal entity and person have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(a) ). (B) Amount The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this subsection may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year, or an equivalent value in tree seedlings. (C) Acres The total quantity of acres planted to trees or tree seedlings for which a person or legal entity shall be entitled to receive payments under this subsection may not exceed 500 acres. (f) Payment limitations (1) Definitions of legal entity and person In this subsection, the terms legal entity and person have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(a) ). (2) Amount The total amount of disaster assistance payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this section (excluding payments received under subsection (e)) may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year. (3) Direct attribution Subsections (e) and (f) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) or any successor provisions relating to direct attribution shall apply with respect to assistance provided under this section. 1502. National Drought Council and National Drought Policy Action Plan (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Council The term Council means the National Drought Council established by this section. (2) Drought The term drought means a natural disaster that is caused by a deficiency in precipitation— (A) that may lead to a deficiency in surface and subsurface water supplies (including rivers, streams, wetlands, ground water, soil moisture, reservoir supplies, lake levels, and snow pack); and (B) that causes or may cause— (i) substantial economic or social impacts; or (ii) physical damage or injury to individuals, property, or the environment. (3) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (4) Member The term member , with respect to the National Drought Council, means a member of the Council specified or appointed under this section or, in the absence of the member, the member’s designee. (5) Mitigation The term mitigation means a short- or long-term action, program, or policy that is implemented in advance of or during a drought to minimize any risks and impacts of drought. (6) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (7) State The term State means the several States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. (8) Trigger The term trigger means the thresholds or criteria that must be satisfied before mitigation or emergency assistance may be provided to an area— (A) in which drought is emerging; or (B) that is experiencing a drought. (9) Watershed The term watershed means a region or area with common hydrology, an area drained by a waterway that drains into a lake or reservoir, the total area above a given point on a stream that contributes water to the flow at that point, or the topographic dividing line from which surface streams flow in two different directions. In no case shall a watershed be larger than a river basin. (10) Watershed group The term watershed group means a group of individuals, formally recognized by the appropriate State or States, who represent the broad scope of relevant interests within a watershed and who work together in a collaborative manner to jointly plan the management of the natural resources contained within the watershed. (b) Effect of section This section does not affect— (1) the authority of a State to allocate quantities of water under the jurisdiction of the State; or (2) any State water rights established as of the date of enactment of this Act. (c) National drought council (1) Establishment There is established in the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture a council to be known as the National Drought Council . (2) Membership (A) Composition The Council shall be composed of— (i) the Secretary (or the designee of the Secretary); (ii) the Secretary of Commerce (or the designee of the Secretary of Commerce); (iii) the Secretary of the Army (or the designee of the Secretary of the Army); (iv) the Secretary of the Interior (or the designee of the Secretary of the Interior); (v) the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or the designee of the Director); (vi) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (or the designee of the Administrator); (vii) 4 members appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Governors Association, each of whom shall be the Governor of a State (or the designee of the Governor) and who collectively shall represent the geographic diversity of the Nation; (viii) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Association of Counties; (ix) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the United States Conference of Mayors; (x) 1 member appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with Indian tribes, to represent the interests of tribal governments; and (xi) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination with the National Association of Conservation Districts, to represent local soil and water conservation districts. (B) Date of appointment The appointment of each member of the Council shall be made not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (3) Term; vacancies (A) Term A non-Federal member of the Council appointed under paragraph (2) shall be appointed for a term of two years. (B) Vacancies A vacancy on the Council— (i) shall not affect the powers of the Council; and (ii) shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made. (C) Terms of members filling vacancies Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member’s predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term. (4) Meetings (A) In general The Council shall meet at the call of the co-chairs. (B) Frequency The Council shall meet at least semiannually. (5) Quorum A majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings or conduct other business. (6) Council leadership (A) In general There shall be a Federal co-chair and non-Federal co-chair of the Council. (B) Appointment (i) Federal co-chair The Secretary shall be the Federal co-chair. (ii) Non-Federal co-chair The non-Federal members of the Council shall elect, on a biannual basis, a non-Federal co-chair of the Council from among the members appointed under paragraph (2). (d) Duties of the council (1) In general The Council shall— (A) not later than one year after the date of the first meeting of the Council, develop a comprehensive National Drought Policy Action Plan that— (i) (I) delineates and integrates responsibilities for activities relating to drought (including drought preparedness, mitigation, research, risk management, training, and emergency relief) among Federal agencies; and (II) ensures that those activities are coordinated with the activities of the States, local governments, Indian tribes, and neighboring countries; (ii) is consistent with— (I) this Act and other applicable Federal laws; and (II) the laws and policies of the States for water management; (iii) is integrated with drought management programs of the States, Indian tribes, local governments, watershed groups, and private entities; and (iv) avoids duplicating Federal, State, tribal, local, watershed, and private drought preparedness and monitoring programs in existence on the date of enactment of this Act; (B) evaluate Federal drought-related programs in existence on the date of enactment of this Act and make recommendations to Congress and the President on means of eliminating— (i) discrepancies between the goals of the programs and actual service delivery; (ii) duplication among programs; and (iii) any other circumstances that interfere with the effective operation of the programs; (C) make recommendations to the President, Congress, and appropriate Federal agencies on— (i) the establishment of common interagency triggers for authorizing Federal drought mitigation programs; and (ii) improving the consistency and fairness of assistance among Federal drought relief programs; (D) encourage and facilitate the development of drought preparedness plans under subtitle C, including establishing the guidelines under this section; (E) based on a review of drought preparedness plans, develop and make available to the public drought planning models to reduce water resource conflicts relating to water conservation and droughts; (F) develop and coordinate public awareness activities to provide the public with access to understandable and informative materials on drought, including— (i) explanations of the causes of drought, the impacts of drought, and the damages from drought; (ii) descriptions of the value and benefits of land stewardship to reduce the impacts of drought and to protect the environment; (iii) clear instructions for appropriate responses to drought, including water conservation, water reuse, and detection and elimination of water leaks; (iv) information on State and local laws applicable to drought; and (v) opportunities for assistance to resource-dependent businesses and industries in times of drought; and (G) establish operating procedures for the Council. (2) Consultation In carrying out this subsection, the Council shall consult with groups affected by drought emergencies. (3) Reports to congress (A) Annual report (i) In general Not later than one year after the date of the first meeting of the Council, and annually thereafter, the Council shall submit to Congress a report on the activities carried out under this section. (ii) Inclusions (I) In general The annual report shall include a summary of drought preparedness plans. (II) Initial report The initial report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include any recommendations of the Council. (B) Final report Not later than seven years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Council shall submit to Congress a report that recommends— (i) amendments to this section; and (ii) whether the Council should continue. (e) Powers of the council (1) Hearings The Council may hold hearings, meet and act at any time and place, take any testimony and receive any evidence that the Council considers advisable to carry out this section. (2) Information from Federal agencies (A) In general The Council may obtain directly from any Federal agency any information that the Council considers necessary to carry out this section. (B) Provision of information (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), on request of the Secretary or the non-Federal co-chair of the Council, the head of a Federal agency may provide information to the Council. (ii) Limitation The head of a Federal agency shall not provide any information to the Council that the Federal agency head determines the disclosure of which may cause harm to national security interests. (3) Postal services The Council may use the United States mail in the same manner and under the same conditions as other agencies of the Federal Government. (4) Gifts The Council may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. (f) Council personnel matters (1) Compensation of members (A) Non-Federal employees A member of the Council who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve without compensation. (B) Federal employees A member of the Council who is an officer or employee of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to the compensation received for services of the member as an officer or employee of the Federal Government. (2) Travel expenses A member of the Council shall be allowed travel expenses at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Council. (g) Termination of council The Council shall terminate at the end of the eighth fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. F Administration 1601. Administration generally (a) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation The Secretary of Agriculture shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this title. (b) Determinations by Secretary A determination made by the Secretary under this title shall be final and conclusive. (c) Regulations (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Commodity Credit Corporation, as appropriate, shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement this title and the amendments made by this title. (2) Procedure The promulgation of the regulations and administration of this title and the amendments made by this title and sections 10003 and 10016 of this Act shall be made— (A) pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, including by interim rules effective on publication under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of subsection (b) of such section if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed and final rules, with an opportunity for notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of this Act; (B) without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act ); and (C) without regard to the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking. (d) Adjustment Authority Related to Trade Agreements Compliance (1) Required determination; adjustment If the Secretary determines that expenditures under this title that are subject to the total allowable domestic support levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements (as defined in section 2 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3501 )) will exceed the allowable levels for any applicable reporting period, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make adjustments in the amount of the expenditures during that period to ensure that the expenditures do not exceed the allowable levels. (2) Congressional notification Before making any adjustment under paragraph (1), 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 report describing the determination made under that paragraph and the extent of the adjustment to be made. 1602. Repeal of permanent price support authority (a) Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (1) Repeals The following provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 are repealed: (A) Parts II through V of subtitle B of title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1326 et seq. ). (B) Subtitle D of title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1379a et seq. ). (C) Title IV ( 7 U.S.C. 1401 et seq. ). (2) Inapplicability to upland cotton Section 377 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1377 ) is amended by striking was not fully planted and inserting was not fully planted: Provided further , That effective on the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, this section shall not apply to upland cotton . (b) Agricultural Act of 1949 The following provisions of the Agricultural Act of 1949 are repealed: (1) Section 101 ( 7 U.S.C. 1441 ). (2) Section 103(a) ( 7 U.S.C. 1444(a) ). (3) Section 105 ( 7 U.S.C. 1444b ). (4) Section 107 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445a ). (5) Section 110 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445e ). (6) Section 112 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445g ). (7) Section 115 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445k ). (8) Section 201 ( 7 U.S.C. 1446 ). (9) Title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1447 et seq. ). (10) Title IV ( 7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq. ), other than sections 404, 412, and 416 ( 7 U.S.C. 1424 , 1429, and 1431). (11) Title V ( 7 U.S.C. 1461 et seq. ). (12) Title VI ( 7 U.S.C. 1471 et seq. ). (c) Suspension of certain quota provisions The joint resolution entitled A joint resolution relating to corn and wheat marketing quotas under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended , approved May 26, 1941 ( 7 U.S.C. 1330 , 1340), is repealed. 1603. Payment limitations (a) In general Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Legal entity (A) In general The term legal entity means— (i) an organization that (subject to the requirements of this section and section 1001A) is eligible to receive a payment under a provision of law referred to in subsection (b), (c), or (d); (ii) a corporation, joint stock company, association, limited partnership, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, charitable organization, estate, irrevocable trust, grantor of a revocable trust, or other similar entity (as determined by the Secretary); and (iii) an organization that is participating in a farming operation as a partner in a general partnership or as a participant in a joint venture. (B) Exclusion The term legal entity does not include a general partnership or joint venture. ; (2) by striking subsections (b) through (d) and inserting the following: (b) Limitation on payments for covered commodities and peanuts The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity for any crop year for 1 or more covered commodities and peanuts under title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 may not exceed $125,000, of which— (1) not more than $75,000 may consist of marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments under subtitle B of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013; and (2) not more than $50,000 may consist of any other payments made for covered commodities and peanuts under title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. (c) Spousal equity (1) In general Notwithstanding subsection (b), except as provided in paragraph (2), if a person and the spouse of the person are covered by paragraph (2) and receive, directly or indirectly, any payment or gain covered by this section, the total amount of payments or gains (as applicable) covered by this section that the person and spouse may jointly receive during any crop year may not exceed an amount equal to twice the applicable dollar amounts specified in subsection (b). (2) Exceptions (A) Separate farming operations In the case of a married couple in which each spouse, before the marriage, was separately engaged in an unrelated farming operation, each spouse shall be treated as a separate person with respect to a farming operation brought into the marriage by a spouse, subject to the condition that the farming operation shall remain a separate farming operation, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Election to receive separate payments A married couple may elect to receive payments separately in the name of each spouse if the total amount of payments and benefits described in subsection (b) that the married couple receives, directly or indirectly, does not exceed an amount equal to twice the applicable dollar amounts specified in those subsections. ; (3) in paragraph (3)(B) of subsection (f), by adding at the end the following: (iii) Irrevocable trusts In promulgating regulations to define the term legal entity as the term applies to irrevocable trusts, the Secretary shall ensure that irrevocable trusts are legitimate entities that have not been created for the purpose of avoiding a payment limitation. ; and (4) in subsection (h), in the second sentence, by striking or other entity and inserting or legal entity . (b) Conforming amendments (1) Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (e), by striking subsections (b) and (c) each place it appears in paragraphs (1) and (3)(B) and inserting subsection (b) ; (B) in subsection (f)— (i) in paragraph (2), by striking Subsections (b) and (c) and inserting Subsection (b) ; (ii) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking subsection (b) or (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; (iii) in paragraph (5)— (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking subsection (d) ; and (II) in subparagraph (B), by striking subsection (b), (c), or (d) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (iv) in paragraph (6)— (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking Notwithstanding subsection (d), except as provided in subsection (g) and inserting Except as provided in subsection (f) ; and (II) in subparagraph (B), by striking subsections (b), (c), and (d) and inserting subsection (b) ; (C) in subsection (g)— (i) in paragraph (1)— (I) by striking subsection (f)(6)(A) and inserting subsection (e)(6)(A) ; and (II) by striking subsection (b) or (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (ii) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting subsection (b) ; and (D) by redesignating subsections (e) through (h) as subsections (d) through (g), respectively. (2) Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–1 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (a), by striking subsections (b) and (c) of section 1001 and inserting section 1001(b) ; and (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 and inserting section 1001(b) . (3) Section 1001B(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–2(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking subsections (b) and (c) of section 1001 and inserting section 1001(b) . (c) Application The amendments made by this section shall apply beginning with the 2014 crop year. 1603A. Payments limited to active farmers Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–1 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) by striking or active personal management each place it appears in subparagraphs (A)(i)(II) and (B)(ii); and (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking , as applied to the legal entity, are met by the legal entity, the partners or members making a significant contribution of personal labor or active personal management and inserting are met by partners or members making a significant contribution of personal labor, those partners or members ; and (2) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) the landowner share-rents the land at a rate that is usual and customary; ; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (C) the share of the payments received by the landowner is commensurate with the share of the crop or income received as rent. ; (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking active personal management or ; (C) in paragraph (5)— (i) by striking (5) and all that follows through (A) In general .—A person and inserting the following: (5) Custom farming services A person ; (ii) by inserting under usual and customary terms after services ; and (iii) by striking subparagraph (B); and (D) by adding at the end the following: (7) Farm managers A person who otherwise meets the requirements of this subsection other than (b)(2)(A)(i)(II) shall be considered to be actively engaged in farming, as determined by the Secretary, with respect to the farming operation, including a farming operation that is a sole proprietorship, a legal entity such as a joint venture or general partnership, or a legal entity such as a corporation or limited partnership, if the person— (A) makes a significant contribution of management to the farming operation necessary for the farming operation, taking into account— (i) the size and complexity of the farming operation; and (ii) the management requirements normally and customarily required by similar farming operations; (B) (i) is the only person in the farming operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming by using the farm manager special class designation under this paragraph; and (ii) together with any other persons in the farming operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming under subsection (b)(2) or as part of a special class under this subsection, does not collectively receive, directly or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the applicable limits under section 1001(b); (C) does not use the management contribution under this paragraph to qualify as actively engaged in more than 1 farming operation; and (D) manages a farm operation that does not substantially share equipment, labor, or management with persons or legal entities that with the person collectively receive, directly or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the applicable limits under section 1001(b). . 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation (a) Limitations and covered benefits Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by striking Limitations and inserting Limitations on Commodity and Conservation Programs ; (2) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs: (1) Limitation Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person or legal entity shall not be eligible to receive any benefit described in paragraph (2) during a crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, if the average adjusted gross income of the person or legal entity exceeds $950,000. (2) Covered benefits Paragraph (1) applies with respect to a payment or benefit under subtitle A, B, or E of title I, or title II of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , title II of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, title II of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, section 524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b) ), or section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ). . (b) Elimination of unused definitions Paragraph (1) of section 1001D(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(a)) is amended to read as follows: (1) Average adjusted gross income In this section, the term average adjusted gross income , with respect to a person or legal entity, means the average of the adjusted gross income or comparable measure of the person or legal entity over the 3 taxable years preceding the most immediately preceding complete taxable year, as determined by the Secretary. . (c) Income determination Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (c); and (2) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively. (d) Conforming amendments Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) by striking subparagraph (A) or (B) of ; and (B) by striking , the average adjusted gross farm income, and the average adjusted gross nonfarm income ; (2) in subsection (a)(3), by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income both places it appears; (3) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income both places it appears; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) and inserting subsection (b)(2) ; and (4) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)— (A) by striking paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) and inserting subsection (b)(2) ; and (B) by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, or average adjusted gross nonfarm income . (e) Effective period Subsection (e) of section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ), as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section, is repealed. (f) Limitation on applicability Section 1001(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: or title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . (g) Transition Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ), as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall apply with respect to the 2013 crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, for each program described in paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) of that section (as so in effect on that day). 1605. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers Section 1621(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8792(d) ) is amended by striking each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting fiscal year 2009 and each succeeding fiscal year . 1606. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies Section 164 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7284 ) is amended by striking and title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 each place it appears and inserting title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq. ), and title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . 1607. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs (a) Reconciliation At least twice each year, the Secretary shall reconcile Social Security numbers of all individuals who receive payments under this title, whether directly or indirectly, with the Commissioner of Social Security to determined if the individuals are alive. (b) Preclusion The Secretary shall preclude the issuance of payments to, and on behalf of, deceased individuals that were not eligible for payments. 1608. Technical corrections (a) Missing punctuation Section 359f(c)(1)(B) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359ff(c)(1)(B) ) is amended by adding a period at the end. (b) Erroneous cross reference (1) Amendment Section 1603(g) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1739) is amended in paragraphs (2) through (6) and the amendments made by those paragraphs by striking 1703(a) each place it appears and inserting 1603(a) . (2) Effective date This subsection and the amendments made by this subsection take effect as if included in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1651). (c) Continued applicability of appropriations general provision Section 767 of division A of Public Law 108–7 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 note; 117 Stat. 48) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking sections 1101 and 1102 of Public Law 107–171 and inserting subtitle A of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 ; and (B) by striking such section 1102 and inserting such subtitle ; and (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) This section, as amended by section 1608(c) of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , shall take effect beginning with the 2014 crop year. . 1609. Assignment of payments (a) In general The provisions of section 8(g) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590h(g) ), relating to assignment of payments, shall apply to payments made under this title. (b) Notice The producer making the assignment, or the assignee, shall provide the Secretary with notice, in such manner as the Secretary may require, of any assignment made under this section. 1610. Tracking of benefits As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may track the benefits provided, directly or indirectly, to individuals and entities under titles I and II and the amendments made by those titles. 1611. Signature authority (a) In general In carrying out this title and title II and amendments made by those titles, if the Secretary approves a document, the Secretary shall not subsequently determine the document is inadequate or invalid because of the lack of authority of any person signing the document on behalf of the applicant or any other individual, entity, general partnership, or joint venture, or the documents relied upon were determined inadequate or invalid, unless the person signing the program document knowingly and willfully falsified the evidence of signature authority or a signature. (b) Affirmation (1) In general Nothing in this section prohibits the Secretary from asking a proper party to affirm any document that otherwise would be considered approved under subsection (a). (2) No retroactive effect A denial of benefits based on a lack of affirmation under paragraph (1) shall not be retroactive with respect to third-party producers who were not the subject of the erroneous representation of authority, if the third-party producers— (A) relied on the prior approval by the Secretary of the documents in good faith; and (B) substantively complied with all program requirements. 1612. Implementation (a) Streamlining In implementing this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and other administrative requirements; (2) improve coordination, information sharing, and administrative work with the Risk Management Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and (3) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery to producers. (b) Maintenance of base acres and payment yields (1) In general The Secretary shall maintain, for each covered commodity and upland cotton, base acres and payment yields on a farm established under— (A) (i) in the case of covered commodities and upland cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 , 7912); and (ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7952 ); and (B) (i) in the case of covered commodities and upland cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8711 , 8712); and (ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8752 ). (2) Special rule for long grain and medium grain rice (A) In general The Secretary shall maintain separate base acres for long grain rice and medium grain rice. (B) Limitation In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall use the same total base acres and payment yields established with respect to rice under sections 1108 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8718 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, subject to any adjustment under section 1105. (c) Implementation The Secretary shall make available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title $100,000,000. 1613. Protection of producer information (a) Prohibition of public disclosure of protected information Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary, any officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture, any contractor or cooperator of the Department, and any officer or employee of another Federal agency shall not disclose— (1) information submitted by a producer or owner of agricultural land to the Federal Government pursuant to title I or II of this Act; or (2) other information provided by a producer or owner of agricultural land concerning the agricultural operation, farming or conservation practices, or the land itself in order to participate in programs of the Department of Agriculture or other Federal agencies. (b) Exceptions Information described in subsection (a) may be disclosed if— (1) the information is required to be made publicly available under any other provision of Federal law; (2) the producer or owner of agricultural land who provided the information has lawfully publicly disclosed the information; (3) the producer or owner of agricultural land who provided the information consents to the disclosure; or (4) the information is disclosed to the Attorney General, to the extent necessary, to ensure compliance and law enforcement. (c) Notice of disclosure Any disclosure of information pursuant to an exception provided in subsection (b) shall be reported to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate within 24 hours after the disclosure. (d) Producer defined In this section, the term producer has the meaning given that term in section 1104(14) of this Act. II Conservation A Conservation Reserve Program 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program (a) Extension Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Eligible land Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and inserting the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 ; (2) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); (3) by inserting before paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: (3) grasslands that— (A) contain forbs or shrubland (including improved rangeland and pastureland) for which grazing is the predominant use; (B) are located in an area historically dominated by grasslands; and (C) could provide habitat for animal and plant populations of significant ecological value if the land is retained in its current use or restored to a natural condition; ; (4) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking filterstrips devoted to trees or shrubs and inserting filterstrips or riparian buffers devoted to trees, shrubs, or grasses ; and (5) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraph: (5) the portion of land in a field not enrolled in the conservation reserve in a case in which— (A) more than 50 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a buffer or filterstrip, or more than 75 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a conservation practice other than as a buffer or filterstrip; and (B) the remainder of the field is— (i) infeasible to farm; and (ii) enrolled at regular rental rates. . (c) Planting Status of Certain Land Section 1231(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(c) ) is amended by striking if and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting if, during the crop year, the land was devoted to a conserving use. . (d) Enrollment Subsection (d) of section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Enrollment (1) Maximum acreage enrolled The Secretary may maintain in the conservation reserve at any one time during— (A) fiscal year 2014, no more than 27,500,000 acres; (B) fiscal year 2015, no more than 26,000,000 acres; (C) fiscal year 2016, no more than 25,000,000 acres; (D) fiscal year 2017, no more than 24,000,000 acres; and (E) fiscal year 2018, no more than 24,000,000 acres. (2) Grasslands (A) Limitation For purposes of applying the limitations in paragraph (1), no more than 2,000,000 acres of the land described in subsection (b)(3) may be enrolled in the program at any one time during the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years. (B) Priority In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may give priority to land with expiring conservation reserve program contracts. (C) Method of enrollment In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall make the program available to owners or operators of eligible land on a continuous enrollment basis with one or more ranking periods. . (e) Duration of contract Section 1231(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(e) ) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Special rule for certain land In the case of land devoted to hardwood trees, shelterbelts, windbreaks, or wildlife corridors under a contract entered into under this subchapter, the owner or operator of the land may, within the limitations prescribed under paragraph (1), specify the duration of the contract. . (f) Conservation priority areas Section 1231(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking watershed areas of the Chesapeake Bay Region, the Great Lakes Region, the Long Island Sound Region, and other ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking watersheds.— Watersheds and inserting areas.— Areas ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking a watershed’s designation— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting an area’s designation if the Secretary finds that the area no longer contains actual and significant adverse water quality or habitat impacts related to agricultural production activities. . 2002. Farmable wetland program (a) Extension Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(a)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by striking a program and inserting a farmable wetland program . (b) Eligible acreage Section 1231B(b)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(b)(1)(B) ) is amended by striking flow from a row crop agriculture drainage system and inserting surface and subsurface flow from row crop agricultural production . (c) Acreage limitation Section 1231B(c)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(c)(1)(B) ) is amended by striking 1,000,000 and inserting 750,000 . (d) Clerical amendment The heading of section 1231B of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b ) is amended to read as follows: Farmable wetland program . . 2003. Duties of owners and operators (a) Limitation on harvesting, grazing, or commercial use of forage Section 1232(a)(8) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832(a)(8) ) is amended by striking except that and all that follows through the semicolon at the end of the paragraph and inserting except as provided in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1233; . (b) Conservation plan requirements Subsection (b) of section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832 ) is amended to read as follows: (b) Conservation plans The plan referred to in subsection (a)(1) shall set forth— (1) the conservation measures and practices to be carried out by the owner or operator during the term of the contract; and (2) the commercial use, if any, to be permitted on the land during the term. . (c) Rental payment reduction Section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832 ) is amended by striking subsection (d). 2004. Duties of the Secretary Section 1233 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3833 ) is amended to read as follows: 1233. Duties of the Secretary (a) Cost-Share and rental payments In return for a contract entered into by an owner or operator under the conservation reserve program, the Secretary shall— (1) share the cost of carrying out the conservation measures and practices set forth in the contract for which the Secretary determines that cost sharing is appropriate and in the public interest; and (2) for a period of years not in excess of the term of the contract, pay an annual rental payment in an amount necessary to compensate for— (A) the conversion of highly erodible cropland or other eligible lands normally devoted to the production of an agricultural commodity on a farm or ranch to a less intensive use; (B) the retirement of any base history that the owner or operator agrees to retire permanently; and (C) the development and management of grasslands for multiple natural resource conservation benefits, including to soil, water, air, and wildlife. (b) Specified activities permitted The Secretary shall permit certain activities or commercial uses of land that is subject to a contract under the conservation reserve program in a manner that is consistent with a plan approved by the Secretary, as follows: (1) Harvesting, grazing, or other commercial use of the forage in response to a drought or other emergency created by a natural disaster, without any reduction in the rental rate. (2) Consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat (including habitat during nesting seasons for birds in the area), and in exchange for a reduction of not less than 25 percent in the annual rental rate for the acres covered by the authorized activity— (A) managed harvesting and other commercial use (including the managed harvesting of biomass), except that in permitting managed harvesting, the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee— (i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements; and (ii) shall identify periods during which managed harvesting may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every three years; (B) routine grazing or prescribed grazing for the control of invasive species, except that in permitting such routine grazing or prescribed grazing, the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee— (i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements and stocking rates for the land that are suitable for continued routine grazing; and (ii) shall identify the periods during which routine grazing may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every two years, taking into consideration regional differences such as— (I) climate, soil type, and natural resources; (II) the number of years that should be required between routine grazing activities; and (III) how often during a year in which routine grazing is permitted that routine grazing should be allowed to occur; and (C) the installation of wind turbines and associated access, except that in permitting the installation of wind turbines, the Secretary shall determine the number and location of wind turbines that may be installed, taking into account— (i) the location, size, and other physical characteristics of the land; (ii) the extent to which the land contains wildlife and wildlife habitat; and (iii) the purposes of the conservation reserve program under this subchapter. (3) The intermittent and seasonal use of vegetative buffer practices incidental to agricultural production on lands adjacent to the buffer such that the permitted use does not destroy the permanent vegetative cover. (c) Authorized activities on grasslands For eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall permit the following activities: (1) Common grazing practices, including maintenance and necessary cultural practices, on the land in a manner that is consistent with maintaining the viability of grassland, forb, and shrub species appropriate to that locality. (2) Haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed production, subject to appropriate restrictions during the nesting season for critical bird species in the area. (3) Fire presuppression, fire-related rehabilitation, and construction of fire breaks. (4) Grazing-related activities, such as fencing and livestock watering. (d) Resource conserving use (1) In general Beginning on the date that is 1 year before the date of termination of a contract under the program, the Secretary shall allow an owner or operator to make conservation and land improvements that facilitate maintaining protection of enrolled land after expiration of the contract. (2) Conservation plan The Secretary shall require an owner or operator carrying out the activities described in paragraph (1) to develop and implement a conservation plan. (3) Re-enrollment prohibited Land improved under paragraph (1) may not be re-enrolled in the conservation reserve program for 5 years after the date of termination of the contract. . 2005. Payments (a) Trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife corridors Section 1234(b)(3)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(b)(3)(A) ) is amended— (1) in clause (i), by inserting and after the semicolon; (2) by striking clause (ii); and (3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii). (b) Annual rental payments Section 1234(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting or other eligible lands after highly erodible cropland both places it appears; and (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Methods of Determination (A) In general The amounts payable to owners or operators in the form of rental payments under contracts entered into under this subchapter may be determined through— (i) the submission of bids for such contracts by owners and operators in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe; or (ii) such other means as the Secretary determines are appropriate. (B) Grasslands In the case of eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall make annual payments in an amount that is not more than 75 percent of the grazing value of the land covered by the contract. . (c) Payment schedule Subsection (d) of section 1234 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Payment schedule (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this section, payments under this subchapter shall be made in cash in such amount and on such time schedule as is agreed on and specified in the contract. (2) Advance payment Payments under this subchapter may be made in advance of determination of performance. . (d) Payment limitation Section 1234(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking , including rental payments made in the form of in-kind commodities, ; (2) by striking paragraph (3); and (3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2). 2006. Contract requirements (a) Early termination by owner or operator Section 1235(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A)— (A) by striking The Secretary and inserting During fiscal year 2014, the Secretary ; and (B) by striking before January 1, 1995, ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following: (C) Land devoted to hardwood trees. (D) Wildlife habitat, duck nesting habitat, pollinator habitat, upland bird habitat buffer, wildlife food plots, State acres for wildlife enhancement, shallow water areas for wildlife, and rare and declining habitat. (E) Farmable wetland and restored wetland. (F) Land that contains diversions, erosion control structures, flood control structures, contour grass strips, living snow fences, salinity reducing vegetation, cross wind trap strips, and sediment retention structures. (G) Land located within a federally-designated wellhead protection area. (H) Land that is covered by an easement under the conservation reserve program. (I) Land located within an average width, according to the applicable Natural Resources Conservation Service field office technical guide, of a perennial stream or permanent water body. ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking 60 days after the date on which the owner or operator submits the notice required under paragraph (1)(C) and inserting upon approval by the Secretary . (b) Transition option for certain farmers or ranchers Section 1235(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Duties and all that follows through a beginning farmer and inserting Transition to covered farmer or rancher.— In the case of a contract modification approved in order to facilitate the transfer of land subject to a contract from a retired farmer or rancher to a beginning farmer ; (B) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting , including preparing to plant an agricultural crop after improvements ; (C) in subparagraph (D), by striking the farmer or rancher and inserting the covered farmer or rancher ; and (D) in subparagraph (E), by striking section 1001A(b)(3)(B) and inserting section 1001 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking requirement of section 1231(h)(4)(B) and inserting option pursuant to section 1234(c)(2)(A)(ii) . (c) Final year contract Section 1235 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections: (g) Final year of contract The Secretary shall not consider an owner or operator to be in violation of a term or condition of the conservation reserve contract if— (1) during the year prior to expiration of the contract, the land is enrolled in the conservation stewardship program; and (2) the activity required under the conservation stewardship program pursuant to such enrollment is consistent with this subchapter. (h) Land enrolled in agricultural conservation easement program The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under this subchapter if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H. . 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses Section 1235A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835a ) is repealed. 2008. Effective date (a) In general The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013, except the amendment made by section 2001(d), which shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Effect on existing contracts (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Updating of existing contracts The Secretary shall permit an owner or operator of land subject to a contract entered into under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, to update the contract to reflect the activities and uses of land under contract permitted under the terms and conditions of section 1233(b) of that Act (as amended by section 2004), as determined appropriate by the Secretary. B Conservation Stewardship Program 2101. Conservation stewardship program (a) Revision of current program Subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq. ) is amended to read as follows: B Conservation stewardship program 1238D. Definitions In this subchapter: (1) Agricultural operation The term agricultural operation means all eligible land, whether or not contiguous, that is— (A) under the effective control of a producer at the time the producer enters into a contract under the program; and (B) operated with equipment, labor, management, and production or cultivation practices that are substantially separate from other agricultural operations, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Conservation activities (A) In general The term conservation activities means conservation systems, practices, or management measures. (B) Inclusions The term conservation activities includes— (i) structural measures, vegetative measures, and land management measures, including agriculture drainage management systems, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) planning needed to address a priority resource concern. (3) Conservation stewardship plan The term conservation stewardship plan means a plan that— (A) identifies and inventories priority resource concerns; (B) establishes benchmark data and conservation objectives; (C) describes conservation activities to be implemented, managed, or improved; and (D) includes a schedule and evaluation plan for the planning, installation, and management of the new and existing conservation activities. (4) Eligible land (A) In general The term eligible land means— (i) private or tribal land on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-related products are produced; and (ii) lands associated with the land described in clause (i) on which priority resource concerns could be addressed through a contract under the program. (B) Inclusions The term eligible land includes— (i) cropland; (ii) grassland; (iii) rangeland; (iv) pasture land; (v) nonindustrial private forest land; and (vi) other agricultural areas (including cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land used or capable of being used for the production of livestock), as determined by the Secretary. (5) Priority resource concern The term priority resource concern means a natural resource concern or problem, as determined by the Secretary, that— (A) is identified at the national, State, or local level as a priority for a particular area of a State; (B) represents a significant concern in a State or region; and (C) is likely to be addressed successfully through the implementation of conservation activities under this program. (6) Program The term program means the conservation stewardship program established by this subchapter. (7) Stewardship threshold The term stewardship threshold means the level of management required, as determined by the Secretary, to conserve and improve the quality and condition of a natural resource. 1238E. Conservation stewardship program (a) Establishment and purpose During each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall carry out a conservation stewardship program to encourage producers to address priority resource concerns in a comprehensive manner— (1) by undertaking additional conservation activities; and (2) by improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities. (b) Exclusions (1) Land enrolled in other conservation programs Subject to paragraph (2), the following land (even if covered by the definition of eligible land) is not eligible for enrollment in the program: (A) Land enrolled in the conservation reserve program, unless— (i) the conservation reserve contract will expire at the end of the fiscal year in which the land is to be enrolled in the program; and (ii) conservation reserve program payments for land enrolled in the program cease before the first program payment is made to the applicant under this subchapter. (B) Land enrolled in a wetland easement through the agricultural conservation easement program. (C) Land enrolled in the conservation security program. (2) Conversion to cropland Eligible land used for crop production after October 1, 2013, that had not been planted, considered to be planted, or devoted to crop production for at least 4 of the 6 years preceding that date shall not be the basis for any payment under the program, unless the land does not meet the requirement because— (A) the land had previously been enrolled in the conservation reserve program; (B) the land has been maintained using long-term crop rotation practices, as determined by the Secretary; or (C) the land is incidental land needed for efficient operation of the farm or ranch, as determined by the Secretary. 1238F. Stewardship contracts (a) Submission of contract offers To be eligible to participate in the conservation stewardship program, a producer shall submit to the Secretary a contract offer for the agricultural operation that— (1) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the producer, at the time of the contract offer, meets or exceeds the stewardship threshold for at least 2 priority resource concerns; and (2) would, at a minimum, meet or exceed the stewardship threshold for at least 1 additional priority resource concern by the end of the stewardship contract by— (A) installing and adopting additional conservation activities; and (B) improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities across the entire agricultural operation in a manner that increases or extends the conservation benefits in place at the time the contract offer is accepted by the Secretary. (b) Evaluation of contract offers (1) Ranking of applications In evaluating contract offers submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary shall rank applications based on— (A) the level of conservation treatment on all applicable priority resource concerns at the time of application; (B) the degree to which the proposed conservation activities effectively increase conservation performance; (C) the number of applicable priority resource concerns proposed to be treated to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract; (D) the extent to which other priority resource concerns will be addressed to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract period; (E) the extent to which the actual and anticipated conservation benefits from the contract are provided at the least cost relative to other similarly beneficial contract offers; and (F) the extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed when transitioning from the conservation reserve program to agricultural production. (2) Prohibition The Secretary may not assign a higher priority to any application because the applicant is willing to accept a lower payment than the applicant would otherwise be eligible to receive. (3) Additional criteria The Secretary may develop and use such additional criteria that the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure that national, State, and local priority resource concerns are effectively addressed. (c) Entering into contracts After a determination that a producer is eligible for the program under subsection (a), and a determination that the contract offer ranks sufficiently high under the evaluation criteria under subsection (b), the Secretary shall enter into a conservation stewardship contract with the producer to enroll the eligible land to be covered by the contract. (d) Contract provisions (1) Term A conservation stewardship contract shall be for a term of 5 years. (2) Required provisions The conservation stewardship contract of a producer shall— (A) state the amount of the payment the Secretary agrees to make to the producer for each year of the conservation stewardship contract under section 1238G(d); (B) require the producer— (i) to implement a conservation stewardship plan that describes the program purposes to be achieved through 1 or more conservation activities; (ii) to maintain and supply information as required by the Secretary to determine compliance with the conservation stewardship plan and any other requirements of the program; and (iii) not to conduct any activities on the agricultural operation that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program; (C) permit all economic uses of the eligible land that— (i) maintain the agricultural nature of the land; and (ii) are consistent with the conservation purposes of the conservation stewardship contract; (D) include a provision to ensure that a producer shall not be considered in violation of the contract for failure to comply with the contract due to circumstances beyond the control of the producer, including a disaster or related condition, as determined by the Secretary; (E) include provisions requiring that upon the violation of a term or condition of the contract at any time the producer has control of the land— (i) if the Secretary determines that the violation warrants termination of the contract— (I) the producer shall forfeit all rights to receive payments under the contract; and (II) the producer shall refund all or a portion of the payments received by the producer under the contract, including any interest on the payments, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) if the Secretary determines that the violation does not warrant termination of the contract, the producer shall refund or accept adjustments to the payments provided to the producer, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; (F) include provisions in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of this section; and (G) include any additional provisions the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the program. (3) Change of interest in land subject to a contract (A) In general At the time of application, a producer shall have control of the eligible land to be enrolled in the program. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a change in the interest of a producer in eligible land covered by a contract under the program shall result in the termination of the contract with regard to that land. (B) Transfer of duties and rights Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if— (i) within a reasonable period of time (as determined by the Secretary) after the date of the change in the interest in eligible land covered by a contract under the program, the transferee of the land provides written notice to the Secretary that all duties and rights under the contract have been transferred to, and assumed by, the transferee for the portion of the land transferred; (ii) the transferee meets the eligibility requirements of the program; and (iii) the Secretary approves the transfer of all duties and rights under the contract. (4) Modification and termination of contracts (A) Voluntary modification or termination The Secretary may modify or terminate a contract with a producer if— (i) the producer agrees to the modification or termination; and (ii) the Secretary determines that the modification or termination is in the public interest. (B) Involuntary termination The Secretary may terminate a contract if the Secretary determines that the producer violated the contract. (5) Repayment If a contract is terminated, the Secretary may, consistent with the purposes of the program— (A) allow the producer to retain payments already received under the contract; or (B) require repayment, in whole or in part, of payments received and assess liquidated damages. (e) Contract renewal At the end of the initial 5-year contract period, the Secretary may allow the producer to renew the contract for 1 additional 5-year period if the producer— (1) demonstrates compliance with the terms of the initial contract; (2) agrees to adopt and continue to integrate conservation activities across the entire agricultural operation, as determined by the Secretary; and (3) agrees, by the end of the contract period— (A) to meet the stewardship threshold of at least two additional priority resource concerns on the agricultural operation; or (B) to exceed the stewardship threshold of two existing priority resource concerns that are specified by the Secretary in the initial contract. 1238G. Duties of the secretary (a) In general To achieve the conservation goals of a contract under the conservation stewardship program, the Secretary shall— (1) make the program available to eligible producers on a continuous enrollment basis with 1 or more ranking periods, one of which shall occur in the first quarter of each fiscal year; (2) identify not less than 5 priority resource concerns in a particular watershed or other appropriate region or area within a State; and (3) establish a science-based stewardship threshold for each priority resource concern identified under paragraph (2). (b) Allocation to states The Secretary shall allocate acres to States for enrollment, based— (1) primarily on each State’s proportion of eligible land to the total acreage of eligible land in all States; and (2) also on consideration of— (A) the extent and magnitude of the conservation needs associated with agricultural production in each State; (B) the degree to which implementation of the program in the State is, or will be, effective in helping producers address those needs; and (C) other considerations to achieve equitable geographic distribution of funds, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Acreage enrollment limitation During the period beginning on October 1, 2013, and ending on September 30, 2021, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) enroll in the program an additional 8,695,000 acres for each fiscal year; and (2) manage the program to achieve a national average rate of $18 per acre, which shall include the costs of all financial assistance, technical assistance, and any other expenses associated with enrollment or participation in the program. (d) Conservation stewardship payments (1) Availability of payments The Secretary shall provide annual payments under the program to compensate the producer for— (A) installing and adopting additional conservation activities; and (B) improving, maintaining, and managing conservation activities in place at the agricultural operation of the producer at the time the contract offer is accepted by the Secretary. (2) Payment amount The amount of the conservation stewardship annual payment shall be determined by the Secretary and based, to the maximum extent practicable, on the following factors: (A) Costs incurred by the producer associated with planning, design, materials, installation, labor, management, maintenance, or training. (B) Income forgone by the producer. (C) Expected conservation benefits. (D) The extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed through the installation and adoption of conservation activities on the agricultural operation. (E) The level of stewardship in place at the time of application and maintained over the term of the contract. (F) The degree to which the conservation activities will be integrated across the entire agricultural operation for all applicable priority resource concerns over the term of the contract. (G) Such other factors as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (3) Exclusions A payment to a producer under this subsection shall not be provided for— (A) the design, construction, or maintenance of animal waste storage or treatment facilities or associated waste transport or transfer devices for animal feeding operations; or (B) conservation activities for which there is no cost incurred or income forgone to the producer. (4) Delivery of payments In making payments under this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable— (A) prorate conservation performance over the term of the contract so as to accommodate, to the extent practicable, producers earning equal annual payments in each fiscal year; and (B) make payments as soon as practicable after October 1 of each fiscal year for activities carried out in the previous fiscal year. (e) Supplemental payments for resource-conserving crop rotations (1) Availability of payments The Secretary shall provide additional payments to producers that, in participating in the program, agree to adopt or improve resource-conserving crop rotations to achieve beneficial crop rotations as appropriate for the eligible land of the producers. (2) Beneficial crop rotations The Secretary shall determine whether a resource-conserving crop rotation is a beneficial crop rotation eligible for additional payments under paragraph (1) based on whether the resource-conserving crop rotation is designed to provide natural resource conservation and production benefits. (3) Eligibility To be eligible to receive a payment described in paragraph (1), a producer shall agree to adopt and maintain beneficial resource-conserving crop rotations for the term of the contract. (4) Resource-conserving crop rotation In this subsection, the term resource-conserving crop rotation means a crop rotation that— (A) includes at least 1 resource-conserving crop (as defined by the Secretary); (B) reduces erosion; (C) improves soil fertility and tilth; (D) interrupts pest cycles; and (E) in applicable areas, reduces depletion of soil moisture or otherwise reduces the need for irrigation. (f) Payment limitations A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, payments under the program that, in the aggregate, exceed $200,000 under all contracts entered into during fiscal years 2014 through 2018, excluding funding arrangements with Indian tribes, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under the program by the person or legal entity. (g) Specialty crop and organic producers The Secretary shall ensure that outreach and technical assistance are available, and program specifications are appropriate to enable specialty crop and organic producers to participate in the program. (h) Coordination with organic certification The Secretary shall establish a transparent means by which producers may initiate organic certification under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ) while participating in a contract under the program. (i) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations that— (1) prescribe such other rules as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under subsection (f); and (2) otherwise enable the Secretary to carry out the program. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. (c) Effect on existing contracts (1) In general The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Conservation stewardship program Funds made available under section 1241(a)(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(4) ) (as amended by section 2601(a) of this title) may be used to administer and make payments to program participants that enrolled into contracts during any of fiscal years 2009 through 2013. C Environmental Quality Incentives Program 2201. Purposes Section 1240 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C) and, in such subparagraph, by inserting and after the semicolon; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: (B) developing and improving wildlife habitat; and ; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (3) by striking paragraph (5). 2202. Establishment and administration Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2014 and inserting 2018 ; (2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Term A contract under the program shall have a term that does not exceed 10 years. ; (3) in subsection (d)(4)— (A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting , veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )), before or a beginning farmer or rancher ; and (B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (B) Advance payments (i) In general Not more than 50 percent of the amount determined under subparagraph (A) may be provided in advance for the purpose of purchasing materials or contracting. (ii) Return of funds If funds provided in advance are not expended during the 90-day period beginning on the date of receipt of the funds, the funds shall be returned within a reasonable time frame, as determined by the Secretary. ; (4) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following new subsection: (f) Allocation of funding (1) Livestock For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, at least 60 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices relating to livestock production. (2) Wildlife habitat For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, 7.5 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices benefitting wildlife habitat. ; (5) in subsection (g)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking Federally Recognized Native American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations and inserting Indian Tribes ; (B) by striking federally recognized Native American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations (including their affiliated membership organizations) and inserting Indian tribes ; and (C) by striking or Native Corporation ; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (j) Wildlife habitat incentive practice The Secretary shall provide payments to producers under the program for practices, including recurring practices for the term of the contract, that support the restoration, development, protection, and improvement of wildlife habitat on eligible land, including— (1) upland wildlife habitat; (2) wetland wildlife habitat; (3) habitat for threatened and endangered species; (4) fish habitat; (5) habitat on pivot corners and other irregular areas of a field; and (6) other types of wildlife habitat, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (k) Funding for community irrigation associations (1) In general The Secretary may enter into an alternative funding arrangement with an eligible irrigation association if the Secretary determines that— (A) the purposes of the program will be met by such an arrangement; and (B) statutory limitations regarding contracts with individual producers will not be exceeded by any member of the irrigation association. (2) Eligible irrigation associations In this subsection, the term eligible irrigation association means an irrigation association that is— (A) comprised of producers; and (B) a local government entity, but does not have the authority to impose taxes or levies. . 2203. Evaluation of applications Section 1240C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–3(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking environmental and inserting conservation ; and (2) in paragraph (3), by striking purpose of the environmental quality incentives program specified in section 1240(1) and inserting purposes of the program . 2204. Duties of producers Section 1240D(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–4(2) ) is amended by striking farm, ranch, or forest and inserting enrolled . 2205. Limitation on payments Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–7 ) is amended to read as follows: 1240G. Limitation on payments A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, cost-share or incentive payments under this chapter that, in aggregate, exceed $450,000 for all contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or legal entity during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or legal entity. . 2206. Conservation innovation grants and payments Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–8 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: (E) facilitate on-farm conservation research and demonstration activities; and (F) facilitate pilot testing of new technologies or innovative conservation practices. ; and (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Reporting Not later than December 31, 2014, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the status of projects funded under this section, including— (1) funding awarded; (2) project results; and (3) incorporation of project findings, such as new technology and innovative approaches, into the conservation efforts implemented by the Secretary. . 2207. Effective date (a) In general The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013. (b) Effect on existing contracts The amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. D Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program (a) Establishment Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle: H Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 1265. Establishment and purposes (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish an agricultural conservation easement program for the conservation of eligible land and natural resources through easements or other interests in land. (b) Purposes The purposes of the program are to— (1) combine the purposes and coordinate the functions of the wetlands reserve program established under section 1237, the grassland reserve program established under section 1238N, and the farmland protection program established under section 1238I, as such sections were in effect on September 30, 2013; (2) restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible land; (3) protect the agricultural use and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land; and (4) protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring and conserving eligible land. 1265A. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Agricultural land easement The term agricultural land easement means an easement or other interest in eligible land that— (A) is conveyed for the purpose of protecting natural resources and the agricultural nature of the land; and (B) permits the landowner the right to continue agricultural production and related uses subject to an agricultural land easement plan, as approved by the Secretary. (2) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) an agency of State or local government or an Indian tribe (including a farmland protection board or land resource 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 170(h)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (ii) an organization described in section 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 section 509(a) of that Code; or (II) section 509(a)(3) of that Code and is controlled by an organization described in section 509(a)(2) of that Code. (3) Eligible land The term eligible land means private or tribal land that is— (A) in the case of an agricultural land easement, agricultural land, including land on a farm or ranch— (i) that is subject to a pending offer for purchase of an agricultural land easement from an eligible entity; (ii) that— (I) has prime, unique, or other productive soil; (II) contains historical or archaeological resources; or (III) the protection of which will further a State or local policy consistent with the purposes of the program; and (iii) that is— (I) cropland; (II) rangeland; (III) grassland or land that contains forbs, or shrubland for which grazing is the predominate use; (IV) pastureland; or (V) nonindustrial private forest land that contributes to the economic viability of an offered parcel or serves as a buffer to protect such land from development; (B) in the case of a wetland easement, a wetland or related area, including— (i) farmed or converted wetlands, together with adjacent land that is functionally dependent on that land, if the Secretary determines it— (I) is likely to be successfully restored in a cost-effective manner; and (II) will maximize the wildlife benefits and wetland functions and values, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior at the local level; (ii) cropland or grassland that was used for agricultural production prior to flooding from the natural overflow of— (I) a closed basin lake and adjacent land that is functionally dependent upon it, if the State or other entity is willing to provide 50 percent share of the cost of an easement; and (II) a pothole and adjacent land that is functionally dependent on it; (iii) farmed wetlands and adjoining lands that— (I) are enrolled in the conservation reserve program; (II) have the highest wetland functions and values, as determined by the Secretary; and (III) are likely to return to production after they leave the conservation reserve program; (iv) riparian areas that link wetlands that are protected by easements or some other device that achieves the same purpose as an easement; or (v) other wetlands of an owner that would not otherwise be eligible, if the Secretary determines that the inclusion of such wetlands in a wetland easement would significantly add to the functional value of the easement; or (C) in the case of either an agricultural land easement or wetland easement, other land that is incidental to land described in subparagraph (A) or (B), if the Secretary determines that it is necessary for the efficient administration of the easements under this program. (4) Program The term program means the agricultural conservation easement program established by this subtitle. (5) Wetland easement The term wetland easement means a reserved interest in eligible land that— (A) is defined and delineated in a deed; and (B) stipulates— (i) the rights, title, and interests in land conveyed to the Secretary; and (ii) the rights, title, and interests in land that are reserved to the landowner. 1265B. Agricultural land easements (a) Availability of assistance The Secretary shall facilitate and provide funding for— (1) the purchase by eligible entities of agricultural land easements and other interests in eligible land; and (2) technical assistance to provide for the conservation of natural resources pursuant to an agricultural land easement plan. (b) Cost-Share assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall protect the agricultural use, including grazing, and related conservation values of eligible land through cost-share assistance to eligible entities for purchasing agricultural land easements. (2) Scope of assistance available (A) Federal share An agreement described in paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share determined by the Secretary of an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement or other interest in land, as determined by the Secretary using— (i) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice; (ii) an area-wide market analysis or survey; or (iii) another industry-approved method. (B) Non-federal share (i) In general Under the agreement, the eligible entity shall provide a share that is at least equivalent to that provided by the Secretary. (ii) Source of contribution An eligible entity may include as part of its share a charitable donation or qualified conservation contribution (as defined by section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the private landowner if the eligible entity contributes its own cash resources in an amount that is at least 50 percent of the amount contributed by the Secretary. (C) Exception In the case of grassland of special environmental 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. (3) Evaluation and ranking of applications (A) Criteria The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program. (B) Considerations In establishing the criteria, the Secretary shall emphasize support for— (i) protecting agricultural uses and related conservation values of the land; and (ii) maximizing the protection of areas devoted to agricultural use. (C) Bidding down If the Secretary determines that 2 or more applications for cost-share assistance are comparable in achieving the purpose of the program, the Secretary shall not assign a higher priority to any of those applications solely on the basis of lesser cost to the program. (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 shall be for a term that is— (i) in the case of an eligible entity certified under the process described in paragraph (5), a minimum of five years; and (ii) for all other eligible entities, at least three, but not more than five years. (C) Minimum terms and conditions An eligible entity shall be authorized to use its own terms and conditions for agricultural land easements so long as the Secretary determines such terms and conditions— (i) are consistent with the purposes of the program; (ii) permit effective enforcement of the conservation purposes of such easements; (iii) include a right of enforcement for the Secretary, that may be used only if the terms of the easement are not enforced by the holder of the easement; (iv) subject the land in which an interest is purchased to an agricultural land easement plan that— (I) describes the activities which promote the long-term viability of the land to meet the purposes for which the easement was acquired; (II) requires the management of grasslands according to a grasslands management plan; and (III) includes a conservation plan, where appropriate, and requires, at the option of the Secretary, the conversion of highly erodible cropland to less intensive uses; and (v) include a limit on the impervious surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with the agricultural activities to be conducted. (D) Substitution of qualified projects An agreement shall allow, upon mutual agreement of the parties, substitution of qualified projects that are identified at the time of the proposed substitution. (E) Effect of violation If a violation occurs of a term or condition of an agreement under this subsection— (i) the Secretary may terminate the agreement; and (ii) the Secretary may require the eligible entity to refund all or part of any payments received by the entity under the program, with interest on the payments as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (5) Certification of eligible entities (A) Certification process The Secretary shall establish a process under which the Secretary may— (i) directly certify eligible entities that meet established criteria; (ii) enter into long-term agreements with certified eligible entities; and (iii) accept proposals for cost-share assistance for the purchase of agricultural land easements throughout the duration of such agreements. (B) Certification criteria In order to be certified, an eligible entity shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the entity will maintain, at a minimum, for the duration of the agreement— (i) a plan for administering easements that is consistent with the purpose of this subtitle; (ii) the capacity and resources to monitor and enforce agricultural land easements; and (iii) policies and procedures to ensure— (I) the long-term integrity of agricultural land easements on eligible land; (II) timely completion of acquisitions of such easements; and (III) timely and complete evaluation and reporting to the Secretary on the use of funds provided under the program. (C) Review and revision (i) Review The Secretary shall conduct a review of eligible entities certified under subparagraph (A) every three years to ensure that such entities are meeting the criteria established under subparagraph (B). (ii) Revocation If the Secretary finds that the certified eligible entity no longer meets the criteria established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary may— (I) allow the certified eligible entity a specified period of time, at a minimum 180 days, in which to take such actions as may be necessary to meet the criteria; and (II) revoke the certification of the eligible entity, if, after the specified period of time, the certified eligible entity does not meet such criteria. (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 allowed under applicable State laws. (d) Technical assistance The Secretary may provide technical assistance, if requested, to assist in— (1) compliance with the terms and conditions of easements; and (2) implementation of an agricultural land easement plan. 1265C. Wetland easements (a) Availability of assistance The Secretary shall provide assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands through— (1) wetland easements and related wetland easement plans; and (2) technical assistance. (b) Easements (1) Method of enrollment The Secretary shall enroll eligible land under this section through the use of— (A) 30-year easements; (B) permanent easements; (C) easements for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws; or (D) as an option for Indian tribes only, 30-year contracts (which shall be considered to be 30-year easements for the purposes of this subtitle). (2) Limitations (A) Ineligible land The Secretary may not acquire easements on— (i) land established to trees under the conservation reserve program, except in cases where the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program; and (ii) farmed wetlands or converted wetlands where the conversion was not commenced prior to December 23, 1985. (B) Changes in ownership No wetland easement shall be created on land that has changed ownership during the preceding 24-month period unless— (i) the new ownership was acquired by will or succession as a result of the death of the previous owner; (ii) (I) the ownership change occurred because of foreclosure on the land; and (II) immediately before the foreclosure, the owner of the land exercises a right of redemption from the mortgage holder in accordance with State law; or (iii) the Secretary determines that the land was acquired under circumstances that give adequate assurances that such land was not acquired for the purposes of placing it in the program. (3) Evaluation and ranking of offers (A) Criteria The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program. (B) Considerations When evaluating offers from landowners, the Secretary may consider— (i) the conservation benefits of obtaining a wetland easement, including the potential environmental benefits if the land was removed from agricultural production; (ii) the cost-effectiveness of each wetland easement, so as to maximize the environmental benefits per dollar expended; (iii) whether the landowner or another person is offering to contribute financially to the cost of the wetland easement to leverage Federal funds; and (iv) such other factors as the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the purposes of the program. (C) Priority The Secretary shall place priority on acquiring wetland easements based on the value of the wetland easement for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. (4) Agreement To be eligible to place eligible land into the program through a wetland easement, the owner of such land shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary to— (A) grant an easement on such land to the Secretary; (B) authorize the implementation of a wetland easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f); (C) create and record an appropriate deed restriction in accordance with applicable State law to reflect the easement agreed to; (D) provide a written statement of consent to such easement signed by those holding a security interest in the land; (E) comply with the terms and conditions of the easement and any related agreements; and (F) permanently retire any existing base history for the land on which the easement has been obtained. (5) Terms and conditions of easement (A) In general A wetland easement shall include terms and conditions that— (i) permit— (I) repairs, improvements, and inspections on the land that are necessary to maintain existing public drainage systems; and (II) owners to control public access on the easement areas while identifying access routes to be used for restoration activities and management and easement monitoring; (ii) prohibit— (I) the alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural features of such land, unless specifically authorized by the Secretary; (II) the spraying of such land with chemicals or the mowing of such land, except where such spraying or mowing is authorized by the Secretary or is necessary— (aa) to comply with Federal or State noxious weed control laws; (bb) to comply with a Federal or State emergency pest treatment program; or (cc) to meet habitat needs of specific wildlife species; (III) any activities to be carried out on the owner’s or successor’s land that is immediately adjacent to, and functionally related to, the land that is subject to the easement if such activities will alter, degrade, or otherwise diminish the functional value of the eligible land; and (IV) the adoption of any other practice that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary; (iii) provide for the efficient and effective establishment of wildlife functions and values; and (iv) include such additional provisions as the Secretary determines are desirable to carry out the program or facilitate the practical administration thereof. (B) Violation On the violation of the terms or conditions of a wetland easement, the wetland easement shall remain in force and the Secretary may require the owner to refund all or part of any payments received by the owner under the program, together with interest thereon as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (C) Compatible uses Land subject to a wetland easement may be used for compatible economic uses, including such activities as hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, or periodic haying or grazing, if such use is specifically permitted by the wetland easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f) and is consistent with the long-term protection and enhancement of the wetland resources for which the easement was established. (D) Reservation of grazing rights The Secretary may include in the terms and conditions of a wetland easement a provision under which the owner reserves grazing rights if— (i) the Secretary determines that the reservation and use of the grazing rights— (I) is compatible with the land subject to the easement; (II) is consistent with the historical natural uses of the land and the long-term protection and enhancement goals for which the easement was established; and (III) complies with the wetland easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f); and (ii) the agreement provides for a commensurate reduction in the easement payment to account for the grazing value, as determined by the Secretary. (6) Compensation (A) Determination (i) Permanent easements The Secretary shall pay as compensation for a permanent wetland easement acquired under the program an amount necessary to encourage enrollment in the program, based on the lowest of— (I) the fair market value of the land, as determined by the Secretary, using the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice or an area-wide market analysis or survey; (II) the amount corresponding to a geographical cap, as determined by the Secretary in regulations; or (III) the offer made by the landowner. (ii) 30-year easements Compensation for a 30-year wetland easement shall be not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the compensation that would be paid for a permanent wetland easement. (B) Form of payment Compensation for a wetland easement shall be provided by the Secretary in the form of a cash payment, in an amount determined under subparagraph (A). (C) Payment schedule (i) Easements valued at $500,000 or less For wetland easements valued at $500,000 or less, the Secretary may provide easement payments in not more than 10 annual payments. (ii) Easements valued at more than $500,000 For wetland easements valued at more than $500,000, the Secretary may provide easement payments in at least 5, but not more than 10 annual payments, except that, if the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program, the Secretary may make a lump-sum payment for such an easement. (c) Easement restoration (1) In general The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to owners of eligible land to carry out the establishment of conservation measures and practices and protect wetland functions and values, including necessary maintenance activities, as set forth in a wetland easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f). (2) Payments The Secretary shall— (A) in the case of a permanent wetland easement, pay an amount that is not less than 75 percent, but not more than 100 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) in the case of a 30-year wetland easement, pay an amount that is not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Technical assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall assist owners in complying with the terms and conditions of wetland easements. (2) Contracts or agreements The Secretary may enter into 1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements with a State, non-governmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out necessary restoration, enhancement, or maintenance of a wetland easement if the Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will advance the purposes of the program. (e) Wetland enhancement option The Secretary may enter into 1 or more agreements with a State (including a political subdivision or agency of a State), nongovernmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out a special wetland enhancement option that the Secretary determines would advance the purposes of program. (f) Administration (1) Wetland easement plan The Secretary shall develop a wetland easement plan for eligible lands subject to a wetland easement, which shall include practices and activities necessary to restore, protect, enhance, and maintain the enrolled lands. (2) Delegation of easement administration The Secretary may delegate— (A) any of the easement management, monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary to other Federal or State agencies that have the appropriate authority, expertise, and resources necessary to carry out such delegated responsibilities; and (B) any of the easement management responsibilities of the Secretary to other conservation organizations if the Secretary determines the organization has the appropriate expertise and resources. (3) Payments (A) Timing of payments The Secretary shall provide payment for obligations incurred by the Secretary under this section— (i) with respect to any easement restoration obligation under subsection (c), as soon as possible after the obligation is incurred; and (ii) with respect to any annual easement payment obligation incurred by the Secretary, as soon as possible after October 1 of each calendar year. (B) Payments to others If an owner who is entitled to a payment under this section dies, becomes incompetent, is otherwise unable to receive such payment, or is succeeded by another person or entity who renders or completes the required performance, the Secretary shall make such payment, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary and without regard to any other provision of law, in such manner as the Secretary determines is fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances. 1265D. Administration (a) Ineligible land The Secretary may not use program funds for the purposes of acquiring an easement on— (1) lands owned by an agency of the United States, other than land held in trust for Indian tribes; (2) lands owned in fee title by a State, including an agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of local government; (3) land subject to an easement or deed restriction which, as determined by the Secretary, provides similar protection as would be provided by enrollment in the program; or (4) lands where the purposes of the program would be undermined due to on-site or off-site conditions, such as risk of hazardous substances, proposed or existing rights of way, infrastructure development, or adjacent land uses. (b) Priority In evaluating applications under the program, the Secretary may give priority to land that is currently enrolled in the conservation reserve program in a contract that is set to expire within 1 year and— (1) in the case of an agricultural land easement, is grassland that would benefit from protection under a long-term easement; and (2) in the case of a wetland easement, is a wetland or related area with the highest functions and value and is likely to return to production after the land leaves the conservation reserve program. (c) Subordination, exchange, modification, and termination (1) In general The Secretary may subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the Secretary determines that— (A) it is in the Federal Government’s interest to subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate the interest in land; (B) the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action— (i) will address a compelling public need for which there is no practicable alternative; or (ii) such action will further the practical administration of the program; and (C) the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action will result in comparable conservation value and equivalent or greater economic value to the United States. (2) Consultation The Secretary shall work with the owner, and eligible entity if applicable, to address any subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of the interest, or portion of such interest, in land. (3) Notice At least 90 days before taking any termination action described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide written notice of such action to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. (d) Land enrolled in conservation reserve program The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under section 1231(a) if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the program. (e) Allocation of funds for agricultural land easements Of the funds made available under section 1241 to carry out the program for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, use for agricultural land easements— (1) no less than 40 percent in each of fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (2) no less than 50 percent in fiscal year 2018. . (b) Compliance with certain requirements Before an eligible entity or owner of eligible land may receive assistance under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, the eligible entity or person shall agree, during the crop year for which the assistance is provided and in exchange for the assistance— (1) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ); and (2) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ). (c) Cross reference; calculation Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3844 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (A); (ii) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); and (iii) by striking subparagraph (C); (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (2) the agricultural conservation easement program established under subtitle H; and ; and (2) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking programs administered under subchapters B and C of chapter 1 of subtitle D and inserting conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D and wetland easements under section 1265C ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking an easement acquired under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D and inserting a wetland easement under section 1265C ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) Calculation In calculating the percentages described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include any acreage that was included in calculations of percentages made under such paragraph, as in effect on September 30, 2013, and that remains enrolled when the calculation is made after that date under paragraph (1). . (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. E Regional Conservation Partnership Program 2401. Regional conservation partnership program (a) In general Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after subtitle H, as added by section 2301, the following new subtitle: I Regional Conservation Partnership Program 1271. Establishment and purposes (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a regional conservation partnership program to implement eligible activities on eligible land through— (1) partnership agreements with eligible partners; and (2) contracts with producers. (b) Purposes The purposes of the program are as follows: (1) To use covered programs to accomplish purposes and functions similar to those of the following programs, as in effect on September 30, 2013: (A) The agricultural water enhancement program established under section 1240I. (B) The Chesapeake Bay watershed program established under section 1240Q. (C) The cooperative conservation partnership initiative established under section 1243. (D) The Great Lakes basin program for soil erosion and sediment control established under section 1240P. (2) To further the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife, and related natural resources on eligible land on a regional or watershed scale. (3) To encourage eligible partners to cooperate with producers in— (A) meeting or avoiding the need for national, State, and local natural resource regulatory requirements related to production on eligible land; and (B) implementing projects that will result in the carrying out of eligible activities that affect multiple agricultural or nonindustrial private forest operations on a local, regional, State, or multistate basis. 1271A. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Covered program The term covered program means the following: (A) The agricultural conservation easement program. (B) The environmental quality incentives program. (C) The conservation stewardship program. (D) The healthy forests reserve program established under section 501 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6571 ). (2) Eligible activity The term eligible activity means any of the following conservation activities: (A) Water quality or quantity conservation, restoration, or enhancement projects relating to surface water and groundwater resources, including— (i) the conversion of irrigated cropland to the production of less water-intensive agricultural commodities or dryland farming; or (ii) irrigation system improvement and irrigation efficiency enhancement. (B) Drought mitigation. (C) Flood prevention. (D) Water retention. (E) Air quality improvement. (F) Habitat conservation, restoration, and enhancement. (G) Erosion control and sediment reduction. (H) Other related activities that the Secretary determines will help achieve conservation benefits. (3) Eligible land The term eligible land means land on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-related products are produced, including— (A) cropland; (B) grassland; (C) rangeland; (D) pastureland; (E) nonindustrial private forest land; and (F) other land incidental to agricultural production (including wetlands and riparian buffers) on which significant natural resource issues could be addressed under the program. (4) Eligible partner The term eligible partner means any of the following: (A) An agricultural or silvicultural producer association or other group of producers. (B) A State or unit of local government. (C) An Indian tribe. (D) A farmer cooperative. (E) A water district, irrigation district, rural water district or association, or other organization with specific water delivery authority to producers on agricultural land. (F) An institution of higher education. (G) An organization or entity with an established history of working cooperatively with producers on agricultural land, as determined by the Secretary, to address— (i) local conservation priorities related to agricultural production, wildlife habitat development, or nonindustrial private forest land management; or (ii) critical watershed-scale soil erosion, water quality, sediment reduction, or other natural resource issues. (5) Partnership agreement The term partnership agreement means an agreement entered into under section 1271B between the Secretary and an eligible partner. (6) Program The term program means the regional conservation partnership program established by this subtitle. 1271B. Regional conservation partnerships (a) Partnership agreements authorized The Secretary may enter into a partnership agreement with an eligible partner to implement a project that will assist producers with installing and maintaining an eligible activity on eligible land. (b) Length A partnership agreement shall be for a period not to exceed 5 years, except that the Secretary may extend the agreement one time for up to 12 months when an extension is necessary to meet the objectives of the program. (c) Duties of partners (1) In general Under a partnership agreement, the eligible partner shall— (A) define the scope of a project, including— (i) the eligible activities to be implemented; (ii) the potential agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land operations affected; (iii) the local, State, multistate, or other geographic area covered; and (iv) the planning, outreach, implementation, and assessment to be conducted; (B) conduct outreach to producers for potential participation in the project; (C) at the request of a producer, act on behalf of a producer participating in the project in applying for assistance under section 1271C; (D) leverage financial or technical assistance provided by the Secretary with additional funds to help achieve the project objectives; (E) conduct an assessment of the project’s effects; and (F) at the conclusion of the project, report to the Secretary on its results and funds leveraged. (2) Contribution An eligible partner shall provide a significant portion of the overall costs of the scope of the project that is the subject of the agreement entered into under subsection (a), as determined by the Secretary. (d) Applications (1) Competitive process The Secretary shall conduct a competitive process to select applications for partnership agreements and may assess and rank applications with similar conservation purposes as a group. (2) Criteria used In carrying out the process described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make public the criteria used in evaluating applications. (3) Content An application to the Secretary shall include a description of— (A) the scope of the project, as described in subsection (c)(1)(A); (B) the plan for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on progress made toward achieving the project’s objectives; (C) the program resources requested for the project, including the covered programs to be used and estimated funding needed from the Secretary; (D) eligible partners collaborating to achieve project objectives, including their roles, responsibilities, capabilities, and financial contribution; and (E) any other elements the Secretary considers necessary to adequately evaluate and competitively select applications for funding under the program. (4) Priority to certain applications The Secretary may give a higher priority to applications that— (A) assist producers in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory requirement; (B) have a high percentage of eligible producers in the area to be covered by the agreement; (C) significantly leverage non-Federal financial and technical resources and coordinate with other local, State, or national efforts; (D) deliver high percentages of applied conservation to address conservation priorities or regional, State, or national conservation initiatives; (E) provide innovation in conservation methods and delivery, including outcome-based performance measures and methods; or (F) meet other factors that are important for achieving the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary. 1271C. Assistance to producers (a) In general The Secretary shall enter into contracts with producers to provide financial and technical assistance to— (1) producers participating in a project with an eligible partner, as described in section 1271B; or (2) producers that fit within the scope of a project described in section 1271B or a critical conservation area designated under section 1271F, but who are seeking to implement an eligible activity on eligible land independent of a partner. (b) Terms and conditions (1) Consistency with program rules Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall ensure that the terms and conditions of a contract under this section are consistent with the applicable rules of the covered programs to be used as part of the project, as described in the application under section 1271B(d)(3)(C). (2) Adjustments Except with respect to statutory program requirements governing appeals, payment limitations, and conservation compliance, the Secretary may adjust the discretionary program rules of a covered program— (A) to provide a simplified application and evaluation process; and (B) to better reflect unique local circumstances and purposes if the Secretary determines such adjustments are necessary to achieve the purposes of the program. (c) Payments (1) In general In accordance with statutory requirements of the covered programs involved, the Secretary may make payments to a producer in an amount determined by the Secretary to be necessary to achieve the purposes of the program. (2) Payments to producers in States with water quantity concerns The Secretary may provide payments to producers participating in a project that addresses water quantity concerns for a period of five years in an amount sufficient to encourage conversion from irrigated farming to dryland farming. (3) Waiver authority To assist in the implementation of the program, the Secretary may waive the applicability of the limitation in section 1001D(b)(2) of this Act for participating producers if the Secretary determines that the waiver is necessary to fulfill the objectives of the program. 1271D. Funding (a) Availability of funds The Secretary shall use $100,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out the program. (b) Duration of availability Funds made available under subsection (a) shall remain available until expended. (c) Additional funding and acres (1) In general In addition to the funds made available under subsection (a), the Secretary shall reserve 6 percent of the funds and acres made available for a covered program for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 in order to ensure additional resources are available to carry out this program. (2) Unused funds and acres Any funds or acres reserved under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from a covered program that are not obligated under this program by April 1 of that fiscal year shall be returned for use under the covered program. (d) Allocation of funding Of the funds and acres made available for the program under subsections (a) and (c), the Secretary shall allocate— (1) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a State competitive process administered by the State Conservationist, with the advice of the State technical committee established under subtitle G; (2) 50 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a national competitive process to be established by the Secretary; and (3) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects for the critical conservation areas designated under section 1271F. (e) Limitation on administrative expenses None of the funds made available under the program may be used to pay for the administrative expenses of eligible partners. 1271E. Administration (a) Disclosure In addition to the criteria used in evaluating applications as described in section 1271B(d)(2), the Secretary shall make publicly available information on projects selected through the competitive process described in section 1271B(d)(1). (b) Reporting Not later than December 31, 2014, and every two years 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 report on the status of projects funded under the program, including— (1) the number and types of eligible partners and producers participating in the partnership agreements selected; (2) the number of producers receiving assistance; and (3) total funding committed to projects, including from Federal and non-Federal resources. 1271F. Critical conservation areas (a) In general In administering funds under section 1271D(d)(3), the Secretary shall select applications for partnership agreements and producer contracts within critical conservation areas designated under this section. (b) Critical conservation area designations (1) Priority In designating critical conservation areas under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to geographical areas based on the degree to which the geographical area— (A) includes multiple States with significant agricultural production; (B) is covered by an existing regional, State, binational, or multistate agreement or plan that has established objectives, goals, and work plans and is adopted by a Federal, State, or regional authority; (C) would benefit from water quality improvement, including through reducing erosion, promoting sediment control, and addressing nutrient management activities affecting large bodies of water of regional, national, or international significance; (D) would benefit from water quantity improvement, including improvement relating to— (i) groundwater, surface water, aquifer, or other water sources; or (ii) a need to promote water retention and flood prevention; or (E) contains producers that need assistance in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory requirement that could have a negative economic impact on agricultural operations within the area. (2) Limitation The Secretary may not designate more than 8 geographical areas as critical conservation areas under this section. (c) Administration (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall administer any partnership agreement or producer contract under this section in a manner that is consistent with the terms of the program. (2) Relationship to existing activity The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that eligible activities carried out in critical conservation areas designated under this section complement and are consistent with other Federal and State programs and water quality and quantity strategies. (3) Additional authority For a critical conservation area described in subsection (b)(1)(D), the Secretary may use authorities under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq. ), other than section 14 of such Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012 ), to carry out projects for the purposes of this section. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. F Other Conservation Programs 2501. Conservation of private grazing land Section 1240M(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 2502. Grassroots source water protection program Section 1240O(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–2 ) is amended to read as follows: (b) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018. (2) Availability of funds In addition to funds made available under paragraph (1), of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use $5,000,000, to remain available until expended. . 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program (a) Funding Section 1240R(f)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5(f)(1) ) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: and $30,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Report on program effectiveness Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 evaluating the effectiveness of the voluntary public access program established by section 1240R of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5 ), including— (1) identifying cooperating agencies; (2) identifying the number of land holdings and total acres enrolled by each State and tribal government; (3) evaluating the extent of improved access on eligible lands, improved wildlife habitat, and related economic benefits; and (4) any other relevant information and data relating to the program that would be helpful to such committees. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program (a) Funding Subsection (c) of section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3851 ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Funding (1) In general The Secretary may carry out the ACES program using funds made available to carry out each program under this title. (2) Exclusion Funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program may not be used to carry out the ACES program. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program (a) Availability of Funds Section 14(h)(1) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(1) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; (3) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (H) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain available until expended. . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 14(h)(2)(E) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 2506. Agricultural management assistance program (a) Uses Section 524(b)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (B) and redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (F) as subparagraphs (B) through (E), respectively; and (2) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking or resource conservation practices ; and (B) by striking clause (i) and redesignating clauses (ii) through (iv) as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively. (b) Commodity Credit Corporation (1) Funding Section 524(b)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(B) ) is amended to read as follows: (B) Funding The Commodity Credit Corporation shall make available to carry out this subsection not less than $10,000,000 for each fiscal year. . (2) Certain uses Section 524(b)(4)(C) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(C) ) is amended— (A) in clause (i)— (i) by striking 50 and inserting 30 ; and (ii) by striking (A), (B), and (C) and inserting (A) and (B) ; and (B) in clause (iii), by striking 40 and inserting 60 . 2507. Emergency watershed protection program Section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2203 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: In evaluating requests for assistance under this section, the Secretary shall give priority consideration to projects that address runoff retardation and soil-erosion preventive measures needed to mitigate the risks and remediate the effects of catastrophic wildfire on land that is the source of drinking water for landowners and land users. . G Funding and Administration 2601. Funding (a) In general Subsection (a) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended to read as follows: (a) Annual funding For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the following programs under this title (including the provision of technical assistance): (1) The conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D, including, to the maximum extent practicable, $25,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out section 1235(f) to facilitate the transfer of land subject to contracts from retired or retiring owners and operators to beginning farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. (2) The agriculture conservation easement program under subtitle H, using, to the maximum extent practicable— (A) $425,000,000 in fiscal year 2014; (B) $450,000,000 in fiscal year 2015; (C) $475,000,000 in fiscal year 2016; (D) $500,000,000 in fiscal year 2017; and (E) $200,000,000 in fiscal year 2018. (3) The conservation security program under subchapter A of chapter 2 of subtitle D, using such sums as are necessary to administer contracts entered into before September 30, 2008. (4) The conservation stewardship program under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D. (5) The environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D, using, to the maximum extent practicable, $1,750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Regional equity; guaranteed availability of funds Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (d); (2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: (b) Availability of funds Amounts made available by subsection (a) shall be used by the Secretary to carry out the programs specified in such subsection for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 and shall remain available until expended. Amounts made available for the programs specified in such subsection during a fiscal year through modifications, cancellations, terminations, and other related administrative actions and not obligated in that fiscal year shall remain available for obligation during subsequent fiscal years, but shall reduce the amount of additional funds made available in the subsequent fiscal year by an amount equal to the amount remaining unobligated. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2602. Technical assistance (a) In general Subsection (c) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ), as redesignated by section 2601(b)(2) of this Act, is amended to read as follows: (c) Technical assistance (1) Availability of funds Commodity Credit Corporation funds made available for a fiscal year for each of the programs specified in subsection (a)— (A) shall be available for the provision of technical assistance for the programs for which funds are made available as necessary to implement the programs effectively; and (B) shall not be available for the provision of technical assistance for conservation programs specified in subsection (a) other than the program for which the funds were made available. (2) Report Not later than December 31, 2013, the Secretary shall submit (and update as necessary in subsequent years) to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report— (A) detailing the amount of technical assistance funds requested and apportioned in each program specified in subsection (a) during the preceding fiscal year; and (B) any other data relating to this subsection that would be helpful to such committees. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2603. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access (a) In general Subsection (g) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) Preference In providing assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )) that qualifies under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1). . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2604. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance (a) In general Subsection (h) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking wetlands reserve program and inserting agricultural conservation easement program ; (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and (3) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking agricultural water enhancement program and inserting regional conservation partnership program ; and (B) by striking 1240I(g) and inserting 1271C(c)(3) . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2605. Review of conservation practice standards Section 1242(h)(1)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3842(h)(1)(A) ) is amended by striking the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and inserting the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . 2606. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation programs (a) In general Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3844 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )). ; (2) in subsection (d), by inserting , H, and I before the period at the end; (3) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking country and inserting county ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by striking subsection (c)(2)(B) or (f)(4) and inserting subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii) or (f)(2) ; (4) in subsection (h)(2), by inserting , including, to the extent practicable, practices that maximize benefits for honey bees after pollinators ; and (5) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (j) Improved administrative efficiency and effectiveness In administrating a conservation program under this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining conservation planning and program resources; and (2) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. (k) Relation to other payments Any payment received by an owner or operator under this title, including an easement payment or rental payment, shall be in addition to, and not affect, the total amount of payments that the owner or operator is otherwise eligible to receive under any of the following: (1) This Act. (2) The Agricultural Act of 1949 ( 7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq. ). (3) The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. (4) Any law that succeeds a law specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3). . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2607. Standards for State technical committees Section 1261(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3861(b) ) is amended by striking Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary shall develop and inserting The Secretary shall review and update as necessary . 2608. Rulemaking authority Subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1246. Regulations (a) In general The Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement programs under this title, including such regulations as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under section 1244(f). (b) Rulemaking procedure The promulgation of regulations and administration of programs under this title— (1) shall be carried out without regard to— (A) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and (B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act); and (2) shall be made pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, including by interim rules effective on publication under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of subsection (b) of such section if the Secretary determines such interim rules to be needed and final rules, with an opportunity for notice and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. . 2609. Wetlands mitigation Section 1222 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3822 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (2)(D), by striking unless more acreage is needed to provide equivalent functions and values that will be lost as a result of the wetland conversion to be mitigated ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(E)— (i) by inserting not before greater than ; and (ii) by striking if more acreage is needed to provide equivalent functions and values that will be lost as a result of the wetland conversion that is mitigated ; and (2) by striking subsection (g). 2610. Lesser prairie-chicken conservation report (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 report containing the results of a review and analysis of each of the programs administered by the Secretary that pertain to the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken, including the conservation reserve program, the environmental quality incentives program, the wildlife habitat incentive program, and the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative. (b) Contents The Secretary shall include in the report required by this section, at a minimum— (1) with respect to each program described in subsection (a) as it relates to the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken, findings regarding— (A) the cost of the program to the Federal Government, impacted State governments, and the private sector; (B) the conservation effectiveness of the program; and (C) the cost-effectiveness of the program; and (2) a ranking of the programs described in subsection (a) based on their relative cost-effectiveness. H Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 1230 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment The heading of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq. ) is amended to read as follows: Conservation Reserve . 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program (a) Repeal Section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831a ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831a ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2703. Wetlands reserve program (a) Repeal Subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program (a) Repeal Subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment The heading of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838 et seq. ) is amended by striking and Farmland Protection . (c) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendments made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2705. Grassland reserve program (a) Repeal Subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq. ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program (a) Repeal Section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq. ) to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2708. Great Lakes basin program (a) Repeal Section 1240P of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–3 ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program (a) Repeal Section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative (a) Repeal Section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3843 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3843 ) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they existed on September 30, 2013. (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 2711. Environmental easement program Chapter 3 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839 et seq. ) is repealed. 2712. Technical amendments (a) Definitions Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3801(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking E and inserting I . (b) Program ineligibility Section 1211(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811(a) ) is amended by striking predominate each place it appears and inserting predominant . (c) Specialty crop producers Section 1242(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3842(i) ) is amended in the header by striking Speciality and inserting Specialty . III Trade A Food for Peace Act 3001. General authority Section 201 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1721 ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting (to be implemented by the Administrator) after under this title ; and (2) by striking paragraph (7) and the second sentence and inserting the following new paragraph: (7) build resilience to mitigate and prevent food crises and reduce the future need for emergency aid. . 3002. Support for organizations through which assistance is provided Section 202(e)(1) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1722(e)(1) ) is amended by striking 13 percent and inserting 11 percent . 3003. Food aid quality Section 202(h) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1722(h) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)— (i) by striking The Administrator shall use funds made available for fiscal year 2009 and inserting In consultation with the Secretary, the Administrator shall use funds made available for fiscal year 2013 ; and (ii) by inserting to establish a mechanism after this title ; (B) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); and (C) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs: (C) to evaluate, as necessary, the use of current and new agricultural commodities and products thereof in different program settings and for particular recipient groups, including the testing of prototypes; (D) to establish and implement appropriate protocols for quality assurance of food products procured by the Secretary for food aid programs; and (E) to periodically update program guidelines on the recommended use of agricultural commodities and food products in food aid programs to reflect findings from the implementation of this subsection and other relevant information. ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking The Administrator and inserting In consultation with the Secretary, the Administrator ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking section 207(f) and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: section 207(f)— (A) for fiscal years 2009 through 2013, not more than $4,500,000 may be used to carry out this subsection; and (B) for fiscal years 2014 through 2018, not more than $1,000,000 may be used to carry out this subsection. . 3004. Minimum levels of assistance Section 204(a) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1724(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group (a) Membership Section 205(b) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1725(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking and at the end of paragraph (6); (2) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph: (7) representatives from the United States agricultural processing sector involved in providing agricultural commodities for programs under this Act; and . (b) Consultation Section 205(d) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1725(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking the first sentence and inserting the following: (1) Consultation in advance of issuance of implementation regulations, handbooks, and guidelines Not later than 45 days before a proposed regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this title, or a proposed significant revision to a regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this title, becomes final, the Administrator shall provide the proposal to the Group for review and comment. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Consultation regarding food aid quality efforts The Administrator shall seek input from and consult with the Group on the implementation of section 202(h). . (c) Reauthorization Section 205(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1725(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation (a) Regulations and guidance Section 207(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(c) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by inserting and Guidance after Regulations ; (2) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new sentence: Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , the Administrator shall issue all regulations and revisions to agency guidance necessary to implement the amendments made to this title by such Act. ; and (3) in paragraph (2), by inserting and guidance after develop regulations . (b) Funding Section 207(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)— (A) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (D); (B) by striking ; and at the end of subparagraph (E) and inserting the period; and (C) by striking subparagraph (F); (2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and (3) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and (4) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking 2012 and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 2013, and up to $10,000,000 of such funds for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (c) Implementation reports Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Agency for International Development shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committees on Agriculture and Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report describing— (1) the implementation of section 207(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(c) ); (2) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements for programs conducted under title II of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq. ) by an eligible organization that is a nongovernmental organization (as such term is defined in section 402 of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1732 )); and (3) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements for such programs by an eligible organization that is an intergovernmental organization, such as the World Food Program or other multilateral organization. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726b(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3008. General provisions (a) Impact on Local Farmers and Economy Section 403(b) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733(b) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: The Secretary or the Administrator, as appropriate, shall seek information, as part of the regular proposal and submission process, from implementing agencies on the potential benefits to the local economy of sales of agricultural commodities within the recipient country. . (b) Prevention of price disruptions Section 403(e) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2), by striking reasonable market price and inserting fair market value ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Coordination on assessments The Secretary and the Administrator shall coordinate in assessments to carry out paragraph (1) and in the development of approaches to be used by implementing agencies for determining the fair market value described in paragraph (2). . (c) Report on use of funds Section 403 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (m) Report on use of funds Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report— (1) specifying the amount of funds (including funds for administrative costs, indirect cost recovery, and internal transportation, storage and handling, and associated distribution costs) provided to each eligible organization that received assistance under this Act in the previous fiscal year; and (2) describing how those funds were used by the eligible organization. . 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities Section 407(c)(4) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736a(c)(4) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (B) by striking for each such fiscal year not more than $10,000,000 of such funds and inserting for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2013 not more than $10,000,000 of such funds and for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 not more than $15,000,000 of such funds ; and (2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (B) Additional prepositioning sites The Administrator may establish additional sites for prepositioning in foreign countries or change the location of current sites for prepositioning in foreign countries after conducting, and based on the results of, assessments of need, the availability of appropriate technology for long-term storage, feasibility, and cost. . 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities Section 407(f)(1) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736a(f)(1) ) is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking agricultural trade and inserting food aid ; (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: and the total number of beneficiaries of the project and the activities carried out through such project ; and (3) in subparagraph (B)(iii)— (A) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by inserting , and the total number of beneficiaries in, after commodities made available to ; (B) by striking and at the end of subclause (I); (C) by inserting and at the end of subclause (II); and (D) by inserting after subclause (II) the following new subclause: (III) the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program established by section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1 ); . 3011. 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 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3012. Authorization of appropriations (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 412(a)(1) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736f(a)(1) ) is amended by striking for fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter, $2,500,000,000 and inserting $2,500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013 and $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance Paragraph (1) of section 412(e) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736f(e) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Funds and commodities For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, of the amounts made available to carry out emergency and nonemergency food assistance programs under title II, not less than $400,000,000 shall be expended for nonemergency food assistance programs under such title. . 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs (a) Elimination of obsolete reference to study Section 415(a)(2)(B) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(a)(2)(B) ) is amended by striking , using recommendations and all that follows through quality enhancements . (b) Extension Section 415(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1737 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2013, and not less than the greater of $15,000,000 or 0.5 percent of the amounts made available for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, ; and (2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . B Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 3101. Funding for export credit guarantee program Section 211(b) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5641(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3102. Funding for market access program Section 211(c)(1)(A) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5641(c)(1)(A) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program Section 703(a) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5723(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Other Agricultural Trade Laws 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985 (a) Extension The Food for Progress Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o ) is amended— (1) in subsection (f)(3), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (2) in subsection (g), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (3) in subsection (k), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (4) in subsection (l)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Repeal of completed project Subsection (f) of the Food for Progress Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o ) is amended by striking paragraph (6). 3202. 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 2012 both places it appears and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (h), by striking 2012 both places it appears and inserting 2018 . 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets (a) Direct credits or export credit guarantees Section 1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101–624 ; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Development of agricultural systems Section 1542(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101–624 ; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (a) Reauthorization Section 3107(l)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(l)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Technical correction Section 3107(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(d) ) is amended by striking to in the matter preceding paragraph (1). 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops (a) Purpose Section 3205(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5680(b) ) is amended by striking related barriers to trade and inserting technical barriers to trade . (b) Funding Section 3205(e)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5680(e)(2) ) is amended— (1) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (C); and (2) by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (D) $9,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2018. . (c) U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish study Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct an economic study on the existing market in the United States for U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust Section 3202(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 22 U.S.C. 2220a note) is amended by striking section and all that follows through the period and inserting the following: section— (1) $60,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 3207. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services (a) In general Subtitle B of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 225 ( 7 U.S.C. 6931 ) the following new section: 225A. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services (a) Authorization The Secretary is authorized to establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services. (b) Confirmation required If the Secretary establishes the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (c) Functions of under secretary (1) Principal functions Upon establishment, the Secretary shall delegate to the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services those functions under the jurisdiction of the Department that are related to foreign agricultural services. (2) Additional functions The Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services shall perform such other functions as may be required by law or prescribed by the Secretary. (d) Succession Any official who is serving as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services on the date of the enactment of this section and who was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall not be required to be reappointed under subsection (b) or section 225(b) to the successor position authorized under subsection (a) or section 225(a) if the Secretary establishes the position, and the official occupies the new position, with 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section (or such later date set by the Secretary if litigation delays rapid succession). . (b) Conforming amendments Section 225 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6931 ) is amended— (1) by striking Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services each place it appears and inserting Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Services ; and (2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking and foreign agricultural . (c) Permanent authority Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (6)(C), by striking or at the end; (2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (8) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services in accordance with section 225A; . 3208. Department of Agriculture certificates of origin The Secretary of Agriculture shall seek to ensure that Department of Agriculture certificates of origin are accepted by any country with respect to which the United States has entered into a free trade agreement providing for preferential duty treatment. IV Supplemental nutrition assistance program 4000. Short Title This title may be cited as the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013 . 4001. Preventing payment of cash to recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance benefits for the return of empty bottles and cans used to contain food purchased with benefits provided under the program Section 3(k)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(k)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking and hot foods and inserting hot foods ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: and any deposit fee in excess of amount of the State fee reimbursement (if any) required to purchase any food or food product contained in a returnable bottle or can, regardless of whether such fee is included in the shelf price posted for such food or food product, . 4002. Retailers (a) Definition of retail food store Section 3(p)(1)(A) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(p)(1)(A) ) is amended by striking at least 2 and inserting at least 3 . (b) Alternative benefit delivery Section 7(f) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(f) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Imposition of costs (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall require participating retailers (including restaurants participating in a State option restaurant program intended to serve the elderly, disabled, and homeless) to pay 100 percent of the costs of acquiring, and arrange for the implementation of, electronic benefit transfer point-of-sale equipment and supplies. (B) Exemptions The Secretary may exempt from subparagraph (A)— (i) farmers’ markets and other direct-to-consumer markets, military commissaries, nonprofit food buying cooperatives, and establishments, organizations, programs, or group living arrangements described in paragraphs (5), (7), and (8) of section 3(k); and (ii) establishments described in paragraphs (3), (4), and (9) of section 3(k), other than restaurants participating in a State option restaurant program. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (4) Termination of manual vouchers (A) In general Effective beginning on the effective date of this paragraph, except as provided in subparagraph (B), no State shall issue manual vouchers to a household that receives supplemental nutrition assistance under this Act or allow retailers to accept manual vouchers as payment, unless the Secretary determines that the manual vouchers are necessary, such as in the event of an electronic benefit transfer system failure or a disaster situation. (B) Exemptions The Secretary may exempt categories of retailers or individual retailers from subparagraph (A) based on criteria established by the Secretary. (5) Unique identification number required In an effort to enhance the antifraud protections of the program, the Secretary shall require all parties providing electronic benefit transfer services to provide for and maintain a unique business identification and a unique terminal identification number information through the supplemental nutrition assistance program electronic benefit transfer transaction routing system. In developing the regulations implementing this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider existing commercial practices for other point-of-sale debit transactions. The Secretary shall issue proposed regulations implementing this paragraph not earlier than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph. . (c) Electronic benefit transfers Section 7(h)(3)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(3)(B) ) is amended by striking is operational— and all that follows through (ii) in the case of other participating stores, and inserting is operational . (d) Approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2018 ) is amended— (1) in the 2d sentence of subsection (a)(1) by striking ; and (C) and inserting ; (C) whether the applicant is located in an area with significantly limited access to food; and (D) ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (g) EBT service requirement An approved retail food store shall provide adequate EBT service as described in section 7(h)(3)(B). . 4003. Enhancing services to elderly and disabled supplemental nutrition assistance program participants (a) Enhancing services to elderly and disabled program participants Section 3(p) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(p) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3) by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: (5) a governmental or private nonprofit food purchasing and delivery service that— (A) purchases food for, and delivers such food to, individuals who are— (i) unable to shop for food; and (ii) (I) not less than 60 years of age; or (II) physically or mentally handicapped or otherwise disabled; (B) clearly notifies the participating household at the time such household places a food order— (i) of any delivery fee associated with the food purchase and delivery provided to such household by such service; and (ii) that a delivery fee cannot be paid with benefits provided under supplemental nutrition assistance program; and (C) sells food purchased for such household at the price paid by such service for such food and without any additional cost markup. . (b) Implementation (1) Issuance of rules The Secretary of Agriculture shall issue regulations that— (A) establish criteria to identify a food purchasing and delivery service referred to in section 3(p)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 as amended by this Act; and (B) establish procedures to ensure that such service— (i) does not charge more for a food item than the price paid by the such service for such food item; (ii) offers food delivery service at no or low cost to households under such Act; (iii) ensures that benefits provided under the supplemental nutrition assistance program are used only to purchase food, as defined in section 3 of such Act; (iv) limits the purchase of food, and the delivery of such food, to households eligible to receive services described in section 3(p)(5) of such Act as so amended; (v) has established adequate safeguards against fraudulent activities, including unauthorized use of electronic benefit cards issued under such Act; and (vi) such other requirements as the Secretary deems to be appropriate. (2) Limitation Before the issuance of rules under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture may not approve more than 20 food purchasing and delivery services referred to in section 3(p)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 as amended by this Act, to participate as retail food stores under the supplemental nutrition assistance program. 4004. Food distribution program on Indian reservations Section 4(b)(6)(F) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013(b)(6)(F) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2016 . 4005. Updating program eligibility Section 5 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014 ) is amended— (1) in the 2d sentence of subsection (a) by striking households in which each member receives benefits and inserting households in which each member receives cash assistance ; and (2) in subsection (j) by striking or who receives benefits under a State program and inserting or who receives cash assistance under a State program . 4006. Exclusion of medical marijuana from excess medical expense deduction Section 5(e)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(5) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C) Exclusion of medical marijuana The Secretary shall promulgate rules to ensure that medical marijuana is not treated as a medical expense for purposes of this paragraph. . 4007. Standard utility allowances based on the receipt of energy assistance payments (a) Standard utility allowances in the supplemental nutrition assistance program Section 5(e)(6)(C) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C) ) is amended— (1) in clause (i) by inserting , subject to clause (iv) after Secretary ; and (2) by striking subclause (I) of clause (iv) and inserting the following: (I) In general Subject to subclause (II), if a State agency elects to use a standard utility allowance that reflects heating and cooling costs, the standard utility allowance shall be made available to households that received a payment, or on behalf of which a payment was made, under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 ( 42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq. ) or other similar energy assistance program, if in the current month or in the immediately preceding 12 months, the household either received such payment, or such payment was made on behalf of the household, that was greater than $20 annually, as determined by the Secretary. ; and (b) Conforming amendment Section 2605(f)(2)(A) of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 ( 42 U.S.C. 8624(f)(2)(A) ) is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following: , except that, for purposes of the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ), such payments or allowances were greater than $20 annually, consistent with section 5(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) ), as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture . (c) Effective date and implementation (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), this section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013, and shall apply with respect to certification periods that begin after such date. (2) State option to delay implementation for current recipients A State may, at the option of the State, implement a policy that eliminates or reduces the effect of the amendments made by this section on households that received a standard utility allowance as of the date of enactment of this Act, for not more than a 180-day period that begins on the date on which such amendments would otherwise apply to the respective household. 4008. Eligibility disqualifications Section 6(e)(3)(B) of Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015(e)(3)(B) ) is amended by striking section; and inserting the following: section, subject to the condition that the course or program of study— (i) is part of a program of career and technical education (as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 ( 20 U.S.C. 2302 )) that may be completed in not more than 4 years at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1002 )); or (ii) is limited to remedial courses, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language; . 4009. Repeal of State work program waiver authority Section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015(o) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)(D) by striking (5), or (6) and inserting or (5) ; (2) by striking paragraph (4); (3) in paragraph (6)— (A) in subparagraph (A)(ii)— (i) by striking subclause (II); (ii) in subclause (V) by striking (5) and inserting (4) ; and (iii) by redesignating subclauses (III), (IV), and (V) as subclauses (II), (III), and (IV), respectively; (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking (G) and inserting (H) ; (C) in subparagraph (D) by striking and each subsequent fiscal year and inserting through fiscal year 2013 ; (D) in subparagraph (F) by striking and each subsequent fiscal year and inserting through fiscal year 2013 ; and (E) by adding at the end the following: (H) Fiscal year 2014 and thereafter Subject to subparagraph (G), for fiscal year 2014 and each subsequent fiscal year, a State agency may provide a number of exemptions such that the average monthly number of the exemptions in effect during the fiscal year does not exceed 15 percent of the number of individuals identified as Nondisabled Adults Age 18–49 in Childless Households in the table B.5 Distribution of Participating Households by Household Composition and by State of the report entitled Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2011 (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Report No. SNAP–12–CHAR) prepared for and published by the Office of Research and Analysis of the Food and Nutrition Service of the Department of Agriculture in November 2012. ; and (4) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) as paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively. 4010. Ending supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits for lottery or gambling winners (a) In general Section 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (r) Ineligibility for benefits due to receipt of substantial lottery or gambling winnings (1) In general Any household in which a member receives substantial lottery or gambling winnings, as determined by the Secretary, shall lose eligibility for benefits immediately upon receipt of the winnings. (2) Duration of ineligibility A household described in paragraph (1) shall remain ineligible for participation until the household meets the allowable financial resources and income eligibility requirements under subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (i), (k), (l), (m), and (n) of section 5. (3) Agreements As determined by the Secretary, each State agency, to the maximum extent practicable, shall establish agreements with entities responsible for the regulation or sponsorship of gaming in the State to determine whether individuals participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program have received substantial lottery or gambling winnings. . (b) Conforming amendments Section 5(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(a) ) is amended in the 2d sentence by striking sections 6(b), 6(d)(2), and 6(g) and inserting subsections (b), (d)(2), (g), and (r) of section 6 . 4011. Improving security of food assistance Section 7(h)(8) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(8) ) is amended— (1) in the heading by striking card fee and inserting of cards ; (2) by striking A State and inserting the following: (A) Fees A State ; and (3) by adding after subparagraph (A) (as so designated by paragraph (2)) the following: (B) Purposeful loss of cards (i) In general Subject to terms and conditions established by the Secretary in accordance with clause (ii), if a household makes excessive requests for replacement of the electronic benefit transfer card of the household, the Secretary may require a State agency to decline to issue a replacement card to the household unless the household, upon request of the State agency, provides an explanation for the loss of the card. (ii) Requirements The terms and conditions established by the Secretary shall provide that— (I) the household be given the opportunity to provide the requested explanation and meet the requirements under this paragraph promptly; (II) after an excessive number of lost cards, the head of the household shall be required to review program rights and responsibilities with State agency personnel authorized to make determinations under section 5(a); and (III) any action taken, including actions required under section 6(b)(2), other than the withholding of the electronic benefit transfer card until an explanation described in subclause (I) is provided, shall be consistent with the due process protections under section 6(b) or 11(e)(10), as appropriate. (C) Protecting vulnerable persons In implementing this paragraph, a State agency shall act to protect homeless persons, persons with disabilities, victims of crimes, and other vulnerable persons who lose electronic benefit transfer cards but are not intentionally committing fraud. (D) Effect on eligibility While a State may decline to issue an electronic benefits transfer card until a household satisfies the requirements under this paragraph, nothing in this paragraph shall be considered a denial of, or limitation on, the eligibility for benefits under section 5. . 4012. Demonstration projects on acceptance of benefits of mobile transactions Section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(h) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (14) Demonstration projects on acceptance of benefits of mobile transactions (A) In general The Secretary shall pilot the use of mobile technologies determined by the Secretary to be appropriate to test the feasibility and implications for program integrity, by allowing retail food stores, farmers markets, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing outlets to accept benefits from recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance through mobile transactions. (B) Demonstration projects To be eligible to participate in a demonstration project under subsection (a), a retail food store, farmers market, or other direct producer-to-consumer marketing outlet shall submit to the Secretary for approval a plan that includes— (i) a description of the technology; (ii) the manner by which the retail food store, farmers market or other direct producer-to-consumer marketing outlet will provide proof of the transaction to households; (iii) the provision of data to the Secretary, consistent with requirements established by the Secretary, in a manner that allows the Secretary to evaluate the impact of the demonstration on participant access, ease of use, and program integrity; and (iv) such other criteria as the Secretary may require. (C) Date of completion The demonstration projects under this paragraph shall be completed and final reports submitted to the Secretary by not later than July 1, 2016. (D) Report to congress The Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate that includes a finding, based on the data provided under subparagraph (C) whether or not implementation in all States is in the best interest of the supplemental nutrition assistance program. . 4013. Use of benefits for purchase of community-supported agriculture share Section 10 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2019 ) is amended in the 1st sentence by inserting agricultural producers who market agricultural products directly to consumers shall be authorized to redeem benefits for the initial cost of the purchase of a community-supported agriculture share, after food so purchased, . 4014. Restaurant meals program (a) In general Section 11(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2020(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (22) by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (23)(C) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (24) if the State elects to carry out a program to contract with private establishments to offer meals at concessional prices, as described in paragraphs (3), (4), and (9) of section 3(k)— (A) the plans of the State agency for operating the program, including— (i) documentation of a need that eligible homeless, elderly, and disabled clients are underserved in a particular geographic area; (ii) the manner by which the State agency will limit participation to only those private establishments that the State determines necessary to meet the need identified in clause (i); and (iii) any other conditions the Secretary may prescribe, such as the level of security necessary to ensure that only eligible recipients participate in the program; and (B) a report by the State agency to the Secretary annually, the schedule of which shall be established by the Secretary, that includes— (i) the number of households and individual recipients authorized to participate in the program, including any information on whether the individual recipient is elderly, disabled, or homeless; and (ii) an assessment of whether the program is meeting an established need, as documented under subparagraph (A)(i). . (b) Approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2018 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (h) Private establishments (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), no private establishment that contracts with a State agency to offer meals at concessional prices as described in paragraphs (3), (4), and (9) of section 3(k) may be authorized to accept and redeem benefits unless the Secretary determines that the participation of the private establishment is required to meet a documented need in accordance with section 11(e)(24). (2) Existing contracts (A) In general If, on the day before the effective date of this subsection, a State has entered into a contract with a private establishment described in paragraph (1) and the Secretary has not determined that the participation of the private establishment is necessary to meet a documented need in accordance with section 11(e)(24), the Secretary shall allow the operation of the private establishment to continue without that determination of need for a period not to exceed 180 days from the date on which the Secretary establishes determination criteria, by regulation, under section 11(e)(24). (B) Justification If the Secretary determines to terminate a contract with a private establishment that is in effect on the effective date of this subsection, the Secretary shall provide justification to the State in which the private establishment is located for that termination. (3) Report to Congress Not later than 90 days after September 30, 2014, and 90 days after the last day of each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on the effectiveness of a program under this subsection using any information received from States under section 11(e)(24) as well as any other information the Secretary may have relating to the manner in which benefits are used. . (c) Conforming amendments Section 3(k) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(k) ) is amended by inserting subject to section 9(h) after concessional prices each place it appears. 4015. Mandating State immigration verification Section 11(p) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2020(p) ) is amended to read as follows: (p) State verification option In carrying out the supplemental nutrition assistance program, a State agency shall be required to use an income and eligibility, or an immigration status, verification system established under section 1137 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1320b–7 ), in accordance with standards set by the Secretary. . 4016. Data exchange standardization for improved interoperability (a) Data exchange standardization Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2020 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (v) Data exchange standards for improved interoperability (1) Designation The Secretary shall, in consultation with an interagency work group established by the Office of Management and Budget, and considering State government perspectives, designate data exchange standards to govern, under this part— (A) necessary categories of information that State agencies operating such programs are required under applicable law to electronically exchange with another State agency; and (B) Federal reporting and data exchange required under applicable law. (2) Requirements The data exchange standards required by paragraph (1) shall, to the extent practicable— (A) incorporate a widely accepted, non-proprietary, searchable, computer-readable format, such as the eXtensible Markup Language; (B) contain interoperable standards developed and maintained by intergovernmental partnerships, such as the National Information Exchange Model; (C) incorporate interoperable standards developed and maintained by Federal entities with authority over contracting and financial assistance; (D) be consistent with and implement applicable accounting principles; (E) be implemented in a manner that is cost-effective and improves program efficiency and effectiveness; and (F) be capable of being continually upgraded as necessary. (3) Rules of construction Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require a change to existing data exchange standards for Federal reporting found to be effective and efficient. . (b) Effective Date The Secretary shall issue a proposed rule within 24 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. The rule shall identify federally required data exchanges, include specification and timing of exchanges to be standardized, and address the factors used in determining whether and when to standardize data exchanges. It should also specify state implementation options and describe future milestones. 4017. Pilot projects to improve Federal-State cooperation in identifying and reducing fraud in the supplemental nutrition assistance program Section 12 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2021 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (i) Pilot projects To improve Federal-State cooperation in identifying and reducing fraud in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (1) In general The Secretary shall carry out, under such terms and conditions as determined by the Secretary, pilot projects to test innovative Federal-State partnerships to identify, investigate, and reduce retailer fraud in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, including allowing States to operate retail Food Store investigation programs. At least 1 such pilot project shall be carried out in an urban area that is among the 10 largest urban areas in the United States (based on population) if the supplemental nutrition assistance program is separately administered in such area and if the administration of such program in such area complies with the other applicable requirements of such program. (2) Selection criteria Pilot projects shall be selected based on criteria the Secretary establishes, which shall include— (A) enhancing existing efforts by the Secretary to reduce retailer fraud; (B) requiring participant States to maintain their overall level of effort at addressing recipient fraud, as determined by the Secretary, prior to participation in the pilot project; (C) collaborating with other law enforcement authorities as necessary to carry out an effective pilot project; (D) commitment of the participant State agency to follow Federal rules and procedures with respect to retailer investigations; and (E) the extent to which a State has committed resources to recipient fraud and the relative success of those efforts. (3) Evaluation (A) The Secretary shall evaluate the projects selected under this subsection to measure the impact of the pilot projects. (B) Such evaluation shall include— (i) each pilot project’s impact on increasing the Secretary’s capacity to address retailer fraud; (ii) the effectiveness of the pilot projects in identifying, preventing and reducing retailer fraud; and (iii) the cost effectiveness of such pilot projects. (4) Report to congress Not later than September 30, 2017, 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 report that includes a description of the results of each pilot project, including an evaluation of the impact of the project on retailer fraud and the costs associated with each pilot project. (5) Funding Any costs incurred by the State to operate the pilot projects in excess of the amount expended under this Act for retailer fraud in the respective State in the previous fiscal year shall not be eligible for Federal reimbursement under this Act. . 4018. Prohibiting government-sponsored recruitment activities (a) Administrative cost-Sharing and quality control Section 16(a)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(a)(4) ) is amended by inserting after recruitment activities the following: designed to persuade an individual to apply for program benefits or that promote the program via television, radio, or billboard advertisements . (b) Limitation on use of funds authorized To be appropriated under Act Section 18 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2027 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Ban on recruitment and promotion activities (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), no funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act shall be used by the Secretary for— (A) recruitment activities designed to persuade an individual to apply for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits; (B) television, radio, or billboard advertisements that are designed to promote supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits and enrollment; or (C) any agreements with foreign governments designed to promote supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits and enrollment. (2) Paragraph (1)(B) shall not apply to programmatic activities undertaken with respect to benefits made available in response to a natural disaster. . (c) Ban on recruitment activities by entities that receive funds Section 18 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2027 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (h) Ban on recruitment by entities that receive funds The Secretary shall issue regulations that forbid entities that receive funds under this Act to compensate any person for conducting outreach activities relating to participation in, or for recruiting individuals to apply to receive benefits under, the supplemental nutrition assistance program if the amount of such compensation would be based on the number of individuals who apply to receive such benefits. . 4019. Repeal of bonus program Section 16(d) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(d) ) is repealed. 4020. Funding of employment and training programs Section 16(h)(1)(A) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(h)(1)(A) ) is amended by striking $90,000,000 and all that follows through $79,000,000 , and inserting $79,000,000 for each fiscal year . 4021. Monitoring employment and training programs (a) Reporting measures Section 16(h)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(h)(5) ) is amended to read: (5) (A) In general The Secretary shall monitor the employment and training programs carried out by State agencies under section 6(d)(4) and assess their effectiveness in— (i) preparing members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program for employment, including the acquisition of basic skills necessary for employment; and (ii) increasing the numbers of household members who obtain and retain employment subsequent to their participation in such employment and training programs. (B) Reporting measures The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall develop reporting measures that identify improvements in the skills, training education or work experience of members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Measures shall be based on common measures of performance for federal workforce training programs, so long as they reflect the challenges facing the types of members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program who participate in a specific employment and training component. The Secretary shall require that each State employment and training plan submitted under section 11(e)(19) identify appropriate reporting measures for each of their proposed components that serve at least 100 people. Such measures may include: (i) the percentage and number of program participants who received employment and training services and are in unsubsidized employment subsequent to the receipt of those services; (ii) the percentage and number of program participants who obtain a recognized postsecondary credential, including a registered apprenticeship, or a regular secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, while participating in or within 1 year after receiving employment and training services; (iii) the percentage and number of program participants who are in an education or training program that is intended to lead to a recognized postsecondary credential, including a registered apprenticeship or on-the-job training program, a regular secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or unsubsidized employment; (iv) subject to the terms and conditions set by the Secretary, measures developed by each State agency to assess the skills acquisition of employment and training program participants that reflect the goals of their specific employment and training program components, which may include, but are not limited to— (I) the percentage and number of program participants who are meeting program requirements in each component of the State’s education and training program; and (II) the percentage and number of program participants who are gaining skills likely to lead to employment as measured through testing, quantitative or qualitative assessment or other method; and (v) other indicators as approved by the Secretary. (C) State report Each State agency shall annually prepare and submit to the Secretary a report on the State’s employment and training program that includes the numbers of supplemental nutrition assistance program participants who have gained skills, training, work or experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular employment using measures identified in subparagraph (B). (D) Modifications to the state employment and training plan Subject to the terms and conditions established by the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that the state agency’s performance with respect to employment and training outcomes is inadequate, the Secretary may require the State agency to make modifications to their employment and training plan to improve such outcomes. (E) Periodic evaluation (i) In general Subject to terms and conditions established by the Secretary, not later than October 1, 2016, and not less frequently than once every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a study to review existing practice and research to identify employment and training program components and practices that— (I) effectively assist members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program in gaining skills, training, work, or experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular employment, and (II) are best integrated with statewide workforce development systems. (ii) Report to congress The Secretary shall submit a report that describes the results of the study under clause (i) to the Committee on Agriculture in the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry in the Senate. . (b) Effective date Notwithstanding section 4(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013(a) ), the Secretary shall issue interim final regulations implementing the amendment made by subsection (a) no later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. States shall include such reporting measures in their employment and training plans for the 1st fiscal year thereafter that begins no sooner than 6 months after the date that such regulations are published. 4022. Cooperation with program research and evaluation Section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2026 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (l) Cooperation with program research and evaluation States, State agencies, local agencies, institutions, facilities such as data consortiums, and contractors participating in programs authorized under this Act shall cooperate with officials and contractors acting on behalf of the Secretary in the conduct of evaluations and studies under this Act and shall submit information at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require. . 4023. Pilot projects to reduce dependency and increase work effort in the supplemental nutrition assistance program Section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2026 ), as amended by section 121, is amended by adding at the end the following: (m) Pilot projects To reduce dependency and increase work effort in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (1) In general The Secretary shall carry out, under such terms and conditions as the Secretary considers to be appropriate, pilot projects to identify best practices for employment and training programs under this Act to raise the number of work registrants who obtain unsubsidized employment, increase their earned income, and reduce their reliance on public assistance, including but not limited to the supplemental nutrition assistance program. (2) Selection criteria Pilot projects shall be selected based on criteria the Secretary establishes, that shall include— (A) enhancing existing employment and training programs in the State; (B) agreeing to participate in the evaluation described in paragraph (3), including making available data on participants’ employment activities and post-participation employment, earnings, and public benefit receipt; (C) collaborating with the State workforce board and other job training programs in the State and local area; (D) the extent to which the pilot project’s components can be easily replicated by other States or political subdivisions; and (E) such additional criteria that ensure that the pilot projects— (i) target a variety of populations of work registrants, including childless adults, parents, and individuals with low skills or limited work experience; (ii) are selected from a range of existing employment and training programs including programs that provide— (I) section 20 workfare; (II) skills development for work registrants with limited employment history; (III) post-employment support services necessary for maintaining employment; and (IV) education leading to a recognized postsecondary credential, registered apprenticeship, or secondary school diploma or its equivalent; (iii) are located in a range of geographic areas, including rural, urban, and Indian reservations; and (iv) include participants who are exempt and not exempt under section (6)(d)(2). (3) Evaluation The Secretary shall provide for an independent evaluation of projects selected under this subsection to measure the impact of the pilot projects on the ability of each pilot project target population to find and retain employment that leads to increased household income and reduced dependency, compared to what would have occurred in the absence of the pilot project. (4) Report to congress By September 30, 2017, 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 report that includes a description of— (A) the results of each pilot project, including an evaluation of the impact of the project on the employment, income, and public benefit receipt of the targeted population of work registrants; (B) the Federal, State, and other costs of each pilot project; (C) the planned dissemination of the reports’ findings with State agencies; and (D) the steps and funding necessary to incorporate components of pilot projects that demonstrate increased employment and earnings into State employment and training programs. (5) Funding From amounts made available under section 18(a)(1), the Secretary shall make $10,000,000 available for each of the fiscal years 2014, 2015, and 2016 to carry out this subsection. Such amounts shall remain available until expended. (6) Use of funds (A) Funds provided under this subsection for pilot projects shall be used only for— (i) pilot projects that comply with the provisions of this Act; (ii) the costs and administration of the pilot projects; (iii) the costs incurred in providing information and data to the independent evaluation under paragraph (3); and (iv) the costs of the evaluation under paragraph (3). (B) Funds made available under this subsection may not be used to supplant non-Federal funds used for existing employment and training activities. . 4024. Authorization of appropriations Section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2027(a)(1) ) is amended in the 1st sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2016 . 4025. Limitation on use of block grant to Puerto Rico Section 19(a)(2)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2028(a)(2)(B) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (iii) Limitation on use of funds None of the funds made available to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico under this subparagraph may be used to provide nutrition assistance in the form of cash benefits. . 4026. Assistance for community food projects (a) Definition Section 25(a)(1)(B)(i) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2034(a)(1)(B)(i) ) is amended— (1) in subclause (II) by striking and at the end; (2) in subclause (III) by striking or at the end and inserting and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (IV) to provide incentives for the consumption of fruits and vegetables among low-income individuals; or . (b) Additional funding Section 25(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2034 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Funding (A) In general Out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out this section not less than $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. Of the amount made available under this subparagraph for each such fiscal year, $5,000,000 shall be available to carry out subsection (a)(1)(B)(I)(IV). (B) Receipt and acceptance The Secretary shall be entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to carry out this section, the funds transferred under subparagraph (A) without further appropriation. (C) Maintenance of funding The funding provided under subparagraph (A) shall supplement (and not supplant) other Federal funding made available to the Secretary to carry out this section. . 4027. Emergency food assistance (a) Purchase of commodities Section 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2036(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2013 through 2016 ; (2) in paragraph (2) by striking subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), and inserting the following: (A) for fiscal year 2013, $265,750,000; (B) for fiscal year 2014, the dollar amount of commodities specified in subparagraph (A) adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been adjusted under section 3(u)(4) between June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013, and increased by $70,000,000; (C) for fiscal year 2015, the dollar amount of commodities determined for fiscal year 2014 under subparagraph (B) adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been adjusted under section 3(u)(4) between June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2014; (D) for fiscal year 2016, the dollar amount of commodities determined for fiscal year 2015 under subparagraph (C) adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been adjusted under section 3(u)(4) between June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015, and reduced by $50,000,000; and (E) for each subsequent fiscal year, the dollar amount of commodities determined for the preceding fiscal year adjusted to reflect the percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been adjusted under section 3(u)(4) for the 12-month period ending on the preceding June 30. ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) Funds availability For purposes of the funds described in this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) make the funds available for 2 fiscal years; and (B) allow States to carry over unexpended balances to the next fiscal year pursuant to such terms and conditions as are determined by the Secretary. . (b) Emergency food program infrastructure grants Section 209(d) of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 ( 7 U.S.C. 7511a(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2016 . 4028. Nutrition education Section 28 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2036a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b) by inserting and physical activity after healthy food choices ; and (2) in subsection (d)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (D) by striking $401,000,000; and inserting $372,000,000; and ; (B) by striking subparagraph (E); and (C) in subparagraph (F) by striking (F) for fiscal year 2016 and inserting (E) for fiscal year 2015 . 4029. Retailer trafficking The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 29. Retailer trafficking (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to provide the Department of Agriculture with additional resources to prevent trafficking in violation of this Act by strengthening recipient and retailer program integrity. Additional funds are provided to supplement the Department’s payment accuracy, and retailer and recipient integrity activities. (b) Funding (1) In general Out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out this section not less than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. (2) Receipt and acceptance The Secretary shall be entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to carry out this section the funds transferred under paragraph (1) without further appropriation. (3) Maintenance of funding The funding provided under paragraph (1) shall supplement (and not supplant) other Federal funding for programs carried out under this Act. . 4030. Technical and conforming amendments (a) Section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (g) by striking coupon, the last place it appears and inserting coupon ; (2) in subsection (k)(7) by striking or are and inserting and ; (3) by striking subsection (l); (4) by redesignating subsections (m) through (t) as subsections (l) through (s), respectively; and (5) by inserting after subsection (s) (as so redesignated) the following: (t) Supplemental nutritional assistance program means the program operated pursuant to this Act. . (b) Section 4(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013(a) ) is amended by striking benefits the last place it appears and inserting Benefits . (c) Section 5 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014 ) is amended— (1) in the last sentence of subsection (i)(2)(D) by striking section 13(b)(2) and inserting section 13(b) ; and (2) in subsection (k)(4)(A) by striking paragraph (2)(H) and inserting paragraph (2)(G) . (d) Section 6(d)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (B)(vii) by moving the left margin 4 ems to the left, and (2) in subparagraph (F)(iii) by moving the left margin 6 ems to the left. (e) Section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(h) ) is amended by redesignating the 2d paragraph (12) as paragraph (13). (f) Section 12 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2021 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(3)(C) by striking civil money penalties and inserting civil penalties ; and (2) in subsection (g)(1) by striking ( 7 U.S.C. 1786 ) and inserting ( 42 U.S.C. 1786 ) . (g) Section 15(b)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2024(b)(1) ) is amended in the 1st sentence by striking an benefit both places it appears and inserting a benefit . (h) Section 16(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(a) ) is amended in the proviso following paragraph (8) by striking , as amended. . (i) Section 18(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2027(e) ) is amended in the 1st sentence by striking sections 7(f) and inserting section 7(f) . (j) Section 22(b)(10)(B)(i) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2031(b)(10)(B)(i) ) is amended in the last sentence by striking Food benefits and inserting Benefits . (k) Section 26(f)(3)(C) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2035(f)(3)(C) ) is amended by striking subsection and inserting subsections . (l) Section 27(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2036(a)(1) ) is amended by striking ( Public Law 98–8 ; 7 U.S.C. 612c note) and inserting ( 7 U.S.C. 7515 ) . (m) Section 509 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3056g ) is amended in the section heading by striking food stamp programs and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance program . (n) Section 4115(c)(2)(H) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1871) is amended by striking 531 and inserting 454 . (o) Section 3803(c)(2)(C)(vii) of title 31 of the United States Code is amended by striking section 3(l) and inserting section 3(s) . (p) Section 115 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 ( Public Law 104–193 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2) by striking section 3(l) and inserting section 3(s) ; (2) in subsection (b)(2) by striking section 3(l) and inserting section 3(s) ; and (3) in subsection (e)(2) by striking section 3(l) and inserting section 3(s) . (q) The Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c ) is amended— (1) in section 4(a) by striking Food Stamp Act of 1977 and inserting Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ; and (2) in section 5— (A) in subsection (i)(1) by striking Food Stamp Act of 1977 and inserting Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ; and (B) in subsection (l)(2)(B) by striking Food Stamp Act of 1977 and inserting Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 . (r) The Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ) is amended— (1) in the heading of section 453(j)(10) by striking food stamp and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance ; (2) in section 1137— (A) in subsection (a)(5)(B) by striking food stamp and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance ; and (B) in subsection (b)(4) by striking food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ; and (3) in the heading of section 1631(n) by striking food stamp and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance . 4031. Tolerance level for excluding small errors The Secretary shall set the tolerance level for excluding small errors for the purposes of section 16(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(c) )— (1) for fiscal year 2014 at an amount no greater than $25; and (2) for each fiscal year thereafter, the amount specified in paragraph (1) adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty food plan is adjusted under section 3(u)(4) of such Act between June 30, 2012, and June 30 of the immediately preceding fiscal year. 4032. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands pilot program (a) Study (1) In general Prior to establishing the pilot program under subsection (b), the Secretary shall conduct a study to be completed not later than 2 years after the effective date of this section to assess— (A) the capabilities of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to operate the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the same manner in which the program is operated in the States (as defined in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. )); and (B) alternative models of the supplemental nutrition assistance program operation and benefit delivery that best meet the nutrition assistance needs of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. (2) Scope The study conducted under paragraph (1)(A) will assess the capability of the Commonwealth to fulfill the responsibilities of a State agency, including— (A) extending and limiting participation to eligible households, as prescribed by sections 5 and 6 of the Act; (B) issuing benefits through EBT cards, as prescribed by section 7 of the Act; (C) maintaining the integrity of the program, including operation of a quality control system, as prescribed by section 16(c) of the Act; (D) implementing work requirements, including operating an employment and training program, as prescribed by section 6(d) of the Act; and (E) paying a share of administrative costs with non-Federal funds, as prescribed by section 16(a) of the Act. (b) Establishment If the Secretary determines that a pilot program is feasible, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to operate the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the same manner in which the program is operated in the States. (c) Scope The Secretary shall utilize the information obtained from the study conducted under subsection (a) to establish the scope of the pilot program established under subsection (b). (d) Report Not later than June 30, 2019, 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 report on the pilot program carried out under this section, including an analysis of the feasibility of operating in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands the supplemental nutrition assistance program as it is operated in the States. (e) Funding (1) Study Of the funds made available under section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, the Secretary may use not more than $1,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2014 and 2015 to conduct the study described in subsection (a). (2) Pilot program Of the funds made available under section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, for the purposes of establishing and carrying out the pilot program established under subsection (b) of this section, including the Federal costs for providing technical assistance to the Commonwealth, authorizing and monitoring retail food stores, and assessing pilot operations, the Secretary may use not more than— (A) $13,500,000 in fiscal year 2016; and (B) $8,500,000 in each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018. 4033. Annual State report on verification of SNAP participation (a) Annual report Not later 1 year after the date specified by the Secretary in the 180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, each State agency that carries out the supplemental nutrition assistance program shall submit to the Secretary a report containing sufficient information for the Secretary to determine whether the State agency has, for the then most recently concluded fiscal year preceding such annual date, verified that households to which such State agency provided such assistance in such fiscal year— (1) did not obtain benefits attributable to a deceased individual; (2) did not include an individual who was simultaneously included in a household receiving such assistance in another State; and (3) did not include, during the time benefits were provided, an individual who was then disqualified from receiving benefits. (b) Penalty for noncompliance For any fiscal year for which a State agency fails to comply with subsection (a), the Secretary shall reduce by 50 percent the amount otherwise payable to such State agency under section 16(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 with respect to such fiscal year. 4034. Termination of existing agreement Effective on the date of the enactment of this Act, the memorandum of understanding entered into on July 22, 2004, by the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Mexico and known as the Partnership for Nutrition Assistance Initiative is null and void. 4035. Service of traditional foods in public facilities (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Food service program The term food service program includes— (A) food service at a residential child care facility with a license from an appropriate State agency; (B) a child nutrition program (as defined in section 25(b) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1769f(b) ); (C) food service at a hospital or clinic or long term care facility; and (D) a senior meal program. (2) Indian; Indian tribe; Indian tribal organization The terms Indian ; Indian tribe ; and Indian Tribal Organization have the meanings given those terms in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (3) Traditional food (A) In general The term traditional food means food that has traditionally been prepared and consumed by an Indian tribe. (B) Inclusions The term traditional food includes— (i) wild game meat; (ii) fish; (iii) seafood; (iv) marine mammals; (v) plants; and (vi) berries. (b) Program Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall allow the donation to and serving of traditional food through a food service program at a public facility, nonprofit facility, including facilities operated by an Indian tribe or tribal organization that primarily serves Indians if the operator of the food service program— (1) ensures that the food is received whole, gutted, gilled, as quarters, or as a roast, without further processing; (2) makes a reasonable determination that— (A) the animal was not diseased; (B) the food was butchered, dressed, transported, and stored to prevent contamination, undesirable microbial growth, or deterioration; and (C) the food will not cause a significant health hazard or potential for human illness; (3) carries out any further preparation or processing of the food at a different time or in a different space from the preparation or processing of other food for the applicable program to prevent cross-contamination; (4) cleans and sanitizes food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils after processing the traditional food; and (5) labels donated traditional food with the name of the food and stores the traditional food separately from other food for the applicable program, including through storage in a separate freezer or refrigerator or in a separate compartment or shelf in the freezer or refrigerator. (c) Liability Liability for damages from donated traditional food and products to the participating food service program shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability arising from the nature, age, packaging, or condition of donated food. 4036. Testing applicants for unlawful use of controlled substances Section 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015 ), as amended by section 109, is amended by adding at the end the following: (s) Testing applicants for unlawful use of controlled substances (1) Nothing in this Act, or in any other Federal law, shall be considered to prevent a State, at the full cost to such State, from— (A) enacting legislation to provide for testing any individual who is a member of a household applying for supplemental nutrition assistance benefits, for the unlawful use of controlled substances as a condition for receiving such benefits; and (B) finding an individual ineligible to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program on the basis of the positive result of the testing conducted by the State under such legislation. (2) For purposes of this subsection, term controlled substance has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (( 21 U.S.C. 802 ). . 4037. Eligibility disqualifications for certain convicted felons (a) Amendment Section 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015 ), as amended by sections 109 and 135, is amended by adding at the end the following: (t) Disqualification for certain convicted felons (1) In general An individual shall not be eligible for benefits under this Act if the individual is convicted of— (A) aggravated sexual abuse under section 2241 of title 18, United States Code; (B) murder under section 1111 of title 18, United States Code; (C) an offense under chapter 110 of title 18, United States Code; (D) a Federal or State offense involving sexual assault, as defined in 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ( 42 U.S.C. 13925(a) ); or (E) an offense under State law determined by the Attorney General to be substantially similar to an offense described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C). (2) Effects on assistance and benefits for others The amount of benefits otherwise required to be provided to an eligible household under this Act shall be determined by considering the individual to whom paragraph (1) applies not to be a member of such household, except that the income and resources of the individual shall be considered to be income and resources of the household. (3) Enforcement Each State shall require each individual applying for benefits under this Act, during the application process, to state, in writing, whether the individual, or any member of the household of the individual, has been convicted of a crime described in paragraph (1). . (b) Conforming amendment Section 5(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(a) ), as amended by section 109, is amended in the 2d sentence by striking and (r) and inserting , (r), and (t) . (c) Inapplicability to convictions occurring on or before enactment The amendments made by this section shall not apply to a conviction if the conviction is for conduct occurring on or before the date of the enactment of this Act. 4038. Expungement of unused supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2020 ), as amended by section 115, is amended by adding at the end the following: (w) Expungement of unused benefits The State agency shall expunge from the EBT account of a household benefits that are not used before the expiration of the 60-day period beginning on the date such benefits are posted to such account. . 4039. Pilot projects to promote work and increase State accountability in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (a) Pilot projects Section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2026 ), as amended by sections 122 and 123, is amended by adding at the end the following: (n) Pilot projects To promote work and increase State accountability in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (1) In general The Secretary shall carry out pilot projects to develop and test methods allowing States to run a work program with certain features comparable to the State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ), with the intent of increasing employment and self-sufficiency through increased State accountability and thereby reducing the need for supplemental nutrition assistance benefits. (2) Agreements (A) In general In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall enter into cooperative agreements with States in accordance with pilot projects that meet the criteria required under this subsection. (B) Application To be eligible to enter into a cooperative agreement to operate a pilot project under this subsection, a State shall amend its State plan under section 11(d) to include a description of its pilot project and explanations of how such project meets the criteria required under this subsection. The Secretary may not disapprove a pilot project which meets the requirements under this subsection. (C) Assurances A State shall include in its plan assurances that its pilot project will— (i) operate for at least three 12-month periods but not more than five 12-month periods; (ii) have a robust data collection system for program administration that is designed and shared with project evaluators to ensure proper and timely evaluation; and (iii) intend to offer a work activity described in paragraph (3) to adults assigned and required to participate under paragraph (4)(A) and who are not exempt under paragraph (4)(B). (D) Number of pilot projects Any State may carry out a pilot project that meets the requirements of this subsection. (E) Extent of pilot projects Pilot projects shall cover no less than the entire State. (3) Work activity (A) For purposes of this subsection, the term work activity means any of the following: (i) Employment in the public or private sector that is not subsidized by any public program. (ii) Employment in the private sector for which the employer receives a subsidy from public funds to offset some or all of the wages and costs of employing an adult. (iii) Employment in the public sector for which the employer receives a subsidy from public funds to offset some or all of the wages and costs of employing an adult. (iv) A work activity that— (I) is performed in return for public benefits; (II) provides an adult with an opportunity to acquire the general skills, knowledge, and work habits necessary to obtain employment; (III) is designed to improve the employability of those who cannot find unsubsidized employment; and (IV) is supervised by an employer, work site sponsor, or other responsible party on an ongoing basis. (v) Training in the public or private sector that is given to a paid employee while he or she is engaged in productive work and that provides knowledge and skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job. (vi) Job search, obtaining employment, or preparation to seek or obtain employment, including— (I) life skills training; (II) substance abuse treatment or mental health treatment, determined to be necessary and documented by a qualified medical, substance abuse, or mental health professional; or (III) rehabilitation activities, supervised by a public agency or other responsible party on an ongoing basis. (vii) Structured programs and embedded activities— (I) in which adults perform work for the direct benefit of the community under the auspices of public or nonprofit organizations; (II) that are limited to projects that serve useful community purposes in fields such as health, social service, environmental protection, education, urban and rural redevelopment, welfare, recreation, public facilities, public safety, and child care; (III) that are designed to improve the employability of adults not otherwise able to obtain unsubsidized employment; and (IV) that are supervised on an ongoing basis; and (V) with respect to which a State agency takes into account, to the extent possible, the prior training, experience, and skills of a recipient in making appropriate community service assignments. (viii) Career and technical training programs (not to exceed 12 months with respect to any adult) that are directly related to the preparation of adults for employment in current or emerging occupations and that are supervised on an ongoing basis. (ix) Training or education for job skills that are required by an employer to provide an adult with the ability to obtain employment or to advance or adapt to the changing demands of the workplace and that are supervised on an ongoing basis. (x) Education that is related to a specific occupation, job, or job offer and that is supervised on an ongoing basis. (xi) In the case of an adult who has not completed secondary school or received such a certificate of general equivalence, regular attendance— (I) in accordance with the requirements of the secondary school or course of study, at a secondary school or in a course of study leading to such certificate; and (II) supervised on an ongoing basis. (xii) Providing child care to enable another recipient of public benefits to participate in a community service program that— (I) does not provide compensation for such community service; (II) is a structured program designed to improve the employability of adults who participate in such program; and (III) is supervised on an ongoing basis. (B) Protections Work activities under this subsection shall be subject to all applicable health and safety standards. Except as described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (A), the term work activity shall be considered work preparation and not defined as employment for purposes of other law. (4) Pilot projects Pilot projects carried out under this subsection shall include interventions to which adults are assigned that are designed to reduce unnecessary dependence, promote self-sufficiency, increase work levels, increase earned income, and reduce supplemental nutrition assistance benefit expenditures among households eligible for, applying for, or participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. (A) Adults assigned to interventions by the State shall— (i) be subject to mandatory participation in work activities specified in paragraph (3); (ii) participate in work activities specified in paragraph (3) for a minimum of 20 hours per week per household; (iii) be a maximum age of not less than 50 and not more than 60, as defined by the State; (iv) be subject to penalties during a period of nonparticipation without good cause ranging from, at State option, a minimum of the removal of the adults from the household benefit amount, up to a maximum of the discontinuance of the entire household benefit amount; and (v) not be penalized for nonparticipation if child care is not available for 1 or more children under 6 years of age. (B) The State shall allow certain individuals to be exempt from work requirements— (i) those participating in work programs under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ) for an equal or greater number of hours; (ii) those with 1 or more dependent children under 1 year of age; (iii) 1 adult family member per household who is needed in the home to care for a disabled family member; (iv) an adult who is receiving temporary or permanent disability benefits provided by a governmental entity; and (v) those with a good cause reason for nonparticipation, such as victims of domestic violence, as defined by the State. (5) Evaluation and reporting (A) Evaluation (i) Independent evaluation (I) In general The Secretary shall provide for each State that enters into a cooperative agreement under paragraph (2) an independent, longitudinal evaluation of its pilot project under this subsection to determine total program savings over the entire course of the pilot project with results reported in consecutive 12-month increments. (II) Purpose The purpose of the evaluation is to measure the impact of interventions provided by the State under the pilot project on the ability of adults in households eligible for, applying for, or participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program to find and retain employment that leads to increased household income and reduced dependency. (III) Requirement The independent evaluation under subclause (I) shall use valid statistical methods which can determine the difference between supplemental nutrition assistance benefit expenditures, if any, as a result of the interventions as compared to a control group that— (aa) is not subject to the interventions provided by the State under the pilot project under this subsection; and (bb) maintains services provided under 16(h) in the year prior to the start of the pilot project under this subsection. (IV) Option States shall have the option to evaluate pilot projects by matched counties or matched geographical areas using a constructed control group design to isolate the effects of the intervention of the pilot project. (V) Definition Constructed control group means there is no random assignment, and instead program participants (those subject to interventions) and non-participants (control described in subclause (III)) are equated using matching or statistical procedures on characteristics that may be associated with program outcomes. (B) Reporting Not later than 90 days after the end of fiscal year 2014 and of each fiscal year thereafter, until the completion of the last evaluation under subparagraph (A), 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 report that includes a description of— (i) the status of each pilot project carried out under this subsection; (ii) the results of the evaluation completed during the previous fiscal year; and (iii) to the maximum extent practicable— (I) baseline information relevant to the stated goals and desired outcomes of the pilot project; (II) the impact of the interventions on appropriate employment, income, and public benefit receipt outcomes among households participating in the pilot project; (III) equivalent information about similar or identical measures for control groups; (IV) the planned dissemination of the report findings to State agencies; and (V) the steps and funding necessary to incorporate into State employment and training programs the components of pilot projects that demonstrate increased employment and earnings. (C) Public dissemination In addition to the reporting requirements under subparagraph (B), evaluation results shall be shared broadly to inform policy makers, service providers, other partners, and the public in order to promote wide use of successful strategies, including by posting evaluation results on the Internet website of the Department of Agriculture. (6) Funding (A) Additional available funds From amounts made available under section 18(a)(1), the Secretary shall make available— (i) up to $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2014 through 2017 for evaluations described in paragraph (5) to carry out this subsection, with such amounts to remain available until expended; and (ii) amounts equal to one-half of the accumulated supplemental nutrition assistance benefit dollars saved over each consecutive 12-month period according to the evaluation under paragraph (5) for bonus grants to States under paragraph (7)(B). (B) Administrative expenses (i) Reimbursement Except as provided in clause (ii)— (I) if, in carrying out a pilot project under this subsection during a fiscal year, a State incurs costs that exceed the amount allocated to the State agency under section 16(h)(1), the Secretary shall pay such State an amount equal to 50 percent of such costs; and (II) the Secretary shall also reimburse the State in an amount equal to 50 percent of the total amount of payments made or costs incurred by the State agency in connection with transportation costs and other expenses reasonably necessary and directly related to participation in a pilot project under this subsection, except that the amount of the reimbursement for dependent care expenses shall not exceed an amount equal to the payment made under section 6(d)(4)(I)(i)(II) but not more than the applicable local market rate, and such reimbursement shall not be made out of funds allocated under section 16(h)(1). (ii) Limitation For any fiscal year, the Secretary may not pay under clause (i) to a State an amount the exceeds the amount equal to the product of— (I) the amount of administrative expenses that would be reimbursable for such fiscal year to such State under clause (i) without regard to this clause; and (II) $277,000,000 (plus the amount carried over, if any, under clause (iii)), divided by the aggregate amount of administrative expenses that would be reimbursable for such fiscal year to all of the States under clause (i) without regard to this clause. (iii) Carryover The amount by which $277,000,000 exceeds the aggregate amount paid under clause (i) for a particular fiscal year shall remain available for payments under such clause for any subsequent fiscal year. (C) Other funds Any additional funds required by a State to carry out a pilot project under this subsection may be provided by the State from funds made available to the State for such purpose and in accordance with State and other Federal laws, including the following: (i) Section 403 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 603 ). (ii) The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 ( 29 U.S.C. 9201 et seq. ). (iii) The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq. ) and section 418 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 618 ). (iv) The social services block grant under subtitle A of title XX of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1397 et seq. ). (7) Use of funds (A) Specific uses Funds provided under this subsection for evaluation of pilot projects under paragraph (6)(A)(i) shall be used only for— (i) pilot projects that comply with this subsection; (ii) the costs incurred in gathering and providing information and data used to conduct the independent evaluation under paragraph (5); and (iii) the costs of the evaluation under paragraph (5). (B) Limitation Funds provided for bonus grants to States for pilot projects under subparagraph (6)(A)(ii) shall be used only for— (i) pilot projects that comply with this subsection; and (ii) any State purpose, not to be restricted to the supplemental nutrition assistance program or its beneficiary population. . (b) Conforming amendments The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ) is amended— (1) in section 16, as amended by section 121 of this Act— (A) in subsection (a) by striking subsection (k) and inserting subsections (k) and (h) and section 20 ; and (B) in subsection (h)— (i) in paragraph (1)— (I) in subparagraph (A) by inserting under sections 6(d)(4) and 17(n) after programs ; and (II) by striking subparagraph (E); (ii) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3), and inserting the following: (2) Exclusion of reimbursement for administrative costs No funds may be paid under subsection (a) to a State agency for administrative costs incurred to carry out any of such programs in such fiscal year. ; (iii) in paragraph (4) by inserting or 17(n) after section 6(d)(4) ; and (iv) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; (2) in section 20 by amending subsection (g) to read as follows: (g) Exclusion of reimbursement for administrative costs No funds may be paid under this section to a State agency for administrative costs incurred to carry out a workfare program operated under this section. ; and (3) in section 22(d)(1)(B)(ii) by striking , (g), (h)(2), and (h)(3) and inserting and (g) . 4040. Improved wage verification using the National Directory of New Hires Effective October 1, 2013, section 11(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2020(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3) by inserting and after compliance with the requirement specified in paragraph (24) after section 16(e) of this Act , (2) in paragraph (22) by striking and at the end, (3) in paragraph (23) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and , and (4) by adding at the end the following: (24) that the State agency shall request wage data directly from the National Directory of New Hires established under section 453(i) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 653(i) ) relevant to determining eligibility to receive supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits and determining the correct amount of such benefits. . 4041. Feasibility study for Indian tribes Section 4 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Feasibility study for Indian tribes (1) Study Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this subsection, the Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of a tribal demonstration project for tribes to administer all Federal food assistance programs, services, functions, and activities (or portions thereof) of the agency. (2) Considerations In conducting the study, the Secretary shall consider— (A) the probable effects on specific programs and program beneficiaries of such a demonstration project; (B) statutory, regulatory, or other impediments to implementation of such a demonstration project; (C) strategies for implementing such a demonstration project; (D) probable costs or savings associated with such a demonstration project; (E) methods to assure quality and accountability in such a demonstration project; and (F) such other issues that may be determined by the Secretary or developed through consultation with pursuant to paragraph (4). (3) Report Not later than 18 months after the effective date of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives. The report shall contain— (A) the results of the study under this subsection; (B) a list of programs, services, functions, and activities (or portions thereof) within each agency with respect to which it would be feasible to include in a tribal demonstration project; (C) a list of programs, services, functions, and activities (or portions thereof) included in the list provided pursuant to subparagraph (B) that could be included in a tribal demonstration project without amending a statute, or waiving regulations that the Secretary may not waiver; and (D) a list of legislative actions required in order to include those programs, services, function, and activities (or portions thereof) included in the list provided pursuant to subparagraph (B) but not included in the list provided pursuant to subparagraph (C), in a tribal demonstration project. (4) Consultation with Indian tribes The Secretary shall consult with Indian tribes to determine a protocol for consultation under paragraph (1) prior to consultation under such paragraph with the other entities described in such paragraph. The protocol shall require, at a minimum, that— (A) the government-to-government relationship with Indian tribes forms the basis for the consultation process; (B) the Indian tribes and the Secretary jointly conduct the consultations required by this subsection; and (C) the consultation process allows for separate and direct recommendations from the Indian tribes and other entities described in paragraph (1). (5) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $1,000,000. . 4042. Commodity distribution program Section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93–86 ) is amended in the 1st sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2016 . 4043. Commodity supplemental food program Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93–86 ) is amended— (1) in paragraphs (1) and (2)(B) of subsection (a) by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2016 ; (2) in the 1st sentence of subsection (d)(2) by striking 2012 and inserting 2016 ; (3) by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following: (g) Eligibility Except as provided in subsection (m), the States shall only provide assistance under the commodity supplemental food program to low-income individuals aged 60 and older. ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (m) Phase-Out Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual who receives assistance under the commodity supplemental food program on the day before the effective date of this subsection shall continue to receive that assistance until the date on which the individual no longer qualifies for assistance under the eligibility criteria for the program in effect on the day before the effective date of this subsection. . 4044. 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 in the 1st sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2016 . 4045. Processing of commodities (a) Section 17 of the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note) is amended by— (1) striking the heading and inserting Commodity donations and processing ; and (2) adding at the end the following: (c) Processing For any program included in subsection (b), the Secretary may, notwithstanding any other provision of State or Federal law relating to the procurement of goods and services— (1) retain title to commodities delivered to a processor, on behalf of a State (including a State distributing agency and a recipient agency), until such time as end products containing such commodities, or similar commodities as approved by the Secretary, are delivered to a State distributing agency or to a recipient agency; and (2) promulgate regulations to ensure accountability for commodities provided to a processor for processing into end products, and to facilitate processing of commodities into end products for use by recipient agencies. Such regulations may provide that— (A) a processor that receives commodities for processing into end products, or provides a service with respect to such commodities or end products, in accordance with its agreement with a State distributing agency or a recipient agency, provide to the Secretary a bond or other means of financial assurance to protect the value of such commodities; and (B) in the event a processor fails to deliver to a State distributing agency or a recipient agency an end product in conformance with the processing agreement entered into under this Act, the Secretary take action with respect to the bond or other means of financial assurance pursuant to regulations promulgated under this paragraph and distribute any proceeds obtained by the Secretary to one or more State distributing agencies and recipient agencies as determined appropriate by the Secretary. . (b) Definitions Section 18 of the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note) is amended by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following: (1) The term commodities means agricultural commodities and their products that are donated by the Secretary for use by recipient agencies. (2) The term end product means a food product that contains processed commodities. . (c) Technical and conforming amendments Section 3 of the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 100–237 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B) the program established under section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013(b) ); ; and (B) in paragraph (3)(D) by striking the Committee on Education and Labor and inserting the Committee on Education and the Workforce ; (2) in subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii) by striking section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act ( 7 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ) and inserting section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c ) ; (3) in subsection (e)(1)(D)(iii) by striking subclause (II) and inserting the following: (II) the program established under section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013(b) ); ; and (4) in subsection (k) by striking the Committee on Education and Labor and inserting the Committee on Education and the Workforce . 4046. Farmers’ market nutrition program Section 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3007 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading by striking Seniors ; (2) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: (a) Funding (1) In general Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary of Agriculture shall use to carry out and expand the farmers market nutrition program $20,600,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2016. (2) Additional funding There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection for each of the fiscal years specified in paragraph (1). (3) Requirement Not less than 50 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section in any fiscal year shall be used to provide assistance to seniors. ; (3) in subsection (b)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking seniors ; and (B) in paragraph (1) by inserting , and low-income families who are determined to be at nutritional risk after low-income seniors ; (4) in subsection (c) by striking seniors ; (5) in subsection (d) by striking seniors ; (6) in subsection (e) by striking seniors ; (7) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively; and (8) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) State grants and other assistance The Secretary shall carry out the Program through grants and other assistance provided in accordance with agreements made with States, for implementation through State agencies and local agencies, that include provisions— (1) for the issuance of coupons or vouchers to participating individuals; (2) establishing an appropriate annual percentage limitation on the use of funds for administrative costs; and (3) specifying other terms and conditions as the Secretary deems appropriate to encourage expanding the participation of small scale farmers in Federal nutrition programs. . 4047. Nutrition information and awareness pilot program Section 4403 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3171 note; Public Law 107–171 ) is repealed. 4048. Fresh fruit and vegetable program Section 19 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1769a ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by striking Fresh ; (2) in subsection (a), by striking fresh ; (3) in subsection (b), by striking fresh ; and (4) in subsection (e), by striking fresh . 4049. Additional authority for purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other specialty food crops Section 10603 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c–4 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b), by striking 2012 and inserting 2016 ; (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Pilot grant program for purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables (1) In general Using amounts made available to carry out subsection (b), the Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct a pilot program under which the Secretary will give not more than five participating States the option of receiving a grant in an amount equal to the value of the commodities that the participating State would otherwise receive under this section for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2016. (2) Use of grant funds A participating State receiving a grant under this subsection may use the grant funds solely to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions in the State that participate in the food service programs under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq. ) and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 ( 42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq. ). (3) Selection of participating States The Secretary shall select participating States from applications submitted by the States. (4) Reporting requirements (A) School and service institution requirement Schools and service institutions in a participating State shall keep records of purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables made using the grant funds and report such records to the State. (B) State requirement Each participating State shall submit to the Secretary a report on the success of the pilot program in the State, including information on— (i) the amount and value of each type of fresh fruit and vegetable purchased by the State; and (ii) the benefit provided by such purchases in conducting the school food service in the State, including meeting school meal requirements. . 4050. Encouraging locally and regionally grown and raised food (a) Commodity Purchase Streamlining The Secretary may permit each school food authority with a low annual commodity entitlement value, as determined by the Secretary, to elect to substitute locally and regionally grown and raised food for the authority’s allotment, in whole or in part, of commodity assistance for the school meal programs under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq. ) and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 ( 42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq. ), if— (1) the election is requested by the school food authority; (2) the Secretary determines that the election will reduce State and Federal administrative costs; and (3) the election will provide the school food authority with greater flexibility to purchase locally and regionally grown and raised foods. (b) Farm-to-School demonstration programs (1) In general The Secretary may establish farm-to-school demonstration programs under which school food authorities, agricultural producers producing for local and regional markets, and other farm-to-school stakeholders will collaborate with the Agriculture Marketing Service to, on a cost neutral basis, source food for the school meal programs under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq. ) and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 ( 42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq. ) from local farmers and ranchers in lieu of the commodity assistance provided to the school food authorities for the school meal programs. (2) Requirements (A) In general Each demonstration program carried out under this subsection shall— (i) facilitate and increase the purchase of unprocessed and minimally processed locally and regionally grown and raised agricultural products to be served under the school meal programs; (ii) test methods to improve procurement, transportation, and meal preparation processes for the school meal programs; (iii) assess whether administrative costs can be saved through increased school food authority flexibility to source locally and regionally produced foods for the school meal programs; and (iv) undertake rigorous evaluation and share information about results of the demonstration program, including cost savings, with the Secretary, other school food authorities, agricultural producers producing for the local and regional market, and the general public. (B) Plans In order to be selected to carry out a demonstration program under this subsection, a school food authority shall submit to the Secretary a plan at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require, and containing information with respect to the requirements described in clauses (i) through (iv) of subparagraph (A). (3) Technical assistance The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to demonstration program participants to assist such participants to acquire bids from potential vendors in a timely and cost-effective manner. (4) Length The Secretary shall determine the appropriate length of time for each demonstration program under this subsection. (5) Coordination The Secretary shall coordinate among relevant agencies of the Department of Agriculture and non-governmental organizations with appropriate expertise to facilitate the provision of training and technical assistance necessary to successfully carry out demonstration programs under this subsection. (6) Number Subject to the availability of funds to carry out this subsection, the Secretary shall select at least 10 demonstration programs to be carried out under this subsection. (7) Diversity and balance In selecting demonstration programs to be carried out under this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure— (A) geographical diversity; (B) that at least half of the demonstration programs are completed in collaboration with school food authorities with small annual commodity entitlements, as determined by the Secretary; (C) that at least half of the demonstration programs are completed in rural or tribal communities; (D) equitable treatment of school food authorities with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced price lunches, as determined by the Secretary; and (E) that at least one of the demonstration programs is completed on a military installation as defined in section 2687(e)(1) of title 10, United States Code. 4051. Review of public health benefits of white potatoes The Secretary shall conduct a review of the economic and public health benefits of white potatoes on low-income families who are determined to be at nutritional risk. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall report the findings of this review to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. 4052. Healthy Food Financing Initiative (a) In general Subtitle D of title II of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6951 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 242. Healthy Food Financing Initiative (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to enhance the authorities of the Secretary to support efforts to provide access to healthy food by establishing an initiative to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, to create and preserve quality jobs, and to revitalize low-income communities by providing loans and grants to eligible fresh, healthy food retailers to overcome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Community development financial institution The term community development financial institution has the meaning given the term in section 103 of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 ( 12 U.S.C. 4702 ). (2) Initiative The term Initiative means the Healthy Food Financing Initiative established under subsection (c)(1). (3) National fund manager The term national fund manager means a community development financial institution that is— (A) in existence on the date of enactment of this section; and (B) certified by the Community Development Financial Institution Fund of the Department of Treasury to manage the Initiative for purposes of— (i) raising private capital; (ii) providing financial and technical assistance to partnerships; and (iii) funding eligible projects to attract fresh, healthy food retailers to underserved areas, in accordance with this section. (4) Partnership The term partnership means a regional, State, or local public-private partnership that— (A) is organized to improve access to fresh, healthy foods; (B) provides financial and technical assistance to eligible projects; and (C) meets such other criteria as the Secretary may establish. (5) Perishable food The term perishable food means a staple food that is fresh, refrigerated, or frozen. (6) Quality job The term quality job means a job that provides wages and other benefits comparable to, or better than, similar positions in existing businesses of similar size in similar local economies. (7) Staple food (A) In general The term staple food means food that is a basic dietary item. (B) Inclusions The term staple food includes— (i) bread; (ii) flour; (iii) fruits; (iv) vegetables; and (v) meat. (c) Initiative (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish an initiative to achieve the purpose described in subsection (a) in accordance with this subsection. (2) Implementation (A) In general (i) In general In carrying out the Initiative, the Secretary shall provide funding to entities with eligible projects, as described in subparagraph (B), subject to the priorities described in subparagraph (C). (ii) Use of funds Funds provided to an entity pursuant to clause (i) shall be used— (I) to create revolving loan pools of capital or other products to provide loans to finance eligible projects or partnerships; (II) to provide grants for eligible projects or partnerships; (III) to provide technical assistance to funded projects and entities seeking Initiative funding; and (IV) to cover administrative expenses of the national fund manager in an amount not to exceed 10 percent of the Federal funds provided. (B) Eligible projects Subject to the approval of the Secretary, the national fund manager shall establish eligibility criteria for projects under the Initiative, which shall include the existence or planned execution of agreements— (i) to expand or preserve the availability of staple foods in underserved areas with moderate- and low-income populations by maintaining or increasing the number of retail outlets that offer an assortment of perishable food and staple food items, as determined by the Secretary, in those areas; and (ii) to accept benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ). (C) Priorities In carrying out the Initiative, priority shall be given to projects that— (i) are located in severely distressed low-income communities, as defined by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of the Department of Treasury; and (ii) include 1 or more of the following characteristics: (I) The project will create or retain quality jobs for low-income residents in the community. (II) The project supports regional food systems and locally grown foods, to the maximum extent practicable. (III) In areas served by public transit, the project is accessible by public transit. (IV) The project involves women- or minority-owned businesses. (V) The project receives funding from other sources, including other Federal agencies. (VI) The project otherwise advances the purpose of this section, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $125,000,000, to remain available until expended. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (6) by striking or at the end; (2) in paragraph (7) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (8) the authority of the Secretary to establish and carry out the Health Food Financing Initiative under section 242. . 4053. Review of sole-source contracts in Federal nutrition programs The Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of sole-source contracts in Federal nutrition programs, and the effect such contracts have on program participation, program goals, nonprogram consumers, retailers, and free market dynamics. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall report the findings of this review to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. 4054. Purchase of Halal and Kosher food for emergency food assistance program Section 202 of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 ( 7 U.S.C. 7502 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (h) Kosher and Halal food As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall finalize and implement a plan— (1) to increase the purchase of Kosher and Halal food from food manufacturers with a Kosher or Halal certification to carry out the program established under this Act if the Kosher and Halal food purchased is cost neutral as compared to food that is not from food manufacturers with a Kosher or Halal certification; and (2) to modify the labeling of the commodities list used to carry out the program in a manner that enables Kosher and Halal food bank operators to identify which commodities to obtain from local food banks. . V Credit A Farm ownership loans 5001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans (a) In general Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking (a) In general.— The and inserting the following: (a) In general (1) Eligibility requirements The ; (2) in the 1st sentence, by inserting after limited liability companies the following: , and such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; (3) in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1) through (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively; (4) in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking and limited liability companies each place it appears and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) in the 3rd sentence, by striking (3) and (4) and inserting (C) and (D) , respectively; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (2) Special deeming rules (A) Eligibility of certain operating-only entities An entity that is or will become only the operator of a family farm is deemed to meet the owner-operator requirements of paragraph (1) if the individuals that are the owners of the family farm own more than 50 percent (or such other percentage as the Secretary determines is appropriate) of the entity. (B) Eligibility of certain embedded entities An entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph (1), or an operator described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph that is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities, is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . (b) Direct farm ownership experience requirement Section 302(b)(1) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922(b)(1) ) is amended by inserting or has other acceptable experience for a period of time, as determined by the Secretary, after 3 years . (c) Conforming amendments (1) Section 304(c)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(c)(2) ) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 302(a) and inserting clauses (A) and (B) of section 302(a)(1) . (2) Section 310D of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1934 ) is amended— (A) by inserting after partnership the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; and (B) by striking or partners each place it appears and inserting partners, or owners . 5002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program (a) Eligibility Section 304(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(c) ) is amended by inserting after limited liability companies the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, . (b) Limitation on loan guarantee amount Section 304(e) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(e) ) is amended by striking 75 percent and inserting 90 percent . (c) Extension of program Section 304(h) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5003. Down payment loan program (a) In general Section 310E(b)(1)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1935(b)(1)(C) ) is amended by striking $500,000 and inserting $667,000 . (b) Technical correction Section 310E(b) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1935(b) ) is amended by striking the 2nd paragraph (2). 5004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement Section 307 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1927 ) is amended by striking subsection (d) and redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d). B Operating loans 5101. Eligibility for farm operating loans Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking (a) In general.— The and inserting the following: (a) In general (1) Eligibility requirements The ; (2) in the 1st sentence, by inserting after limited liability companies the following: , and such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; (3) in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1) through (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively; (4) in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking and limited liability companies each place it appears and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) in the 3rd sentence, by striking (3) and (4) and inserting (C) and (D) , respectively; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (2) Special deeming rule An entity that is an operator described in paragraph (1) that is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities, is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . 5102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth Section 311(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(b)(1) ) is amended by striking who are rural residents . 5103. Authority to waive personal liability for youth loans due to circumstances beyond borrower control Section 311(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(b) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) The Secretary may, on a case-by-case basis, waive the personal liability of a borrower for a loan made under this subsection if any default on the loan was due to circumstances beyond the control of the borrower. . 5104. Microloans (a) In general Section 313 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1943 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Microloans (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may establish a program to make or guarantee microloans. (2) Limitation The Secretary shall not make or guarantee a microloan under this subsection that exceeds $35,000 or that would cause the total principal indebtedness outstanding at any 1 time for microloans made under this chapter to any 1 borrower to exceed $70,000. (3) Applications To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall limit the administrative burdens and streamline the application and approval process for microloans under this subsection. (4) Cooperative lending projects (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may contract with community-based and nongovernmental organizations, State entities, or other intermediaries, as the Secretary determines appropriate— (i) to make or guarantee a microloan under this subsection; and (ii) to provide business, financial, marketing, and credit management services to borrowers. (B) Requirements Before contracting with an entity described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary— (i) shall review and approve— (I) the loan loss reserve fund for microloans established by the entity; and (II) the underwriting standards for microloans of the entity; and (ii) establish such other requirements for contracting with the entity as the Secretary determines necessary. . (b) Exceptions for direct loans Section 311(c)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(c)(2) ) is amended to read as follows: (2) Exceptions In this subsection, the term direct operating loan shall not include— (A) a loan made to a youth under subsection (b); or (B) a microloan made to a beginning farmer or rancher or a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ). . (c) Section 312(a) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1942(a) ) is amended by inserting (including a microloan, as defined by the Secretary) after A direct loan . (d) Section 316(a)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1946(a)(2) ) is amended by inserting a microloan to a beginning farmer or rancher or veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ), or after The interest rate on . C Emergency loans 5201. Eligibility for emergency loans Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1961(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking owner-operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle A) or operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B) each place it appears and inserting (in the case of farm ownership loans in accordance with subtitle A) owner-operators or operators, or (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B) operators ; (2) by inserting after limited liability companies the 1st place it appears the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems appropriate ; (3) by inserting after limited liability companies the 2nd place it appears the following: , or other legal entities ; (4) by striking and limited liability companies, and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) by striking ownership and operator and inserting ownership or operator ; and (6) by adding at the end the following: An entity that is an owner-operator or operator described in this subsection is deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under this subsection if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . D Administrative provisions 5301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program Section 333B(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983b(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5302. Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers (a) Conforming amendments relating to changes in eligibility rules Section 343(a)(11) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11) ) is amended— (1) by inserting after joint operation, the 1st place it appears the following: or such other legal entity as the Secretary deems appropriate, ; (2) by striking or joint operators each place it appears and inserting joint operators, or owners ; and (3) by inserting after joint operation, the 2nd and 3rd place it appears the following: or such other legal entity, . (b) Modification of acreage ownership limitation Section 343(a)(11)(F) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)(F) ) is amended by striking median acreage and inserting average acreage . 5303. Loan authorization levels Section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(1) ) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5304. Priority for participation loans Section 346(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(i) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (III) Priority In order to maximize the number of borrowers served under this clause, the Secretary— (aa) shall give priority to applicants who apply under the down payment loan program under section 310E or joint financing arrangements under section 307(a)(3)(D); and (bb) may offer other financing options under this subtitle to applicants only if the Secretary determines that down payment or other participation loan options are not a viable approach for the applicants. . 5305. Loan fund set-asides Section 346(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) ) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by striking of the total amount . 5306. Conforming amendment to borrower training provision, relating to eligibility changes Section 359(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2006a(c)(2) ) is amended by striking section 302(a)(2) or 311(a)(2) and inserting section 302(a)(1)(B) or 311(a)(1)(B) . E State agricultural mediation programs 5401. State agricultural mediation programs Section 506 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 ( 7 U.S.C. 5106 ) is amended by striking 2015 and inserting 2018 . F Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land 5501. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land The first section of Public Law 91–229 ( 25 U.S.C. 488 ) is amended in subsection (b)(1) by striking pursuant to section 205(c) of the Indian Land Consolidation Act ( 25 U.S.C. 2204(c) ) and inserting or to intermediaries in order to establish revolving loan funds for the purchase of highly fractionated land . VI Rural Development A Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 6001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants Section 306(a)(2)(B)(vii) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)(vii) ) is amended by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 6002. Rural business opportunity grants Section 306(a)(11)(D) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11)(D) ) is amended by striking $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 6003. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant program funds Section 306(a)(19) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (C). 6004. Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities Section 306(a)(24) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(24) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C) Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities The Secretary shall consider the benefits to communities that result from using loan guarantees in the Community Facilities Program and to the maximum extent possible utilize guarantees to enhance community involvement. . 6005. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program Section 306(a)(22) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22) ) is amended to read as follows: (22) Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program (A) In general The Secretary shall continue a national rural water and wastewater circuit rider program that— (i) is consistent with the activities and results of the program conducted before the date of enactment of this paragraph, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) receives funding from the Secretary, acting through the Rural Utilities Service. (B) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. . 6006. Tribal college and university essential community facilities Section 306(a)(25)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C) ) is amended by striking $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 6007. Essential community facilities technical assistance and training Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (26) Essential community facilities technical assistance and training (A) In general The Secretary may make grants to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations, such as States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and villages, boroughs, authorities, districts and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations which will serve rural areas for the purpose of enabling them to provide to associations described in this subsection technical assistance and training, with respect to essential community facilities programs authorized under this subsection, to— (i) assist communities in identifying and planning for community facility needs; (ii) identify public and private resources to finance community facilities needs; (iii) prepare reports and surveys necessary to request financial assistance to develop community facilities; (iv) prepare applications for financial assistance; (v) improve the management, including financial management, related to the operation of community facilities; or (vi) assist with other areas of need identified by the Secretary. (B) Selection priority In selecting recipients of grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to private, nonprofit, or public organizations that have experience in providing technical assistance and training to rural entities. (C) Funding Not less than 3 nor more than 5 percent of any funds appropriated to carry out each of the essential community facilities grant, loan and loan guarantee programs as authorized under this subsection for any fiscal year shall be reserved for grants under this paragraph. . 6008. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program Section 306A(i)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926a(i)(2) ) is amended by striking $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $27,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 6009. Household water well systems Section 306E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926e(d) ) is amended by striking $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 6010. Rural business and industry loan program (a) Flexibility for the business and loan program Section 310B(a)(2)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(a)(2)(A) ) is amended by inserting including working capital after employment . (b) Greater flexibility for adequate collateral through accounts receivable Section 310B(g)(7) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(7) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: In the discretion of the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that the action would not create or otherwise contribute to an unreasonable risk of default or loss to the Federal Government, the Secretary may take account receivables as security for the obligations entered into in connection with loans and a borrower may use account receivables as collateral to secure a loan made or guaranteed under this subsection. . (c) Regulations Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement the amendments made by this section. 6011. Rural cooperative development grants Section 310B(e)(12) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(12) ) is amended by striking $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 6012. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(v)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(v)(I) ) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by inserting and not more than 7 percent after 5 percent . 6013. Intermediary relending program (a) In general Subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922–1936a ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 310H. Intermediary relending program (a) In general The Secretary shall make loans to the entities, for the purposes, and subject to the terms and conditions specified in the 1st, 2nd, and last sentences of section 623(a) of the Community Economic Development Act of 1981 ( 42 U.S.C. 9812(a) ). (b) Limitations on authorization of appropriations For loans under subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Conforming amendments Section 1323(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( Public Law 99–198 ; 7 U.S.C. 1932 note) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by adding and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (3) by striking subparagraph (C). 6014. Rural college coordinated strategy Section 331 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1981 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Rural college coordinated strategy The Secretary shall develop a coordinated strategy across the relevant programs within the Rural Development mission areas to serve the specific, local needs of rural communities when making investments in rural community colleges and technical colleges through other current authorities. During the development of a coordinated strategy, the Secretary shall consult with groups representing rural-serving community colleges and technical colleges to coordinate critical investments in rural community colleges and technical colleges involved in workforce training. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to provide a priority for funding within current authorities. The Secretary shall use the coordinated strategy and information developed for the strategy to more effectively serve rural communities with respect to investments in community colleges and technical colleges. . 6015. Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983 ) is amended— (1) by striking require ; (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting require after (1) ; (3) in paragraph (2), by inserting , require after 314 ; (4) in paragraph (3), by inserting require after loans, ; (5) in paragraph (4)— (A) by inserting require after (4) ; and (B) by striking and after the semicolon; (6) in paragraph (5)— (A) by inserting require after (5) ; and (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (7) by adding at the end the following: (6) with respect to water and waste disposal direct and guaranteed loans provided under section 306, encourage, to the maximum extent practicable, private or cooperative lenders to finance rural water and waste disposal facilities by— (A) maximizing the use of loan guarantees to finance eligible projects in rural communities where the population exceeds 5,500; (B) maximizing the use of direct loans to finance eligible projects in rural communities where the impact on rate payers will be material when compared to financing with a loan guarantee; (C) establishing and applying a materiality standard when determining the difference in impact on rate payers between a direct loan and a loan guarantee; (D) in the case of projects that require interim financing in excess of $500,000, requiring that such projects initially seek such financing from private or cooperative lenders; and (E) determining if an existing direct loan borrower can refinance with a private or cooperative lender, including with a loan guarantee, prior to providing a new direct loan. . 6016. Simplified applications (a) In general Section 333A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983a ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (h) Simplified application forms Except as provided in subsection (g)(2) of this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, develop a simplified application process, including a single page application where possible, for grants and relending authorized under sections 306, 306C, 306D, 306E, 310B(b), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(f), 310H, 379B, and 379E. . (b) Report to the Congress Within 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 written report that contains an evaluation of the implementation of the amendment made by subsection (a). 6017. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008p(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6018. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program Section 379E(d)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008s(d)(2) ) is amended by striking $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 6019. Delta Regional Authority (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 382M(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009aa–12(a) ) is amended by striking $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Termination of authority Section 382N of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009aa–13 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6020. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 383N(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009bb–12(a) ) is amended by striking $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Termination of authority Section 383O of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009bb–13 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6021. Rural business investment program Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009cc–18 ) is amended by striking $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . B Rural Electrification Act of 1936 6101. Relending for certain purposes (a) In general The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. ) is amended— (1) in section 2(a), by inserting (including relending for this purpose as provided in section 4) after efficiency ; (2) in section 4(a), by inserting (including relending to ultimate consumers for this purpose by borrowers enumerated in the proviso in this section) after efficiency ; and (3) in section 313(b)(2)(B)— (A) by inserting (acting through the Rural Utilities Service) after Secretary ; and (B) by inserting energy efficiency (including relending to ultimate consumers for this purpose), after promoting . (b) Current authority The authority provided in this section is in addition to any other relending authority of the Secretary under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. ) or any other law. (c) Administration The Secretary (acting through the Rural Utilities Service) shall continue to carry out section 313 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c ) in the same manner as on the day before enactment of this Act until such time as any regulations necessary to carry out the amendments made by this section are fully implemented. 6102. Fees for certain loan guarantees The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. ) is amended by inserting after section 4 the following: 5. Fees for certain loan guarantees (a) In general For electrification baseload generation loan guarantees, the Secretary shall, at the request of the borrower, charge an upfront fee to cover the costs of the loan guarantee. (b) Fee The fee described in subsection (a) for a loan guarantee shall be equal to the costs of the loan guarantee (within the meaning of section 502(5)(C) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 ( 2 U.S.C. 661a(5)(C) )). (c) Limitation Funds received from a borrower to pay the fee described in this section shall not be derived from a loan or other debt obligation that is made or guaranteed by the Federal Government. . 6103. Rural utilities service contracting authority Section 18(c) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 918(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking Rural Electrification Administration each place it appears and inserting Rural Utilities Service ; and (2) in paragraph (4)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by inserting cooperative before agreements ; and (B) by inserting after the 1st sentence the following: A contract funded by a borrower that is to be paid for out of the general funds of the borrower is not a public contract within the meaning of title 41, United States Code. . 6104. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes Section 313A(f) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c–1(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6105. Expansion of 911 access Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940e(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6106. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 950bb ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Priorities In making or guaranteeing loans under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give— (A) the highest priority to applicants that offer to provide broadband service to the greatest proportion of households that, prior to the provision of the broadband service, had no incumbent service provider; and (B) priority to applicants that offer in their applications to provide broadband service not predominantly for business service, but where at least 25 percent of customers in the proposed service territory are commercial interests. ; (2) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (5)— (i) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); (ii) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting a semicolon; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (D) the amount and type of support requested; and (E) a list of the census block groups or tracts proposed to be so served. ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (8) Additional process The Secretary shall establish a process under which an incumbent service provider which, as of the date of the publication of notice under paragraph (5) with respect to an application submitted by the provider, is providing broadband service to a remote rural area, may (but shall not be required to) submit to the Secretary, not less than 15 and not more than 30 days after that date, information regarding the broadband services that the provider offers in the proposed service territory, so that the Secretary may assess whether the application meets the requirements of this section with respect to eligible projects. ; (3) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following: (3) Requirement In considering the technology needs of customers in a proposed service territory, the Secretary shall take into consideration the upgrade or replacement cost for the construction or acquisition of facilities and equipment in the territory. ; and (4) in each of subsections (k)(1) and (l), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Miscellaneous 6201. Distance learning and telemedicine (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 2335A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa–5 ) is amended by striking $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2012 and inserting $65,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Conforming amendment Section 1(b) of Public Law 102–551 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6202. Value-added agricultural market development program grants Section 231(b)(7) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 1632a(b)(7) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by striking 2008 and inserting 2013 ; and (B) by striking $15,000,000 and inserting $50,000,000 ; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6203. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program Section 6402(i) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1632b(i) ) is amended by striking $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 6204. Program metrics (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture shall collect data regarding economic activities created through grants and loans, including any technical assistance provided as a component of the grant or loan program, and measure the short and long term viability of award recipients and any entities to whom those recipients provide assistance using award funds under section 231 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 106–224 ), section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107 ), section 313(b)(2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c(b)(2) ), or section 306(a)(11), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(g), 310H, or 379E, or subtitle E, of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11) , 1932(c), 1932(e), 1932(g), 2008s, or 2009 through 2009m). (b) Data The data collected under subsection (a) shall include information collected from recipients both during the award period and after the period as determined by the Secretary, but not less than 2 years after the award period ends. (c) Report Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years 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 report that contains the data described in subsection (a). The report shall include detailed information regarding— (1) actions taken by the Secretary to utilize the data; (2) the number of jobs, including self-employment and the value of salaries and wages; (3) how the provision of funds from the grant or loan involved affected the local economy; (4) any benefit, such as an increase in revenue or customer base; and (5) such other information as the Secretary deems appropriate. 6205. Study of rural transportation issues (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation shall publish an updated version of the study described in section 6206 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (as amended by subsection (b)). (b) Addition to study Section 6206(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1971) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) the sufficiency of infrastructure along waterways in the United States and the impact of such infrastructure on the movement of agricultural goods in terms of safety, efficiency and speed, as well as the benefits derived through upgrades and repairs to locks and dams. . (c) Report to congress Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the Congress the updated version of the study required by subsection (a). 6206. Certain Federal actions not to be considered major In the case of a loan, loan guarantee, or grant program in the rural development mission area of the Department of Agriculture, an action of the Secretary before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act that does not involve the provision by the Department of Agriculture of Federal dollars or a Federal loan guarantee, including— (1) the approval by the Department of Agriculture of the decision of a borrower to commence a privately funded activity; (2) a lien accommodation or subordination; (3) a debt settlement or restructuring; or (4) the restructuring of a business entity by a borrower, shall not be considered a major Federal action. 6207. Telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas Section 2333(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa-2(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking and at the end of paragraph (12); and (2) by redesignating paragraph (13) as paragraph (14) and inserting after paragraph (12) the following: (13) whether the applicant for assistance is located in a designated health professional shortage area (within the meaning of section 332 of the Public Health Service Act) . 6208. Regional economic and infrastructure development Section 15751 of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking Not more than and inserting the following: (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), not more than ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (2) Limited funding In a case in which less than $10,000,000 is made available to a Commission for a fiscal year under this section, paragraph (1) shall not apply. . VII Research, Extension, and Related Matters A National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 7101. Option to be included as non-land-grant college of agriculture Section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraph: (5) Cooperating forestry school (A) In general The term cooperating forestry school means an institution— (i) that is eligible to receive funds under the Act of October 10, 1962 ( 16 U.S.C. 582a et seq. ), commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962; and (ii) with respect to which the Secretary has not received a declaration of the intent of that institution to not be considered a cooperating forestry school. (B) Termination of declaration A declaration of the intent of an institution to not be considered a cooperating forestry school submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect until September 30, 2018. ; and (2) in paragraph (10)— (A) in subparagraph (A)— (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking that ; (ii) in clause (i)— (I) by inserting that before qualify ; and (II) by striking and at the end; (iii) in clause (ii)— (I) by inserting that before offer ; and (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) with respect to which the Secretary has not received a statement of the declaration of the intent of a college or university to not be considered a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university. ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Termination of declaration of intent A declaration of the intent of a college or university to not be considered a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect until September 30, 2018. . 7102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (a) Extension of termination date Section 1408(h) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Duties of National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board Section 1408(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) consult with industry groups on agricultural research, extension, education, and economics, and make recommendations to the Secretary based on that consultation. . 7103. Specialty crop committee Section 1408A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking Measures and inserting Programs ; (2) by striking paragraph (2); (3) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and (4) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Programs that would and inserting Research, extension, and teaching programs designed to improve competitiveness in the specialty crop industry, including programs that would ; (B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting , including improving the quality and taste of processed specialty crops before the semicolon; and (C) in subparagraph (G), by inserting the remote sensing and the before mechanization . 7104. Veterinary services grant program The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1415A ( 7 U.S.C. 3151a ) the following new section: 1415B. Veterinary services grant program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Qualified entity The term qualified entity means— (A) a for-profit or nonprofit entity located in the United States that, or an individual who, operates a veterinary clinic providing veterinary services— (i) in a rural area, as defined in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a) ); and (ii) in a veterinarian shortage situation; (B) a State, national, allied, or regional veterinary organization or specialty board recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association; (C) a college or school of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association; (D) a university research foundation or veterinary medical foundation; (E) a department of veterinary science or department of comparative medicine accredited by the Department of Education; (F) a State agricultural experiment station; or (G) a State, local, or tribal government agency. (2) Veterinarian shortage situation The term veterinarian shortage situation means a veterinarian shortage situation as determined by the Secretary under section 1415A. (b) Establishment (1) Competitive grants The Secretary shall carry out a program to make competitive grants to qualified entities that carry out programs or activities described in paragraph (2) for the purpose of developing, implementing, and sustaining veterinary services. (2) Eligibility requirements A qualified entity shall be eligible to receive a grant described in paragraph (1) if the entity carries out programs or activities that the Secretary determines will— (A) substantially relieve veterinarian shortage situations; (B) support or facilitate private veterinary practices engaged in public health activities; or (C) support or facilitate the practices of veterinarians who are providing or have completed providing services under an agreement entered into with the Secretary under section 1415A(a)(2). (c) Award processes and preferences (1) Application, evaluation, and input processes In administering the grant program established under this section, the Secretary shall— (A) use an appropriate application and evaluation process, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) seek the input of interested persons. (2) Coordination preference In selecting recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes described in subsection (d)(1), the Secretary shall give a preference to qualified entities that provide documentation of coordination with other qualified entities, with respect to any such purpose. (3) Consideration of available funds In selecting recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes described in subsection (d), the Secretary shall take into consideration the amount of funds available for grants and the purposes for which the grant funds will be used. (4) Nature of grants A grant awarded under this section shall be considered to be a competitive research, extension, or education grant. (d) Use of grants To relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a qualified entity may use funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services for any of the following purposes: (A) To promote recruitment (including for programs in secondary schools), placement, and retention of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students of veterinary medicine, and students of veterinary technology. (B) To allow veterinary students, veterinary interns, externs, fellows, and residents, and veterinary technician students to cover expenses (other than the types of expenses described in section 1415A(c)(5)) to attend training programs in food safety or food animal medicine. (C) To establish or expand accredited veterinary education programs (including faculty recruitment and retention), veterinary residency and fellowship programs, or veterinary internship and externship programs carried out in coordination with accredited colleges of veterinary medicine. (D) To provide continuing education and extension, including veterinary telemedicine and other distance-based education, for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other health professionals needed to strengthen veterinary programs and enhance food safety. (E) To provide technical assistance for the preparation of applications submitted to the Secretary for designation as a veterinarian shortage situation under this section or section 1415A. (2) Qualified entities operating veterinary clinics A qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) may only use funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to establish or expand veterinary practices, including— (A) equipping veterinary offices; (B) sharing in the reasonable overhead costs of such veterinary practices, as determined by the Secretary; or (C) establishing mobile veterinary facilities in which a portion of the facilities will address education or extension needs. (e) Special requirements for certain grants (1) Terms of service requirements (A) In general Funds provided through a grant made under this section to a qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) and used by such entity under subsection (d)(2) shall be subject to an agreement between the Secretary and such entity that includes a required term of service for such entity (including a qualified entity operating as an individual), as prospectively established by the Secretary. (B) Considerations In establishing a term of service under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider only— (i) the amount of the grant awarded; and (ii) the specific purpose of the grant. (2) Breach remedies (A) In general An agreement under paragraph (1) shall provide remedies for any breach of the agreement by the qualified entity referred to in paragraph (1)(A), including repayment or partial repayment of the grant funds, with interest. (B) Waiver The Secretary may grant a waiver of the repayment obligation for breach of contract if the Secretary determines that such qualified entity demonstrates extreme hardship or extreme need. (C) Treatment of amounts recovered Funds recovered under this paragraph shall— (i) be credited to the account available to carry out this section; and (ii) remain available until expended without further appropriation. (f) Prohibition on use of grant funds for construction Except as provided in subsection (d)(2), funds made available for grants under this section may not be used— (1) to construct a new building or facility; or (2) to acquire, expand, remodel, or alter an existing building or facility, including site grading and improvement and architect fees. (g) Regulations Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this section. (h) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended. . 7105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education Section 1417(m) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3152(m) ) is amended by striking section $60,000,000 and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1990 through 2013; and (2) $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7106. Policy research centers Section 1419A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3155 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting Agricultural and food before policy ; (2) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1)— (A) by striking Secretary may and inserting Secretary shall, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, ; (B) by striking make grants, competitive grants, and special research grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements and other contracting instruments with, and inserting make competitive grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, ; and (C) by inserting with a history of providing unbiased, nonpartisan economic analysis to Congress after subsection (b) ; (3) in subsection (b), by striking other research institutions and all that follows through shall be eligible and inserting and other public research institutions and organizations shall be eligible ; (4) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; (5) by inserting after subsection (b), the following new subsection: (c) Preference In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give a preference to policy research centers that have extensive databases, models, and demonstrated experience in providing Congress with agricultural market projections, rural development analysis, agricultural policy analysis, and baseline projections at the farm, multiregional, national, and international levels. ; and (6) by striking subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)) and inserting the following new subsection: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7107. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program Effective October 1, 2013, section 1424 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3174 ) is repealed. 7108. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research Effective October 1, 2013, section 1424A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3174a ) is repealed. 7109. Nutrition education program Section 1425(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3175(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7110. Continuing animal health and disease research programs Section 1433 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3195 ) is amended by striking the section designation and heading and all that follows through subsection (a) and inserting the following: 1433. Appropriations for continuing animal health and disease research programs (a) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to support continuing animal health and disease research programs at eligible institutions— (A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Use of funds Funds made available under this section shall be used— (A) to meet the expenses of conducting animal health and disease research, publishing and disseminating the results of such research, and contributing to the retirement of employees subject to the Act of March 4, 1940 ( 7 U.S.C. 331 ); (B) for administrative planning and direction; and (C) to purchase equipment and supplies necessary for conducting the research described in subparagraph (A). . 7111. Repeal of appropriations for research on national or regional problems (a) Repeal Effective October 1, 2013, section 1434 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3196 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendments (1) Matching funds Section 1438 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3200 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking , exclusive of the funds provided for research on specific national or regional animal health and disease problems under the provisions of section 1434 of this title, . (2) Authorization of appropriations for existing and certain new agricultural research programs Section 1463(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3311(c) ) is amended by striking sections 1433 and 1434 and inserting section 1433 . 7112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions (a) Supporting tropical and subtropical agricultural research (1) In general Section 1447B(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(a) ) is amended to read as follows: (a) Purpose It is the intent of Congress to assist the land-grant colleges and universities in the insular areas in efforts to— (1) acquire, alter, or repair facilities or relevant equipment necessary for conducting agricultural research; and (2) support tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research. . (2) Conforming amendment Section 1447B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2 ) is amended in the heading— (A) by inserting and support tropical and subtropical agricultural research after equipment ; and (B) by striking institutions and inserting colleges and universities . (b) Extension Section 1447B(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers Effective October 1, 2013, section 1448 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222c ) is repealed. 7115. Hispanic-serving institutions Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3241(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7116. Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth Section 1456(e)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3243(e)(1) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a competitive grants program— (A) to fund fundamental and applied research and extension at Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities in agriculture, human nutrition, food science, bioenergy, and environmental science; and (B) to award competitive grants to Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities to provide for training in the food and agricultural sciences of Hispanic agricultural workers and Hispanic youth working in the food and agricultural sciences. . 7117. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs Section 1459A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3292b(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7118. Repeal of research equipment grants Effective October 1, 2013, section 1462A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3310a ) is repealed. 7119. University research Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3311 ) is amended in both of subsections (a) and (b) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7120. Extension service Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3312 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7121. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements Section 1469 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3315 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2), by adding and at the end; (B) by striking paragraph (3); and (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3); (2) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsections: (b) Administrative expenses (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may retain not more than 4 percent of amounts made available for agricultural research, extension, and teaching assistance programs for the administration of those programs authorized under this Act or any other Act. (2) Exceptions The limitation on administrative expenses under paragraph (1) shall not apply to peer panel expenses under subsection (d) or any other provision of law related to the administration of agricultural research, extension, and teaching assistance programs that contains a limitation on administrative expenses that is less than the limitation under paragraph (1). (c) Agreements with non-Federal entities (1) Former agricultural research facilities of the Department To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary, for purposes of supporting ongoing research and information dissemination activities, including supporting research and those activities through co-locating scientists and other technical personnel, sharing of laboratory and field equipment, and providing financial support, shall enter into grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with former Department of Agriculture agricultural research facilities. (2) Agreements with agricultural research organizations The Secretary, for purposes of receiving from a non-Federal agricultural research organization support for agricultural research, including staffing, laboratory and field equipment, or direct financial assistance, may enter into grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with a non-Federal agricultural research organization, the operation of which is consistent with the research mission and programs of an agricultural research facility of the Department of Agriculture. . 7122. Supplemental and alternative crops (a) Authorization of appropriations and termination Section 1473D of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319d ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Competitive grants Section 1473D(c)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319d(c)(1) ) is amended by striking use such research funding, special or competitive grants, or other means, as the Secretary determines, and inserting make competitive grants . 7123. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions Section 1473F(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319i(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7124. Aquaculture assistance programs (a) Competitive grants Section 1475(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3322(b) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting competitive before grants . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 1477 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3324 ) is amended to read as follows: 1477. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle— (1) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (b) Prohibition on use Funds made available under this section may not be used to acquire or construct a building. . 7125. Rangeland research programs Section 1483(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3336(a) ) is amended by striking subtitle and all that follows and inserting the following: subtitle— (1) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7126. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response Section 1484(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3351(a) ) is amended by striking response such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: response— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7127. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education (a) Distance education grants for insular areas (1) Competitive grants Section 1490(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3362(a) ) is amended by striking or noncompetitive . (2) Authorization of appropriations Section 1490(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3362(f) ) is amended by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Resident instruction grants for insular areas Section 1491(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3363(c) ) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7128. Matching funds requirement (a) In general The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle: P General Provisions 1492. Matching funds requirement (a) In general The recipient of a competitive grant that is awarded by the Secretary under a covered law shall provide funds, in-kind contributions, or a combination of both, from sources other than funds provided through such grant in an amount at least equal to the amount of such grant. (b) Exception The matching funds requirement under subsection (a) shall not apply to grants awarded— (1) to a research agency of the Department of Agriculture; or (2) to an entity eligible to receive funds under a capacity and infrastructure program (as defined in section 251(f)(1)(C) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C) )), including a partner of such entity. (c) Covered law In this section, the term covered law means each of the following provisions of law: (1) This title. (2) Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5801 et seq. ). (3) The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7601 et seq. ). (4) Part III of subtitle E of title VII of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 3202 et seq. ). (5) The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i ). . (b) Conforming amendment Paragraph (9) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (B); (2) in the heading, by inserting for equipment grants after funds ; (3) by striking (A) Equipment grants.— ; and (4) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and moving the margins of such subparagraphs two ems to the left. (c) Application to amendments (1) New grants Section 1492 of the National Agricultural, Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to grants described in such section awarded after October 1, 2013, unless the provision of a covered law under which such grants are awarded specifically exempts such grants from the matching funds requirement under such section. (2) Existing grants A matching funds requirement in effect on or before October 1, 2013, under a covered law shall continue to apply to a grant awarded under such provision of law on or before that date. 7129. Sense of Congress regarding expansion of the land grant program to include enhanced funding and additional institutions It is the sense of the Congress that— (1) institutions of higher education designated under the Act of August 30, 1890 (commonly known, and referred to in this section, as the Second Morrill Act ; 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq. ) have played an integral role in the education and advancement of agriculture and mechanic arts for over a century; (2) in addition to those institutions, a number of colleges and universities have fulfilled similar and parallel missions in successfully training and graduating generations of students who have gone on to be leaders in their field; (3) the colleges and universities, both with and without designation under the Second Morrill Act, fulfill a vital role to the future of industry, opportunities for increased job creation, and the strength of agriculture in the United States; (4) Congress must ensure that the United States’ higher education framework and policies meet the needs of young individuals in the United States, and that students from across the country are able to choose from a variety of institutions and programs that will equip them with the skills and training necessary to achieve their individual goals; and (5) as Congress and the agricultural community generally consider policies and approaches to improve research, extension, and education in the agricultural sciences, expansion of the land grant program under the Second Morrill Act to include enhanced funding and additional institutions should be considered. B Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 7201. Best utilization of biological applications Section 1624 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5814 ) is amended in the first sentence— (1) by striking $40,000,000 for each fiscal year ; and (2) by inserting $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018 after chapter . 7202. Integrated management systems Section 1627(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5821(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018. . 7203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program Section 1628(f) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5831(f) ) is amended to read as follows: (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7204. National training program Section 1629(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5832(i) ) is amended to read as follows: (i) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the National Training Program $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018. . 7205. National Genetics Resources Program Section 1635(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5844(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking such funds as may be necessary ; and (2) by striking subtitle and all that follows and inserting the following: subtitle— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7206. Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System Effective October 1, 2013, subtitle D of title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5851 et seq. ) is repealed. 7207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program Effective October 1, 2013, section 1670 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5923 ) is repealed. 7208. Repeal of agricultural genome initiative Effective October 1, 2013, section 1671 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5924 ) is repealed. 7209. High-priority research and extension initiatives Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925 ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking subsections (e) through (i) and inserting subsections (e), (f), and (g) ; (2) in subsection (b)(2), in the first sentence, by striking subsections (e) through (i) and inserting subsections (e), (f), and (g) ; (3) by striking subsections (e), (f), and (i); (4) by redesignating subsections (g), (h), and (j) as subsections (e), (f), and (h), respectively; (5) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))— (A) by striking 2012 each place it appears in paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3) and inserting 2018 ; and (B) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting and honey bee health disorders after collapse ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting , including best management practices after strategies ; (6) by inserting after subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)) the following new subsection: (g) Coffee plant health initiative (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a coffee plant health initiative to address the critical needs of the coffee industry by— (A) developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat the coffee berry borer ( Hypothenemus hampei ); and (B) establishing an area-wide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of, being affected by the coffee berry borer. (2) Eligible entities The Secretary may carry out the coffee plant health initiative through— (A) Federal agencies, including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture; (B) National Laboratories; (C) institutions of higher education; (D) research institutions or organizations; (E) private organizations or corporations; (F) State agricultural experiment stations; (G) individuals; or (H) groups consisting of 2 or more entities or individuals described in subparagraphs (A) through (G). (3) Project grants and cooperative agreements In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities, as appropriate; and (B) award grants on a competitive basis. (4) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (7) in subsection (h) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension initiative Effective October 1, 2013, section 1672A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925a ) is repealed. 7211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following new subsection: (e) Farm business management encouraged Following the completion of a peer review process for grant proposals received under this section, the Secretary shall give a priority to grant proposals found in the review process to be scientifically meritorious using the same criteria the Secretary uses to give priority to grants under section 1672D(b). ; and (2) in subsection (f) — (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2009 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (ii) by striking 2009 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 7212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative (a) Repeal Effective October 1, 2013, section 1672C of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925e ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D) ) is amended— (1) by striking clause (xi); and (2) by redesignating clauses (xii) and (xiii) as clauses (xi) and (xii), respectively. 7213. Farm business management Section 1672D(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925f(d) ) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary to carry out this section. and inserting the following: to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7214. Centers of excellence The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 1672D ( 7 U.S.C. 5925f ) the following new section: 1673. Centers of excellence (a) Funding priorities The Secretary shall prioritize centers of excellence established for specific agricultural commodities for the receipt of funding for any competitive research or extension program administered by the Secretary. (b) Composition A center of excellence is composed of 1 or more of the eligible entities specified in subsection (b)(7) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7) ) that provide financial or in-kind support to the center of excellence. (c) Criteria for centers of excellence (1) Required efforts The criteria for consideration to be recognized as a center of excellence shall include efforts— (A) to ensure coordination and cost effectiveness by reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts regarding research, teaching, and extension; (B) to leverage available resources by using public/private partnerships among agricultural industry groups, institutions of higher education, and the Federal Government; (C) to implement teaching initiatives to increase awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to target audiences through extension activities; and (D) to increase the economic returns to rural communities by identifying, attracting, and directing funds to high-priority agricultural issues. (2) Additional efforts Where practicable, the criteria for consideration to be recognized as a center of excellence shall include efforts to improve teaching capacity and infrastructure at colleges and universities (including land-grant institutions, schools of forestry, schools of veterinary medicine, and NLGCA Institutions). . 7215. Repeal of red meat safety research center Effective October 1, 2013, section 1676 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5929 ) is repealed. 7216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities Section 1680(c)(1) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5933(c)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking is and inserting are ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (A) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (B) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7217. National rural information center clearinghouse Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125b(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 7301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department Section 103(a)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7613(a)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading by striking Merit review of extension and inserting Relevance and merit review of research, extension, ; (2) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by inserting relevance and before merit ; and (B) by striking extension or education and inserting research, extension, or education ; and (3) in subparagraph (B), by inserting on a continuous basis after procedures . 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program Section 406(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7626(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7303. Repeal of coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations (a) Repeal Effective October 1, 2013, section 407 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7627 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D) ), as amended by section 7212(b), is further amended— (1) by striking clause (xi) (as redesignated by section 7212(b)); and (2) by redesignating clause (xii) (as redesignated by section 7212(b)) as clause (xi). 7304. Fusarium Graminearum grants Section 408(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7628(e) ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7305. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program Effective October 1, 2013, section 409 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7629 ) is repealed. 7306. Grants for youth organizations Section 410(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7630(d) ) is amended by striking section such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7307. Specialty crop research initiative Section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking and genomics and inserting genomics, and other methods ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting handling and processing, after production efficiency, ; (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following new subsection: (d) Research projects In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall award competitive grants on the basis of— (1) an initial scientific peer review conducted by a panel of subject matter experts from Federal agencies, non-Federal entities, and the specialty crop industry; and (2) a final funding determination made by the Secretary based on a review and ranking for merit, relevance, and impact conducted by a panel of specialty crop industry representatives for the specific specialty crop. ; and (3) in subsection (h)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking (1) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2008 through 2012.— Of the funds and inserting the following: (1) Mandatory funding (A) Fiscal years 2008 through 2012 Of the funds ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Subsequent funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section— (i) $50,000,000 for fiscal years 2014 and 2015; (ii) $55,000,000 for fiscal years 2016 and 2017; and (iii) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter. ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the heading, by striking 2008 Through 2012 and inserting 2014 Through 2018 ; and (ii) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 7308. Food animal residue avoidance database program Section 604(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7642(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7309. Repeal of national swine research center Effective October 1, 2013, section 612 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( Public Law 105–185 ; 112 Stat. 605) is repealed. 7310. Office of pest management policy Section 614(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7653(f) ) is amended— (1) by striking such sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7311. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and education Effective October 1, 2013, subtitle C of title VI of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7671 et seq. ) is repealed. D Other Laws 7401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act Section 16(a) of the Critical Agricultural Materials Act ( 7 U.S.C. 178n(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking such sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking Act and all that follows and inserting the following: Act— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (a) Definition of 1994 institutions Section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (8), by striking Memorial ; (2) in paragraph (26), by striking Community ; (3) by striking paragraphs (5), (10), and (27); (4) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (6), (7), (8), (9), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), (23), (24), (25), (26), (28), (29), (30), (31), (32), (33), and (34) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (7), (8), (9), (5), (10), (15), (17), (18), (19), (20), (22), (23), (24), (25), (32), (26), (27), (28), (29), (30), (31), (33), (34), (35), and (14), respectively, and transferring the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order; (5) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (1) Aaniih Nakoda College. ; (6) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (6) College of the Muscogee Nation. ; (7) by inserting after paragraph (15) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph: (16) Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College. ; and (8) by inserting after paragraph (20) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph: (21) Navajo Technical College. . (b) Endowment for 1994 institutions Section 533(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (c) Institutional Capacity Building Grants Section 535 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c) and inserting 2018 . (d) Research grants (1) Authorization of appropriations Section 536(c) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (2) Research grant requirements Section 536(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended by striking with at least 1 other land-grant college or university and all that follows and inserting the following: with— (1) the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture; or (2) at least 1— (A) other land-grant college or university (exclusive of another 1994 Institution); (B) non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 )); or (C) cooperating forestry school (as defined in that section). . 7403. Research Facilities Act Section 6(a) of the Research Facilities Act ( 7 U.S.C. 390d(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7404. Repeal of carbon cycle research Effective October 1, 2013, section 221 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 6711 ) is repealed. 7405. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (a) Extension Subsection (b)(11)(A) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(11)(A) ) is amended in the matter preceding clause (i) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Priority areas Subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) in clause (vi), by striking and at the end; (B) in clause (vii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new clause: (viii) plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern (as determined by the Secretary). ; (2) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in clause (vii), by striking and at the end; (B) in clause (viii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following new clauses: (ix) the research and development of surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, or diagnostic tests for pests and diseases (especially zoonotic diseases) in wildlife reservoirs presenting a potential concern to public health or domestic livestock and pests and diseases in minor species (including deer, elk, and bison); and (x) the identification of animal drug needs and the generation and dissemination of data for safe and effective therapeutic applications of animal drugs for minor species and minor uses of such drugs in major species. ; (3) in subparagraph (C)— (A) in clause (ii), by inserting before the semicolon , including the effects of plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern on diet and health ; (B) in clause (iii), by inserting before the semicolon , including plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern ; (C) in clause (iv), by inserting before the semicolon , including postharvest practices conducted with respect to plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern ; and (D) in clause (v), by inserting before the period , including improving the functionality of plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern ; (4) in subparagraph (D)— (A) by redesignating clauses (iv), (v), and (vi) as clauses (v), (vi), and (vii), respectively; and (B) by inserting after clause (iii) the following new clause: (iv) the effectiveness of conservation practices and technologies designed to address nutrient losses and improve water quality; ; and (5) in subparagraph (F)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting economics, after trade, ; (B) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi) as clauses (vi) and (vii), respectively; and (C) by inserting after clause (iv) the following new clause: (v) the economic costs, benefits, and viability of producers adopting conservation practices and technologies designed to improve water quality; . (c) General administration Subsection (b)(4) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(4) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) establish procedures under which a commodity board established under a commodity promotion law (as such term is defined under section 501(a) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401(a) )) or a State commodity board (or other equivalent State entity) may directly submit to the Secretary proposals for requests for applications to specifically address particular issues related to the priority areas specified in paragraph (2). . (d) Special considerations Subsection (b)(6) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(6) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) to eligible entities to carry out the specific research proposals submitted under procedures established under paragraph (4)(F). . (e) Eligible entities Subsection (b)(7)(G) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7)(G) ) is amended by striking or corporations and inserting , foundations, or corporations . (f) Inter-Regional Research Project Number 4 Subsection (e) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking minor use pesticides and inserting pesticides for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops (as defined in section 3 of the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note)), ; and (2) in paragraph (4)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting and for use on specialty crops after minor agricultural use ; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (G); and (D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraphs: (C) prioritize potential pest management technology for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops; (D) conduct research to develop the data necessary to facilitate pesticide registrations, reregistrations, and associated tolerances; (E) assist in removing trade barriers caused by residues of pesticides registered for minor agricultural use and for use on domestically grown specialty crops; (F) assist in the registration and reregistration of pest management technologies for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops; and . (g) Emphasis on sustainable agriculture The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i ) is amended by striking subsection (k). 7406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 6 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1675 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Termination date Section 8 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1671 note; Public Law 95–306 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980 Section 10 of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 ( 16 U.S.C. 2809 ) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . 7408. Repeal of use of remote sensing data Effective October 1, 2013, section 892 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 5935 ) is repealed. 7409. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (a) Repeal of report on producers and handlers for organic products Effective October 1, 2013, section 7409 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b note; Public Law 107–171 ) is repealed. (b) Repeal of report on genetically modified pest-Protected plants Effective October 1, 2013, section 7410 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( Public Law 107–171 ; 116 Stat. 462) is repealed. (c) Repeal of study on nutrient banking Effective October 1, 2013, section 7411 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925a note; Public Law 107–171 ) is repealed. 7410. Beginning farmer and rancher development program Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraphs (A) through (R) and inserting the following new subparagraphs: (A) basic livestock, forest management, and crop farming practices; (B) innovative farm, ranch, and private, nonindustrial forest land transfer strategies; (C) entrepreneurship and business training; (D) financial and risk management training (including the acquisition and management of agricultural credit); (E) natural resource management and planning; (F) diversification and marketing strategies; (G) curriculum development; (H) mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships; (I) resources and referral; (J) farm financial benchmarking; (K) assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers; (L) agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training for veterans; and (M) other similar subject areas of use to beginning farmers or ranchers. ; (B) in paragraph (7), by striking and community-based organizations and inserting , community-based organizations, and school-based agricultural educational organizations ; (C) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following new paragraph: (8) Military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers (A) In general Not less than 5 percent of the funds used to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year shall be used to support programs and services that address the needs of military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers. (B) Coordination permitted A recipient of a grant under this section using the grant as described in subparagraph (A) may coordinate with a recipient of a grant under section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5933 ) in addressing the needs of military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers with disabilities. ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (11) Limitation on indirect costs A recipient of a grant under this section may not use more than 10 percent of the funds provided by the grant for the indirect costs of carrying out the initiatives described in paragraph (1). ; (2) in subsection (h)(1)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. ; and (3) in subsection (h)(2)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (B) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 7411. Inclusion of American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands as a State under McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act Section 8 of Public Law 87–788 (commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; 16 U.S.C. 582a–7 ) is amended by striking and Guam and inserting Guam, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands . E Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 1 Agricultural Security 7501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center Section 14112(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8912(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response Section 14113 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8913 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) by striking such sums as may be necessary ; and (B) by striking subsection and all that follows and inserting the following: subsection— (A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection and all that follows and inserting the following: are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection— (A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures Section 14121(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8921(b) ) is amended by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section and all that follows and inserting the following: are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program Section 14122(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8922(e) ) is amended— (1) by striking sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013, to remain available until expended; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. . 2 Miscellaneous 7511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program Section 308 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(6)(A), by striking 5 years and inserting 10 years ; and (2) in subsection (d)(2), by striking 1, 3, and 5 years and inserting 6, 8, and 10 years . 7512. Grazinglands research laboratory Section 7502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2019) is amended by striking 5-year period and inserting 10-year period . 7513. Budget submission and funding Section 7506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7614c ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection: (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered program The term covered program means— (A) each research program carried out by the Agricultural Research Service or the Economic Research Service for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President; and (B) each competitive program carried out by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President. (2) Request for awards The term request for awards means a funding announcement published by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture that provides detailed information on funding opportunities at the Institute, including the purpose, eligibility, restriction, focus areas, evaluation criteria, regulatory information, and instructions on how to apply for such opportunities. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (e) Additional Presidential budget submission requirement (1) In general Each year, the President shall submit to Congress, together with the annual budget submission of the President, the information described in paragraph (2) for each funding request for a covered program. (2) Information described The information described in this paragraph includes— (A) baseline information, including with respect to each covered program— (i) the funding level for the program for the fiscal year preceding the year the annual budget submission of the President is submitted; (ii) the funding level requested in the annual budget submission of the President, including any increase or decrease in the funding level; and (iii) an explanation justifying any change from the funding level specified in clause (i) to the level specified in clause (ii); (B) with respect to each covered program that is carried out by the Economic Research Service or the Agricultural Research Service, the location and staff years of the program; (C) the proposed funding levels to be allocated to, and the expected publication date, scope, and allocation level for, each request for awards to be published under or associated with— (i) each priority area specified in subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2) ); (ii) each research and extension project carried out under section 1621(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5811(a) ); (iii) each grant to be awarded under section 1672B(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b(a) ); (iv) each grant awarded under section 412(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632(d) ); and (v) each grant awarded under 7405(c)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f(c)(1) ); or (D) any other information the Secretary determines will increase congressional oversight with respect to covered programs. (3) Prohibition Unless the President submits the information described in paragraph (2)(C) for a fiscal year, the President may not carry out any program during the fiscal year that is authorized under— (A) subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b) ); (B) section 1621 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5811 ); (C) section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b ); (D) section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632 ); or (E) section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f ). (f) Report of the Secretary of Agriculture Each year on a date that is not later than the date on which the President submits the annual budget, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing a description of the agricultural research, extension, and education activities carried out by the Federal Government during the fiscal year that immediately precedes the year for which the report is submitted, including— (1) a review of the extent to which those activities— (A) are duplicative or overlap within the Department of Agriculture; or (B) are similar to activities carried out by— (i) other Federal agencies; (ii) the States (including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and other territories or possessions of the United States); (iii) institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )); or (iv) the private sector; and (2) for each report submitted under this section on or after January 1, 2013, a 5-year projection of national priorities with respect to agricultural research, extension, and education, taking into account domestic needs. . 7514. Research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria Section 7521(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 3202(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7515. Repeal of farm and ranch stress assistance network Effective October 1, 2013, section 7522 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5936 ) is repealed. 7516. Repeal of seed distribution Effective October 1, 2013, section 7523 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 415–1 ) is repealed. 7517. Natural products research program Section 7525(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5937(e) ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7518. Sun grant program (a) In general Section 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8114 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(4)(B), by striking the Department of Energy and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies (as determined by the Secretary) ; (2) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking multistate and all that follows through the period and inserting integrated, multistate research, extension, and education programs on technology development and technology implementation. ; (B) by striking subparagraph (C); and (C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking in accordance with paragraph (2) ; (ii) by striking gasification and inserting bioproducts ; and (iii) by striking the Department of Energy and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies ; (B) by striking paragraph (2); and (C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and (4) in subsection (g), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Conforming amendments Section 7526(f)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8114(f)(1) ) is amended by striking subsection (c)(1)(D)(i) and inserting subsection (c)(1)(C)(i) . 7519. Repeal of study and report on food deserts Effective October 1, 2013, section 7527 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2039) is repealed. 7520. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and education Effective October 1, 2013, section 7529 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5938 ) is repealed. F Miscellaneous provisions 7601. Agreements with nonprofit organizations for National Arboretum Section 6 of the Act of March 4, 1927 ( 20 U.S.C. 196 ), is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) negotiate agreements for the National Arboretum with nonprofit scientific or educational organizations, the interests of which are complementary to the mission of the National Arboretum, or nonprofit organizations that support the purpose of the National Arboretum, except that the net proceeds of the organizations from the agreements shall be used exclusively for research and educational work for the benefit of the National Arboretum and the operation and maintenance of the facilities of the National Arboretum, including enhancements, upgrades, restoration, and conservation; ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (d) Recognition of donors A non-profit organization that entered into an agreement under subsection (a)(1) may recognize donors if that recognition is approved in advance by the Secretary. In considering whether to approve such recognition, the Secretary shall broadly exercise the discretion of the Secretary to the fullest extent allowed under Federal law in effect on the date of the enactment of this subsection. . 7602. Cotton Disease Research Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the fungus fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum race 4 (referred to in this section as FOV Race 4 ) and the impact of such fungus on cotton, including— (1) an overview of the threat FOV Race 4 poses to the cotton industry in the United States; (2) the status and progress of Federal research initiatives to detect, contain, or eradicate FOV Race 4, including current FOV Race 4-specific research projects; and (3) a comprehensive strategy to combat FOV Race 4 that establishes— (A) detection and identification goals; (B) containment goals; (C) eradication goals; and (D) a plan to partner with the cotton industry in the United States to maximize resources, information sharing, and research responsiveness and effectiveness. 7603. Acceptance of facility for Agricultural Research Service (a) Construction authorized Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of Agriculture may authorize a non-Federal entity to construct, at no cost and without obligation to the Federal Government, a facility for use by the Agricultural Research Service on land owned by the Agricultural Research Service and managed by the Secretary. (b) Acceptance of gift (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), upon the completion of the construction of the facility by the non-Federal entity under subsection (a), the Secretary shall accept the facility as a gift in accordance with Public Law 95–442 ( 7 U.S.C. 2269 ). (2) Certification The Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall certify in advance that the acceptance under paragraph (1) complies with the limitations specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c). (c) Limitations (1) Value The Secretary may not accept a facility as a gift under this section if the fair market value of the facility is more than $5,000,000. (2) No Federal cost The Secretary shall not enter into any acquisitions, demonstrations, exchanges, grants, contracts, incentives, leases, procurements, sales, or other transaction authorities or arrangements that would obligate future appropriations with respect to the facility constructed under subsection (a). (d) Termination of authority No facility may be accepted by the Secretary for use by the Agricultural Research Service under this section after September 30, 2018. 7604. Miscellaneous technical corrections Sections 7408 and 7409 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2013) are both amended by striking Title III of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 and inserting Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 . 7605. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research (a) In general Notwithstanding the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq. ), the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 ( 41 U.S.C. 8101 et seq. ), the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 ( 20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq. ), or any other Federal law, an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )) may grow or cultivate industrial hemp if— (1) the industrial hemp is grown or cultivated for purposes of agricultural research or other academic research; and (2) the growing or cultivating of industrial hemp is allowed under the laws of the State in which such institution of higher education is located and such research occurs. (b) Industrial hemp defined In this section, the term industrial hemp means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. VIII Forestry A Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs 8001. Forest land enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 4 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 8002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( Public Law 107–171 ; 16 U.S.C. 2103 note) is amended by striking subsection (a). (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 8002. Watershed forestry assistance program (a) Repeal Section 6 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103b ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 8003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing program Section 18 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2112 ) is repealed. 8004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program (a) Repeal Section 8402 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 16 U.S.C. 1649a ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 8005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program (a) Repeal Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6542 ) is repealed. (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2013. 8006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process Section 322 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 ( Public Law 102–381 ; 16 U.S.C. 1612 note) is repealed. Section 428 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 ( Public Law 112–74 ; 125 Stat. 1046; 16 U.S.C. 6515 note) shall not apply to any project or activity implementing a land and resource management plan developed under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1604 ) that is categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ). B Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Programs 8101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources Section 2A(c) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2101a(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (4), by striking and ; (2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: (5) as feasible, appropriate military installations where the voluntary participation and management of private or State-owned or other public forestland is able to support, promote, and contribute to the missions of such installations; and . 8102. Forest Legacy Program Subsection (m) of section 7 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103c ) is amended to read as follows: (m) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8103. Community forest and open space conservation program Subsection (g) of section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103d ) is amended to read as follows: (g) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . C Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws 8201. Rural revitalization technologies Section 2371(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6601(d)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 8202. Office of International Forestry Subsection (d) of section 2405 of the Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6704 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2013; and (2) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 8203. Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve program Section 508 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6578 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking In general and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; (2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (d); and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsections: (b) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out this section $9,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (c) Additional source of funds In addition to funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use such amount of the funds appropriated for that fiscal year to carry out the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590a et seq. ) as the Secretary determines necessary to cover the cost of technical assistance, management, and enforcement responsibilities for land enrolled in the healthy forests reserve program pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of section 504. . 8204. Stewardship end result contracting project authority Section 347 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (as contained in section 101(e) of division A of Public Law 105–277 ; 16 U.S.C. 2104 note) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (6) Contract for sale of property At the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture, a contract entered into by the Forest Service under this section may be considered a contract for the sale of property under such terms as the Secretary may prescribe without regard to any other provision of law. (7) Fire liability provisions Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Chief and the Director shall issue for use in all contracts and agreements under this section fire liability provisions that are in substantially the same form as the fire liability provisions contained in— (A) integrated resource timber contracts, as described in the Forest Service contract numbered 2400–13, part H, section H.4; and (B) timber sale contracts conducted pursuant to section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ). . D National Forest Critical Area Response 8301. Definitions In this title: (1) Critical area The term critical area means an area of the National Forest System designated by the Secretary under section 7302. (2) National forest system The term National Forest System has the meaning given that term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1609(a) ). (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. 8302. Designation of critical areas (a) Designation requirements The Secretary of Agriculture shall designate critical areas within the National Forest System for the purposes of addressing— (1) deteriorating forest health conditions in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act due to insect infestation, drought, disease, or storm damage; and (2) the future risk of insect infestations or disease outbreaks through preventative treatments. (b) Designation method In considering National Forest System land for designation as a critical area, the Secretary shall use— (1) for purposes of subsection (a)(1), the most recent annual forest health aerial surveys of mortality and defoliation; and (2) for purposes of subsection (a)(2), the National Insect and Disease Risk Map. (c) Time for initial designations The first critical areas shall be designated by the Secretary not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Duration of designation The designation of a critical area shall expire not later than 10 years after the date of the designation. 8303. Application of expedited procedures and activities of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to critical areas (a) Applicability Subject to subsections (b) through (e), title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6511 et seq. ) (including the environmental analysis requirements of section 104 of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6514 ), the special administrative review process under section 105 of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6515 ), and the judicial review process under section 106 of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6516 )), shall apply to all Forest Service projects and activities carried out in a critical area. (b) Application of other law Section 322 of Public Law 102–381 ( 16 U.S.C. 1612 note; 106 Stat. 1419) shall not apply to projects conducted in accordance with this section. (c) Required modifications In applying title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6511 et seq. ) to Forest Service projects and activities in a critical area, the Secretary shall make the following modifications: (1) The authority shall apply to the entire critical area, including land that is outside of a wildland-urban interface area or that does not satisfy any of the other eligibility criteria specified in section 102(a) of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6512(a) ). (2) All projects and activities of the Forest Service, including necessary connected actions (as described in section 1508.25(a)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)), shall be considered to be authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects for purposes of applying the title. (d) Smaller projects (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a project conducted in a critical area in accordance with this section that comprises less than 10,000 acres shall be— (A) considered an action categorically excluded from the requirements for an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation); and (B) exempt from the special administrative review process under section 105 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6515 ). (2) Exclusion of certain areas Paragraph (1) does not apply to— (A) a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (B) any Federal land on which, by Act of Congress or Presidential proclamation, the removal of vegetation is restricted or prohibited; (C) a congressionally designated wilderness study area; or (D) an area in which activities under paragraph (1) would be inconsistent with the applicable land and resource management plan. (e) Forest Management Plans All projects and activities carried out in a critical area pursuant to this subtitle shall be consistent with the land and resource management plan established under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1604 ) for the unit of the National Forest System containing the critical area. 8304. Good neighbor authority (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible State The term eligible State means a State that contains National Forest System land. (2) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (3) State forester The term State forester means the head of a State agency with jurisdiction over State forestry programs in an eligible State. (b) Cooperative agreements and contracts (1) In general The Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement or contract (including a sole source contract) with a State forester to authorize the State forester to provide the forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration, management, and protection services described in paragraph (2) on National Forest System land in the eligible State. (2) Authorized services The forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration, management, and protection services referred to in paragraph (1) include the conduct of— (A) activities to treat insect infected forests; (B) activities to reduce hazardous fuels; (C) activities involving commercial harvesting or other mechanical vegetative treatments; or (D) any other activities to restore or improve forest, rangeland, and watershed health, including fish and wildlife habitat. (3) State as agent Except as provided in paragraph (6), a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1) may authorize the State forester to serve as the agent for the Secretary in providing the restoration, management, and protection services authorized under that paragraph. (4) Subcontracts In accordance with applicable contract procedures for the eligible State, a State forester may enter into subcontracts to provide the restoration, management, and protection services authorized under a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1). (5) Timber sales Subsections (d) and (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ) shall not apply to services performed under a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1). (6) Retention of NEPA responsibilities Any decision required to be made under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) with respect to any restoration, management, and protection services to be provided under this section by a State forester on National Forest System land shall not be delegated to a State forester or any other officer or employee of the eligible State. (7) Applicable law The restoration, management, and protection services to be provided under this section shall be carried out on a project-to-project basis under existing authorities of the Forest Service. E Miscellaneous Provisions 8401. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis (a) Revision required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall revise the strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis initially prepared pursuant to section 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1642(e) ) to address the requirements imposed by subsection (b). (b) Elements of revised strategic plan In revising the strategic plan, the Secretary of Agriculture shall describe in detail the organization, procedures, and funding needed to achieve each of the following: (1) Complete the transition to a fully annualized forest inventory program and include inventory and analysis of interior Alaska. (2) Implement an annualized inventory of trees in urban settings, including the status and trends of trees and forests, and assessments of their ecosystem services, values, health, and risk to pests and diseases. (3) Report information on renewable biomass supplies and carbon stocks at the local, State, regional, and national level, including by ownership type. (4) Engage State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis in reevaluating the list of core data variables collected on forest inventory and analysis plots with an emphasis on demonstrated need. (5) Improve the timeliness of the timber product output program and accessibility of the annualized information on that database. (6) Foster greater cooperation among the forest inventory and analysis program, research station leaders, and State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis. (7) Promote availability of and access to non-Federal resources to improve information analysis and information management. (8) Collaborate with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and United States Geological Survey to integrate remote sensing, spatial analysis techniques, and other new technologies in the forest inventory and analysis program. (9) Understand and report on changes in land cover and use. (10) Expand existing programs to promote sustainable forest stewardship through increased understanding, in partnership with other Federal agencies, of the over 10 million family forest owners, their demographics, and the barriers to forest stewardship. (11) Implement procedures to improve the statistical precision of estimates at the sub-State level. (c) Submission of revised strategic plan The Secretary of Agriculture shall submit the revised strategic plan to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. 8402. Forest Service participation in ACES Program The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may use funds derived from conservation-related programs executed on National Forest System lands to utilize the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services Program established pursuant to section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3851 ) to provide technical services for conservation-related programs and authorities carried out by the Secretary on National Forest System lands. 8403. Green science and technology transfer research under Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (a) Additional Forestry and Rangeland Research and Education High Priority Section 3(d)(2) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1642(d)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) Science and technology transfer, through the Forest Products Laboratory, to demonstrate the beneficial characteristics of wood as a green building material, including investments in life cycle assessment for wood products. . (b) Research facilities and cooperation Section 4 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1643 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) 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 an annual report describing, for the period covered by the report— (1) the research conducted in furtherance of the research and education priority specified in section 3(d)(2)(F); (2) the number of buildings the Forest Service has built with wood as the primary structural material; and (3) the investments made by the Forest Service in green building wood promotion. . 8404. Extension of stewardship contracts authority regarding use of designation by prescription to all thinning sales under National Forest Management Act of 1976 Subsection (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ) is amended to read as follows: (g) Designation, including but not limited to, marking when necessary, designation by description, or designation by prescription, and supervision of harvesting of trees, portions of trees, or forest products shall be conducted by persons employed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Such persons shall have no personal interest in the purchase or harvest of such products and shall not be directly or indirectly in the employment of the purchaser thereof. Designation by prescription and designation by prescription shall be considered valid methods for designation, and may be supervised by use of post-harvest cruise, sample weight scaling, or other methods determined by the Secretary to be appropriate. . 8405. Reimbursement of fire funds expended by a State for management and suppression of certain wildfires (a) Definition of State In this section, the term State includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (b) Reimbursement authority If a State seeks reimbursement for amounts expended for resources and services provided to another State for the management and suppression of a wildfire, the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to subsections (c) and (d)— (1) may accept the reimbursement amounts from the other State; and (2) shall pay those amounts to the State seeking reimbursement. (c) Mutual assistance agreement As a condition of seeking and providing reimbursement under subsection (b), the State seeking reimbursement and the State providing reimbursement must each have a mutual assistance agreement with the Forest Service or an agency of the Department of the Interior for providing and receiving wildfire management and suppression resources and services. (d) Terms and conditions The Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe the terms and conditions determined to be necessary to carry out subsection (b). (e) Effect on prior reimbursements Any acceptance of funds or reimbursements made by the Secretary of Agriculture before the date of enactment of this Act that otherwise would have been authorized under this section shall be considered to have been made in accordance with this section. 8406. Ability of National Forest System lands to meet needs of local wood producing facilities for raw materials Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress a report containing— (1) an assessment of the raw material needs of wood producing facilities located within the boundaries of each unit of the National Forest System or located outside of the unit, but within 100 miles of such boundaries; (2) the volume of timber which would be available if the unit of the National Forest System annually sold its Allowable Sale Quantity in the current Forest Plan; (3) the volume of timber actually sold and harvested from each unit of the National Forest System for the previous decade; (4) a comparison of the volume actually sold and harvested from the previous decade to the Allowable Sale Quantity calculated in that decade by preceding or current forest plans; and (5) an assessment of the ability of each unit of National Forest System to meet the needs of these facilities for raw materials. 8407. Report on the National Forest System roads Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the following: (1) The total mileage of National Forest System roads and trails not meeting forest plan standards and guidelines. (2) The total amount, in dollars, of Capital Improvement & Maintenance deferred maintenance needs for National Forest System roads, including a five-year analysis in the trend in total deferred maintenance costs. (3) The sources of funds used for capital improvement & maintenance roads, including appropriated funds, mandatory funds, and receipts from activities on National Forest System lands. (4) The impact of road closures on recreational activities and timber harvesting. (5) The impact on land acquisitions, whether through fee acquisition, donation, or easement, on the maintenance backlog. 8408. Forest Service large airtanker and aerial asset firefighting recapitalization pilot program (a) In general Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may establish a large airtanker and aerial asset lease program in accordance with this section. (b) Aircraft requirements In carrying out the program described in subsection (a), the Secretary may enter into a multiyear lease contract for up to five aircraft that meet the criteria— (1) described in the Forest Service document entitled Large Airtanker Modernization Strategy and dated February 10, 2012, for large airtankers; and (2) determined by the Secretary, for other aerial assets. (c) Lease terms The term of any individual lease agreement into which the Secretary enters under this section shall be— (1) up to five years, inclusive of any options to renew or extend the initial lease term; and (2) in accordance with section 3903 of title 41, United States Code. (d) Prohibition No lease entered into under this section shall provide for the purchase of the aircraft by, or the transfer of ownership to, the Forest Service. 8409. Land conveyance, Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia (a) Conveyance required Upon payment by the Association of the consideration under subsection (b) and the costs under subsection (d), the Secretary shall, subject to valid existing rights, convey to the Association all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of National Forest System land in the Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia, consisting of approximately 0.70 acres and containing the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery and an easement to provide access to the parcel, as generally depicted on the map. (b) Consideration (1) Fair market value As consideration for the land conveyed under subsection (a), the Association shall pay to the Secretary cash in an amount equal to the market value of the land, as determined by an appraisal approved by the Secretary and conducted in conformity with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and section 206 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1716 ). (2) Deposit The consideration received by the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall be deposited into the general fund of the Treasury of the United States for the purposes of deficit reduction. (c) Description of property The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary. (d) Costs The Association shall pay to the Secretary at closing the reasonable costs of the survey, the appraisal, and any administrative and environmental analyses required by law. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Association The term Association means the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery Association of Pound, Virginia. (2) Map The term map means the map titled Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery dated March 1, 2013. (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (f) Additional terms and conditions The Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. 8410. Categorical exclusion for forest projects in response to emergencies In the case of National Forest System land damaged by a natural disaster regarding which the President declares a disaster or emergency pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. ), any forest project carried out to clean up or restore the damaged National Forest System land during the two-year period beginning on the date of the declaration shall be categorically excluded from the requirements relating to environmental assessments or environmental impact statements under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. IX Energy 9001. Definition of renewable energy system Section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8101 ) is amended by— (1) striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new paragraph: (4) Biobased product (A) In general The term biobased product means a product determined by the Secretary to be a commercial or industrial product (other than food or feed) that is— (i) composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products, including renewable domestic agricultural materials and forestry materials; or (ii) an intermediate ingredient or feedstock. (B) Inclusion The term biobased product , with respect to forestry materials, includes forest products that meet biobased content requirements, notwithstanding the market share the product holds, the age of the product, or whether the market for the product is new or emerging. ; (2) redesignating paragraphs (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), and (14) as paragraphs (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), and (16); (3) inserting after paragraph (8), the following new paragraph: (9) Forest product (A) In general The term forest product means a product made from materials derived from the practice of forestry or the management of growing timber. (B) Inclusions The term forest product includes— (i) pulp, paper, paperboard, pellets, lumber, and other wood products; and (ii) any recycled products derived from forest materials. ; and (4) inserting after paragraph (14) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (15) Renewable energy system (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the term renewable energy system means a system that— (i) produces usable energy from a renewable energy source; and (ii) may include distribution components necessary to move energy produced by such system to the initial point of sale. (B) Limitation A system described in subparagraph (A) may not include a mechanism for dispensing energy at retail. . 9002. Biobased markets program Section 9002(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8102(h) ) is amended by— (1) striking (h) Funding.— and all that follows through to carry out this section, there and inserting (h) Funding.— There ; and (2) striking 2013 and inserting 2018 . 9003. Biorefinery assistance (a) Program adjustments Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8103 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c), by striking to eligible entities and all that follows through guarantees for loans and inserting to eligible entities guarantees for loans ; (2) by striking subsection (d); (3) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h) as subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively; and (4) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking subsection (c)(2) each place it appears and inserting subsection (c) ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking subsection (h) and inserting subsection (g) . (b) Funding Section 9003(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as redesignated by subsection (a)(3), is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 9004. Repowering assistance program Section 9004(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8104(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 9005. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels Section 9005(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8105(c) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 9006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program Section 9006(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8106(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in the heading of paragraph (1) (as so redesignated), by striking Authorization of appropriations and inserting Fiscal year 2013 ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 9007. Rural Energy for America Program (a) Tiered application process Section 9007(c) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107(c) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (2) Tiered application process In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a three-tiered application, evaluation, and oversight process that varies based on the cost of the proposed project with the process most simplified for projects referred to in subparagraph (A), more comprehensive for projects referred to in subparagraph (B), and most comprehensive for projects referred to in subparagraph (C). The three tiers for such process shall be as follows: (A) Tier 1 Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is not more than $80,000. (B) Tier 2 Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is more than $80,000 but less than $200,000. (C) Tier 3 Projects for which the cost of the project funded under this subsection is $200,000 or more. . (b) Funding Section 9007(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107(g) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2); (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 9008. Biomass Research and Development Section 9008(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8108(h) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the heading, by striking Discretionary funding and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; and (B) by striking In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there and inserting There ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 9009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8110(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 . 9010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program Section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8111 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking paragraph (6); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (7) and (8) as paragraphs (6) and (7), respectively; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking Program to and all that follows through support the establishment and inserting Program to support the establishment ; (B) by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (C) by striking paragraph (2); (3) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (2)(B)— (i) in clause (viii), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (ii) by redesignating clause (ix) as clause (x); and (iii) by inserting after clause (viii) the following new clause: (ix) existing project areas that have received funding under this section and the continuation of funding of such project areas to advance the maturity of such project areas; and ; and (B) in paragraph (5)(C)(ii)— (i) by striking subclause (III); and (ii) by redesignating subclauses (IV) and (V) as subclauses (III) and (IV), respectively; (4) by striking subsection (d); (5) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and (6) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking paragraph (1); (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); (C) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)— (i) by striking Fiscal year 2013 and all that follows through There is authorized and inserting Fiscal year 2013.— There is authorized ; and (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as paragraph (3) and moving the margin of such paragraph (as so redesignated) two ems to the left; (D) by inserting after paragraph (1), the following new paragraph: (2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (E) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C)(ii) of this paragraph), by striking this paragraph and inserting this subsection . 9011. Community wood energy program Section 9013(e) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8113(e) ) is amended by striking carry out this section and all that follows and inserting the following: carry out this section— (1) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 9012. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study Section 9002 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2095) is repealed. 9013. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study Section 9003 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2096) is repealed. 9014. Energy efficiency report for USDA facilities (a) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 on energy use and energy efficiency projects at Department of Agriculture facilities. (b) Contents The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An analysis of energy use by Department of Agriculture facilities. (2) A list of energy audits that have been conducted at such facilities. (3) A list of energy efficiency projects that have been conducted at such facilities. (4) A list of energy savings projects that could be achieved with enacting a consistent, timely, and proper mechanical insulation maintenance program and upgrading mechanical insulation at such facilities. X Horticulture 10001. Specialty crops market news allocation Section 10107(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622b(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 10002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops Effective October 1, 2013, section 10403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622c ) is repealed. 10003. Farmers market and local food promotion program Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 ( 7 U.S.C. 3005 ) is amended— (1) in the heading of such section, by inserting and Local Food after Farmers’ Market ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting and Local Food after Farmers’ Market ; (B) by striking farmers’ markets and to promote ; and (C) by striking the period and inserting and assist in the development of local food business enterprises. ; (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Program purposes The purposes of the Program are to increase domestic consumption of, and consumer access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products by assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of— (1) domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities; and (2) local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, and store locally or regionally produced food products. ; (4) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) by inserting or other agricultural business entity after cooperative ; and (B) by inserting , including a community supported agriculture network or association after association ; (5) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); (6) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection: (e) Funds requirements for eligible entities (1) Matching funds An entity receiving a grant under this section for a project to carry out a purpose described in subsection (b)(2) shall provide matching funds in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total cost of such project. (2) Limitation on use of funds An eligible entity may not use a grant or other assistance provided under this section for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of a building or structure. ; and (7) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (5))— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (B) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5); (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6); and (D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraphs: (3) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (4) Use of funds Of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, 50 percent of such funds shall be used for the purposes described in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) and 50 percent of such funds shall be used for the purposes described in paragraph (2) of such subsection. (5) Limitation on administrative expenses Not more than 3 percent of the total amount made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year may be used for administrative expenses. . 10004. Organic agriculture (a) Organic production and market data initiatives Section 7407(d)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925c(d)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (2) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . (b) Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program Section 2122 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6521 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (c) Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program The Secretary shall modernize database and technology systems of the national organic program. . (c) Authorization of appropriations for national organic program Effective October 1, 2013, section 2123(b)(6) of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6522(b)(6) ) is amended to read as follows: (6) $11,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (d) National organic certification cost-Share program Effective October 1, 2013, section 10606 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 6523 ) is repealed. (e) Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments Subsection (e) of section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401 ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments (1) In general Notwithstanding any provision of a commodity promotion law, a person that produces, handles, markets, or imports organic products may be exempt from the payment of an assessment under a commodity promotion law with respect to any agricultural commodity that is certified as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation). (2) Split operations The exemption described in paragraph (1) shall apply to the certified organic or ‘100 percent organic’ (as defined in part 205 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)) products of a producer, handler, or marketer regardless of whether the agricultural commodity subject to the exemption is produced, handled, or marketed by a person that also produces, handles, or markets conventional or nonorganic agricultural products, including conventional or nonorganic agricultural products of the same agricultural commodity as that for which the exemption is claimed. (3) Approval The Secretary shall approve the exemption of a person under this subsection if the person maintains a valid organic certificate issued under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ). (4) Termination of effectiveness This subsection shall be effective until the date on which the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order in accordance with subsection (f). (5) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1). . (f) Organic commodity promotion order Section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (f) Organic commodity promotion order (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Certified organic farm The term certified organic farm has the meaning given the term in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 ). (B) Covered person The term covered person means a producer, handler, marketer, or importer of an organic agricultural commodity. (C) Dual-covered agricultural commodity The term dual-covered agricultural commodity means an agricultural commodity that— (i) is produced on a certified organic farm; and (ii) is covered under both— (I) an organic commodity promotion order issued pursuant to paragraph (2); and (II) any other agricultural commodity promotion order issued under section 514. (2) Authorization The Secretary may issue an organic commodity promotion order under section 514 that includes any agricultural commodity that— (A) is produced or handled (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 )) and that is certified to be sold or labeled as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation)); or (B) is imported with a valid organic certificate (as defined in such part). (3) Election If the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order described in paragraph (2), a covered person may elect, for applicable dual-covered agricultural commodities and in the sole discretion of the covered person, whether to be assessed under the organic commodity promotion order or another applicable agricultural commodity promotion order. (4) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1). . (g) Definition of agricultural commodity Section 513(1) of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7412(1) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph: (E) products, as a class, that are produced on a certified organic farm (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 )) and that are certified to be sold or labeled as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation); . 10005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 2122 ( 7 U.S.C. 6521 ) the following new section: 2122A. Investigation and enforcement (a) Expedited administrative hearing The Secretary shall establish an expedited administrative hearing procedure under which the Secretary may suspend or revoke the organic certification of a producer or handler or the accreditation of a certifying agent in accordance with subsection (d). Such a hearing may be conducted in addition to a hearing conducted pursuant to section 2120. (b) Investigation (1) In general The Secretary may take such investigative actions as the Secretary considers to be necessary to carry out this title— (A) to verify the accuracy of any information reported or made available under this title; and (B) to determine, with regard to actions, practices, or information required under this title, whether a person covered by this title has committed a violation of this title. (2) Investigative powers The Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel attendance of witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of any records required to be maintained under section 2112(d) or 2116(c) that are relevant to the investigation. (c) Unlawful Act It shall be unlawful and a violation of this title for any person covered by this title— (1) to refuse to provide information required by the Secretary under this title; or (2) to violate— (A) a suspension or revocation of the organic certification of a producer or handler; or (B) a suspension or revocation of the accreditation of a certifying agent. (d) Enforcement (1) Suspension (A) In general The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for an expedited administrative hearing, suspend the organic certification of a producer, handler or the accreditation of a certifying agent if— (i) the Secretary, during such expedited administrative hearing, proved that— (I) in the case of a producer or handler, the producer or handler— (aa) has recklessly committed a violation of a term, condition, or requirement of the organic plan to which the producer or handler is subject; or (bb) has recklessly committed, or is recklessly committing, a violation of this title; or (II) in the case of a certifying agent, the agent has recklessly committed, or is recklessly committing, a violation of this title; or (ii) the producer, handler, or certifying agent has waived such expedited administrative hearing. (B) Issuance of suspension A suspension issued under this paragraph shall be issued not later than five days after the date on which— (i) the expedited administrative hearing referred to in clause (i) of subparagraph (A) concludes; or (ii) the Secretary receives notice of the waiver referred to in clause (ii) of such subparagraph. (C) Duration of suspension The period of a suspension issued under this paragraph shall be not more than 90 days, beginning on the date on which the Secretary issues the suspension. (D) Curing of violations (i) In general The Secretary may not issue a suspension of a certification or accreditation under this paragraph if the producer, handler, or certifying agent subject to such suspension— (I) before the date on which the suspension would otherwise have been issued, cures, or corrects the deficiency giving rise to, the violation for which the certification or accreditation would have been suspended; or (II) within a reasonable timeframe (as determined by the Secretary), enters into a settlement with the Secretary regarding a deficiency referred to in subclause (I). (ii) During suspension The Secretary shall terminate the suspension of an organic certification or accreditation issued under this paragraph if the producer, handler, or certifying agent subject to such suspension cures the violation for which the certification or accreditation was suspended under this paragraph before the date on which the period of the suspension ends. (2) Revocation (A) In general The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for an expedited administrative hearing under this section and an expedited administrative appeal under section 2121, revoke the organic certification of a producer or handler, or the accreditation of a certifying agent if— (i) the Secretary, during such hearing, proved that— (I) in the case of a producer or handler, the producer or handler— (aa) has knowingly committed an egregious violation of a term, condition, or requirement of the organic plan to which the producer or handler is subject; or (bb) has knowingly committed, or is knowingly committing, an egregious violation of this title; or (II) in the case of a certifying agent, the agent has knowingly committed, or is knowingly committing, an egregious violation of this title; or (ii) the producer, handler, or certifying agent has waived such expedited administrative hearing and such an expedited administrative appeal. (B) Initiation of revocation proceedings (i) In general If the Secretary finds, during an investigation or during the period of a suspension under paragraph (1), that a producer, handler, or certifying agent has knowingly committed an egregious violation of this title, the Secretary shall initiate revocation proceedings with respect to such violation not later than 30 days after the date on which the producer, handler, or certifying agent receives notice of such finding in accordance with clause (ii). The Secretary may not initiate revocation proceedings with respect to such violation after the date on which that 30-day period ends. (ii) Notice Not later than five days after the date on which the Secretary makes the finding described in clause (i), the Secretary shall provide to the producer, handler, or certifying agent notice of such finding. (e) Appeal (1) Suspensions (A) In general The suspension of a certification or accreditation under subsection (d)(1) by the Secretary may be appealed to a United States district court in accordance with section 2121(b) not later than 30 business days after the date on which the person subject to such suspension receives notice of the suspension. (B) Suspension final and conclusive A suspension of a certification or accreditation under subsection (d)(1) by the Secretary shall be final and conclusive— (i) in the case of a suspension that is appealed under subparagraph (A) within the 30-day period specified in such subparagraph, on the date on which judicial review of such suspension is complete; or (ii) in the case of a suspension that is not so appealed, the date on which such 30-day period ends. (2) Revocations (A) In general The revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) by the Secretary may be appealed to a United States district court in accordance with section 2121(b) not later than 30 business days after the date on which the person subject to such revocation receives notice of the revocation. (B) Revocation final and conclusive A revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) by the Secretary shall be final and conclusive— (i) in the case of a revocation that is appealed under subparagraph (A) within the 30-day period specified in such subparagraph, on the date on which judicial review of such revocation is complete; or (ii) in the case of a revocation that is not so appealed, the date on which such 30-day period ends. (3) Standards for review of suspensions and revocations A suspension or revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d) shall be reviewed in accordance with the standards of review specified in section 706(2) of title 5, United States Code. (f) Noncompliance (1) In general If a person covered by this title fails to obey a revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) after such revocation has become final and conclusive or after the appropriate United States district court has entered a final judgment in favor of the Secretary, the United States may apply to the appropriate United States district court for enforcement of such revocation. (2) Enforcement If the court determines that the revocation was lawfully made and duly served and that the person violated the revocation, the court shall enforce the revocation. (3) Civil penalty If the court finds that the person violated the revocation of a certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2), the person shall be subject to one or more of the penalties provided in subsections (a) and (b) of section 2120. (g) Violation of this title defined In this section, the term violation of this title means a violation specified in section 2120. . 10006. Food safety education initiatives Section 10105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7655 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , including farm workers after industry ; (B) in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end; (C) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) practices that prevent bacterial contamination of food, how to identify sources of food contamination, and other means of decreasing food contamination. ; and (2) in subsection (c), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 10007. Specialty crop block grants Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108–465 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking subsection (j) and inserting subsection (l) ; and (B) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Grants based on value and acreage Subject to subsection (c), for each State whose application for a grant for a fiscal year that is accepted by the Secretary under subsection (f), the amount of the grant for such fiscal year to the State under this section shall bear the same ratio to the total amount made available under subsection (l)(1) for such fiscal year as— (1) the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in the State and the acreage of specialty crop production in the State, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data; bears to (2) the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in all States and the acreage of specialty crop production in all States, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data. ; (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) an assurance that any grant funds received under this section that are used for equipment or capital-related research costs determined to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops— (A) shall be supplemented by the expenditure of State funds in an amount that is not less than 50 percent of such costs during the fiscal year in which such costs were incurred; and (B) shall be completely replaced by State funds on the day after the date on which such fiscal year ends. ; (4) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (l); (5) by inserting after subsection (i) the following new subsections: (j) Multistate projects Not later than 180 days after the effective date of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue guidance for the purpose of making grants to multistate projects under this section for projects involving— (1) food safety; (2) plant pests and disease; (3) research; (4) crop-specific projects addressing common issues; and (5) any other area that furthers the purposes of this section, as determined by the Secretary. (k) Administration (1) Department The Secretary of Agriculture may not use more than 3 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year for administrative expenses. (2) States A State receiving a grant under this section may not use more than 8 percent of the funds received under the grant for a fiscal year for administrative expenses. ; and (6) in subsection (l) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and moving the margins of such subparagraphs two ems to the right; (B) by striking Of the funds and inserting the following: (1) In general Of the funds ; (C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)— (i) in subparagraph (B) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: (D) $72,500,000 for fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (E) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Multistate projects Of the funds made available under paragraph (1), the Secretary may use to carry out subsection (j), to remain available until expended— (A) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; (B) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (C) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; (D) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and (E) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. . 10008. Department of Agriculture consultation regarding enforcement of certain labor law provisions Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the Secretary of Labor regarding the restraining of shipments of agricultural commodities, or the confiscation of such commodities, by the Department of Labor for actual or suspected labor law violations in order to consider— (1) the perishable nature of such commodities; (2) the impact of such restraining or confiscation on the economic viability of farming operations; and (3) the competitiveness of specialty crops through grants awarded to States under section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note). 10009. Report on honey (a) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with persons affected by the potential establishment of a Federal standard for the identity of honey, shall submit to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs a report describing how an appropriate Federal standard for the identity of honey would be in the interest of consumers, the honey industry, and United States agriculture. (b) Considerations In preparing the report required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall take into consideration the March 2006, Standard of Identity citizens petition filed with the Food and Drug Administration, including any current industry amendments or clarifications necessary to update such petition. 10010. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada (a) Bulk shipment of apples to Canada Section 4 of the Export Apple Act ( 7 U.S.C. 584 ) is amended— (1) by striking Apples in and inserting (a) Apples in ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (b) Apples may be shipped to Canada in bulk bins without complying with the provisions of this Act. . (b) Definition of bulk bin Section 9 of the Export Apple Act ( 7 U.S.C. 589 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) The term bulk bin means a bin that contains a quantity of apples weighing more than 100 pounds. . (c) Regulations Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section. 10011. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs (a) Relocation of legislative language relating to national clean plant network Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection: (e) National clean plant network (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a program to be known as the National Clean Plant Network (referred to in this subsection as the Program ). (2) Requirements Under the Program, the Secretary shall establish a network of clean plant centers for diagnostic and pathogen elimination services— (A) to produce clean propagative plant material; and (B) to maintain blocks of pathogen-tested plant material in sites located throughout the United States. (3) Availability of clean plant source material Clean plant source material may be made available to— (A) a State for a certified plant program of the State; and (B) private nurseries and producers. (4) Consultation and collaboration In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall— (A) consult with— (i) State departments of agriculture; and (ii) land-grant colleges and universities and NLGCA Institutions (as those terms are defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 )); and (B) to the extent practicable and with input from the appropriate State officials and industry representatives, use existing Federal or State facilities to serve as clean plant centers. (5) Funding for fiscal year 2013 There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2013. . (b) Funding Subsection (f) of section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ) (as so redesignated) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking and each fiscal year thereafter. and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (5) $62,500,000 for fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (6) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. . (c) Repeal of existing provision Section 10202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7761 ) is repealed. (d) Clarification of use of funds for technical assistance Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ), as amended by subsection (a), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (g) Relationship to other law The use of Commodity Credit Corporation funds under this section to provide technical assistance shall not be considered an allotment or fund transfer from the Commodity Credit Corporation for purposes of the limit on expenditures for technical assistance imposed by section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act ( 15 U.S.C. 714i ). . (e) Use of funds for clean plant network Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ), as amended by subsections (a) and (d), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (h) Use of funds for clean plant network Of the funds made available under subsection (f) to carry out this section for a fiscal year, not less than $5,000,000 shall be available to carry out the national clean plant network under subsection (e). . 10012. Modification, cancellation, or suspension on basis of a biological opinion (a) In general Except in the case of a voluntary request from a pesticide registrant to amend a registration under section 3 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136a ), a registration of a pesticide may be modified, canceled, or suspended on the basis of the implementation of a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service prior to the date of completion of the study referred to in subsection (b), or January 1, 2015, whichever is earlier, only if— (1) the modification, cancellation, or suspension is undertaken pursuant to section 6 of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136d ); and (2) the Biological Opinion complies with the recommendations contained in the study referred to in subsection (b). (b) National Academy of Sciences Study The study commissioned by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on March 10, 2011, shall include, at a minimum, each of the following: (1) A formal, independent, and external peer review, consistent with Office of Management and Budget policies, of each Biological Opinion described in subsection (a). (2) Assessment of economic impacts of measures or alternatives recommended in each such Biological Opinion. (3) An examination of the specific scientific and procedural questions and issues pertaining to economic feasibility contained in the June 23, 2011, letter sent to the Administrator (and other Federal officials) by the Chairmen of the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Natural Resources, and the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations, of the House of Representatives. 10013. Use and discharges of authorized pesticides (a) Short title This section may be cited as the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2013 . (b) Use of authorized pesticides Section 3(f) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136a(f) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) Use of authorized pesticides Except as provided in section 402(s) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Administrator or a State may not require a permit under such Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under this Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of such pesticide. . (c) Discharges of pesticides Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1342 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (s) Discharges of pesticides (1) No permit requirement Except as provided in paragraph (2), a permit shall not be required by the Administrator or a State under this Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or the residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of such pesticide. (2) Exceptions Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the following discharges of a pesticide or pesticide residue: (A) A discharge resulting from the application of a pesticide in violation of a provision of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act that is relevant to protecting water quality, if— (i) the discharge would not have occurred but for the violation; or (ii) the amount of pesticide or pesticide residue in the discharge is greater than would have occurred without the violation. (B) Stormwater discharges subject to regulation under subsection (p). (C) The following discharges subject to regulation under this section: (i) Manufacturing or industrial effluent. (ii) Treatment works effluent. (iii) Discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, including a discharge resulting from ballasting operations or vessel biofouling prevention. . 10014. Seed not pesticide or device for purposes of importation Section 17(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136o(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentences: Solely for purposes of notifications of arrival upon importation, for purposes of this subsection, seed, including treated seed, shall not be considered a pesticide or device. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as precluding or limiting the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to the importation or movement of plants, plant products, or seeds, under the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq. ) or the Federal Seed Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1551 et seq. ). . 10015. Stay of regulations related to Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall lift the administrative stay that was imposed by the rule entitled Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Stay of Regulations and published by the Department of Agriculture on November 17, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 71241), on the regulations in subpart A of part 214 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, establishing an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for fresh cut Christmas trees. 10016. Study on proposed order pertaining to sulfuryl fluoride Not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the potential economic and public health effects that would result from finalization of the proposed order published in the January 19, 2011, Federal Register (76 Fed. Reg. 3422) pertaining to the pesticide sulfuryl fluoride, including the anticipated impacts of such finalization on the production of an adequate, wholesome, and economical food supply and on farmers and related agricultural sectors. 10017. Study on local and regional food production and program evaluation (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture shall— (1) collect data on the production and marketing of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (2) facilitate interagency collaboration and data sharing on programs related to local and regional food systems; and (3) monitor the effectiveness of programs designed to expand or facilitate local food systems. (b) Requirements In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall— (1) collect and distribute comprehensive reporting of prices of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (2) conduct surveys and analysis and publish reports relating to the production, handling, distribution, and retail sales of, and trend studies (including consumer purchasing patterns) on, locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs in growing local and regional food systems, including— (A) the impact of local food systems on job creation and economic development; (B) the level of participation in the Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion Program established under section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 ( 7 U.S.C. 3005 ), including the percentage of projects funded in comparison to applicants and the types of eligible entities receiving funds; (C) the ability for participants to leverage private capital and a synopsis of the places from which non-Federal funds are derived; and (D) any additional resources required to aid in the development or expansion of local and regional food systems; (4) expand the Agricultural Resource Management Survey to include questions on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; and (5) seek to establish or expand private-public partnerships to facilitate, to the maximum extent practicable, the collection of data on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products, including the development of a nationally coordinated and regionally balanced evaluation of the redevelopment of locally or regionally produced food systems. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until September 30, 2018, 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 report describing the progress that has been made in implementing this section and identifying any additional needs related to developing local and regional food systems. 10018. Annual report on invasive species (a) Initial report (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on invasive species. (2) Matters included The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A list of each invasive species that is in the United States as of the date of the report. (B) For each invasive species listed under subparagraph (A)— (i) the country from which the species originated; (ii) the means in which the species entered the United States; (iii) the year in which the species entered the United States; (iv) the rate by which the entry of the species is increasing or decreasing; (v) cost estimates, covering both the date of the report and future periods, of the cost of such species to the public and private sectors; (vi) if cost estimates cannot be conducted under clause (v), a detailed explanation of why; (vii) environmental impact estimates, covering both the date of the report and future periods, of the environmental impact of the species; (viii) if environmental impact estimates cannot be conducted under clause (vii), a detailed explanation of why; (ix) recommendations as to what steps are needed to combat the species; (x) a description of the ongoing research occurring to combat the species; and (xi) a description of any legal recourse available to people affected by the species. (C) Any other matter the Secretary determines appropriate. (3) Period covered The report under paragraph (1) shall cover the period beginning in 1980 and ending on the date on which the report is submitted. (b) Annual updated reports Not later than October 1 of each fiscal year beginning after the date on which the report under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) is submitted, the Secretary shall submit annually to Congress an updated report, including an update to each of the matters described in paragraph (2) of such subsection. (c) Public availability The Secretary shall make each report under this section available to the public. XI Crop Insurance 11001. Information sharing (a) In General Section 502(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) Information (A) Request Subject to subparagraph (B), the Farm Service Agency shall, in a timely manner, provide to an agent or an approved insurance provider authorized by the producer any information (including Farm Service Agency Form 578s (or any successor form) or maps (or any corrections to those forms or maps) that may assist the agent or approved insurance provider in insuring the producer under a policy or plan of insurance under this subtitle. (B) Privacy Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an agent or approved insurance provider that receives the information of a producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall treat the information in accordance with paragraph (1). (C) Sharing Nothing in this section prohibits the sharing of the information of a producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) between the agent and the approved insurance provider of the producer. . (b) Disclosure of crop insurance premium subsidies made on behalf of Members of Congress and certain other individuals and entities Section 502(c)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(c)(2) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (D) and (E) respectively; and (2) by inserting before subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated) the following: (A) Disclosure in the public interest Notwithstanding paragraph (1) or any other provision of law, except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall on an annual basis make available to the public— (i) (I) the name of each individual or entity specified in subparagraph (C) who obtained a federally subsidized crop insurance, livestock, or forage policy or plan of insurance during the previous fiscal year; (II) the amount of premium subsidy received by that individual or entity from the Corporation; and (III) the amount of any Federal portion of indemnities paid in the event of a loss during that fiscal year for each policy associated with that individual or entity; and (ii) for each private insurance provider, by name— (I) the underwriting gains earned through participation in the federally subsidized crop insurance program; and (II) the amount paid under this subtitle for— (aa) administrative and operating expenses; (bb) any Federal portion of indemnities and reinsurance; and (cc) any other purpose. (B) Limitation The Secretary shall not disclose information pertaining to individuals and entities covered by a catastrophic risk protection plan offered under section 508(b). (C) Covered individuals and entities Subparagraph (A) applies with respect to the following: (i) Members of Congress and their immediate families. (ii) Cabinet Secretaries and their immediate families. (iii) Entities of which any individual described in clause (i) or (ii), or combination of such individuals, is a majority shareholder. . 11002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium adjustments Section 508(a)(9) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Publication of violations (i) Publication required Subject to clause (ii), the Corporation shall publish in a timely manner on the website of the Risk Management Agency information regarding each violation of this paragraph, including any sanctions imposed in response to the violation, in sufficient detail so that the information may serve as effective guidance to approved insurance providers, agents, and producers. (ii) Protection of privacy In providing information under clause (i) regarding violations of this paragraph, the Corporation shall redact the identity of the persons and entities committing the violations in order to protect their privacy. . 11003. Supplemental coverage option (a) Availability of supplemental coverage option Paragraph (3) of section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (3) Yield and loss basis options A producer shall have the option of purchasing additional coverage based on— (A) (i) an individual yield and loss basis; or (ii) an area yield and loss basis; (B) an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis to cover a part of the deductible under the individual yield and loss policy, as described in paragraph (4)(C); or (C) a margin basis alone or in combination with the coverages available in subparagraph (A) or (B). . (b) Level of coverage Paragraph (4) of section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (4) Level of coverage (A) Dollar denomination and percentage of yield Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the level of coverage— (i) shall be dollar denominated; and (ii) may be purchased at any level not to exceed 85 percent of the individual yield or 95 percent of the area yield (as determined by the Corporation). (B) Information The Corporation shall provide producers with information on catastrophic risk and additional coverage in terms of dollar coverage (within the allowable limits of coverage provided in this paragraph). (C) Supplemental coverage option (i) In general Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of the supplemental coverage option described in paragraph (3)(B), the Corporation shall offer producers the opportunity to purchase coverage in combination with a policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle that would allow indemnities to be paid to a producer equal to a part of the deductible under the policy or plan of insurance— (I) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent practicable; or (II) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis of such larger geographical area as the Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of providing the coverage. (ii) Trigger Coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall be triggered only if the losses in the area exceed 10 percent of normal levels (as determined by the Corporation). (iii) Coverage Subject to the trigger described in clause (ii), coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall not exceed the difference between— (I) 90 percent; and (II) the coverage level selected by the producer for the underlying policy or plan of insurance. (iv) Ineligible crops and acres Crops for which the producer has elected under section 1107(c)(1) of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 to receive revenue loss coverage and acres that are enrolled in the stacked income protection plan under section 508B shall not be eligible for supplemental coverage under this subparagraph. (v) Calculation of premium Notwithstanding subsection (d), the premium for coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall— (I) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and (II) include an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with subsection (k)(4)(F). . (c) Payment of portion of premium by Corporation Section 508(e)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (H) In the case of the supplemental coverage option authorized in subsection (c)(4)(C), the amount shall be equal to the sum of— (i) 65 percent of the additional premium associated with the coverage; and (ii) the amount determined under subsection (c)(4)(C)(vi)(II), subject to subsection (k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover operating and administrative expenses. . (d) Effective date The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall begin to provide additional coverage based on an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis, not later than for the 2014 crop year. 11004. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection Subparagraph (A) of section 508(d)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(d)(2) ) is amended to read as follows: (A) In the case of catastrophic risk protection, the amount of the premium established by the Corporation for each crop for which catastrophic risk protection is available shall be reduced by the percentage equal to the difference between the average loss ratio for the crop and 100 percent, plus a reasonable reserve. . 11005. Repeal of performance-based discount (a) Repeal Section 508(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (3); and (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3). (b) Conforming amendment Section 508(a)(9)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9)(B) ) is amended— (1) by inserting or at the end of clause (i); (2) by striking clause (ii); and (3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii). 11006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy Subparagraph (A) of section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5) ) is amended to read as follows: (A) In general The Corporation may pay a portion of the premiums for plans or policies of insurance for which the insurable unit is defined on a whole farm or enterprise unit basis that is higher than would otherwise be paid in accordance with paragraph (2). . 11007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops Section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) Nonirrigated crops Beginning with the 2014 crop year, the Corporation shall make available separate enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated acreage of crops in counties. . 11008. Data collection Section 508(g)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Sources of yield data To determine yields under this paragraph, the Corporation— (i) shall use county data collected by the Risk Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics Service, or both; or (ii) if sufficient county data is not available, may use other data considered appropriate by the Secretary. . 11009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields Section 508(g)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(4)(B) ) is amended by striking 60 each place it appears and inserting 70 . 11010. Submission and review of policies (a) In general Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(h) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (B) by striking (1) In general .—In addition and inserting the following: (1) Authority to submit (A) In general In addition ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Review and submission by Corporation The Corporation shall review any policy developed under section 522(c) or any pilot program developed under section 523 and submit the policy or program to the Board under this subsection if the Corporation, at the sole discretion of the Corporation, finds that the policy or program— (i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection; (ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form; and (iii) adequately protects the interests of producers. ; and (2) in paragraph (3)— (A) by striking A policy and inserting the following: (A) In general A policy ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Specified review and approval priorities In reviewing policies and other materials submitted to the Board under this subsection for approval, the Board— (i) shall make the development and approval of a revenue policy for peanut producers a priority so that a revenue policy is available to peanut producers in time for the 2014 crop year; (ii) shall make the development and approval of a margin coverage policy for rice producers a priority so that a margin coverage policy is available to rice producers in time for the 2014 crop year; and (iii) may approve a submission that is made pursuant to this subsection that would, beginning with the 2014 crop year, allow producers that purchase policies in accordance with subsection (e)(5)(A) to separate enterprise units by risk rating for acreage of crops in counties. . (b) Advance payments Section 522(b)(2)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(b)(2)(E) ) is amended by striking 50 percent and inserting 75 percent . 11011. Equitable relief for specialty crop policies Section 508(k)(8)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8)(E) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) Equitable relief for specialty crop policies (I) In general For each of the 2011 through 2015 reinsurance years, in addition to the total amount of funding for reimbursement of administrative and operating costs that is otherwise required to be made available in each such reinsurance year pursuant to an agreement entered into by the Corporation, the Corporation shall use $41,000,000 to provide additional reimbursement with respect to eligible insurance contracts for any agricultural commodity that is not eligible for a benefit under subtitles A, B or C of title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . (II) Treatment Additional reimbursements made under this clause shall be included as part of the base level of administrative and operating expense reimbursement to which any limit on compensation to persons involved in the direct sale and service of any eligible crop insurance contract required under an agreement entered into by the Corporation is applied. (III) Rule of construction Nothing in this clause shall be construed as statutory assent to the limit described in subclause (II). . 11012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance agreement Section 508(k)(8) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) Budget (i) In general The Board shall ensure that any Standard Reinsurance Agreement negotiated under subparagraph (A)(ii), as compared to the previous Standard Reinsurance Agreement— (I) to the maximum extent practicable, shall be budget neutral; and (II) in no event, may significantly depart from budget neutrality. (ii) Use of savings To the extent that any budget savings is realized in the renegotiation of a Standard Reinsurance Agreement under subparagraph (A)(ii), and the savings are determined not to be a significant departure from budget neutrality under clause (i), the savings shall be used to increase the obligations of the Corporation under subsections (e)(2) or (k)(4) or section 523. . 11013. Crop production on native sod (a) Federal crop insurance Section 508(o) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(o) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled, after tilled ; (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking Ineligibility for and inserting Reduction in ; and (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking for benefits under— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting for— (i) a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under this subtitle in accordance with paragraph (3); (ii) benefits under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ); and (iii) payments described in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ). ; and (3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following new paragraphs: (3) Administration (A) In general During the first 4 crop years of planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in paragraph (2)— (i) paragraph (2) shall apply to 65 percent of the transitional yield of the producer; and (ii) the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the producer under this subtitle shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply. (B) Yield substitution During the period native sod acreage is covered by this subsection, a producer may not substitute yields for the native sod acreage. (4) Application This subsection shall only apply to native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area. . (b) Noninsured crop disaster assistance Section 196(a)(4) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333(a)(4) ) is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ineligibility and inserting benefit reduction ; (2) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled, after tilled ; (3) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in the subparagraph heading, by striking Ineligibility and inserting Reduction in ; and (B) in clause (i), by striking for benefits under— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting for— (I) benefits under this section; (II) a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) in accordance with subparagraph (C); and (III) payments described in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ). ; and (4) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs: (C) Administration (i) In general During the first 4 crop years of planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in subparagraph (B)— (I) subparagraph (B) shall apply to 65 percent of the transitional yield of the producer; and (II) the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the producer under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply. (ii) Yield substitution During the period native sod acreage is covered by this paragraph, a producer may not substitute yields for the native sod acreage. (D) Application This paragraph shall only apply to native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area. . (c) Cropland report (1) Baseline Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 describes the cropland acreage in each applicable county and State, and the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each applicable county and State, beginning with calendar year 2000 and including that information for the most recent year for which that information is available. (2) Annual updates Not later than January 1, 2015, and each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 2018, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 describes— (A) the cropland acreage in each applicable county and State as of the date of submission of the report; and (B) the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each applicable county and State. 11014. Coverage levels by practice Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (p) Coverage levels by practice Beginning with the 2015 crop year, a producer that produces an agricultural commodity on both dry land and irrigated land may elect a different coverage level for each production practice. . 11015. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions (a) Definition Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (9) as paragraphs (4) through (10), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Beginning farmer or rancher The term beginning farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who has not actively operated and managed a farm or ranch with a bona fide insurable interest in a crop or livestock as an owner-operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper for more than 5 crop years, as determined by the Secretary. . (b) Premium adjustments Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(5)(E), by inserting and beginning farmers or ranchers after limited resource farmers ; (2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (8) Premium for beginning farmers or ranchers Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection regarding payment of a portion of premiums, a beginning farmer or rancher shall receive premium assistance that is 10 percentage points greater than premium assistance that would otherwise be available under paragraphs (2) (except for subparagraph (A) of that paragraph), (5), (6), and (7) for the applicable policy, plan of insurance, and coverage level selected by the beginning farmer or rancher. ; and (3) in subsection (g)— (A) in paragraph (2)(B)— (i) in clause (i), by striking or at the end; (ii) in clause (ii)(III), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (iii) if the producer is a beginning farmer or rancher who was previously involved in a farming or ranching operation, including involvement in the decisionmaking or physical involvement in the production of the crop or livestock on the farm, for any acreage obtained by the beginning farmer or rancher, a yield that is the higher of— (I) the actual production history of the previous producer of the crop or livestock on the acreage determined under subparagraph (A); or (II) a yield of the producer, as determined in clause (i). ; and (B) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii) (as amended by section 11009)— (i) by inserting (I) after (ii) ; (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (II) in the case of beginning farmers or ranchers, replace each excluded yield with a yield equal to 80 percent of the applicable transitional yield. . 11016. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton (a) Availability of Stacked Income Protection Plan for Producers of Upland Cotton The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508A ( 7 U.S.C. 1508a ) the following new section: 508B. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton (a) Availability Beginning not later than the 2014 crop of upland cotton, the Corporation shall make available to producers of upland cotton an additional policy (to be known as the Stacked Income Protection Plan ), which shall provide coverage consistent with the Group Risk Income Protection Plan (and the associated Harvest Revenue Option Endorsement) offered by the Corporation for the 2011 crop year. (b) Required terms The Corporation may modify the Stacked Income Protection Plan on a program-wide basis, except that the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall comply with the following requirements: (1) Provide coverage for revenue loss of not less than 10 percent and not more than 30 percent of expected county revenue, specified in increments of 5 percent. The deductible is the minimum percent of revenue loss at which indemnities are triggered under the plan, not to be less than 10 percent of the expected county revenue. (2) Be offered to producers of upland cotton in all counties with upland cotton production— (A) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent practicable; or (B) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis of such larger geographical area as the Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of providing the coverage. (3) Be purchased in addition to any other individual or area coverage in effect on the producer’s acreage or as a stand-alone policy, except that if a producer has an individual or area coverage for the same acreage, the maximum coverage available under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not exceed the deductible for the individual or area coverage. (4) Establish coverage based on— (A) the expected price established under existing Group Risk Income Protection or area wide policy offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year; and (B) an expected county yield that is the higher of— (i) the expected county yield established for the existing area-wide plans offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year (or, in geographic areas where area-wide plans are not offered, an expected yield determined in a manner consistent with those of area-wide plans); or (ii) the average of the applicable yield data for the county (or area) for the most recent 5 years, excluding the highest and lowest observations, from the Risk Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics Service (or both) or, if sufficient county data is not available, such other data considered appropriate by the Secretary. (5) Use a multiplier factor to establish maximum protection per acre (referred to as a protection factor ) of not less than the higher of the level established on a program wide basis or 120 percent. (6) Pay an indemnity based on the amount that the expected county revenue exceeds the actual county revenue, as applied to the individual coverage of the producer. Indemnities under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not include or overlap the amount of the deductible selected under paragraph (1). (7) In all counties for which data are available, establish separate coverage levels for irrigated and non-irrigated practices. (c) Premium Notwithstanding section 508(d), the premium for the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall— (1) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and (2) include an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with section 508(k)(4)(F). (d) Payment of portion of premium by Corporation Subject to section 508(e)(4), the amount of premium paid by the Corporation for all qualifying coverage levels of the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall be— (1) 80 percent of the amount of the premium established under subsection (c) for the coverage level selected; and (2) the amount determined under subsection (c)(2), subject to section 508(k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover administrative and operating expenses. (e) Relation to other coverages The Stacked Income Protection Plan is in addition to all other coverages available to producers of upland cotton. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 508(k)(4)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)(F) ) is amended by inserting or authorized under subsection (c)(4)(C) or section 508B after of this subparagraph . 11017. Peanut revenue crop insurance The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508B, as added by the previous section, the following new section: 508C. Peanut revenue crop insurance (a) In general Effective beginning with the 2014 crop year, the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall make available to producers of peanuts a revenue crop insurance program for peanuts. (b) Effective price Subject to subsection (c), for purposes of the revenue crop insurance program and the multiperil crop insurance program under this Act, the effective price for peanuts shall be equal to the Rotterdam price index for peanuts, as adjusted to reflect the farmer stock price of peanuts in the United States. (c) Adjustments (1) In general The effective price for peanuts established under subsection (b) may be adjusted by the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation to correct distortions. (2) Administration If an adjustment is made under paragraph (1), the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall— (A) make the adjustment in an open and transparent manner; and (B) 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 describes the reasons for the adjustment. . 11018. Authority to correct errors Section 515(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1515(c) ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; (2) in the second sentence, by striking Beginning with and inserting the following: (2) Frequency Beginning with ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Corrections (A) In general In addition to the corrections permitted by the Corporation as of the date of enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , the Corporation shall allow an agent or an approved insurance provider, subject to subparagraph (B)— (i) within a reasonable amount of time following the applicable sales closing date, to correct unintentional errors in information that is provided by a producer for the purpose of obtaining coverage under any policy or plan of insurance made available under this subtitle to ensure that the eligibility information is correct; (ii) within a reasonable amount of time following— (I) the acreage reporting date, to correct unintentional errors in factual information that is provided by a producer after the sales closing date to reconcile the information with the information reported by the producer to the Farm Service Agency; or (II) the date of any subsequent correction of data by the Farm Service Agency made as a result of the verification of information; and (iii) at any time, to correct unintentional errors that were made by the Farm Service Agency or an agent or approved insurance provider in transmitting the information provided by the producer to the approved insurance provider or the Corporation. (B) Limitation In accordance with the procedures of the Corporation, correction to the information described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) may only be made if the corrections do not allow the producer— (i) to avoid ineligibility requirements for insurance; (ii) to obtain, enhance, or increase an insurance guarantee or indemnity, or avoid premium owed, if a cause of loss exists or has occurred before any correction has been made; or (iii) to avoid an obligation or requirement under any Federal or State law. (C) Exception to late filing sanctions Any corrections made pursuant to this paragraph shall not be subject to any late filing sanctions authorized in the reinsurance agreement with the Corporation. . 11019. Implementation Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1515 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (j), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) Systems maintenance and upgrades (A) In general The Secretary shall maintain and upgrade the information management systems of the Corporation used in the administration and enforcement of this subtitle. (B) Requirement (i) In general In maintaining and upgrading the systems, the Secretary shall ensure that new hardware and software are compatible with the hardware and software used by other agencies of the Department to maximize data sharing and promote the purposes of this section. (ii) Acreage report streamlining initiative project As soon as practicable, the Secretary shall develop and implement an acreage report streamlining initiative project to allow producers to report acreage and other information directly to the Department. ; and (2) in subsection (k), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) Information technology (A) In general For purposes of subsection (j)(1), the Corporation may use, from amounts made available from the insurance fund established under section 516(c), not more than— (i) (I) for fiscal year 2014, $25,000,000; and (II) for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, $10,000,000; or (ii) if the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project is substantially completed by September 30, 2015, not more than $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2018. (B) Notification The Secretary shall notify the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate of the substantial completion of the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project not later than July 1, 2015. . 11020. Research and development priorities (a) Authority To conduct research and development, priorities Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading by striking contracting ; (2) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking may enter into contracts to carry out research and development to and inserting may conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to maintain or improve existing policies or develop new policies to ; (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting conduct research and development or after The Corporation may ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting conducting research and development or after Before ; (4) in paragraph (5), by inserting after expert review in accordance with section 505(e) after approved by the Board ; and (5) in paragraph (6), by striking a pasture, range, and forage program and inserting policies that increase participation by producers of underserved agricultural commodities, including sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, rice, peanuts, sugarcane, alfalfa, pennycress, and specialty crops . (b) Funding Section 522(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking (A) Authority .— and inserting (A) Conducting and contracting for research and development .— ; (B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting conduct research and development and after the Corporation may use to ; and (C) in subparagraph (B), by inserting conduct research and development and after for the fiscal year to ; (2) in paragraph (3), by striking to provide either reimbursement payments or contract payments ; and (3) by striking paragraph (4). 11021. Additional research and development contracting requirements Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (17) as paragraph (24); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (16), the following new paragraphs: (17) Margin coverage for catfish (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with a qualified entity to conduct research and development regarding a policy to insure producers against reduction in the margin between the market value of catfish and selected costs incurred in the production of catfish. (B) Eligibility Eligibility for the policy described in subparagraph (A) shall be limited to freshwater species of catfish that are propagated and reared in controlled or selected environments. (C) Implementation The Board shall review the policy described in subparagraph (B) under subsection 508(h) and approve the policy if the Board finds that the policy— (i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection; (ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form; (iii) adequately protects the interests of producers; and (iv) the proposed policy meets other requirements of this subtitle determined appropriate by the Board. (18) Biomass and sweet sorghum energy crop insurance policies (A) Authority The Corporation shall offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with qualified entities to carry out research and development regarding— (i) a policy to insure biomass sorghum that is grown expressly for the purpose of producing a feedstock for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity, or biobased products; and (ii) a policy to insure sweet sorghum that is grown for a purpose described in clause (i). (B) Research and development Research and development with respect to each of the policies required in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools for the production of biomass sorghum or sweet sorghum, including policies and plans of insurance that— (i) are based on market prices and yields; (ii) to the extent that insufficient data exist to develop a policy based on market prices and yields, evaluate the policies and plans of insurance based on the use of weather indices, including excessive or inadequate rainfall, to protect the interest of crop producers; and (iii) provide protection for production or revenue losses, or both. (19) Study on swine catastrophic disease program (A) In general The Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of insuring swine producers for a catastrophic event. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). (20) Whole farm diversified risk management insurance plan (A) In general The Corporation shall conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to develop a whole farm risk management insurance plan, with a liability limitation of $1,250,000, that allows a diversified crop or livestock producer the option to qualify for an indemnity if actual gross farm revenue is below 85 percent of the average gross farm revenue or the expected gross farm revenue that can reasonably be expected of the producer, as determined by the Corporation. (B) Eligible producers The Corporation shall permit producers (including direct-to-consumer marketers and producers servicing local and regional and farm identity-preserved markets) who produce multiple agricultural commodities, including specialty crops, industrial crops, livestock, and aquaculture products, to participate in the plan in lieu of any other plan under this subtitle. (C) Diversification The Corporation may provide diversification-based additional coverage payment rates, premium discounts, or other enhanced benefits in recognition of the risk management benefits of crop and livestock diversification strategies for producers that grow multiple crops or that may have income from the production of livestock that uses a crop grown on the farm. (D) Market readiness The Corporation may include coverage for the value of any packing, packaging, or any other similar on-farm activity the Corporation determines to be the minimum required in order to remove the commodity from the field. (E) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results and feasibility of the research and development conducted under this paragraph, including an analysis of potential adverse market distortions. (21) Study on poultry catastrophic disease program (A) In general The Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of insuring poultry producers for a catastrophic event. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). (22) Poultry business interruption insurance policy (A) Authority The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with a university or other legal entity to carry out research and development regarding a policy to insure the commercial production of poultry against business interruptions caused by integrator bankruptcy. (B) Research and development As part of the research and development conducted pursuant to a contract or cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (A), the entity shall— (i) evaluate the market place for business interruption insurance that is available to poultry growers; (ii) determine what statutory authority would be necessary to implement a business interruption insurance through the Corporation; (iii) assess the feasibility of a policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle to insure against losses due to the bankruptcy of an business integrator; and (iv) analyze the costs to the Federal Government of a Federal business interruption insurance program for poultry growers. (C) Definitions In this paragraph, the terms poultry and poultry grower have the meanings given those terms in section 2(a) of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 ( 7 U.S.C. 182(a) ). (D) Deadline for contract or cooperative agreement Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall enter into the contract or cooperative agreement required by subparagraph (A). (E) Deadline for completion of research and development Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the research and development conducted pursuant to the contract or cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (A). (23) Study of food safety insurance (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with 1 or more qualified entities to conduct a study to determine whether offering policies that provide coverage for specialty crops from food safety and contamination issues would benefit agricultural producers. (B) Subject The study described in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate policies and plans of insurance coverage that provide protection for production or revenue impacted by food safety concerns including, at a minimum, government, retail, or national consumer group announcements of a health advisory, removal, or recall related to a contamination concern. (C) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). . 11022. Program compliance partnerships Paragraph (1) of section 522(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Purpose The purpose of this subsection is to authorize the Corporation to enter into partnerships with public and private entities for the purpose of either— (A) increasing the availability of loss mitigation, financial, and other risk management tools for producers, with a priority given to risk management tools for producers of agricultural commodities covered by section 196 of the Agricultural Market Transition Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ), specialty crops, and underserved agricultural commodities; or (B) improving analysis tools and technology regarding compliance or identifying and using innovative compliance strategies. . 11023. Pilot programs Section 523(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1523(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting , at the sole discretion of the Corporation, after may ; and (2) by striking paragraph (5). 11024. Technical amendments (a) Eligibility for department programs Section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (7); and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (11) as paragraphs (7) through (10), respectively. (b) Exclusions to assistance for losses due to drought conditions (1) In general Section 531(d)(3)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1531(d)(3)(A) ) is amended— (A) by striking (A) Eligible losses .— and all that follows through An eligible in clause (i) and inserting the following: (A) Eligible losses An eligible ; (B) by striking clause (ii); and (C) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately. (2) Conforming amendment Section 901(d)(3)(A) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2497(d)(3)(A) ) is amended— (A) by striking (A) Eligible losses .— and all that follows through An eligible in clause (i) and inserting the following: (A) Eligible losses An eligible ; (B) by striking clause (ii); and (C) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately. 11025. Advance public notice of crop insurance policy and plan changes Section 505(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1505(e) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (6) and (7); respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5): (5) Advance notice of modification before implementation (A) In general Any modification to be made in the terms or conditions of any policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle shall not take effect for a crop year unless the Secretary publishes the modification in the Federal Register and on the website of the Corporation and provides for a subsequent period of public comment— (i) with respect to fall-planted crops, not later than 60 days before June 30 during the preceding crop year; and (ii) with respect to spring-planted crops, not later than 60 days before November 30 during the preceding crop year. (B) Waiver The Secretary may waive the application of subparagraph (A) in an emergency situation declared by the Secretary upon notice to Congress of the nature of the emergency and the need for immediate implementation of the policy or plan modification referred to in such subparagraph. . XII Miscellaneous A Livestock 12101. Repeal of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Effective October 1, 2013, section 375 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008j ) is repealed. 12102. Repeal of certain regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (a) Repeal of certain regulation requirement Section 11006 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2120) is repealed. (b) Repeal of certain existing regulation Subsection (n) of section 201.2 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, is repealed. (c) Prohibition on enforcement of certain regulations or issuance of similar regulations Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Agriculture shall not— (1) enforce subsection (n) of section 201.2 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations; (2) finalize or implement sections 201.2(l), 201.2(t), 201.2(u), 201.3(c), 201.210, 201.211, 201.213, and 201.214 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as proposed to be added by the proposed rule entitled Implementation of Regulations Required Under Title XI of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008; Conduct in Violation of the Act published by the Department of Agriculture on June 22, 2010 (75 Fed. Reg. 35338); or (3) issue regulations or adopt a policy similar to the provisions— (A) referred to in paragraph (1) or (2); or (B) rescinded by the Secretary pursuant to section 742 of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 ( Public Law 113–6 ). 12103. Trichinae certification program (a) Alternative certification process The Secretary of Agriculture shall amend the rule made under paragraph (2) of section 11010(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8304(a) ) to implement the voluntary trichinae certification program established under paragraph (1) of such section, to include a requirement to establish an alternative trichinae certification process based on surveillance or other methods consistent with international standards for categorizing compartments as having negligible risk for trichinae. (b) Final regulations Not later than one year after the date on which the international standards referred to in subsection (a) are adopted, the Secretary shall finalize the rule amended under such subsection. (c) Reauthorization Section 10405(d)(1) of the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8304(d)(1) ) is amended in subparagraphs (A) and (B) by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . 12104. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan Section 11013(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8322(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 12105. Country of origin labeling (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall conduct an economic analysis of the proposed rule entitled Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Goat Meat, Wild and Farm-raised Fish and Shellfish, Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts, Pecans, Ginseng and Macadamia Nuts published by the Department of Agriculture on March 12, 2013 (76 Fed. Reg. 15645). (b) Contents The economic analysis described in subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the labeling of beef, pork, and chicken, an analysis of the impact on consumers, producers, and packers in the United States of— (1) the implementation of subtitle D of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1638 et seq. ); and (2) the proposed rule referred to in subsection (a). 12106. National animal health laboratory network Subtitle E of title X of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after section 10409 ( 7 U.S.C. 8308 ) the following new section: 10409A. National animal health laboratory network (a) In general The Secretary shall enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with eligible laboratories for any of the following purposes: (1) To enhance the capability of the Secretary to detect, and respond in a timely manner to, emerging or existing threats to animal health and to support the protection of public health, the environment, and the agricultural economy of the United States. (2) To provide the capacity and capability for standardized— (A) test procedures, reference materials, and equipment; (B) laboratory biosafety and biosecurity levels; (C) quality management system requirements; (D) interconnected electronic reporting and transmission of data; and (E) evaluation for emergency preparedness. (3) To coordinate the development, implementation, and enhancement of national veterinary diagnostic laboratory capabilities, with special emphasis on surveillance planning and vulnerability analysis, technology development and validation, training, and outreach. (b) Eligibility An eligible laboratory under this section is a diagnostic laboratory meeting specific criteria developed by the Secretary, in consultation with State animal health officials and State and university veterinary diagnostic laboratories. (c) Priority To the extent practicable and to the extent capacity and specialized expertise may be necessary, the Secretary shall give priority to existing Federal, State, and university facilities. (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 12107. Repeal of duplicative catfish inspection program (a) In general Effective on the date of the enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq. ), section 11016 of such Act ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2130) and the amendments made by such section are repealed. (b) Application The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq. ) and the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ) shall be applied and administered as if section 11016 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2130) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq. ) and the amendments made by such section had not been enacted. 12108. National Poultry Improvement Program The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that the Department of Agriculture continues to administer the diagnostic surveillance program for H5/H7 low pathogenic avian influenza with respect to commercial poultry under section 146.14 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) without amending the regulations in section 147.43 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) with respect to the governance of the General Conference Committee established under such section. The Secretary of Agriculture shall maintain— (1) the operations of the General Conference Committee— (A) in the physical location at which the Committee was located on the date of the enactment of this Act; and (B) with the organizational structure within the Department of Agriculture in effect as of such date; and (2) the funding levels for the National Poultry Improvement Plan for Commercial Poultry (established under part 146 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor regulation) at the fiscal year 2013 funding levels for the Plan. 12109. Report on bovine tuberculosis in Texas Not later than December 31, 2014, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 on the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in Texas. The report shall cover the period beginning on January 1, 1997, and ending on December 31, 2013. 12110. Economic fraud in wild and farm-raised seafood (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall submit to Congress a report on the economic implications for consumers, fishermen, and aquaculturists of fraud and mislabeling in wild and farm-raised seafood. (b) Contents The report required under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to fraud and mislabeling in wild and farm-raised seafood, an analysis of the impact on consumers and producers in the United States of— (1) sales of imported seafood that is misrepresented as domestic product; (2) country of origin labeling that allows seafood harvested outside the United States to be labeled as a product of the United States; (3) the lack of seafood product traceability through the supply chain; and (4) the inadequate use of DNA testing and other technology to address seafood safety and fraud, including traceability. B Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers 12201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers (a) Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting and veteran farmers and ranchers after ranchers ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; (B) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; and (C) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in the heading of such subparagraph, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (II) in clause (i), by striking and at the end; (III) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (IV) by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (3) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting or veteran farmers and ranchers after socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers ; (4) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members ; and (5) in subsection (e)(5)(A)— (A) in clause (i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; and (B) in clause (ii), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers . (b) Definition of veteran farmer or rancher Section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (7) Veteran farmer or rancher The term veteran farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released from the service under conditions other than dishonorable. . 12202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach Paragraph (3) of section 226B(f) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6934(f) ) is amended to read as follows: (3) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection— (A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013; and (B) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 12203. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279 ), as amended by section 12201, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (i) Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers policy research center The Secretary shall award a grant to a college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 ( 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq. ), including Tuskegee University, to establish a policy research center to be known as the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center for the purpose of developing policy recommendations for the protection and promotion of the interests of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. . 12204. Receipt for service or denial of service from certain department of agriculture agencies Section 2501A(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279–1(e) ) is amended by striking and, at the time of the request, also requests a receipt . C Other miscellaneous provisions 12301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force Subsection (d) of section 14204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2008q–1 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 12302. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high plains water study Section 2901 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1818) is amended by striking this Act or an amendment made by this Act and inserting this Act, an amendment made by this Act, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 , or an amendment made by the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 . 12303. Office of Tribal Relations (a) In general Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by adding after section 308 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125a note; Public Law 103–354 ) the following new section: 309. Office of Tribal Relations The Secretary shall establish in the Office of the Secretary an Office of Tribal Relations to advise the Secretary on policies related to Indian tribes. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended by inserting after paragraph (8), as added by section 3207, the following new paragraph: (9) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Secretary the Office of Tribal Relations in accordance with section 309; and . 12304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (a) In general Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 218 ( 7 U.S.C. 6918 ) the following new section: 219. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (a) Authorization The Secretary shall establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. (b) Duties The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall— (1) provide information to returning veterans about, and connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate to the needs and interests of returning veterans, including assisting veterans in using Federal veterans educational benefits for purposes relating to beginning a farming or ranching career; (2) provide information to veterans concerning the availability of and eligibility requirements for participation in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs; (3) serve as a resource for assisting veteran farmers and ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying for participation in agricultural programs; and (4) advocate on behalf of veterans in interactions with employees of the Department. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended by inserting after paragraph (9), as added by section 11303, the following new paragraph: (10) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison in accordance with section 219. . 12305. Prohibition on keeping GSA leased cars overnight Effective immediately, a Federal employee of a State office of the Farm Service Agency in the field and non-Federal employees of county and area committees established under section 8(b)(5) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590h(b)(5) ) shall keep leased interagency motor pool vehicles at a location listed on the General Services Administration inventory of owned and leased properties or a location owned or leased by the Department of Agriculture overnight unless the employee assigned the vehicle is on overnight, approved travel status involving per diem. 12306. Noninsured crop assistance program Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ), as amended by section 11013(b), is further amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) In general (A) Coverages In the case of an eligible crop described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Agriculture shall operate a noninsured crop disaster assistance program to provide coverages based on individual yields (other than for value-loss crops) equivalent to— (i) catastrophic risk protection available under section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(b) ); or (ii) additional coverage available under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) that does not exceed 65 percent. (B) Administration The Secretary shall carry out this section through the Farm Service Agency (referred to in this section as the Agency ). ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in clause (i), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (II) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and (III) by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause: (ii) for which additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is not available; and ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, before and industrial crops ; (2) in subsection (d), by striking The Secretary and inserting Subject to subsection (l), the Secretary ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (l) Payment equivalent to additional coverage (1) In general The Secretary shall make available to a producer eligible for noninsured assistance under this section a payment equivalent to an indemnity for additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) that does not exceed 65 percent of the established yield for the eligible crop on the farm, computed by multiplying— (A) the quantity that is not greater than 65 percent of the established yield for the crop, as determined by the Secretary, specified in increments of 5 percent; (B) 100 percent of the average market price for the crop, as determined by the Secretary; and (C) a payment rate for the type of crop, as determined by the Secretary, that reflects— (i) in the case of a crop that is produced with a significant and variable harvesting expense, the decreasing cost incurred in the production cycle for the crop that is, as applicable— (I) harvested; (II) planted but not harvested; or (III) prevented from being planted because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) in the case of a crop that is produced without a significant and variable harvesting expense, such rate as shall be determined by the Secretary. (2) Premium To be eligible to receive a payment under this subsection, a producer shall pay— (A) the service fee required by subsection (k); and (B) a premium for the applicable crop year that is equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (i) the number of acres devoted to the eligible crop; (ii) the established yield for the eligible crop, as determined by the Secretary under subsection (e); (iii) the coverage level elected by the producer; (iv) the average market price, as determined by the Secretary; and (v) .0525. (3) Limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers The additional coverage made available under this subsection shall be available to limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged producers, as determined by the Secretary, in exchange for a premium that is 50 percent of the premium determined for a producer under paragraph (2). (4) Premium Payment and Application Deadline (A) Premium payment A producer electing additional coverage under this subsection shall pay the premium amount owed for the additional coverage by September 30 of the crop year for which the additional coverage is purchased. (B) Application Deadline The latest date on which additional coverage under this subsection may be elected shall be the application closing date described in subsection (b)(1). (5) Effective date Additional coverage under this subsection shall be available beginning with the 2015 crop. . 12307. Ensuring high standards for agency use of scientific information (a) Requirement for final guidelines Not later than January 1, 2014, each Federal agency shall have in effect guidelines for ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of scientific information relied upon by such agency. (b) Content of guidelines The guidelines described in subsection (a), with respect to a Federal agency, shall ensure that— (1) when scientific information is considered by the agency in policy decisions— (A) the information is subject to well-established scientific processes, including peer review where appropriate; (B) the agency appropriately applies the scientific information to the policy decision; (C) except for information that is protected from disclosure by law or administrative practice, the agency makes available to the public the scientific information considered by the agency; (D) the agency gives greatest weight to information that is based on experimental, empirical, quantifiable, and reproducible data that is developed in accordance with well-established scientific processes; and (E) with respect to any proposed rule issued by the agency, such agency follows procedures that include, to the extent feasible and permitted by law, an opportunity for public comment on all relevant scientific findings; (2) the agency has procedures in place to make policy decisions only on the basis of the best reasonably obtainable scientific, technical, economic, and other evidence and information concerning the need for, consequences of, and alternatives to the decision; and (3) the agency has in place procedures to identify and address instances in which the integrity of scientific information considered by the agency may have been compromised, including instances in which such information may have been the product of a scientific process that was compromised. (c) Approval needed for policy decisions To take effect No policy decision issued after January 1, 2014, by an agency subject to this section may take effect prior to such date that the agency has in effect guidelines under subsection (a) that have been approved by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. (d) Policy decisions not in compliance (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), a policy decision of an agency that does not comply with guidelines approved under subsection (c) shall be deemed to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and otherwise not in accordance with law. (2) Exception This subsection shall not apply to policy decisions that are deemed to be necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or because of another emergency. (e) Definitions For purposes of this section: (1) Agency The term agency has the meaning given such term in section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code. (2) Policy decision The term policy decision means, with respect to an agency, an agency action as defined in section 551(13) of title 5, United States Code, (other than an adjudication, as defined in section 551(7) of such title), and includes— (A) the listing, labeling, or other identification of a substance, product, or activity as hazardous or creating risk to human health, safety, or the environment; and (B) agency guidance. (3) Agency guidance The term agency guidance means an agency statement of general applicability and future effect, other than a regulatory action, that sets forth a policy on a statutory, regulatory, or technical issue or on an interpretation of a statutory or regulatory issue. 12308. Evaluation required for purposes of prohibition on closure or relocation of county offices for the Farm Service Agency (a) Prohibition on closure or relocation of offices with high workload volume Section 14212 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a ) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection: (a) Prohibition on closure or relocation of offices with high workload volume The Secretary of Agriculture may not close or relocate a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency in a State if the Secretary determines, after conducting the evaluation required under subsection (b)(1)(B), that the office has a high workload volume compared with other county offices in the State. . (b) Workload evaluation Section 14212(b)(1) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(1) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and moving the margins of such clauses two ems to the right; (2) by striking the Farm Service Agency, to the maximum extent practicable and inserting the Farm Service Agency— (A) to the maximum extent practicable ; (3) in clause (ii) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))— (A) by inserting as of the date of the enactment of this Act after employees ; and (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) conduct and complete an evaluation of all workload assessments for Farm Service Agency county offices that were open and operational as of January 1, 2012, during the period that begins on a date that is not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 and ends on the date that is 18 months after such date of enactment. . (c) Notice required Section 14212(b)(2) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking After the period referred to in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of Agriculture may not close a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency unless— and inserting After carrying out each of the activities required under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall, before closing a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency— ; (2) in subparagraph (A), by striking the Secretary holds and inserting hold ; and (3) in subparagraph (B), by striking the Secretary notifies and inserting notify . (d) Conforming amendment Section 14212(b)(1) of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(1) ) is amended by striking After the period referred to in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary and inserting The Secretary . 12309. Acer access and development program (a) Grants authorized The Secretary of Agriculture may make competitive grants to States, tribal governments, and research institutions to support the efforts of such States, tribal governments, and research institutions to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through the following activities: (1) Promotion of research and education related to maple syrup production. (2) Promotion of natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry. (3) Market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap products. (4) Encouragement of owners and operators of privately held land containing species of trees in the genus Acer— (A) to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the land; or (B) to voluntarily make the land available, including by lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-sugaring activities. (b) Application In submitting an application for a competitive grant under this section, a State, tribal government, or research institution shall include— (1) a description of the activities to be supported using the grant funds; (2) a description of the benefits that the State, tribal government, or research institution intends to achieve as a result of engaging in such activities; and (3) an estimate of the increase in maple-sugaring activities or maple syrup production that the State, tribal government, or research institution anticipates will occur as a result of engaging in such activities. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to preempt a State or tribal government law, including a State or tribal government liability law. (d) Definition of maple-Sugaring In this section, the term maple-sugaring means the collection of sap from any species of tree in the genus Acer for the purpose of boiling to produce food. (e) Regulations The Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section. (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. 12310. Regulatory review by the Secretary of Agriculture (a) Review of regulatory agenda The Secretary of Agriculture shall review publications that may give notice that the Environmental Protection Agency is preparing or plans to prepare any guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect that may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities, including— (1) any regulatory agenda of the Environmental Protection Agency published pursuant to section 602 of title 5, United States Code; (2) any regulatory plan or agenda published by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to an Executive order, including Executive Order No. 12866; and (3) any other publication issued by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Management and Budget that may reasonably be foreseen to contain notice of plans by the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare any guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect that may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities. (b) Information gathering For a publication item reviewed under subsection (a) that the Secretary determines may have a significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities, the Secretary shall— (1) solicit from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency any information the Administrator may provide to facilitate a review of the publication item; (2) utilize the Chief Economist of the Department of Agriculture to produce an economic impact statement for the publication item that contains a detailed estimate of potential costs to agricultural entities; (3) identify individuals representative of potentially affected agricultural entities for the purpose of obtaining advice and recommendations from such individuals about the potential impacts of the publication item; and (4) convene a review panel for analysis of the publication item that includes the Secretary, any full-time Federal employee of the Department of Agriculture appointed to the panel by the Secretary, and any employee of the Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within the Office of Management and Budget that accepts an invitation from the Secretary to participate in the panel. (c) Duties of the review panel A review panel convened for a publication item under subsection (b)(4) shall— (1) review any information or material obtained by the Secretary and prepared in connection with the publication item, including any draft proposed guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect; (2) collect advice and recommendations from agricultural entity representatives identified by the Administrator after consultation with the Secretary; (3) compile and analyze such advice and recommendations; and (4) make recommendations to the Secretary based on the information gathered by the review panel or provided by agricultural entity representatives. (d) Comments (1) In general Not later than 60 days after the date the Secretary convenes a review panel pursuant to subsection (b)(4), the Secretary shall submit to the Administrator comments on the planned or proposed guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect for consideration and inclusion in any related administrative record, including— (A) a report by the Secretary on the concerns of agricultural entities; (B) the findings of the review panel; (C) the findings of the Secretary, including any adopted findings of the review panel; and (D) recommendations of the Secretary. (2) Publication The Secretary shall publish the comments in the Federal Register and make the comments available to the public on the public Internet website of the Department of Agriculture. (e) Waivers The Secretary may waive initiation of the review panel under subsection (b)(4) as the Secretary determines appropriate. (f) Definition of agricultural entity In this section, the term agricultural entity means any entity involved in or related to agricultural enterprise, including enterprises that are engaged in the business of production of food and fiber, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries. 12311. Prohibition on attending an animal fighting venture or causing a minor to attend an animal fighting venture Section 26(a)(1) of the Animal Welfare Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2156(a)(1) ) is amended by striking the period and inserting or to knowingly attend or knowingly cause a minor to attend an animal fighting venture. . 12312. Prohibition against interference by State and local governments with production or manufacture of items in other States (a) In general Consistent with Article I, section 8, clause 3 of the Constitution of the United States, the government of a State or locality therein shall not impose a standard or condition on the production or manufacture of any agricultural product sold or offered for sale in interstate commerce if— (1) such production or manufacture occurs in another State; and (2) the standard or condition is in addition to the standards and conditions applicable to such production or manufacture pursuant to— (A) Federal law; and (B) the laws of the State and locality in which such production or manufacture occurs. (b) Agricultural product defined In this section, the term agricultural product has the meaning given such term in section 207 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1626 ). 12313. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Missouri River Basin (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Record runoff occurred in the Missouri River basin during 2011 as a result of historic rainfall over portions of the upper basin coupled with heavy plains and mountain snowpack. (2) Runoff above Sioux City, Iowa, during the 5-month period of March through July totaled an estimated 48.4 million acre-feet (referred to in this section as MAF ). This runoff volume was more than 20 percent greater than the design storm for the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System (referred to in this section as the System ), which was based on the 1881 runoff of 40.0 MAF during the same 5-month period. (3) During the 2011 runoff season, nearly 61 million acre-feet of water entered the Missouri River system, far surpassing the previous record of 49 MAF in runoff that was set during the flood of 1997. (4) Given the incredible amount of water entering the System, the summer months were spent working to evacuate as much water from the System as possible, ultimately leading to record high water releases from Gavins Point Dam of 160,000 cubic feet per second, a rate that more than doubled the previous release record of 70,000 cubic feet per second set in 1997. (5) For nearly four months, those extremely high releases from Gavins Point were maintained, resulting in severe and sustained flooding, with much of western Iowa and eastern Nebraska as well as portions of South Dakota, Kansas, and Missouri inundated by a flooding river three to five feet deep, up to 11 miles wide, and flowing at a rate of 4 to 11 miles per hour. (6) Thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage was done to roads and other public infrastructure. (7) In addition to the homes, businesses, and infrastructure impacted by the flooding, hundreds of thousands of acres of cropland were affected. (8) The Department of Agriculture has estimated that 400,000 to 500,000 acres of some of the most productive crop land in the world was flooded in 2011. (9) Local Farm Services Agency representatives have estimated that $82,100,000 was lost in 2011 alone due to damaged or lost crops and unplanted acres. (10) Not only did the flooding eliminate the 2011 crop, but it is highly unlikely that many farmers will be able to put that land back into production at any point in the near future. (11) Producers will have to contend with large piles of sand, silt, and other debris that have been deposited in their fields, meaning the impact of the 2011 flood will be felt in the agricultural communities up and down the Missouri River for many years to come. (12) Currently, the amount of storage capacity in the System that is set aside for flood control is based upon the vacated space required to control the 1881 flood, because prior to the 2011 flood, the 1881 flood was seen as the high water mark . (13) Given the historic flooding that took place in 2011, it is clear that year’s flooding now represents a new high water mark , surpassing the flooding of even the 1881 flood. (14) It is important that the flood control related functions of the System management be adjusted to reflect the reality of the 2011 flood as the new worst case scenario for flooding along the Missouri River. (15) System management may begin to be adjusted to account for the 2011 flood through a recalculation of the amount of storage space within the System that is allocated to flood control, using the model not of the 1881 flood, but of the greatest flood experienced—the flood of 2011. (16) As a result of the flooding in 2011, many States received disaster declarations from the Department of Agriculture to help farmers and producers recover from the damage done by the high water. (17) Though helpful, even the assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture will not provide many in the agriculture community with the resources to put their land back into production any time soon. (18) Without the protection that will come from a fundamental change in the System’s flood control storage allocations, farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests who may be in a position to restart their operations will find it difficult to justify doing so, given the fact that they will not be protected from similar flooding in the future. (b) Updated management of the Missouri river To protect agricultural interests In order to strengthen the agricultural economy, revitalize the rural communities, and conserve the natural resources of the Missouri River basin, the Congress directs that the Secretary of Agriculture take action to promote immediate increased flood protection to farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests in the Missouri River basin by working within its jurisdiction to support efforts— (1) to recalculate the amount of space within the System that is allocated to flood control storage using the 2011 flood as the model; and (2) to increase the Missouri River’s channel capacity between the reservoirs and below Gavins Point. 12314. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the Black Dirt region In order to strengthen the agricultural economy, revitalize the rural communities, and conserve the natural resources of the Black Dirt region, the Congress directs that the Secretary of Agriculture take action to promote immediate increased flood protection to farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests around the Wallkill River and in the Black Dirt region. 12315. Protection of honey bees and other pollinators (a) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall carry out such activities as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect and ensure the long-term viability of populations of honey bees, wild bees, and other beneficial insects of agricultural crops, horticultural plants, wild plants, and other plants, including— (1) providing technical expertise relating to proposed agency actions that may threaten pollinator health or jeopardize the long-term viability of populations of pollinators; (2) providing formal guidance on national policies relating to— (A) permitting managed honey bees to forage on National Forest Service lands where compatible with other natural resource management priorities; and (B) planting and maintaining managed honey bee and native pollinator forage on National Forest Service lands where compatible with other natural resource management priorities; (3) making use of the best available peer-reviewed science regarding environmental and chemical stressors on pollinator health; and (4) regularly monitoring and reporting on the health and population status of managed and native pollinators including bees, birds, bats, and other species. (b) Task force on bee health and commercial beekeeping (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a task force— (A) to coordinate Federal efforts carried out on or after the date of enactment of this Act to address the serious worldwide decline in bee health, especially honey bees and declining native bees; and (B) to assess Federal efforts to mitigate pollinator losses and threats to the United States commercial beekeeping industry. (2) Agency consultation The task force established under this subsection shall seek ongoing consultation from any Federal agency carrying out activities important to bee health and commercial beekeeping, including officials from— (A) the Department of Agriculture; (B) the Department of the Interior; (C) the Environmental Protection Agency; (D) the Food and Drug Administration; (E) the Department of Commerce; and (F) U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (3) Stakeholder consultation The task force established under this subsection shall consult with beekeeper, conservation, scientist, and agricultural stakeholders. (c) Report to Congress Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the task force established under subsection (b) shall submit to Congress a report that— (1) summarizes Federal activities carried out pursuant to subsection (f) of section of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925 ) (as redesignated by section 7209) or any other provision of law (including regulations) to address bee decline; (2) summarizes international efforts to address the decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators; and (3) provides recommendations to Congress regarding how to better coordinate Federal agency efforts to address the decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators. (d) Pollinator research lab feasibility study (1) In general The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, may conduct feasibility studies regarding— (A) re-locating existing honey bee and native pollinator research from Federal laboratories to a cooperator-run facility in a location most geographically appropriate for pollinator research; and (B) modernizing existing honey bee research laboratories identified by the Agricultural Research Service in the capital investment strategy document dated 2012. (2) Consultation In conducting the feasibility studies under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with— (A) beekeeper, native bee, agricultural, research institution, and bee conservation stakeholders regarding new research laboratory needs under paragraph (1)(A); and (B) commercial beekeepers regarding the modernizing of existing honey bee laboratories under paragraph (1)(B). 12316. Produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States (a) Technical assistance to CBP The Secretary of Agriculture shall make available to U.S. Customs and Border Protection technical assistance related to the identification of produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. (b) Report to Congress 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 report on produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. 12317. Urban agriculture coordination The Secretary of Agriculture shall coordinate opportunities for urban agriculture, by— (1) compiling a list of all programs administered by the Secretary or by the head of any other department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States to which urban farmers can apply for assistance or participation; (2) examining and implementing opportunities to adjust the regulations governing the programs to enable urban farmers to participate in more of the programs; (3) developing a process for streamlining the process by which urban farmers may apply for assistance from, or for participation in, the programs, including through the use of a single, harmonized application for multiple programs; and (4) such other methods as the Secretary deems appropriate. 12318. Sense of Congress on increased business opportunities for black farmers, women, minorities, and small businesses It is the sense of Congress that the Federal Government should increase the number of contracts the Federal Government awards to black farmers, businesses owned and controlled by women, businesses owned and controlled by minorities, and small business concerns. 12319. Sense of Congress regarding agriculture security programs It is the sense of Congress that— (1) agricultural nutrients and other agricultural chemicals are essential to ensuring the most efficient production of food, fuel, and fiber; (2) these products must be properly stored, handled, transported, and used to ensure that they are not misused or cause harm either accidentally or intentionally; (3) the Department of Agriculture is the Federal agency with the staffing and technical expertise to understand the important role these products play in agriculture; (4) other Federal departments and agencies have been given lead responsibility to develop and implement security programs affecting the availability, storage, transportation, and use of a variety of chemicals and products used in agriculture; (5) it is critical that the Department of Agriculture participates fully in the development of any such security programs to ensure that they do not unnecessarily restrict the availability of the most efficient and beneficial products needed to sustain agriculture in the United States; (6) the Secretary of Agriculture should review staffing at the Department to ensure that the agency has senior employees within the Department at the Senior Executive Service level or higher, who have responsibility for coordinating with other Federal, State, and international agencies in the development of regulations, guidance, and procedures for the secure handling of agricultural chemicals; and (7) such employees shall— (A) work with manufacturers, retailers, and the general farm community to review existing and proposed Federal, State, and international agricultural chemical security regulations; (B) coordinate with manufacturers, retailers, transporters, and farmers to evaluate how existing and proposed security regulations, including systems to track the sale, transportation, delivery, and use of agricultural products, can be designed to minimize any adverse impact on agricultural productivity; (C) evaluate how existing and proposed security regulations will affect the ability of agricultural producers to have timely access to nutrients, chemicals, and other products that are affordable and best suited to the producers’ operations; (D) develop recommendations on best practices, policies, and regulatory mechanisms relating to existing and proposed security programs to ensure that there is minimal adverse impact on agricultural productivity; and (E) engage with Federal agencies with responsibility for establishing security programs to ensure that they have the information needed to develop procedures for effective security administration and enforcement that minimize any adverse impact on domestic or international agricultural productivity. 12320. Report on water sharing Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report on— (1) efforts by Mexico to meet its treaty deliveries of water to the Rio Grande in accordance with the Treaty between the United States and Mexico Respecting Utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande (done at Washington, February 3, 1944); and (2) the benefits to the United States of the Interim International Cooperative Measures in the Colorado River Basin through 2017 and Extension of Minute 318 Cooperative Measures to Address the Continued Effects of the April 2010 Earthquake in the Mexicali Valley, Baja, California (done at Coronado, California, November 20, 2012; commonly referred to as Minute No. 319 ). 12321. Scientific and economic analysis of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary ) may not enforce any regulations promulgated under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act ( Public Law 111–353 ) until the Secretary publishes in the Federal Register the following: (1) An analysis of the scientific information used in the final rule to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act with a particular focus on— (A) agricultural businesses of a variety of sizes; (B) regional differences of agriculture production, processing, marketing, and value added production; (C) agricultural businesses that are diverse livestock and produce producers; and (D) what, if any, negative impact on the agricultural businesses would be created, or exacerbated, by implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. (2) An analysis of the economic impact of the proposed final rule to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act with a particular focus on— (A) agricultural businesses of a variety of sizes; and (B) small and mid-sized value added food processors. (3) A plan to systematically evaluate the regulations by surveying farmers and processors and developing an ongoing process to evaluate and address business concerns. (b) Annual report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the impact of implementation of the regulations promulgated under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. 12322. Improved Department of Agriculture consideration of economic impact of regulations on small business The Secretary of Agriculture shall complete procedures consistent with the requirements of subsection (b) of section 609 of title 5, United States Code, whenever the Department of Agriculture promulgates any rule which will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 12323. Silvicultural activities Section 402(l) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1342(l) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Silvicultural activities (A) NPDES permit requirements for silvicultural activities The Administrator shall not require a permit or otherwise promulgate regulations under this section or directly or indirectly require any State to require a permit under this section for a discharge of stormwater runoff resulting from the conduct of the following silviculture activities: nursery operations, site preparation, reforestation and subsequent cultural treatment, thinning, prescribed burning, pest and fire control, harvesting operations, surface drainage, and road use, construction, and maintenance. (B) Permits for dredged or fill material Nothing in this paragraph exempts a silvicultural activity resulting in the discharge of dredged or fill material from any permitting requirement under section 404. . 12324. Applicability of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule (a) In general The Administrator, in implementing the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule with respect to any farm, shall— (1) require certification of compliance with such rule by— (A) a professional engineer for a farm with— (i) an individual tank with an aboveground storage capacity greater than 10,000 gallons; (ii) an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than or equal to 42,000 gallons; or (iii) a history that includes a spill, as determined by the Administrator; or (B) the owner or operator of the farm (via self-certification) for a farm with— (i) an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than 10,000 gallons but less than 42,000 gallons; and (ii) no history of spills, as determined by the Administrator; and (2) exempt from all requirements of such rule any farm— (A) with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of less than or equal to 10,000 gallons; and (B) no history of spills, as determined by the Administrator. (b) Calculation of aggregate aboveground storage capacity For the purposes of subsection (a), the aggregate aboveground storage capacity of a farm excludes— (1) all containers on separate parcels that have a capacity that is less than 1,320 gallons; and (2) all storage containers holding animal feed ingredients approved for use in livestock feed by the Food and Drug Administration. (c) Definitions In this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) Farm The term farm has the meaning given such term in section 112.2 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. (3) Gallon The term gallon refers to a United States liquid gallon. (4) History of spills The term history of spills has the meaning used to describe the term reportable discharge history in section 112.7(k)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations). (5) Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule The term Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule means the regulation promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency under part 112 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. 12325. Agricultural producer information disclosure (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) Agency The term Agency means the Environmental Protection Agency. (3) Agricultural operation The term agricultural operation includes any operation where an agricultural commodity crop is raised, including livestock operations. (4) Livestock operation The term livestock operation includes any operation involved in the raising or finishing of livestock or poultry. (b) Disclosure of information (1) Prohibition Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Administrator, any officer or employee of the Agency, or any contractor of the Agency, shall not make public the information of any owner, operator, or employee of an agricultural operation provided to the Agency by a farmer, rancher, or livestock producer or a State agency that has been obtained in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. ) or any other law, including— (A) names; (B) telephone numbers; (C) email addresses; (D) physical addresses; (E) Global Positioning System coordinates; or (F) other identifying location information. (2) Effect Nothing in paragraph (1) affects— (A) the disclosure of information described in paragraph (1) if— (i) the information has been transformed into a statistical or aggregate form at the county level or higher without any information that identifies the agricultural operation or agricultural producer; or (ii) the producer consents to the disclosure; or (B) the authority of any State agency to collect information on livestock operations. (3) Condition of permit or other programs The approval of any permit, practice, or program administered by the Administrator shall not be conditioned on the consent of the agricultural producer or livestock producer under paragraph (2)(A)(ii). 12326. Report on National Ocean Policy (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Executive Order No. 13547, issued on July 19, 2010, established the national policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes and requires— (A) Federal implementation of ecosystem-based management to achieve a fundamental shift in how the United States manages ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources; and (B) the establishment of nine new governmental Regional Planning Bodies and Coastal and Marine Spatial Plans in every region of the United States. (2) Executive Order No. 13547 created a 54-member National Ocean Council led by the White House Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Science and Technology Policy that includes 54 principal and deputy-level representatives from Federal entities, including the Department of Agriculture. (3) Executive Order No. 13547 requires National Ocean Council members, including the Department of Agriculture, to take action to implement the Policy and participate in coastal and marine spatial planning to the maximum extent possible. (4) The Final Recommendations of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force that were adopted by Executive Order No. 13547 state that effective implementation of the National Ocean Policy will require clear and easily understood requirements and regulations, where appropriate, that include enforcement as a critical component . (5) Despite repeated Congressional requests, the National Ocean Council, which is charged with overseeing implementation of the policy, has still not provided a complete accounting of Federal activities under the policy and resources expended and allocated in furtherance of implementation of the policy. (6) The continued economic and budgetary challenges of the United States underscore the necessity for sound, transparent, and practical Federal policies. (b) Report Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture 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 detailing— (1) all activities engaged in and resources expended in furtherance of Executive Order No. 13547 since July 19, 2010; and (2) any budget requests for fiscal year 2014 for support of implementation of Executive Order No. 13547. 12327. Sunsetting of programs (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), each fiscal year the Secretary of Agriculture may not carry out any program— (1) for which an authorization of appropriations is established or extended under this Act; and (2) that is funded by discretionary appropriations (as defined in section 250(c) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 ( 2 U.S.C. 900(c) )). (b) Effective date Subsection (a) shall take effect with respect to a program referred to in such subsection on the date on which the authorization of appropriations under this Act for such program expires. (c) Existing obligations Subsection (a) does not affect the ability of the Secretary to carry out responsibilities with regard to loans, grants, or other obligations made or in existence before an applicable effective date under subsection (b). D Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery 12401. Short title This subtitle may be cited as the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2013 . 12402. Chesapeake Bay Crosscut Budget (a) Crosscut Budget The Director, in consultation with the Chesapeake Executive Council, the chief executive of each Chesapeake Bay State, and the Chesapeake Bay Commission, shall submit to Congress a financial report containing— (1) an interagency crosscut budget that displays— (A) the proposed funding for any Federal restoration activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year, including any planned interagency or intra-agency transfer, for each of the Federal agencies that carry out restoration activities; (B) to the extent that information is available, the estimated funding for any State restoration activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year; (C) all expenditures for Federal restoration activities from the preceding 2 fiscal years, the current fiscal year, and the succeeding fiscal year; and (D) all expenditures, to the extent that information is available, for State restoration activities during the equivalent time period described in subparagraph (C) ; (2) a detailed accounting of all funds received and obligated by all Federal agencies for restoration activities during the current and preceding fiscal years, including the identification of funds which were transferred to a Chesapeake Bay State for restoration activities; (3) to the extent that information is available, a detailed accounting from each State of all funds received and obligated from a Federal agency for restoration activities during the current and preceding fiscal years; and (4) a description of each of the proposed Federal and State restoration activities to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year (corresponding to those activities listed in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1)), including the— (A) project description; (B) current status of the project; (C) Federal or State statutory or regulatory authority, programs, or responsible agencies; (D) authorization level for appropriations; (E) project timeline, including benchmarks; (F) references to project documents; (G) descriptions of risks and uncertainties of project implementation; (H) adaptive management actions or framework; (I) coordinating entities; (J) funding history; (K) cost sharing; and (L) alignment with existing Chesapeake Bay Agreement and Chesapeake Executive Council goals and priorities. (b) Minimum funding levels The Director shall only describe restoration activities in the report required under subsection (a) that— (1) for Federal restoration activities, have funding amounts greater than or equal to $100,000; and (2) for State restoration activities, have funding amounts greater than or equal to $50,000. (c) Deadline The Director shall submit to Congress the report required by subsection (a) not later than 30 days after the submission by the President of the President’s annual budget to Congress. (d) Report Copies of the financial report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations, Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations, Environment and Public Works, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. (e) Effective Date This section shall apply beginning with the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act for which the President submits a budget to Congress. 12403. Restoration through adaptive management (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with other Federal and State agencies, and with the participation of stakeholders, shall develop a plan to provide technical and financial assistance to Chesapeake Bay States to employ adaptive management in carrying out restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. (b) Plan development The plan referred to in subsection (a) shall include— (1) specific and measurable objectives to improve water quality, habitat, and fisheries identified by Chesapeake Bay States; (2) a process for stakeholder participation; (3) monitoring, modeling, experimentation, and other research and evaluation technical assistance requested by Chesapeake Bay States; (4) identification of State restoration activities planned by Chesapeake Bay States to attain the State’s objectives under paragraph (1); (5) identification of Federal restoration activities that could help a Chesapeake Bay State to attain the State’s objectives under paragraph (1); (6) recommendations for a process for modification of State and Federal restoration activities that have not attained or will not attain the specific and measurable objectives set forth under paragraph (1); and (7) recommendations for a process for integrating and prioritizing State and Federal restoration activities and programs to which adaptive management can be applied. (c) Implementation In addition to carrying out Federal restoration activities under existing authorities and funding, the Administrator shall implement the plan developed under subsection (a) by providing technical and financial assistance to Chesapeake Bay States using resources available for such purposes that are identified by the Director under section 11402. (d) Updates The Administrator shall update the plan developed under subsection (a) every 2 years. (e) Report to Congress (1) In general Not later than 60 days after the end of a fiscal year, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress an annual report on the implementation of the plan required under this section for such fiscal year. (2) Contents The report required under paragraph (1) shall contain information about the application of adaptive management to restoration activities and programs, including level changes implemented through the process of adaptive management. (3) Effective date Paragraph (1) shall apply to the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act. (f) Inclusion of plan in annual action plan and annual progress report The Administrator shall ensure that the Annual Action Plan and Annual Progress Report required by section 205 of Executive Order No. 13508 includes the adaptive management plan outlined in subsection (a). 12404. Independent Evaluator for the Chesapeake Bay Program (a) In general There shall be an Independent Evaluator for restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, who shall review and report on restoration activities and the use of adaptive management in restoration activities, including on such related topics as are suggested by the Chesapeake Executive Council. (b) Appointment (1) In general The Independent Evaluator shall be appointed by the Administrator from among nominees submitted by the Chesapeake Executive Council. (2) Nominations The Chesapeake Executive Council may submit to the Administrator 4 nominees for appointment to any vacancy in the office of the Independent Evaluator. (c) Reports The Independent Evaluator shall submit a report to the Congress every 2 years in the findings and recommendations of reviews under this section. (d) Chesapeake Executive Council In this section, the term Chesapeake Executive Council has the meaning given that term by section 307 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 ( Public Law 102–567 ; 15 U.S.C. 1511d ). 12405. Definitions In this subtitle, the following definitions apply: (1) Adaptive management The term adaptive management means a type of natural resource management in which project and program decisions are made as part of an ongoing science-based process. Adaptive management involves testing, monitoring, and evaluating applied strategies and incorporating new knowledge into programs and restoration activities that are based on scientific findings and the needs of society. Results are used to modify management policy, strategies, practices, programs, and restoration activities. (2) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (3) Chesapeake Bay State The term Chesapeake Bay State or State means the States of Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York, the Commonwealths of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. (4) Chesapeake Bay Watershed The term Chesapeake Bay watershed means the Chesapeake Bay and the geographic area, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, consisting of 36 tributary basins, within the Chesapeake Bay States, through which precipitation drains into the Chesapeake Bay. (5) Chief Executive The term chief executive means, in the case of a State or Commonwealth, the Governor of each such State or Commonwealth and, in the case of the District of Columbia, the Mayor of the District of Columbia. (6) Director The term Director means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. (7) State restoration activities The term State restoration activities means any State programs or projects carried out under State authority that directly or indirectly protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat, water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including programs or projects that promote responsible land use, stewardship, and community engagement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Restoration activities may be categorized as follows: (A) Physical restoration. (B) Planning. (C) Feasibility studies. (D) Scientific research. (E) Monitoring. (F) Education. (G) Infrastructure development. (8) Federal restoration activities The term Federal restoration activities means any Federal programs or projects carried out under existing Federal authority that directly or indirectly protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat, water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including programs or projects that provide financial and technical assistance to promote responsible land use, stewardship, and community engagement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Restoration activities may be categorized as follows: (A) Physical restoration. (B) Planning. (C) Feasibility studies. (D) Scientific research. (E) Monitoring. (F) Education. (G) Infrastructure development.

Lorraine Miller Clerk.

tv_txt: I One Hundred Thirteenth Congress of the United States of America At the Second Session Begun and held at the City of Washington on Friday, the third day of January, two thousand and fourteen H. R. 2642 AN ACT To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Agricultural Act of 2014 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture. Title I—Commodities Subtitle A—Repeals and reforms Part I—Repeals Sec. 1101. Repeal of direct payments. Sec. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments. Sec. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program. Part II—Commodity policy Sec. 1111. Definitions. Sec. 1112. Base acres. Sec. 1113. Payment yields. Sec. 1114. Payment acres. Sec. 1115. Producer election. Sec. 1116. Price loss coverage. Sec. 1117. Agriculture risk coverage. Sec. 1118. Producer agreements. Sec. 1119. Transition assistance for producers of upland cotton. Subtitle B—Marketing loans Sec. 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities. Sec. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans. Sec. 1203. Term of loans. Sec. 1204. Repayment of loans. Sec. 1205. Loan deficiency payments. Sec. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage. Sec. 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton. Sec. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton. Sec. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton. Sec. 1210. Adjustments of loans. Subtitle C—Sugar Sec. 1301. Sugar policy. Subtitle D—Dairy Part I—Margin protection program for dairy producers Sec. 1401. Definitions. Sec. 1402. Calculation of average feed cost and actual dairy production margins. Sec. 1403. Establishment of margin protection program for dairy producers. Sec. 1404. Participation of dairy operations in margin protection program. Sec. 1405. Production history of participating dairy operations. Sec. 1406. Margin protection payments. Sec. 1407. Premiums for margin protection program. Sec. 1408. Effect of failure to pay administrative fees or premiums. Sec. 1409. Duration. Sec. 1410. Administration and enforcement. Part II—Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-Related provisions Sec. 1421. Repeal of dairy product price support program. Sec. 1422. Temporary continuation and eventual repeal of milk income loss contract program. Sec. 1423. Repeal of dairy export incentive program. Sec. 1424. Extension of dairy forward pricing program. Sec. 1425. Extension of dairy indemnity program. Sec. 1426. Extension of dairy promotion and research program. Sec. 1427. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission. Part III—Dairy product donation program Sec. 1431. Dairy product donation program. Subtitle E—Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance. Subtitle F—Administration Sec. 1601. Administration generally. Sec. 1602. Suspension of permanent price support authority. Sec. 1603. Payment limitations. Sec. 1604. Rulemaking related to significant contribution for active personal management. Sec. 1605. Adjusted gross income limitation. Sec. 1606. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Sec. 1607. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies. Sec. 1608. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs. Sec. 1609. Technical corrections. Sec. 1610. Appeals. Sec. 1611. Assignment of payments. Sec. 1612. Tracking of benefits. Sec. 1613. Signature authority. Sec. 1614. Implementation. Sec. 1615. Research option. Title II—CONSERVATION Subtitle A—Conservation Reserve Program Sec. 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program. Sec. 2002. Farmable wetland program. Sec. 2003. Duties of owners and operators. Sec. 2004. Duties of the Secretary. Sec. 2005. Payments. Sec. 2006. Contract requirements. Sec. 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses. Sec. 2008. Effect on existing contracts. Subtitle B—Conservation Stewardship Program Sec. 2101. Conservation stewardship program. Subtitle C—Environmental Quality Incentives Program Sec. 2201. Purposes. Sec. 2202. Definitions. Sec. 2203. Establishment and administration. Sec. 2204. Evaluation of applications. Sec. 2205. Duties of producers. Sec. 2206. Limitation on payments. Sec. 2207. Conservation innovation grants and payments. Sec. 2208. Effect on existing contracts. Subtitle D—Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Sec. 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program. Subtitle E—Regional Conservation Partnership Program Sec. 2401. Regional conservation partnership program. Subtitle F—Other Conservation Programs Sec. 2501. Conservation of private grazing land. Sec. 2502. Grassroots source water protection program. Sec. 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program. Sec. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program. Sec. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program. Sec. 2506. Emergency watershed protection program. Sec. 2507. Terminal Lakes. Sec. 2508. Soil and Water Resources Conservation. Subtitle G—Funding and Administration Sec. 2601. Funding. Sec. 2602. Technical assistance. Sec. 2603. Regional equity. Sec. 2604. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access. Sec. 2605. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance. Sec. 2606. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation programs. Sec. 2607. Standards for State technical committees. Sec. 2608. Rulemaking authority. Sec. 2609. Wetlands mitigation. Sec. 2610. Lesser prairie-chicken conservation report. Sec. 2611. Highly erodible land and wetland conservation for crop insurance. Subtitle H—Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments Sec. 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program. Sec. 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program. Sec. 2703. Wetlands reserve program. Sec. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program. Sec. 2705. Grassland reserve program. Sec. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program. Sec. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program. Sec. 2708. Great Lakes basin program. Sec. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program. Sec. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative. Sec. 2711. Environmental easement program. Sec. 2712. Temporary administration of conservation programs. Sec. 2713. Technical amendments. Title III—Trade Subtitle A—Food for Peace Act Sec. 3001. General authority. Sec. 3002. Set-aside for support for organizations through which nonemergency assistance is provided. Sec. 3003. Food aid quality. Sec. 3004. Minimum levels of assistance. Sec. 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group. Sec. 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation. Sec. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods. Sec. 3008. Impact on local farmers and economy and report on use of funds. Sec. 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities. Sec. 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities. Sec. 3011. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance. Sec. 3012. Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance. Sec. 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs. Sec. 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program. Sec. 3015. Coordination of foreign assistance programs report. Subtitle B—Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 Sec. 3101. Export credit guarantee program. Sec. 3102. Funding for market access program. Sec. 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program. Subtitle C—Other Agricultural Trade Laws Sec. 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985. Sec. 3202. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act. Sec. 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets. Sec. 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Sec. 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops. Sec. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust. Sec. 3207. Local and regional food aid procurement projects. Sec. 3208. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. Title IV—Nutrition Subtitle A—Supplemental nutrition assistance program Sec. 4001. Preventing payment of cash to recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance benefits for the return of empty bottles and cans used to contain food purchased with benefits provided under the program. Sec. 4002. Retail food stores. Sec. 4003. Enhancing services to elderly and disabled supplemental nutrition assistance program participants. Sec. 4004. Food distribution program on Indian reservations. Sec. 4005. Exclusion of medical marijuana from excess medical expense deduction. Sec. 4006. Standard utility allowances based on the receipt of energy assistance payments. Sec. 4007. Eligibility disqualifications. Sec. 4008. Eligibility disqualifications for certain convicted felons. Sec. 4009. Ending supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits for lottery or gambling winners. Sec. 4010. Improving security of food assistance. Sec. 4011. Technology modernization for retail food stores. Sec. 4012. Use of benefits for purchase of community-supported agriculture share. Sec. 4013. Improved wage verification using the National Directory of New Hires. Sec. 4014. Restaurant meals program. Sec. 4015. Mandating State immigration verification. Sec. 4016. Data exchange standardization for improved interoperability. Sec. 4017. Pilot projects to improve Federal-State cooperation in identifying and reducing fraud in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Sec. 4018. Prohibiting government-sponsored recruitment activities. Sec. 4019. Tolerance level for excluding small errors. Sec. 4020. Quality control standards. Sec. 4021. Performance bonus payments. Sec. 4022. Pilot projects to reduce dependency and increase work requirements and work effort under supplemental nutrition assistance program. Sec. 4023. Cooperation with program research and evaluation. Sec. 4024. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 4025. Review, report, and regulation of cash nutrition assistance program benefits provided in Puerto Rico. Sec. 4026. Assistance for community food projects. Sec. 4027. Emergency food assistance. Sec. 4028. Nutrition education. Sec. 4029. Retail food store and recipient trafficking. Sec. 4030. Technical and conforming amendments. Sec. 4031. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands pilot program. Sec. 4032. Annual State report on verification of SNAP participation. Sec. 4033. Service of traditional foods in public facilities. Subtitle B—Commodity distribution programs Sec. 4101. Commodity distribution program. Sec. 4102. Commodity supplemental food program. Sec. 4103. Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects. Sec. 4104. Processing of commodities. Subtitle C—Miscellaneous Sec. 4201. Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions. Sec. 4202. Pilot project for procurement of unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Sec. 4203. Seniors farmers' market nutrition program. Sec. 4204. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Sec. 4205. Multiagency task force. Sec. 4206. Healthy Food Financing Initiative. Sec. 4207. Purchase of Halal and Kosher food for emergency food assistance program. Sec. 4208. Food insecurity nutrition incentive. Sec. 4209. Food and agriculture service learning program. Sec. 4210. Nutrition information and awareness pilot program. Sec. 4211. Termination of existing agreement. Sec. 4212. Review of sole-source contracts in Federal nutrition programs. Sec. 4213. Pulse crop products. Sec. 4214. Pilot project for canned, frozen, or dried fruits and vegetables. Title V—Credit Subtitle A—Farm ownership loans Sec. 5001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans. Sec. 5002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program. Sec. 5003. Joint financing arrangements. Sec. 5004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement. Sec. 5005. Down payment loan program. Subtitle B—Operating loans Sec. 5101. Eligibility for farm operating loans. Sec. 5102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth. Sec. 5103. Defaults by youth loan borrowers. Sec. 5104. Term limits on direct operating loans. Sec. 5105. Valuation of local or regional crops. Sec. 5106. Microloans. Sec. 5107. Term limits on guaranteed operating loans. Subtitle C—Emergency loans Sec. 5201. Eligibility for emergency loans. Subtitle D—Administrative provisions Sec. 5301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program. Sec. 5302. Farmer loan pilot projects. Sec. 5303. Definition of qualified beginning farmer or rancher. Sec. 5304. Loan authorization levels. Sec. 5305. Loan fund set-asides. Sec. 5306. Borrower training. Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Sec. 5401. State agricultural mediation programs. Sec. 5402. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land. Sec. 5403. Removal of duplicative appraisals. Sec. 5404. Compensation disclosure by Farm Credit System institutions. Title VI—Rural Development Subtitle A—Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act Sec. 6001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants. Sec. 6002. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant program funds. Sec. 6003. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program. Sec. 6004. Use of loan guarantees for community facilities. Sec. 6005. Tribal college and university essential community facilities. Sec. 6006. Essential community facilities technical assistance and training. Sec. 6007. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program. Sec. 6008. Water systems for rural and native villages in Alaska. Sec. 6009. Household water well systems. Sec. 6010. Rural business and industry loan program. Sec. 6011. Solid waste management grants. Sec. 6012. Rural business development grants. Sec. 6013. Rural cooperative development grants. Sec. 6014. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products. Sec. 6015. Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program. Sec. 6016. Rural economic area partnership zones. Sec. 6017. Intermediary relending program. Sec. 6018. Rural college coordinated strategy. Sec. 6019. Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure. Sec. 6020. Simplified applications. Sec. 6021. National Rural Development Partnership. Sec. 6022. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters. Sec. 6023. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program. Sec. 6024. Health care services. Sec. 6025. Strategic economic and community development. Sec. 6026. Delta Regional Authority. Sec. 6027. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority. Sec. 6028. Rural business investment program. Subtitle B—Rural Electrification Act of 1936 Sec. 6101. Fees for certain loan guarantees. Sec. 6102. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes. Sec. 6103. Expansion of 911 access. Sec. 6104. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas. Sec. 6105. Rural Gigabit Network Pilot Program. Subtitle C—Miscellaneous Sec. 6201. Distance learning and telemedicine. Sec. 6202. Agricultural transportation. Sec. 6203. Value-added agricultural product market development grants. Sec. 6204. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program. Sec. 6205. Rural energy savings program. Sec. 6206. Study of rural transportation issues. Sec. 6207. Regional economic and infrastructure development. Sec. 6208. Definition of rural area for purposes of the Housing Act of 1949. Sec. 6209. Program metrics. Sec. 6210. Funding of pending rural development loan and grant applications. Title VII—Research, Extension, and Related Matters Subtitle A—National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 Sec. 7101. Option to be included as non-land-grant college of agriculture. Sec. 7102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. Sec. 7103. Specialty crop committee. Sec. 7104. Veterinary services grant program. Sec. 7105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education. Sec. 7106. Agricultural and food policy research centers. Sec. 7107. Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and Native Hawaiian serving institutions. Sec. 7108. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program. Sec. 7109. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research. Sec. 7110. Nutrition education program. Sec. 7111. Continuing animal health and disease research programs. Sec. 7112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Sec. 7113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions. Sec. 7114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers. Sec. 7115. Hispanic-serving institutions. Sec. 7116. Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth. Sec. 7117. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs. Sec. 7118. Repeal of research equipment grants. Sec. 7119. University research. Sec. 7120. Extension service. Sec. 7121. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements. Sec. 7122. Supplemental and alternative crops. Sec. 7123. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions. Sec. 7124. Aquaculture assistance programs. Sec. 7125. Rangeland research programs. Sec. 7126. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response. Sec. 7127. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education. Sec. 7128. Matching funds requirement. Sec. 7129. Designation of Central State University as 1890 institution. Subtitle B—Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 Sec. 7201. Best utilization of biological applications. Sec. 7202. Integrated management systems. Sec. 7203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program. Sec. 7204. National training program. Sec. 7205. National Genetics Resources Program. Sec. 7206. National Agricultural Weather Information System. Sec. 7207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program. Sec. 7208. Agricultural Genome Initiative. Sec. 7209. High-priority research and extension initiatives. Sec. 7210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension initiative. Sec. 7211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative. Sec. 7212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative. Sec. 7213. Farm business management. Sec. 7214. Centers of excellence. Sec. 7215. Repeal of red meat safety research center. Sec. 7216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities. Sec. 7217. National rural information center clearinghouse. Subtitle C—Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 Sec. 7301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department. Sec. 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program. Sec. 7303. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale, and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum or by Tilletia indica. Sec. 7304. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program. Sec. 7305. Grants for youth organizations. Sec. 7306. Specialty crop research initiative. Sec. 7307. [H7308] Food animal residue avoidance database program. Sec. 7308. Repeal of national swine research center. Sec. 7309. Office of pest management policy. Sec. 7310. Forestry products advanced utilization research. Sec. 7311. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and education. Subtitle D—Other Laws Sec. 7401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act. Sec. 7402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 . Sec. 7403. Research Facilities Act. Sec. 7404. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act. Sec. 7405. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 . Sec. 7406. National Aquaculture Act of 1980 . Sec. 7407. Repeal of use of remote sensing data. Sec. 7408. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 . Sec. 7409. Beginning farmer and rancher development program. Sec. 7410. National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 . Subtitle E—Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 Part I—Agricultural Security Sec. 7501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center. Sec. 7502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response. Sec. 7503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures. Sec. 7504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program. Part II—Miscellaneous Provisions Sec. 7511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program. Sec. 7512. Grazinglands research laboratory. Sec. 7513. Budget submission and funding. Sec. 7514. Repeal of seed distribution. Sec. 7515. Natural products research program. Sec. 7516. Sun grant program. Sec. 7517. Repeal of study and report on food deserts. Sec. 7518. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and education. Subtitle F—Miscellaneous provisions Sec. 7601. Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. Sec. 7602. Concessions and agreements with nonprofit organizations for National Arboretum. Sec. 7603. Agricultural and food law research, legal tools, and information. Sec. 7604. Cotton Disease Research Report. Sec. 7605. Miscellaneous technical corrections. Sec. 7606. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research. Title VIII—Forestry Subtitle A—Repeal of certain forestry programs Sec. 8001. Forest land enhancement program. Sec. 8002. Watershed forestry assistance program. Sec. 8003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing program. Sec. 8004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program. Sec. 8005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program. Sec. 8006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process. Subtitle B—Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 programs Sec. 8101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources. Subtitle C—Reauthorization of other forestry-Related laws Sec. 8201. Rural revitalization technologies. Sec. 8202. Office of International Forestry. Sec. 8203. Healthy forests reserve program. Sec. 8204. Insect and disease infestation. Sec. 8205. Stewardship end result contracting projects. Sec. 8206. Good neighbor authority. Subtitle D—Miscellaneous Provisions Sec. 8301. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis. Sec. 8302. Forest service participation in ACES program. Sec. 8303. Extension of stewardship contracts authority regarding use of designation by prescription to all thinning sales under National Forest Management Act of 1976. Sec. 8304. Reimbursement of fire funds. Sec. 8305. Forest Service large airtanker and aerial asset firefighting recapitalization pilot program. Sec. 8306. Land conveyance, Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia. Title IX—Energy Sec. 9001. Definitions. Sec. 9002. Biobased markets program. Sec. 9003. Biorefinery assistance. Sec. 9004. Repowering assistance program. Sec. 9005. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels. Sec. 9006. Biodiesel fuel education program. Sec. 9007. Rural Energy for America Program. Sec. 9008. Biomass research and development. Sec. 9009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers. Sec. 9010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Sec. 9011. Repeal of forest biomass for energy. Sec. 9012. Community wood energy program. Sec. 9013. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study. Sec. 9014. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study. Sec. 9015. Energy efficiency report for USDA facilities. Title X—Horticulture Sec. 10001. Specialty crops market news allocation. Sec. 10002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops. Sec. 10003. Farmers’ market and local food promotion program. Sec. 10004. Organic agriculture. Sec. 10005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. Sec. 10006. Food safety education initiatives. Sec. 10007. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs. Sec. 10008. Importation of seed. Sec. 10009. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada. Sec. 10010. Specialty crop block grants. Sec. 10011. Department of Agriculture consultation regarding enforcement of certain labor law provisions. Sec. 10012. Report on honey. Sec. 10013. Reports to Congress. Sec. 10014. Stay of regulations. Sec. 10015. Regulation of sulfuryl fluoride. Sec. 10016. Local food production and program evaluation. Sec. 10017. Clarification of use of funds for technical assistance. Title XI—Crop Insurance Sec. 11001. Information sharing. Sec. 11002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium adjustments. Sec. 11003. Supplemental coverage option. Sec. 11004. Crop margin coverage option. Sec. 11005. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection. Sec. 11006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy. Sec. 11007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops. Sec. 11008. Data collection. Sec. 11009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields. Sec. 11010. Submission of policies and Board review and approval. Sec. 11011. Consultation. Sec. 11012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance agreement. Sec. 11013. Test weight for corn. Sec. 11014. Crop production on native sod. Sec. 11015. Coverage levels by practice. Sec. 11016. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions. Sec. 11017. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton. Sec. 11018. Peanut revenue crop insurance. Sec. 11019. Authority to correct errors. Sec. 11020. Implementation. Sec. 11021. Crop insurance fraud. Sec. 11022. Research and development priorities. Sec. 11023. Crop insurance for organic crops. Sec. 11024. Program compliance partnerships. Sec. 11025. Pilot programs. Sec. 11026. Index-based weather insurance pilot program. Sec. 11027. Enhancing producer self-help through farm financial benchmarking. Sec. 11028. Technical amendments. Title XII—Miscellaneous Subtitle A—Livestock Sec. 12101. Trichinae certification program. Sec. 12102. Sheep production and marketing grant program. Sec. 12103. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan. Sec. 12104. Country of origin labeling. Sec. 12105. National animal health laboratory network. Sec. 12106. Food safety inspection. Sec. 12107. National Poultry Improvement Plan. Sec. 12108. Sense of Congress regarding feral swine eradication. Subtitle B—Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers Sec. 12201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers. Sec. 12202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach. Sec. 12203. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center. Sec. 12204. Receipt for service or denial of service from certain department of agriculture agencies. Subtitle C—Other miscellaneous provisions Sec. 12301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force. Sec. 12302. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high plains water study. Sec. 12303. Office of Tribal Relations. Sec. 12304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. Sec. 12305. Noninsured crop assistance program. Sec. 12306. Acer access and development program. Sec. 12307. Science Advisory Board. Sec. 12308. Amendments to Animal Welfare Act. Sec. 12309. Produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. Sec. 12310. Report on water sharing. Sec. 12311. Scientific and economic analysis of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. Sec. 12312. Payment in lieu of taxes. Sec. 12313. Silvicultural activities. Sec. 12314. Pima agriculture cotton trust fund. Sec. 12315. Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund. Sec. 12316. Wool research and promotion. Subtitle D—Oilheat Efficiency, Renewable Fuel Research and Jobs Training Sec. 12401. Short title. Sec. 12402. Findings and purposes. Sec. 12403. Definitions. Sec. 12404. Membership. Sec. 12405. Functions. Sec. 12406. Assessments. Sec. 12407. Market survey and consumer protection. Sec. 12408. Lobbying restrictions. Sec. 12409. Noncompliance. Sec. 12410. Sunset. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture In this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. I Commodities A Repeals and reforms I Repeals 1101. Repeal of direct payments Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 , 8753) are repealed. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments (a) Repeal Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8714 , 8754) are repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8714 , 8754), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program (a) Repeal Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8715 ) is repealed. (b) Continued application for 2013 crop year Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8715 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 )) and peanuts on a farm for which the irrevocable election under section 1105 of that Act was made before the date of enactment of this Act. II Commodity policy 1111. Definitions In this subtitle and subtitle B: (1) Actual crop revenue The term actual crop revenue , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1117(b). (2) Agriculture risk coverage The term agriculture risk coverage means coverage provided under section 1117. (3) Agriculture risk coverage guarantee The term agriculture risk coverage guarantee , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1117(c). (4) Base acres (A) In general The term base acres , with respect to a covered commodity on a farm, means the number of acres in effect under sections 1001 and 1301 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 , 8751), as adjusted pursuant to sections 1101, 1108, and 1302 of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8711 , 8718, 8752), as in effect on September 30, 2013, subject to any reallocation, adjustment, or reduction under section 1112 of this Act. (B) Inclusion of generic base acres The term base acres includes any generic base acres planted to a covered commodity as determined in section 1114(b). (5) County coverage The term county coverage means agriculture risk coverage selected under section 1115(b)(1) to be obtained at the county level. (6) Covered commodity The term covered commodity means wheat, oats, and barley (including wheat, oats, and barley used for haying and grazing), corn, grain sorghum, long grain rice, medium grain rice, pulse crops, soybeans, other oilseeds, and peanuts. (7) Effective price The term effective price , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the price calculated by the Secretary under section 1116(b) to determine whether price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year. (8) Extra long staple cotton The term extra long staple cotton means cotton that— (A) is produced from pure strain varieties of the Barbadense species or any hybrid of the species, or other similar types of extra long staple cotton, designated by the Secretary, having characteristics needed for various end uses for which United States upland cotton is not suitable and grown in irrigated cotton-growing regions of the United States designated by the Secretary or other areas designated by the Secretary as suitable for the production of the varieties or types; and (B) is ginned on a roller-type gin or, if authorized by the Secretary, ginned on another type gin for experimental purposes. (9) Generic base acres The term generic base acres means the number of base acres for cotton in effect under section 1001 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 ), as adjusted pursuant to section 1101 of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8711 ), as in effect on September 30, 2013, subject to any adjustment or reduction under section 1112 of this Act. (10) Individual coverage The term individual coverage means agriculture risk coverage selected under section 1115(b)(2) to be obtained at the farm level. (11) Medium grain rice The term medium grain rice includes short grain rice and temperate japonica rice. (12) Other oilseed The term other oilseed means a crop of sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, crambe, sesame seed, or any oilseed designated by the Secretary. (13) Payment acres The term payment acres , with respect to the provision of price loss coverage payments and agriculture risk coverage payments, means the number of acres determined for a farm under section 1114. (14) Payment yield The term payment yield , for a farm for a covered commodity— (A) means the yield used to make payments pursuant to section 1104 or 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8714 , 8754), as in effect on September 30, 2013; or (B) means the yield established under section 1113 of this Act. (15) Price loss coverage The term price loss coverage means coverage provided under section 1116. (16) Producer (A) In general The term producer means an owner, operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper that shares in the risk of producing a crop and is entitled to share in the crop available for marketing from the farm, or would have shared had the crop been produced. (B) Hybrid seed In determining whether a grower of hybrid seed is a producer, the Secretary shall— (i) not take into consideration the existence of a hybrid seed contract; and (ii) ensure that program requirements do not adversely affect the ability of the grower to receive a payment under this title. (17) Pulse crop The term pulse crop means dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas. (18) Reference price The term reference price , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the following: (A) For wheat, $5.50 per bushel. (B) For corn, $3.70 per bushel. (C) For grain sorghum, $3.95 per bushel. (D) For barley, $4.95 per bushel. (E) For oats, $2.40 per bushel. (F) For long grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight. (G) For medium grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight. (H) For soybeans, $8.40 per bushel. (I) For other oilseeds, $20.15 per hundredweight. (J) For peanuts, $535.00 per ton. (K) For dry peas, $11.00 per hundredweight. (L) For lentils, $19.97 per hundredweight. (M) For small chickpeas, $19.04 per hundredweight. (N) For large chickpeas, $21.54 per hundredweight. (19) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (20) State The term State means— (A) a State; (B) the District of Columbia; (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (D) any other territory or possession of the United States. (21) Temperate japonica rice The term temperate japonica rice means rice that is grown in high altitudes or temperate regions of high latitudes with cooler climate conditions, in the Western United States, as determined by the Secretary, for the purpose of— (A) the reallocation of base acres under section 1112; (B) the establishment of a reference price (as required under section 1116(g)) and an effective price pursuant to section 1116; and (C) the determination of the actual crop revenue and agriculture risk coverage guarantee pursuant to section 1117. (22) Transitional yield The term transitional yield has the meaning given the term in section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ). (23) United States The term United States , when used in a geographical sense, means all of the States. (24) United States premium factor The term United States Premium Factor means the percentage by which the difference in the United States loan schedule premiums for Strict Middling (SM) 1 1/8 -inch upland cotton and for Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch upland cotton exceeds the difference in the applicable premiums for comparable international qualities. 1112. Base acres (a) Retention or 1-time reallocation of base acres (1) Election required (A) Notice of election opportunity As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide notice to the owners of a farm regarding their opportunity to make an election, in the manner provided in this subsection— (i) to retain base acres, including any generic base acres, as provided in paragraph (2); or (ii) in lieu of retaining base acres, to reallocate base acres, other than any generic base acres, as provided in paragraph (3). (B) Content of notice The notice under subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) Information that the opportunity of an owner to make the election is being provided only once. (ii) Information regarding the manner in which the owner must make the election and the manner of notifying the Secretary of the election. (iii) Information regarding the deadline before which the owner must notify the Secretary of the election to be in effect beginning with the 2014 crop year. (C) Effect of Failure To Make Election If the owner of a farm fails to make the election under this subsection, or fails to timely notify the Secretary of the election as required by subparagraph (B)(iii), the owner shall be deemed to have elected to retain base acres, including generic base acres, as provided in paragraph (2). (2) Retention of base acres (A) Election to retain For the purpose of applying this part to a covered commodity, the Secretary shall give an owner of a farm an opportunity to elect to retain all of the base acres for each covered commodity on the farm. (B) Treatment of generic base acres Generic base acres are automatically retained. (3) Reallocation of base acres (A) Election to reallocate For the purpose of applying this part to covered commodities, the Secretary shall give an owner of a farm an opportunity to elect to reallocate all of the base acres for covered commodities on the farm, as in effect on September 30, 2013, among those covered commodities planted on the farm at any time during the 2009 through 2012 crop years. (B) Reallocation formula The reallocation of base acres among covered commodities on a farm shall be in proportion to the ratio of— (i) the 4-year average of— (I) the acreage planted on the farm to each covered commodity for harvest, grazing, haying, silage, or other similar purposes for the 2009 through 2012 crop years; and (II) any acreage on the farm that the producers were prevented from planting during the 2009 through 2012 crop years to that covered commodity because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster, or other condition beyond the control of the producers, as determined by the Secretary; to (ii) the 4-year average of— (I) the acreage planted on the farm to all covered commodities for harvest, grazing, haying, silage, or other similar purposes for such crop years; and (II) any acreage on the farm that the producers were prevented from planting during such crop years to covered commodities because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster, or other condition beyond the control of the producers, as determined by the Secretary. (C) Treatment of generic base acres Generic base acres are retained and may not be reallocated under this paragraph. (D) Inclusion of all 4 years in average For the purpose of determining a 4-year acreage average under subparagraph (B) for a farm, the Secretary shall not exclude any crop year in which a covered commodity was not planted. (E) Treatment of multiple planting or prevented planting For the purpose of determining under subparagraph (B) the acreage on a farm that producers planted or were prevented from planting during the 2009 through 2012 crop years to covered commodities, if the acreage that was planted or prevented from being planted was devoted to another covered commodity in the same crop year (other than a covered commodity produced under an established practice of double cropping), the owner may elect the commodity to be used for that crop year in determining the 4-year average, but may not include both the initial commodity and the subsequent commodity. (F) Limitation The reallocation of base acres among covered commodities on a farm under this paragraph may not result in a total number of base acres (including generic base acres) for the farm in excess of the number of base acres in effect for the farm on September 30, 2013. (4) Application of Election to All Covered Commodities The election made under this subsection, or deemed to be made under paragraph (1)(C), with respect to a farm shall apply to all of the covered commodities on the farm. (b) Adjustment of base acres (1) In general Notwithstanding the election made under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide for an adjustment, as appropriate, in the base acres for covered commodities for a farm and any generic base acres for the farm whenever any of the following circumstances occur: (A) A conservation reserve contract entered into under section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 ) with respect to the farm expires or is voluntarily terminated. (B) Cropland is released from coverage under a conservation reserve contract by the Secretary. (C) The producer has eligible oilseed acreage as the result of the Secretary designating additional oilseeds, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under section 1101(a)(1)(D) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8711(a)(1)(D) ). (2) Special conservation reserve acreage payment rules For the crop year in which a base acres adjustment under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) is first made, the owner of the farm shall elect to receive price loss coverage or agriculture risk coverage with respect to the acreage added to the farm under this subsection or a prorated payment under the conservation reserve contract, but not both. (c) Prevention of excess base acres (1) Required reduction Notwithstanding the election made under subsection (a), if the sum of the base acres for a farm, including generic base acres, and the acreage described in paragraph (2) exceeds the actual cropland acreage of the farm, the Secretary shall reduce the base acres for 1 or more covered commodities or generic base acres for the farm so that the sum of the base acres, including generic base acres, and the acreage described in paragraph (2) does not exceed the actual cropland acreage of the farm. (2) Other acreage For purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include the following: (A) Any acreage on the farm enrolled in the conservation reserve program or wetlands reserve program (or successor programs) under chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq. ). (B) Any other acreage on the farm enrolled in a Federal conservation program for which payments are made in exchange for not producing an agricultural commodity on the acreage. (C) If the Secretary designates additional oilseeds, any eligible oilseed acreage, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under subsection (b)(1)(C). (3) Selection of acres The Secretary shall give the owner of the farm the opportunity to select the base acres for a covered commodity or generic base acres for the farm against which the reduction required by paragraph (1) will be made. (4) Exception for double-cropped acreage In applying paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make an exception in the case of double cropping, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Reduction in base acres (1) Reduction at option of owner (A) In general The owner of a farm may reduce, at any time, the base acres for any covered commodity or generic base acres for the farm. (B) Effect of reduction A reduction under subparagraph (A) shall be permanent and made in a manner prescribed by the Secretary. (2) Required action by Secretary (A) In general The Secretary shall proportionately reduce base acres, including any generic base acres, on a farm for land that has been subdivided and developed for multiple residential units or other nonfarming uses if the size of the tracts and the density of the subdivision is such that the land is unlikely to return to the previous agricultural use, unless the producers on the farm demonstrate that the land— (i) remains devoted to commercial agricultural production; or (ii) is likely to be returned to the previous agricultural use. (B) Requirement The Secretary shall establish procedures to identify land described in subparagraph (A). 1113. Payment yields (a) Establishment and purpose For the purpose of making price loss coverage payments under section 1116, the Secretary shall provide for the establishment of a yield for each farm for any designated oilseed for which a payment yield was not established under section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8712 ) in accordance with this section. (b) Payment yields for designated oilseeds (1) Determination of average yield In the case of designated oilseeds, the Secretary shall determine the average yield per planted acre for the designated oilseed on a farm for the 1998 through 2001 crop years, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the designated oilseed was zero. (2) Adjustment for payment yield (A) In general The payment yield for a farm for a designated oilseed shall be equal to the product of the following: (i) The average yield for the designated oilseed determined under paragraph (1). (ii) The ratio resulting from dividing the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1981 through 1985 crops by the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1998 through 2001 crops. (B) No national average yield information available To the extent that national average yield information for a designated oilseed is not available, the Secretary shall use such information as the Secretary determines to be fair and equitable to establish a national average yield under this section. (3) Use of county average yield If the yield per planted acre for a crop of a designated oilseed for a farm for any of the 1998 through 2001 crop years was less than 75 percent of the county yield for that designated oilseed, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the county yield for the purpose of determining the average under paragraph (1). (c) Effect of lack of payment yield (1) Establishment by secretary In the case of a covered commodity on a farm for which base acres have been established or that is planted on generic base acres, if no payment yield is otherwise established for the covered commodity on the farm, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm under paragraph (2). (2) Use of similarly situated farms To establish an appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law. (d) Single opportunity To update yields used To determine price loss coverage payments (1) Election to update At the sole discretion of the owner of a farm, the owner of a farm shall have a 1-time opportunity to update, on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis, the payment yield that would otherwise be used in calculating any price loss coverage payment for each covered commodity on the farm for which the election is made. (2) Time for election The election under paragraph (1) shall be made at a time and manner to be in effect beginning with the 2014 crop year as determined by the Secretary. (3) Method of updating yields If the owner of a farm elects to update yields under this subsection, the payment yield for a covered commodity on the farm, for the purpose of calculating price loss coverage payments only, shall be equal to 90 percent of the average of the yield per planted acre for the crop of the covered commodity on the farm for the 2008 through 2012 crop years, as determined by the Secretary, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the crop of the covered commodity was zero. (4) Use of county average yield If the yield per planted acre for a crop of the covered commodity for a farm for any of the 2008 through 2012 crop years was less than 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for that commodity, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for the purposes of determining the average yield under paragraph (3). 1114. Payment acres (a) Determination of payment acres (1) General rule For the purpose of price loss coverage and agriculture risk coverage when county coverage has been selected under section 1115(b)(1), but subject to subsection (e), the payment acres for each covered commodity on a farm shall be equal to 85 percent of the base acres for the covered commodity on the farm. (2) Effect of individual coverage In the case of agriculture risk coverage when individual coverage has been selected under section 1115(b)(2), but subject to subsection (e), the payment acres for a farm shall be equal to 65 percent of the base acres for all of the covered commodities on the farm. (b) Treatment of generic base acres (1) In general In the case of generic base acres, price loss coverage payments and agriculture risk coverage payments are made only with respect to generic base acres planted to a covered commodity for the crop year. (2) Attribution With respect to a farm containing generic base acres, for the purpose of applying paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(B) of subsection (a), generic base acres on the farm are attributed to a covered commodity in the following manner: (A) If a single covered commodity is planted and the total acreage planted exceeds the generic base acres on the farm, the generic base acres are attributed to that covered commodity in an amount equal to the total number of generic base acres. (B) If multiple covered commodities are planted and the total number of acres planted to all covered commodities on the farm exceeds the generic base acres on the farm, the generic base acres are attributed to each of the covered commodities on the farm on a pro rata basis to reflect the ratio of— (i) the acreage planted to a covered commodity on the farm; to (ii) the total acreage planted to all covered commodities on the farm. (C) If the total number of acres planted to all covered commodities on the farm does not exceed the generic base acres on the farm, the number of acres planted to a covered commodity is attributed to that covered commodity. (3) Treated as additional acreage When generic base acres are planted to a covered commodity or acreage planted to a covered commodity is attributed to generic base acres, the generic base acres are in addition to other base acres on the farm. (c) Exclusion The quantity of payment acres determined under subsection (a) may not include any crop subsequently planted during the same crop year on the same land for which the first crop is eligible for price loss coverage payments or agriculture risk coverage payments, unless the crop was approved for double cropping in the county, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Effect of minimal payment acres (1) Prohibition on payments Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a producer on a farm may not receive price loss coverage payments or agriculture risk coverage payments if the sum of the base acres on the farm is 10 acres or less, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Exceptions Paragraph (1) does not apply to a producer that is— (A) a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (as defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2003(e) )); or (B) a limited resource farmer or rancher, as defined by the Secretary. (e) Effect of planting fruits and vegetables (1) Reduction required In the manner provided in this subsection, payment acres on a farm shall be reduced in any crop year in which fruits, vegetables (other than mung beans and pulse crops), or wild rice have been planted on base acres on a farm. (2) Price loss coverage and county coverage In the case of price loss coverage payments and agricultural risk coverage payments using county coverage, the reduction under paragraph (1) shall be the amount equal to the base acres planted to crops referred to in such paragraph in excess of 15 percent of base acres. (3) Individual coverage In the case of agricultural risk coverage payments using individual coverage, the reduction under paragraph (1) shall be the amount equal to the base acres planted to crops referred to in such paragraph in excess of 35 percent of base acres. (4) Reduction exceptions No reduction to payment acres shall be made under this subsection if— (A) cover crops or crops referred to in paragraph (1) are grown solely for conservation purposes and not harvested for use or sale, as determined by the Secretary; or (B) in any region in which there is a history of double-cropping covered commodities with crops referred to in paragraph (1) and such crops were so double-cropped on the base acres, as determined by the Secretary. 1115. Producer election (a) Election required For the 2014 through 2018 crop years, all of the producers on a farm shall make a 1-time, irrevocable election to obtain— (1) price loss coverage under section 1116 on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis; or (2) agriculture risk coverage under section 1117. (b) Coverage options In the election under subsection (a), the producers on a farm that elect under paragraph (2) of such subsection to obtain agriculture risk coverage under section 1117 shall unanimously select whether to receive agriculture risk coverage payments based on— (1) county coverage applicable on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis; or (2) individual coverage applicable to all of the covered commodities on the farm. (c) Effect of failure to make unanimous election If all the producers on a farm fail to make a unanimous election under subsection (a) for the 2014 crop year— (1) the Secretary shall not make any payments with respect to the farm for the 2014 crop year under section 1116 or 1117; and (2) the producers on the farm shall be deemed to have elected price loss coverage under section 1116 for all covered commodities on the farm for the 2015 through 2018 crop years. (d) Effect of selection of county coverage If all the producers on a farm select county coverage for a covered commodity under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary may not make price loss coverage payments under section 1116 to the producers on the farm with respect to that covered commodity. (e) Effect of selection of individual coverage If all the producers on a farm select individual coverage under subsection (b)(2), in addition to the selection and election under this section applying to each producer on the farm, the Secretary shall consider, for purposes of making the calculations required by subsections (b)(2) and (c)(3) of section 1117, the producer’s share of all farms in the same State— (1) in which the producer has an interest; and (2) for which individual coverage has been selected. (f) Prohibition on reconstitution The Secretary shall ensure that producers on a farm do not reconstitute the farm to void or change an election or selection made under this section. 1116. Price loss coverage (a) Price loss coverage payments If all of the producers on a farm make the election under subsection (a) of section 1115 to obtain price loss coverage or, subject to subsection (c)(1) of such section, are deemed to have made such election under subsection (c)(2) of such section, the Secretary shall make price loss coverage payments to producers on the farm on a covered commodity-by-covered-commodity basis if the Secretary determines that, for any of the 2014 through 2018 crop years— (1) the effective price for the covered commodity for the crop year; is less than (2) the reference price for the covered commodity for the crop year. (b) Effective price The effective price for a covered commodity for a crop year shall be the higher of— (1) the national average market price received by producers during the 12-month marketing year for the covered commodity, as determined by the Secretary; or (2) the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such crop year under subtitle B. (c) Payment rate The payment rate shall be equal to the difference between— (1) the reference price for the covered commodity; and (2) the effective price determined under subsection (b) for the covered commodity. (d) Payment amount If price loss coverage payments are required to be provided under this section for any of the 2014 through 2018 crop years for a covered commodity, the amount of the price loss coverage payment to be paid to the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (1) the payment rate for the covered commodity under subsection (c); (2) the payment yield for the covered commodity; and (3) the payment acres for the covered commodity. (e) Time for payments If the Secretary determines under this section that price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, the payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity. (f) Effective price for barley In determining the effective price for barley under subsection (b), the Secretary shall use the all-barley price. (g) Reference price for temperate japonica rice The Secretary shall provide a reference price with respect to temperate japonica rice in an amount equal to 115 percent of the amount established in subparagraphs (F) and (G) of section 1111(18) in order to reflect price premiums. 1117. Agriculture risk coverage (a) Agriculture risk coverage payments If all of the producers on a farm make the election under section 1115(a) to obtain agriculture risk coverage, the Secretary shall make agriculture risk coverage payments to producers on the farm if the Secretary determines that, for any of the 2014 through 2018 crop years— (1) the actual crop revenue determined under subsection (b) for the crop year; is less than (2) the agriculture risk coverage guarantee determined under subsection (c) for the crop year. (b) Actual crop revenue (1) County coverage In the case of county coverage, the amount of the actual crop revenue for a county for a crop year of a covered commodity shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the actual average county yield per planted acre for the covered commodity, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) the higher of— (i) the national average market price received by producers during the 12-month marketing year for the covered commodity, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such crop year under subtitle B. (2) Individual coverage In the case of individual coverage, the amount of the actual crop revenue for a producer on a farm for a crop year shall be based on the producer’s share of all covered commodities planted on all farms for which individual coverage has been selected and in which the producer has an interest, to be determined by the Secretary as follows: (A) For each covered commodity, the product obtained by multiplying— (i) the total production of the covered commodity on such farms, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) the higher of— (I) the national average market price received by producers during the 12-month marketing year, as determined by the Secretary; or (II) the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such crop year under subtitle B. (B) The sum of the amounts determined under subparagraph (A) for all covered commodities on such farms. (C) The quotient obtained by dividing the amount determined under subparagraph (B) by the total planted acres of all covered commodities on such farms. (c) Agriculture risk coverage guarantee (1) In general The agriculture risk coverage guarantee for a crop year for a covered commodity shall equal 86 percent of the benchmark revenue. (2) Benchmark revenue for county coverage In the case of county coverage, the benchmark revenue shall be the product obtained by multiplying— (A) subject to paragraph (4), the average historical county yield as determined by the Secretary for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest yields; and (B) subject to paragraph (5), the national average market price received by producers during the 12-month marketing year for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest prices. (3) Benchmark revenue for individual coverage In the case of individual coverage, the benchmark revenue for a producer on a farm for a crop year shall be based on the producer’s share of all covered commodities planted on all farms for which individual coverage has been selected and in which the producer has an interest, to be determined by the Secretary as follows: (A) For each covered commodity for each of the most recent 5 crop years, the product obtained by multiplying— (i) subject to paragraph (4), the yield per planted acre for the covered commodity on such farms, as determined by the Secretary; by (ii) subject to paragraph (5), the national average market price received by producers during the 12-month marketing year. (B) For each covered commodity, the average of the revenues determined under subparagraph (A) for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest revenues. (C) For each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the sum of the amounts determined under subparagraph (B) for all covered commodities on such farms, but adjusted to reflect the ratio between the total number of acres planted on such farms to a covered commodity and the total acres of all covered commodities planted on such farms. (4) Yield conditions If the yield per planted acre for the covered commodity or historical county yield per planted acre for the covered commodity for any of the 5 most recent crop years, as determined by the Secretary, is less than 70 percent of the transitional yield, as determined by the Secretary, the amounts used for any of those years in paragraph (2)(A) or (3)(A)(i) shall be 70 percent of the transitional yield. (5) Reference price If the national average market price received by producers during the 12-month marketing year for any of the 5 most recent crop years is lower than the reference price for the covered commodity, the Secretary shall use the reference price for any of those years for the amounts in paragraph (2)(B) or (3)(A)(ii). (d) Payment rate The payment rate for a covered commodity, in the case of county coverage, or a farm, in the case of individual coverage, shall be equal to the lesser of— (1) the amount that— (A) the agriculture risk coverage guarantee for the crop year applicable under subsection (c); exceeds (B) the actual crop revenue for the crop year applicable under subsection (b); or (2) 10 percent of the benchmark revenue for the crop year applicable under subsection (c). (e) Payment amount If agriculture risk coverage payments are required to be paid for any of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the amount of the agriculture risk coverage payment for the crop year shall be determined by multiplying— (1) the payment rate determined under subsection (d); and (2) the payment acres determined under section 1114. (f) Time for payments If the Secretary determines that agriculture risk coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity. (g) Additional duties of the Secretary In providing agriculture risk coverage, the Secretary shall— (1) to the maximum extent practicable, use all available information and analysis, including data mining, to check for anomalies in the determination of agriculture risk coverage payments; (2) to the maximum extent practicable, calculate a separate actual crop revenue and agriculture risk coverage guarantee for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities; (3) in the case of individual coverage, assign an average yield for a farm on the basis of the yield history of representative farms in the State, region, or crop reporting district, as determined by the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that the farm has planted acreage in a quantity that is insufficient to calculate a representative average yield for the farm; and (4) in the case of county coverage, assign an actual or benchmark county yield for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity on the basis of the yield history of representative farms in the State, region, or crop reporting district, as determined by the Secretary, if— (A) the Secretary cannot establish the actual or benchmark county yield for each planted acre for a crop year for a covered commodity in the county in accordance with subsection (b)(1) or (c)(2); or (B) the yield determined under subsection (b)(1) or (c)(2) is an unrepresentative average yield for the county, as determined by the Secretary. 1118. Producer agreements (a) Compliance with certain requirements (1) Requirements Before the producers on a farm may receive payments under this subtitle with respect to the farm, the producers shall agree, during the crop year for which the payments are made and in exchange for the payments— (A) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ); (B) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ); (C) to effectively control noxious weeds and otherwise maintain the land in accordance with sound agricultural practices, as determined by the Secretary; and (D) to use the land on the farm, in a quantity equal to the attributable base acres for the farm and any base acres for an agricultural or conserving use, and not for a nonagricultural commercial, industrial, or residential use, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Compliance The Secretary may issue such rules as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure producer compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1). (3) Modification At the request of the transferee or owner, the Secretary may modify the requirements of this subsection if the modifications are consistent with the objectives of this subsection, as determined by the Secretary. (b) Transfer or change of interest in farm (1) Termination (A) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a transfer of (or change in) the interest of the producers on a farm for which payments under this subtitle are provided shall result in the termination of the payments, unless the transferee or owner of the acreage agrees to assume all obligations under subsection (a). (B) Effective date The termination shall take effect on the date determined by the Secretary. (2) Exception If a producer entitled to a payment under this subtitle dies, becomes incompetent, or is otherwise unable to receive the payment, the Secretary shall make the payment in accordance with rules issued by the Secretary. (c) Acreage reports As a condition on the receipt of any benefits under this subtitle or subtitle B, the Secretary shall require producers on a farm to submit to the Secretary annual acreage reports with respect to all cropland on the farm. (d) Production reports As an additional condition on receiving agriculture risk coverage payments for individual coverage, the Secretary shall require a producer on a farm to submit to the Secretary annual production reports with respect to all covered commodities produced on all farms in the same State— (1) in which the producer has an interest; and (2) for which individual coverage has been selected. (e) Effect of inaccurate reports No penalty with respect to benefits under this subtitle or subtitle B shall be assessed against a producer on a farm for an inaccurate acreage or production report unless the Secretary determines that the producer on the farm knowingly and willfully falsified the acreage or production report. (f) Tenants and sharecroppers In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers. (g) Sharing of payments The Secretary shall provide for the sharing of payments made under this subtitle among the producers on a farm on a fair and equitable basis. 1119. Transition assistance for producers of upland cotton (a) Availability (1) Purpose It is the purpose of this section to provide transition assistance to producers of upland cotton in light of the repeal of section 1103 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 ), the inapplicability of sections 1116 and 1117 to upland cotton, and the delayed implementation of the Stacked Income Protection Plan required by section 508B of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508b ), as added by section 11017 of this Act. (2) 2014 crop year For the 2014 crop of upland cotton, the Secretary shall provide transition assistance, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this section, to producers on a farm for which cotton base acres were in existence for the 2013 crop year. (3) 2015 crop year For the 2015 crop of upland cotton, the Secretary shall provide transition assistance, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this section, to producers on a farm— (A) for which cotton base acres were in existence for the 2013 crop year; and (B) that is located in a county in which the Stacked Income Protection Plan required by section 508B of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508b ) is not available to producers of upland cotton for the 2015 crop year. (b) Transition assistance rate The transition assistance rate shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (1) the June 12, 2013, midpoint estimate for the marketing year average price of upland cotton received by producers for the marketing year beginning August 1, 2013, minus the December 10, 2013, midpoint estimate for the marketing year average price of upland cotton received by producers for the marketing year beginning August 1, 2013, as contained in the applicable World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report published by the Department of Agriculture; and (2) the national program yield for upland cotton of 597 pounds per acre. (c) Calculation of transition assistance amount The amount of transition assistance to be provided under this section to producers on a farm for a crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (1) for the 2014 crop year, 60 percent, and for the 2015 crop year, 36.5 percent, of the cotton base acres referred to in subsection (a) for the farm, subject to adjustment or reduction for conservation measures as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of section 1112; (2) the transition assistance rate in effect for the crop year under subsection (b); and (3) the payment yield for upland cotton for the farm established for purposes of section 1103(c)(3) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713(c)(3) ), divided by the national program yield for upland cotton of 597 pounds per acre. (d) Time for payment The Secretary may not make transition assistance payments for a crop year under this section before October 1 of the calendar year in which the crop of upland cotton is harvested. (e) Payment limitations Sections 1001 through 1001C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308 through 1308C), as in effect on September 30, 2013, shall apply to the receipt of transition assistance under this section in the same manner as such sections applied to section 1103 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8713 ). B Marketing loans 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities (a) Definition of loan commodity In this subtitle, the term loan commodity means wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, peanuts, soybeans, other oilseeds, graded wool, nongraded wool, mohair, honey, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas. (b) Nonrecourse loans available (1) In general For each of the 2014 through 2018 crops of each loan commodity, the Secretary shall make available to producers on a farm nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities produced on the farm. (2) Terms and conditions The marketing assistance loans shall be made under terms and conditions that are prescribed by the Secretary and at the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity. (c) Eligible production The producers on a farm shall be eligible for a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b) for any quantity of a loan commodity produced on the farm. (d) Compliance with conservation and wetlands requirements As a condition of the receipt of a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b), the producer shall comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ) and applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ) during the term of the loan. (e) Special rules for peanuts (1) In general This subsection shall apply only to producers of peanuts. (2) Options for obtaining loan A marketing assistance loan under this section, and loan deficiency payments under section 1205, may be obtained at the option of the producers on a farm through— (A) a designated marketing association or marketing cooperative of producers that is approved by the Secretary; or (B) the Farm Service Agency. (3) Storage of loan peanuts As a condition on the approval by the Secretary of an individual or entity to provide storage for peanuts for which a marketing assistance loan is made under this section, the individual or entity shall agree— (A) to provide the storage on a nondiscriminatory basis; and (B) to comply with such additional requirements as the Secretary considers appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this section and promote fairness in the administration of the benefits of this section. (4) Storage, handling, and associated costs (A) In general To ensure proper storage of peanuts for which a loan is made under this section, the Secretary shall pay handling and other associated costs (other than storage costs) incurred at the time at which the peanuts are placed under loan, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Redemption and forfeiture The Secretary shall— (i) require the repayment of handling and other associated costs paid under subparagraph (A) for all peanuts pledged as collateral for a loan that is redeemed under this section; and (ii) pay storage, handling, and other associated costs for all peanuts pledged as collateral that are forfeited under this section. (5) Marketing A marketing association or cooperative may market peanuts for which a loan is made under this section in any manner that conforms to consumer needs, including the separation of peanuts by type and quality. (6) Reimbursable agreements and payment of administrative expenses The Secretary may implement any reimbursable agreements or provide for the payment of administrative expenses under this subsection only in a manner that is consistent with those activities in regard to other loan commodities. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans (a) In general For purposes of each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the loan rate for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity shall be equal to the following: (1) In the case of wheat, $2.94 per bushel. (2) In the case of corn, $1.95 per bushel. (3) In the case of grain sorghum, $1.95 per bushel. (4) In the case of barley, $1.95 per bushel. (5) In the case of oats, $1.39 per bushel. (6) In the case of base quality of upland cotton, for each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the simple average of the adjusted prevailing world price for the 2 immediately preceding marketing years, as determined by the Secretary and announced October 1 preceding the next domestic plantings, but in no case less than $0.45 per pound or more than $0.52 per pound. (7) In the case of extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 per pound. (8) In the case of long grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight. (9) In the case of medium grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight. (10) In the case of soybeans, $5.00 per bushel. (11) In the case of other oilseeds, $10.09 per hundredweight for each of the following kinds of oilseeds: (A) Sunflower seed. (B) Rapeseed. (C) Canola. (D) Safflower. (E) Flaxseed. (F) Mustard seed. (G) Crambe. (H) Sesame seed. (I) Other oilseeds designated by the Secretary. (12) In the case of dry peas, $5.40 per hundredweight. (13) In the case of lentils, $11.28 per hundredweight. (14) In the case of small chickpeas, $7.43 per hundredweight. (15) In the case of large chickpeas, $11.28 per hundredweight. (16) In the case of graded wool, $1.15 per pound. (17) In the case of nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound. (18) In the case of mohair, $4.20 per pound. (19) In the case of honey, $0.69 per pound. (20) In the case of peanuts, $355 per ton. (b) Single county loan rate for other oilseeds The Secretary shall establish a single loan rate in each county for each kind of other oilseeds described in subsection (a)(11). 1203. Term of loans (a) Term of loan In the case of each loan commodity, a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 shall have a term of 9 months beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the loan is made. (b) Extensions prohibited The Secretary may not extend the term of a marketing assistance loan for any loan commodity. 1204. Repayment of loans (a) General rule The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity (other than upland cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, extra long staple cotton, peanuts and confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed)) at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); (2) a rate (as determined by the Secretary) that— (A) is calculated based on average market prices for the loan commodity during the preceding 30-day period; and (B) will minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries; or (3) a rate that the Secretary may develop using alternative methods for calculating a repayment rate for a loan commodity that the Secretary determines will— (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures; (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of the commodity by the Federal Government; (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing the commodity; (D) allow the commodity produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and (E) minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries. (b) Repayment rates for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice The Secretary shall permit producers to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) the prevailing world market price for the commodity, as determined and adjusted by the Secretary in accordance with this section. (c) Repayment rates for extra long staple cotton Repayment of a marketing assistance loan for extra long staple cotton shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )). (d) Prevailing world market price For purposes of this section and section 1207, the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation— (1) a formula to determine the prevailing world market price for each of upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice; and (2) a mechanism by which the Secretary shall announce periodically those prevailing world market prices. (e) Adjustment of prevailing world market price for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice (1) Rice The prevailing world market price for long grain rice and medium grain rice determined under subsection (d) shall be adjusted to United States quality and location. (2) Cotton The prevailing world market price for upland cotton determined under subsection (d)— (A) shall be adjusted to United States quality and location, with the adjustment to include— (i) a reduction equal to any United States Premium Factor for upland cotton of a quality higher than Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch; and (ii) the average costs to market the commodity, including average transportation costs, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) may be further adjusted, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on July 31, 2019, if the Secretary determines the adjustment is necessary— (i) to minimize potential loan forfeitures; (ii) to minimize the accumulation of stocks of upland cotton by the Federal Government; (iii) to ensure that upland cotton produced in the United States can be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and (iv) to ensure an appropriate transition between current-crop and forward-crop price quotations, except that the Secretary may use forward-crop price quotations prior to July 31 of a marketing year only if— (I) there are insufficient current-crop price quotations; and (II) the forward-crop price quotation is the lowest such quotation available. (3) Guidelines for additional adjustments In making adjustments under this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a mechanism for determining and announcing the adjustments in order to avoid undue disruption in the United States market. (f) Repayment rates for confectionery and other kinds of sunflower seeds The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed) at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) the repayment rate established for oil sunflower seed. (g) Payment of cotton storage costs Effective for each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the Secretary shall make cotton storage payments available in the same manner, and at the same rates as the Secretary provided storage payments for the 2006 crop of cotton, except that the rates shall be reduced by 10 percent. (h) Repayment rate for peanuts The Secretary shall permit producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan for peanuts under section 1201 at a rate that is the lesser of— (1) the loan rate established for peanuts under section 1202(a)(20), plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )); or (2) a rate that the Secretary determines will— (A) minimize potential loan forfeitures; (B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of peanuts by the Federal Government; (C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing peanuts; and (D) allow peanuts produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally. (i) Authority To temporarily adjust repayment rates (1) Adjustment authority In the event of a severe disruption to marketing, transportation, or related infrastructure, the Secretary may modify the repayment rate otherwise applicable under this section for marketing assistance loans under section 1201 for a loan commodity. (2) Duration Any adjustment made under paragraph (1) in the repayment rate for marketing assistance loans for a loan commodity shall be in effect on a short-term and temporary basis, as determined by the Secretary. 1205. Loan deficiency payments (a) Availability of loan deficiency payments (1) In general Except as provided in subsection (d), the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available to producers on a farm that, although eligible to obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 with respect to a loan commodity, agree to forgo obtaining the loan for the commodity in return for loan deficiency payments under this section. (2) Unshorn pelts, hay, and silage (A) Marketing assistance loans Subject to subparagraph (B), nongraded wool in the form of unshorn pelts and hay and silage derived from a loan commodity are not eligible for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201. (B) Loan deficiency payment Effective for each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available under this section to producers on a farm that produce unshorn pelts or hay and silage derived from a loan commodity. (b) Computation A loan deficiency payment for a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (1) the payment rate determined under subsection (c) for the commodity; by (2) the quantity of the commodity produced by the eligible producers, excluding any quantity for which the producers obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201. (c) Payment rate (1) In general In the case of a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204. (2) Unshorn pelts In the case of unshorn pelts, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for ungraded wool; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for ungraded wool may be repaid under section 1204. (3) Hay and silage In the case of hay or silage derived from a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which— (A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the loan commodity from which the hay or silage is derived; exceeds (B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204. (d) Exception for extra long staple cotton This section shall not apply with respect to extra long staple cotton. (e) Effective date for payment rate determination The Secretary shall determine the amount of the loan deficiency payment to be made under this section to the producers on a farm with respect to a quantity of a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) using the payment rate in effect under subsection (c) as of the date the producers request the payment. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage (a) Eligible producers (1) In general Effective for each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, in the case of a producer that would be eligible for a loan deficiency payment under section 1205 for wheat, barley, or oats, but that elects to use acreage planted to the wheat, barley, or oats for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of the wheat, barley, or oats on that acreage. (2) Grazing of triticale acreage Effective for each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, with respect to a producer on a farm that uses acreage planted to triticale for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of triticale on that acreage. (b) Payment amount (1) In general The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(1) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying— (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying— (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of wheat, barley, or oats; and (ii) (I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under section 1115 with respect to that loan commodity on the farm; (II) in the case of a farm for which agriculture risk coverage is elected under section 1116(a), the payment yield that would otherwise be in effect with respect to that loan commodity on the farm in the absence of such election; or (III) in the case of a farm for which no payment yield is otherwise established for that loan commodity on the farm, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1113(c). (2) Grazing of triticale acreage The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying— (A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c) in effect for wheat, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by (B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying— (i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of triticale; and (ii) (I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to wheat on the farm; (II) in the case of a farm for which agriculture risk coverage is elected under section 1116(a), the payment yield that would otherwise be in effect for wheat on the farm in the absence of such election; or (III) in the case of a farm for which no payment yield is otherwise established for wheat on the farm, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1113(c). (c) Time, manner, and availability of payment (1) Time and manner A payment under this section shall be made at the same time and in the same manner as loan deficiency payments are made under section 1205. (2) Availability (A) In general The Secretary shall establish an availability period for the payments authorized by this section. (B) Certain commodities In the case of wheat, barley, and oats, the availability period shall be consistent with the availability period for the commodity established by the Secretary for marketing assistance loans authorized by this subtitle. (d) Prohibition on crop insurance indemnity or noninsured crop assistance A 2014 through 2018 crop of wheat, barley, oats, or triticale planted on acreage that a producer elects, in the agreement required by subsection (a), to use for the grazing of livestock in lieu of any other harvesting of the crop shall not be eligible for an indemnity under a policy or plan of insurance authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) or noninsured crop assistance under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ). 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton (a) Special import quota (1) Definition of special import quota In this subsection, the term special import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota. (2) Establishment (A) In general The President shall carry out an import quota program beginning on August 1, 2014, as provided in this subsection. (B) Program requirements Whenever the Secretary determines and announces that for any consecutive 4-week period, the Friday through Thursday average price quotation for the lowest-priced United States growth, as quoted for Middling (M) 1 3/32 -inch cotton, delivered to a definable and significant international market, as determined by the Secretary, exceeds the prevailing world market price, there shall immediately be in effect a special import quota. (3) Quantity The quota shall be equal to the consumption during a 1-week period of cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary. (4) Application The quota shall apply to upland cotton purchased not later than 90 days after the date of the Secretary’s announcement under paragraph (2) and entered into the United States not later than 180 days after that date. (5) Overlap A special quota period may be established that overlaps any existing quota period if required by paragraph (2), except that a special quota period may not be established under this subsection if a quota period has been established under subsection (b). (6) Preferential tariff treatment The quantity under a special import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of— (A) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2703(d) ); (B) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3203 ); (C) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2463(d) ); and (D) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. (7) Limitation The quantity of cotton entered into the United States during any marketing year under the special import quota established under this subsection may not exceed the equivalent of 10 weeks’ consumption of upland cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the 3 months immediately preceding the first special import quota established in any marketing year. (b) Limited global import quota for upland cotton (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Demand The term demand means— (i) the average seasonally adjusted annual rate of domestic mill consumption of cotton during the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary; and (ii) the larger of— (I) average exports of upland cotton during the preceding 6 marketing years; or (II) cumulative exports of upland cotton plus outstanding export sales for the marketing year in which the quota is established. (B) Limited global import quota The term limited global import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota. (C) Supply The term supply means, using the latest official data of the Department of Agriculture— (i) the carry-over of upland cotton at the beginning of the marketing year (adjusted to 480-pound bales) in which the quota is established; (ii) production of the current crop; and (iii) imports to the latest date available during the marketing year. (2) Program The President shall carry out an import quota program that provides that whenever the Secretary determines and announces that the average price of the base quality of upland cotton, as determined by the Secretary, in the designated spot markets for a month exceeded 130 percent of the average price of the quality of cotton in the markets for the preceding 36 months, notwithstanding any other provision of law, there shall immediately be in effect a limited global import quota subject to the following conditions: (A) Quantity The quantity of the quota shall be equal to 21 days of domestic mill consumption of upland cotton at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary. (B) Quantity if prior quota If a quota has been established under this subsection during the preceding 12 months, the quantity of the quota next established under this subsection shall be the smaller of 21 days of domestic mill consumption calculated under subparagraph (A) or the quantity required to increase the supply to 130 percent of the demand. (C) Preferential tariff treatment The quantity under a limited global import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of— (i) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2703(d) ); (ii) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3203 ); (iii) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2463(d) ); and (iv) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. (D) Quota entry period When a quota is established under this subsection, cotton may be entered under the quota during the 90-day period beginning on the date the quota is established by the Secretary. (3) No overlap Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a quota period may not be established that overlaps an existing quota period or a special quota period established under subsection (a). (c) Economic adjustment assistance to users of upland cotton (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, on a monthly basis, make economic adjustment assistance available to domestic users of upland cotton in the form of payments for all documented use of that upland cotton during the previous monthly period regardless of the origin of the upland cotton. (2) Value of assistance Effective beginning on August 1, 2013, the value of the assistance provided under paragraph (1) shall be 3 cents per pound. (3) Allowable purposes Economic adjustment assistance under this subsection shall be made available only to domestic users of upland cotton that certify that the assistance shall be used only to acquire, construct, install, modernize, develop, convert, or expand land, plant, buildings, equipment, facilities, or machinery. (4) Review or audit The Secretary may conduct such review or audit of the records of a domestic user under this subsection as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this subsection. (5) Improper use of assistance If the Secretary determines, after a review or audit of the records of the domestic user, that economic adjustment assistance under this subsection was not used for the purposes specified in paragraph (3), the domestic user shall be— (A) liable for the repayment of the assistance to the Secretary, plus interest, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) ineligible to receive assistance under this subsection for a period of 1 year following the determination of the Secretary. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton (a) Competitiveness program Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act through July 31, 2019, the Secretary shall carry out a program— (1) to maintain and expand the domestic use of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; (2) to increase exports of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; and (3) to ensure that extra long staple cotton produced in the United States remains competitive in world markets. (b) Payments under program; trigger Under the program, the Secretary shall make payments available under this section whenever— (1) for a consecutive 4-week period, the world market price for the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is below the prevailing United States price for a competing growth of extra long staple cotton; and (2) the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is less than 134 percent of the loan rate for extra long staple cotton. (c) Eligible recipients The Secretary shall make payments available under this section to domestic users of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States and exporters of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States that enter into an agreement with the Commodity Credit Corporation to participate in the program under this section. (d) Payment amount Payments under this section shall be based on the amount of the difference in the prices referred to in subsection (b)(1) during the fourth week of the consecutive 4-week period multiplied by the amount of documented purchases by domestic users and sales for export by exporters made in the week following such a consecutive 4-week period. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton (a) High moisture feed grains (1) Definition of high moisture state In this subsection, the term high moisture state means corn or grain sorghum having a moisture content in excess of Commodity Credit Corporation standards for marketing assistance loans made by the Secretary under section 1201. (2) Recourse loans available For each of the 2014 through 2018 crops of corn and grain sorghum, the Secretary shall make available recourse loans, as determined by the Secretary, to producers on a farm that— (A) normally harvest all or a portion of their crop of corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state; (B) present— (i) certified scale tickets from an inspected, certified commercial scale, including a licensed warehouse, feedlot, feed mill, distillery, or other similar entity approved by the Secretary, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary; or (ii) field or other physical measurements of the standing or stored crop in regions of the United States, as determined by the Secretary, that do not have certified commercial scales from which certified scale tickets may be obtained within reasonable proximity of harvest operation; (C) certify that the producers on the farm were the owners of the feed grain at the time of delivery to, and that the quantity to be placed under loan under this subsection was in fact harvested on the farm and delivered to, a feedlot, feed mill, or commercial or on-farm high-moisture storage facility, or to a facility maintained by the users of corn and grain sorghum in a high moisture state; and (D) comply with deadlines established by the Secretary for harvesting the corn or grain sorghum and submit applications for loans under this subsection within deadlines established by the Secretary. (3) Eligibility of acquired feed grains A loan under this subsection shall be made on a quantity of corn or grain sorghum of the same crop acquired by the producer equivalent to a quantity determined by multiplying— (A) the acreage of the corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state harvested on the farm of the producer; by (B) the lower of— (i) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under section 1115, or the payment yield deemed to be in effect or established under subclause (II) or (III) of section 1206(b)(1)(B)(ii), with respect to corn or grain sorghum on a field that is similar to the field from which the corn or grain sorghum referred to in subparagraph (A) was obtained; or (ii) the actual yield of corn or grain sorghum on a field, as determined by the Secretary, that is similar to the field from which the corn or grain sorghum referred to in subparagraph (A) was obtained. (b) Recourse loans available for seed cotton For each of the 2014 through 2018 crops of upland cotton and extra long staple cotton, the Secretary shall make available recourse seed cotton loans, as determined by the Secretary, on any production. (c) Repayment rates Repayment of a recourse loan made under this section shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity by the Secretary, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7283 )). 1210. Adjustments of loans (a) Adjustment authority Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rates for any loan commodity (other than cotton) for differences in grade, type, quality, location, and other factors. (b) Manner of adjustment The adjustments under subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in such a manner that the average loan level for the commodity will, on the basis of the anticipated incidence of the factors, be equal to the level of support determined in accordance with this subtitle and subtitle C. (c) Adjustment on county basis (1) In general The Secretary may establish loan rates for a crop for producers in individual counties in a manner that results in the lowest loan rate being 95 percent of the national average loan rate, if those loan rates do not result in an increase in outlays. (2) Prohibition Adjustments under this subsection shall not result in an increase in the national average loan rate for any year. (d) Adjustment in loan rate for cotton (1) In general The Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rate for cotton for differences in quality factors. (2) Types of adjustments Loan rate adjustments under paragraph (1) may include— (A) the use of non-spot market price data, in addition to spot market price data, that would enhance the accuracy of the price information used in determining quality adjustments under this subsection; (B) adjustments in the premiums or discounts associated with upland cotton with a staple length of 33 or above due to micronaire with the goal of eliminating any unnecessary artificial splits in the calculations of the premiums or discounts; and (C) such other adjustments as the Secretary determines appropriate, after consultations conducted in accordance with paragraph (3). (3) Consultation with private sector (A) Prior to revision In making adjustments to the loan rate for cotton (including any review of the adjustments) as provided in this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the United States cotton industry. (B) Inapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to consultations under this subsection. (4) Review of adjustments The Secretary may review the operation of the upland cotton quality adjustments implemented pursuant to this subsection and may make further adjustments to the administration of the loan program for upland cotton, by revoking or revising any adjustment taken under paragraph (2). (e) Rice The Secretary shall not make adjustments in the loan rates for long grain rice and medium grain rice, except for differences in grade and quality (including milling yields). C Sugar 1301. Sugar policy (a) Continuation of current program and loan rates (1) Sugarcane Section 156(a) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(a) ) is amended— (A) by inserting and at the end of paragraph (3); (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the 2011 crop year; and and inserting each of the 2011 through 2018 crop years. ; and (C) by striking paragraph (5). (2) Sugar beets Section 156(b)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(b)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (3) Effective period Section 156(i) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7272(i) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Flexible marketing allotments for sugar (1) Sugar estimates Section 359b(a)(1) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359bb(a)(1) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (2) Effective period Section 359l(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359ll(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . D Dairy I Margin protection program for dairy producers 1401. Definitions In this part and part III: (1) Actual dairy production margin The term actual dairy production margin means the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost, as calculated under section 1402. (2) All-milk price The term all-milk price means the average price received, per hundredweight of milk, by dairy operations for all milk sold to plants and dealers in the United States, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Average feed cost The term average feed cost means the average cost of feed used by a dairy operation to produce a hundredweight of milk, determined under section 1402 using the sum of the following: (A) The product determined by multiplying 1.0728 by the price of corn per bushel. (B) The product determined by multiplying 0.00735 by the price of soybean meal per ton. (C) The product determined by multiplying 0.0137 by the price of alfalfa hay per ton. (4) Consecutive 2-month period The term consecutive 2-month period refers to the 2-month period consisting of the months of January and February, March and April, May and June, July and August, September and October, or November and December, respectively. (5) Dairy operation (A) In general The term dairy operation means, as determined by the Secretary, 1 or more dairy producers that produce and market milk as a single dairy operation in which each dairy producer— (i) shares in the risk of producing milk; and (ii) makes contributions (including land, labor, management, equipment, or capital) to the dairy operation of the individual or entity, which are at least commensurate with the individual or entity’s share of the proceeds of the operation. (B) Additional ownership structures The Secretary shall determine additional ownership structures to be covered by the definition of dairy operation. (6) Margin protection program The term margin protection program means the margin protection program required by section 1403. (7) Margin protection program payment The term margin protection program payment means a payment made to a participating dairy operation under the margin protection program pursuant to section 1406. (8) Participating dairy operation The term participating dairy operation means a dairy operation that registers under section 1404 to participate in the margin protection program. (9) Production history The term production history means the production history determined for a participating dairy operation under subsection (a) or (b) of section 1405 when the participating dairy operation first registers to participate in the margin protection program. (10) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (11) United States The term United States , in a geographical sense, means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and any other territory or possession of the United States. 1402. Calculation of average feed cost and actual dairy production margins (a) Calculation of average feed cost The Secretary shall calculate the national average feed cost for each month using the following data: (1) The price of corn for a month shall be the price received during that month by farmers in the United States for corn, as reported in the monthly Agricultural Prices report by the Secretary. (2) The price of soybean meal for a month shall be the central Illinois price for soybean meal, as reported in the Market News–Monthly Soybean Meal Price Report by the Secretary. (3) The price of alfalfa hay for a month shall be the price received during that month by farmers in the United States for alfalfa hay, as reported in the monthly Agricultural Prices report by the Secretary. (b) Calculation of actual dairy production margin (1) In general For use in the margin protection program, the Secretary shall calculate the actual dairy production margin for each consecutive 2-month period by subtracting— (A) the average feed cost for that consecutive 2-month period, determined in accordance with subsection (a); from (B) the all-milk price for that consecutive 2-month period. (2) Time for calculation The calculation required by this subsection shall be made as soon as practicable using the full-month price of the applicable reference month. 1403. Establishment of margin protection program for dairy producers Not later than September 1, 2014, the Secretary shall establish and administer a margin protection program for dairy producers under which participating dairy operations are paid a margin protection payment when actual dairy production margins are less than the threshold levels for a margin protection payment. 1404. Participation of dairy operations in margin protection program (a) Eligibility All dairy operations in the United States shall be eligible to participate in the margin protection program to receive margin protection payments. (b) Registration process (1) In general The Secretary shall specify the manner and form by which a participating dairy operation may register to participate in the margin protection program. (2) Treatment of multiproducer dairy operations If a participating dairy operation is operated by more than 1 dairy producer, all of the dairy producers of the participating dairy operation shall be treated as a single dairy operation for purposes of participating in the margin protection program. (3) Treatment of producers with multiple dairy operations If a dairy producer operates 2 or more dairy operations, each dairy operation of the producer shall separately register to participate in the margin protection program. (c) Annual administrative fee (1) Administrative fee required Each participating dairy operation shall— (A) pay an administrative fee to register to participate in the margin protection program; and (B) pay the administrative fee annually through the duration of the margin protection program specified in section 1409. (2) Amount of fee The administrative fee for a participating dairy operation shall be $100. (3) Use of Fees The Secretary shall use administrative fees collected under this subsection to cover administrative costs incurred to carry out the margin protection program. (d) Relation to livestock gross margin for dairy program A dairy operation may participate in the margin protection program or the livestock gross margin for dairy program under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ), but not both. 1405. Production history of participating dairy operations (a) Production history (1) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), when a dairy operation first registers to participate in the margin protection program, the production history of the dairy operation for the margin protection program is equal to the highest annual milk marketings of the participating dairy operation during any one of the 2011, 2012, or 2013 calendar years. (2) Adjustment In subsequent years, the Secretary shall adjust the production history of a participating dairy operation determined under paragraph (1) to reflect any increase in the national average milk production. (b) Election by new dairy operations In the case of a participating dairy operation that has been in operation for less than a year, the participating dairy operation shall elect 1 of the following methods for the Secretary to determine the production history of the participating dairy operation: (1) The volume of the actual milk marketings for the months the participating dairy operation has been in operation extrapolated to a yearly amount. (2) An estimate of the actual milk marketings of the participating dairy operation based on the herd size of the participating dairy operation relative to the national rolling herd average data published by the Secretary. (c) Required information A participating dairy operation shall provide all information that the Secretary may require in order to establish the production history of the participating dairy operation for purposes of participating in the margin protection program. 1406. Margin protection payments (a) Coverage level threshold and coverage percentage For purposes of receiving margin protection payments for a consecutive 2-month period, a participating dairy operation shall annually elect— (1) a coverage level threshold that is equal to $4.00, $4.50, $5.00, $5.50, $6.00, $6.50, $7.00, $7.50, or $8.00; and (2) a percentage of coverage, in 5-percent increments, beginning with 25 percent and not exceeding 90 percent of the production history of the participating dairy operation. (b) Payment threshold A participating dairy operation shall receive a margin protection payment whenever the average actual dairy production margin for a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the participating dairy operation. (c) Amount of margin protection payment The margin protection payment for the participating dairy operation shall be determined as follows: (1) The Secretary shall calculate the amount by which the coverage level threshold selected by the participating dairy operation exceeds the average actual dairy production margin for the consecutive 2-month period. (2) The amount determined under paragraph (1) shall be multiplied by— (A) the coverage percentage selected by the participating dairy operation; and (B) the production history of the participating dairy operation divided by 6. 1407. Premiums for margin protection program (a) Calculation of premiums For purposes of participating in the margin protection program, a participating dairy operation shall pay an annual premium equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (1) the coverage percentage elected by the participating dairy operation under section 1406(a)(2); (2) the production history of the participating dairy operation; and (3) the premium per hundredweight of milk imposed by this section for the coverage level selected. (b) Premium per hundredweight for first 4 million pounds of production (1) In general For the first 4,000,000 pounds of milk marketings included in the production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight for each coverage level is specified in the table contained in paragraph (2). (2) Producer premiums Except as provided in paragraph (3), the following annual premiums apply: Coverage Level Premium per Cwt. $4.00 None $4.50 $0.010 $5.00 $0.025 $5.50 $0.040 $6.00 $0.055 $6.50 $0.090 $7.00 $0.217 $7.50 $0.300 $8.00 $0.475 (3) Special rule The premium per hundredweight specified in the table contained in paragraph (2) for each coverage level (except the $8.00 coverage level) shall be reduced by 25 percent for each of calendar years 2014 and 2015. (c) Premium per hundredweight for production in excess of 4 million pounds (1) In general For milk marketings in excess of 4,000,000 pounds included in the production history of a participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight for each coverage level is specified in the table contained in paragraph (2). (2) Producer premiums The following annual premiums apply: Coverage Level Premium per Cwt. $4.00 None $4.50 $0.020 $5.00 $0.040 $5.50 $0.100 $6.00 $0.155 $6.50 $0.290 $7.00 $0.830 $7.50 $1.060 $8.00 $1.360 (d) Time for payment of premium The Secretary shall provide more than 1 method by which a participating dairy operation may pay the premium required under this section in any manner that maximizes participating dairy operation payment flexibility and program integrity. (e) Premium obligations (1) Pro-ration of premium for new participants In the case of a participating dairy operation that first registers to participate in the margin protection program for a calendar year after the start of the calendar year, the participating dairy operation shall pay a pro-rated premium for that calendar year based on the portion of the calendar year for which the participating dairy operation purchases the coverage. (2) Legal obligation A participating dairy operation in the margin protection program for a calendar year shall be legally obligated to pay the applicable premium for that calendar year, except that the Secretary may waive that obligation, under terms and conditions determined by the Secretary, for any participating dairy operation in the case of death, retirement, permanent dissolution of a participating dairy operation, or other circumstances as the Secretary considers appropriate to ensure the integrity of the program. 1408. Effect of failure to pay administrative fees or premiums (a) Loss of benefits A participating dairy operation that fails to pay the required annual administrative fee under section 1404 or is in arrears on premium payments under section 1407— (1) remains legally obligated to pay the administrative fee or premiums, as the case may be; and (2) may not receive margin protection payments until the fees or premiums are fully paid. (b) Enforcement The Secretary may take such action as necessary to collect administrative fees and premium payments for participation in the margin protection program. 1409. Duration The margin protection program shall end on December 31, 2018. 1410. Administration and enforcement (a) In general The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to address administrative and enforcement issues involved in carrying out the margin protection program. (b) Reconstitution The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to prohibit a dairy producer from reconstituting a dairy operation for the purpose of the dairy producer receiving margin protection payments. (c) Administrative appeals Using authorities under section 1001(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(h) ) and subtitle H of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act ( 7 U.S.C. 6991 et seq. ), the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to provide for administrative appeals of decisions of the Secretary that are adverse to participants of the margin protection program. (d) Inclusion of additional order Section 143(a)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7253(a)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: Subsection (b) does not apply to the authority of the Secretary under this subsection. . II Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-Related provisions 1421. Repeal of dairy product price support program Section 1501 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8771 ) is repealed. 1422. Temporary continuation and eventual repeal of milk income loss contract program (a) Temporary continuation of payments under milk income loss contract program Section 1506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8773 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (6) Termination date The term termination date means the earlier of the following: (A) The date on which the Secretary certifies to Congress that the margin protection program required by section 1403 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 is operational. (B) September 1, 2014. ; (2) in subsection (c)(3)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by inserting after August 31, 2013, the following: and for the period beginning February 1, 2014, and ending on the termination date, ; and (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking and thereafter, and inserting and ending January 31, 2014, ; (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking For any month beginning on or after September 1, 2013, and inserting During the period beginning on September 1, 2013, and ending on January 31, 2014, ; (B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph (3): (3) Final adjustment authority During the period beginning on February 1, 2014, and ending on the termination date, if the National Average Dairy Feed Ration Cost for a month during that period is greater than $7.35 per hundredweight, the amount specified in subsection (c)(2)(A) used to determine the payment rate for that month shall be increased by 45 percent of the percentage by which the National Average Dairy Feed Ration Cost exceeds $7.35 per hundredweight. ; (4) in subsection (e)(2)(A)— (A) in clause (ii), by inserting after August 31, 2013, the following: and for the period beginning February 1, 2014, and ending on the termination date, ; and (B) in clause (iii), by striking effective beginning September 1, 2013, and inserting for the period beginning September 1, 2013, and ending January 31, 2014, ; (5) in subsection (g), by striking during the period beginning on the date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2013 and inserting until the termination date ; and (6) in subsection (h)(1), by striking September 30, 2013 and inserting the termination date . (b) Repeal of milk income loss contract program (1) Repeal Effective on the termination date, section 1506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8773 ) is repealed. (2) Termination date defined In paragraph (1), the term termination date means the earlier of the following: (A) The date on which the Secretary certifies to Congress that the margin protection program required by section 1403 is operational. (B) September 1, 2014. 1423. Repeal of dairy export incentive program (a) Repeal Section 153 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 15 U.S.C. 713a–14 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendments Section 902(2) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 ( 22 U.S.C. 7201(2) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (D); and (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively. 1424. Extension of dairy forward pricing program Section 1502(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8772(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2015 and inserting 2021 . 1425. Extension of dairy indemnity program Section 3 of Public Law 90–484 ( 7 U.S.C. 450l ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 1426. Extension of dairy promotion and research program Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 ( 7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 1427. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission Section 1509 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1726) is repealed. III Dairy product donation program 1431. Dairy product donation program (a) Program required; purpose Not later than 120 days after the date on which the Secretary certifies to Congress that the margin protection program is operational, the Secretary shall establish and administer a dairy product donation program for the purposes of— (1) addressing low operating margins experienced by participating dairy operations; and (2) providing nutrition assistance to individuals in low-income groups. (b) Program trigger The Secretary shall announce that the dairy product donation program is in effect for a month, and undertake activities under subsection (c) during the month, whenever the actual dairy production margin has been $4.00 or less per hundredweight of milk for each of the immediately preceding 2 months. (c) Required program activities (1) In general Whenever the dairy product donation program is in effect under subsection (b), the Secretary shall immediately purchase dairy products, at prevailing market prices, until such time as one of the termination conditions specified in subsection (d)(1) is met. (2) Consultation To determine the types and quantities of dairy products to purchase under the dairy product donation program, the Secretary shall consult with public and private nonprofit organizations organized to feed low-income populations (d) Termination of program activities (1) Termination thresholds The Secretary shall cease activities under the dairy product donation program, and shall not reinitiate activities under the program until the condition specified in subsection (b) is again met, whenever any one of the following occurs: (A) The Secretary has made purchases under the dairy product donation program for three consecutive months, even if the actual dairy production margin remains $4.00 or less per hundredweight of milk. (B) The actual dairy production margin has been greater than $4.00 per hundredweight of milk for the immediately preceding month. (C) The actual dairy production margin has been $4.00 or less, but more than $3.00, per hundredweight of milk for the immediately preceding month and during the same month— (i) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese was more than 5 percent above the world price; or (ii) the price in the United States for non-fat dry milk was more than 5 percent above the world price of skim milk powder. (D) The actual dairy production margin has been $3.00 or less per hundredweight of milk for the immediately preceding month and during the same month— (i) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese was more than 7 percent above the world price; or (ii) the price in the United States for non-fat dry milk was more than 7 percent above the world price of skim milk powder. (2) Determinations For purposes of this subsection, the Secretary shall determine the price in the United States for cheddar cheese and non-fat dry milk and the world price of cheddar cheese and skim milk powder. (e) Distribution of purchased dairy products (1) In general The Secretary of Agriculture shall distribute, but not store, the dairy products purchased under the dairy product donation program in a manner that encourages the domestic consumption of such dairy products by diverting them to persons in low-income groups, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Use of public or private nonprofit organizations The Secretary shall utilize the services of public and private nonprofit organizations for the distribution of dairy products purchased under the dairy product donation program. A public or private nonprofit organization that receives dairy products may transfer the products to another public or private nonprofit organization that agrees to use the dairy products to provide, without cost or waste, nutrition assistance to individuals in low-income groups. (f) Prohibition on resale of products A public or private nonprofit organization that receives dairy products under subsection (e) may not sell the products back into commercial markets. (g) Use of commodity credit corporation funds As specified in section 1601(a), the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation shall be available to the Secretary for the purposes of implementing and administering the dairy product donation program. (h) Duration In addition to the termination conditions specified in subsection (d)(1), the dairy product donation program shall end on December 31, 2018. E Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible producer on a farm (A) In general The term eligible producer on a farm means an individual or entity described in subparagraph (B) that, as determined by the Secretary, assumes the production and market risks associated with the agricultural production of crops or livestock. (B) Description An individual or entity referred to in subparagraph (A) is— (i) a citizen of the United States; (ii) a resident alien; (iii) a partnership of citizens of the United States; or (iv) a corporation, limited liability corporation, or other farm organizational structure organized under State law. (2) Farm-raised fish The term farm-raised fish means any aquatic species that is propagated and reared in a controlled environment. (3) Livestock The term livestock includes— (A) cattle (including dairy cattle); (B) bison; (C) poultry; (D) sheep; (E) swine; (F) horses; and (G) other livestock, as determined by the Secretary. (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (b) Livestock indemnity payments (1) Payments For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to make livestock indemnity payments to eligible producers on farms that have incurred livestock death losses in excess of the normal mortality, as determined by the Secretary, due to— (A) attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government or protected by Federal law, including wolves and avian predators; or (B) adverse weather, as determined by the Secretary, during the calendar year, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat, and extreme cold. (2) Payment rates Indemnity payments to an eligible producer on a farm under paragraph (1) shall be made at a rate of 75 percent of the market value of the applicable livestock on the day before the date of death of the livestock, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Special rule for payments made due to disease The Secretary shall ensure that payments made to an eligible producer under paragraph (1) are not made for the same livestock losses for which compensation is provided pursuant to section 10407(d) of the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8306(d) ). (c) Livestock forage disaster program (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Covered livestock (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the term covered livestock means livestock of an eligible livestock producer that, during the 60 days prior to the beginning date of a qualifying drought or fire condition, as determined by the Secretary, the eligible livestock producer— (I) owned; (II) leased; (III) purchased; (IV) entered into a contract to purchase; (V) is a contract grower; or (VI) sold or otherwise disposed of due to qualifying drought conditions during— (aa) the current production year; or (bb) subject to paragraph (3)(B)(ii), 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year. (ii) Exclusion The term covered livestock does not include livestock that were or would have been in a feedlot, on the beginning date of the qualifying drought or fire condition, as a part of the normal business operation of the eligible livestock producer, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Drought monitor The term drought monitor means a system for classifying drought severity according to a range of abnormally dry to exceptional drought, as defined by the Secretary. (C) Eligible livestock producer (i) In general The term eligible livestock producer means an eligible producer on a farm that— (I) is an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of covered livestock that provides the pastureland or grazing land, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land, for the livestock; (II) provides the pastureland or grazing land for covered livestock, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land that is physically located in a county affected by drought; (III) certifies grazing loss; and (IV) meets all other eligibility requirements established under this subsection. (ii) Exclusion The term eligible livestock producer does not include an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of livestock that rents or leases pastureland or grazing land owned by another person on a rate-of-gain basis. (D) Normal carrying capacity The term normal carrying capacity , with respect to each type of grazing land or pastureland in a county, means the normal carrying capacity, as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i), that would be expected from the grazing land or pastureland for livestock during the normal grazing period, in the absence of a drought or fire that diminishes the production of the grazing land or pastureland. (E) Normal grazing period The term normal grazing period , with respect to a county, means the normal grazing period during the calendar year for the county, as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i). (2) Program For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide compensation for losses to eligible livestock producers due to grazing losses for covered livestock due to— (A) a drought condition, as described in paragraph (3); or (B) fire, as described in paragraph (4). (3) Assistance for losses due to drought conditions (A) Eligible losses (i) In general An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this subsection only for grazing losses for covered livestock that occur on land that— (I) is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover; or (II) is planted to a crop planted specifically for the purpose of providing grazing for covered livestock. (ii) Exclusions An eligible livestock producer may not receive assistance under this subsection for grazing losses that occur on land used for haying or grazing under the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ). (B) Monthly payment rate (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the payment rate for assistance under this paragraph for 1 month shall, in the case of drought, be equal to 60 percent of the lesser of— (I) the monthly feed cost for all covered livestock owned or leased by the eligible livestock producer, as determined under subparagraph (C); or (II) the monthly feed cost calculated by using the normal carrying capacity of the eligible grazing land of the eligible livestock producer. (ii) Partial compensation In the case of an eligible livestock producer that sold or otherwise disposed of covered livestock due to drought conditions in 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year, as determined by the Secretary, the payment rate shall be 80 percent of the payment rate otherwise calculated in accordance with clause (i). (C) Monthly feed cost (i) In general The monthly feed cost shall equal the product obtained by multiplying— (I) 30 days; (II) a payment quantity that is equal to the feed grain equivalent, as determined under clause (ii); and (III) a payment rate that is equal to the corn price per pound, as determined under clause (iii). (ii) Feed grain equivalent For purposes of clause (i)(II), the feed grain equivalent shall equal— (I) in the case of an adult beef cow, 15.7 pounds of corn per day; or (II) in the case of any other type of weight of livestock, an amount determined by the Secretary that represents the average number of pounds of corn per day necessary to feed the livestock. (iii) Corn price per pound For purposes of clause (i)(III), the corn price per pound shall equal the quotient obtained by dividing— (I) the higher of— (aa) the national average corn price per bushel for the 12-month period immediately preceding March 1 of the year for which the disaster assistance is calculated; or (bb) the national average corn price per bushel for the 24-month period immediately preceding that March 1; by (II) 56. (D) Normal grazing period and drought monitor intensity (i) F SA county committee determinations (I) In general The Secretary shall determine the normal carrying capacity and normal grazing period for each type of grazing land or pastureland in the county served by the applicable committee. (II) Changes No change to the normal carrying capacity or normal grazing period established for a county under subclause (I) shall be made unless the change is requested by the appropriate State and county Farm Service Agency committees. (ii) Drought intensity (I) D 2 An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D2 (severe drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 8 consecutive weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph in an amount equal to 1 monthly payment using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B). (II) D 3 An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having at least a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph— (aa) in an amount equal to 3 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B); (bb) if the county is rated as having a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4 weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, or is rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to 4 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B); or (cc) if the county is rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4 weeks during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to 5 monthly payments using the monthly rate determined under subparagraph (B). (4) Assistance for losses due to fire on public managed land (A) In general An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this paragraph only if— (i) the grazing losses occur on rangeland that is managed by a Federal agency; and (ii) the eligible livestock producer is prohibited by the Federal agency from grazing the normal permitted livestock on the managed rangeland due to a fire. (B) Payment rate The payment rate for assistance under this paragraph shall be equal to 50 percent of the monthly feed cost for the total number of livestock covered by the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer, as determined under paragraph (3)(C). (C) Payment duration (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), an eligible livestock producer shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph for the period— (I) beginning on the date on which the Federal agency excludes the eligible livestock producer from using the managed rangeland for grazing; and (II) ending on the last day of the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer. (ii) Limitation An eligible livestock producer may only receive assistance under this paragraph for losses that occur on not more than 180 days per year. (5) No duplicative payments An eligible livestock producer may elect to receive assistance for grazing or pasture feed losses due to drought conditions under paragraph (3) or fire under paragraph (4), but not both for the same loss, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Emergency assistance for livestock, honey bees, and farm-Raised fish (1) In general For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not more than $20,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease (including cattle tick fever), adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary, that are not covered under subsection (b) or (c). (2) Use of funds Funds made available under this subsection shall be used to reduce losses caused by feed or water shortages, disease, or other factors as determined by the Secretary. (3) Availability of funds Any funds made available under this subsection shall remain available until expended. (e) Tree assistance program (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Eligible orchardist The term eligible orchardist means a person that produces annual crops from trees for commercial purposes. (B) Natural disaster The term natural disaster means plant disease, insect infestation, drought, fire, freeze, flood, earthquake, lightning, or other occurrence, as determined by the Secretary. (C) Nursery tree grower The term nursery tree grower means a person who produces nursery, ornamental, fruit, nut, or Christmas trees for commercial sale, as determined by the Secretary. (D) Tree The term tree includes a tree, bush, and vine. (2) Eligibility (A) Loss Subject to subparagraph (B), for fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide assistance— (i) under paragraph (3) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that planted trees for commercial purposes but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) under paragraph (3)(B) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that have a production history for commercial purposes on planted or existing trees but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Limitation An eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower shall qualify for assistance under subparagraph (A) only if the tree mortality of the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower, as a result of damaging weather or related condition, exceeds 15 percent (adjusted for normal mortality). (3) Assistance Subject to paragraph (4), the assistance provided by the Secretary to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers for losses described in paragraph (2) shall consist of— (A) (i) reimbursement of 65 percent of the cost of replanting trees lost due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent mortality (adjusted for normal mortality); or (ii) at the option of the Secretary, sufficient seedlings to reestablish a stand; and (B) reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost of pruning, removal, and other costs incurred by an eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower to salvage existing trees or, in the case of tree mortality, to prepare the land to replant trees as a result of damage or tree mortality due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent damage or mortality (adjusted for normal tree damage and mortality). (4) Limitations on assistance (A) Definitions of legal entity and person In this paragraph, the terms legal entity and person have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(a) ). (B) Amount The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this subsection may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year, or an equivalent value in tree seedlings. (C) Acres The total quantity of acres planted to trees or tree seedlings for which a person or legal entity shall be entitled to receive payments under this subsection may not exceed 500 acres. (f) Payment limitations (1) Definitions of legal entity and person In this subsection, the terms legal entity and person have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(a) ). (2) Amount The total amount of disaster assistance payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this section (excluding payments received under subsection (e)) may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year. (3) Direct attribution Subsections (e) and (f) of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) or any successor provisions relating to direct attribution shall apply with respect to assistance provided under this section. F Administration 1601. Administration generally (a) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation The Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this title. (b) Determinations by Secretary A determination made by the Secretary under this title shall be final and conclusive. (c) Regulations (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Commodity Credit Corporation, as appropriate, shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement this title and the amendments made by this title. (2) Procedure The promulgation of the regulations and administration of this title and the amendments made by this title and sections 11003 and 11017 shall be made without regard to— (A) the notice and comment provisions of section 553 of title 5, United States Code; (B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act ); and (C) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking. (3) Congressional review of agency rulemaking In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 5, United States Code. (d) Adjustment Authority Related to Trade Agreements Compliance (1) Required determination; adjustment If the Secretary determines that expenditures under this title that are subject to the total allowable domestic support levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements (as defined in section 2 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3501 )) will exceed such allowable levels for any applicable reporting period, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make adjustments in the amount of such expenditures during that period to ensure that such expenditures do not exceed the allowable levels. (2) Congressional notification Before making any adjustment under paragraph (1), 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 report describing the determination made under that paragraph and the extent of the adjustment to be made. 1602. Suspension of permanent price support authority (a) Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 The following provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 shall not be applicable to the 2014 through 2018 crops of covered commodities (as defined in section 1111), cotton, and sugar and shall not be applicable to milk during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act through December 31, 2018: (1) Parts II through V of subtitle B of title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1326 et seq. ). (2) In the case of upland cotton, section 377 ( 7 U.S.C. 1377 ). (3) Subtitle D of title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1379a et seq. ). (4) Title IV ( 7 U.S.C. 1401 et seq. ). (b) Agricultural Act of 1949 The following provisions of the Agricultural Act of 1949 shall not be applicable to the 2014 through 2018 crops of covered commodities (as defined in section 1111), cotton, and sugar and shall not be applicable to milk during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and through December 31, 2018: (1) Section 101 ( 7 U.S.C. 1441 ). (2) Section 103(a) ( 7 U.S.C. 1444(a) ). (3) Section 105 ( 7 U.S.C. 1444b ). (4) Section 107 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445a ). (5) Section 110 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445e ). (6) Section 112 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445g ). (7) Section 115 ( 7 U.S.C. 1445k ). (8) Section 201 ( 7 U.S.C. 1446 ). (9) Title III ( 7 U.S.C. 1447 et seq. ). (10) Title IV ( 7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq. ), other than sections 404, 412, and 416 ( 7 U.S.C. 1424 , 1429, and 1431). (11) Title V ( 7 U.S.C. 1461 et seq. ). (12) Title VI ( 7 U.S.C. 1471 et seq. ). (c) Suspension of certain quota provisions The joint resolution entitled A joint resolution relating to corn and wheat marketing quotas under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended , approved May 26, 1941 (7 U.S.C. 1330 and 1340), shall not be applicable to the crops of wheat planted for harvest in the calendar years 2014 through 2018. 1603. Payment limitations (a) In general Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting the following: (b) Limitation on Payments for Covered Commodities (other than Peanuts) The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (except a joint venture or general partnership) for any crop year under sections 1116 and 1117 and as marketing loan gains or loan deficiency payments under subtitle B of title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (other than for peanuts) may not exceed $125,000. (c) Limitation on Payments for Peanuts The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (except a joint venture or general partnership) for any crop year under sections 1116 and 1117 and as marketing loan gains or loan deficiency payments under subtitle B of title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 for peanuts may not exceed $125,000. . (b) Conforming amendments (1) Limitation on applicability Section 1001(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(d) ) is amended by striking the marketing assistance loan program or the loan deficiency payment program under title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and inserting the forfeiture of a commodity pledged as collateral for a loan made available under subtitle B of title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . (2) Treatment of federal agencies and State and local governments Section 1001(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(f) ) is amended— (A) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking or title XII and inserting , title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014, or title XII ; and (B) in paragraph (6)(A), by striking or title XII and inserting , title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014, or title XII . (3) Foreign persons ineligible Section 1001C(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3(a) ) is amended by inserting title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014, after 2008, . (c) Application The amendments made by this section shall apply beginning with the 2014 crop year. 1604. Rulemaking related to significant contribution for active personal management (a) Regulations required Within 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate, with an opportunity for notice and comment, regulations— (1) to define the term significant contribution of active personal management for purposes of section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–1 ); and (2) if the Secretary determines it is appropriate, to establish limits for varying types of farming operations on the number of individuals who may be considered to be actively engaged in farming with respect to the farming operation when a significant contribution of active personal management is the basis used to meet the requirement of being actively engaged in farming under section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–1 ) by an individual or entity. (b) Considerations In promulgating the regulations required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider— (1) the size, nature, and management requirements of each type of farming operation; (2) the changing nature of active personal management due to advancements of farming operations; and (3) the degree to which the regulations promulgated pursuant to subsection (a) will adversely impact the long-term viability of the farming operation. (c) Family Farms The Secretary shall not apply the regulations promulgated pursuant to subsection (a) to individuals or entities comprised solely of family members (as that term is defined in section 1001(a)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308(a)(2) )). (d) Monitoring The regulations promulgated pursuant to subsection (a) shall include a plan for monitoring the status of compliance reviews for whether a person or entity is in compliance with the regulations. (e) Paperwork reduction In order to conserve Federal resources and prevent unnecessary paperwork burdens, the Secretary shall ensure that any additional paperwork required as a result of the regulations promulgated pursuant to subsection (a) be limited to those persons who are subject to such regulations. (f) Relation to other requirements Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize the Secretary to alter, directly or indirectly, existing regulations for other requirements in section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–1 ). (g) Effective Date The requirements of any regulation promulgated pursuant to this section shall apply beginning with the 2015 crop year. 1605. Adjusted gross income limitation (a) Limitations and covered benefits Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by striking Limitations and inserting Limitations on Commodity and Conservation Programs ; (2) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs: (1) Limitation Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person or legal entity shall not be eligible to receive any benefit described in paragraph (2) during a crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, if the average adjusted gross income of the person or legal entity exceeds $900,000. (2) Covered benefits Paragraph (1) applies with respect to the following: (A) A payment or benefit under subtitle A or E of title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . (B) A marketing loan gain or loan deficiency payment under subtitle B of title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . (C) Starting with fiscal year 2015, a payment or benefit under title II of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , title II of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, title II of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, or title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985. (D) A payment or benefit under section 524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(b) ). (E) A payment or benefit under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ). . (b) Updating definitions Paragraph (1) of section 1001D(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(a)) is amended to read as follows: (1) Average adjusted gross income In this section, the term average adjusted gross income , with respect to a person or legal entity, means the average of the adjusted gross income or comparable measure of the person or legal entity over the 3 taxable years preceding the most immediately preceding complete taxable year, as determined by the Secretary. . (c) Income determination Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (c); and (2) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively. (d) Conforming amendments Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) by striking subparagraph (A) or (B) of ; and (B) by striking , the average adjusted gross farm income, and the average adjusted gross nonfarm income ; (2) in subsection (a)(3), by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income both places it appears; (3) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income both places it appears; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) and inserting subsection (b)(2) ; and (4) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)— (A) by striking paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) and inserting subsection (b)(2) ; and (B) by striking , average adjusted gross farm income, or average adjusted gross nonfarm income . (e) Effective period Subsection (e) of section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ), as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section, is repealed. (f) Limitation on applicability Section 1001(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308 ) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: or title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . (g) Transition Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ), as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall apply with respect to the 2013 crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, for each program described in paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b) of that section (as so in effect on that day). 1606. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers Section 1621(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8792(d) ) is amended by striking each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting fiscal year 2009 and each succeeding fiscal year . 1607. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies Section 164 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7284 ) is amended by striking and title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 each place it appears and inserting title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq. ), and title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . 1608. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs (a) Reconciliation At least twice each year, the Secretary shall reconcile Social Security numbers of all individuals who receive payments under this title, whether directly or indirectly, with the Commissioner of Social Security to determine if the individuals are alive. (b) Preclusion The Secretary shall preclude the issuance of payments to, and on behalf of, deceased individuals that were not eligible for payments. 1609. Technical corrections (a) Missing punctuation Section 359f(c)(1)(B) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 ( 7 U.S.C. 1359ff(c)(1)(B) ) is amended by adding a period at the end. (b) Erroneous cross reference (1) Amendment Section 1603(g) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1739) is amended in paragraphs (2) through (6) and the amendments made by those paragraphs by striking 1703(a) each place it appears and inserting 1603(a) . (2) Effective date This subsection and the amendments made by this subsection take effect as if included in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1651). (c) Continued applicability of appropriations general provision Section 767 of division A of Public Law 108–7 ( 7 U.S.C. 7911 note; 117 Stat. 48) is amended— (1) by striking (a) ; (2) by striking sections 1101 and 1102 of Public Law 107–171 and inserting subtitle A of title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 ; and (3) by striking such section 1102 and inserting such subtitle ; and (4) by striking subsection (b). 1610. Appeals (a) Direction, control, and support Section 272 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6992 ) is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: (c) Direction, control, and support (1) Direction and control (A) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Director shall be free from the direction and control of any person other than the Secretary or the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. (B) Administrative support The Division shall not receive administrative support (except on a reimbursable basis) from any agency other than the Office of the Secretary. (C) Prohibition on delegation The Secretary may not delegate to any other officer or employee of the Department, other than the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture or the Director, the authority of the Secretary with respect to the Division. (2) Exception The Assistant Secretary for Administration is authorized to investigate, enforce, and implement the provisions in law, Executive order, or regulations that relate in general to competitive and excepted service positions and employment within the Division, including the position of Director, and such authority may be further delegated to subordinate officials. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 7014(b) ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking affect— and inserting affect: ; (2) by striking the authority each place it appears in paragraphs (1) through (7) and inserting The authority ; (3) by striking the semicolon at the end of each of paragraphs (1) through (5) and inserting a period; (4) in paragraph (6)(C), by striking ; or at the end and inserting a period; and (5) by adding at the end the following: (8) The authority of the Secretary to carry out amendments made to this title by the Agricultural Act of 2014 . . 1611. Assignment of payments (a) In general The provisions of section 8(g) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590h(g) ), relating to assignment of payments, shall apply to payments made under this title. (b) Notice The producer making the assignment, or the assignee, shall provide the Secretary with notice, in such manner as the Secretary may require, of any assignment made under this section. 1612. Tracking of benefits As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may track the benefits provided, directly or indirectly, to individuals and entities under titles I and II and the amendments made by those titles. 1613. Signature authority (a) In general In carrying out this title and title II and amendments made by those titles, if the Secretary approves a document, the Secretary shall not subsequently determine the document is inadequate or invalid because of the lack of authority of any person signing the document on behalf of the applicant or any other individual, entity, general partnership, or joint venture, or the documents relied upon were determined inadequate or invalid, unless the person signing the program document knowingly and willfully falsified the evidence of signature authority or a signature. (b) Affirmation (1) In general Nothing in this section prohibits the Secretary from asking a proper party to affirm any document that otherwise would be considered approved under subsection (a). (2) No retroactive effect A denial of benefits based on a lack of affirmation under paragraph (1) shall not be retroactive with respect to third-party producers who were not the subject of the erroneous representation of authority, if the third-party producers— (A) relied on the prior approval by the Secretary of the documents in good faith; and (B) substantively complied with all program requirements. 1614. Implementation (a) Maintenance of base acres and payment yields The Secretary shall maintain, for each covered commodity and upland cotton, base acres and payment yields on a farm established under sections 1001 and 1301 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8702 , 8751), as adjusted pursuant to sections 1101, 1102, 1108, and 1302 of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8711 , 8712, 8718, 8752), as in effect on September 30, 2013. (b) Streamlining In implementing this title, the Secretary shall— (1) reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and other administrative requirements, including through the implementation of the Acreage Crop Reporting and Streamlining Initiative that, in part, shall ensure that— (A) a producer (or an agent of a producer) may report information, electronically (including geospatial data) or conventionally, to the Department; and (B) upon the request of the producer (or agent thereof) the Department of Agriculture electronically shares with the producer (or agent) in real time and without cost to the producer (or agent) the common land unit data, related farm level data, and other information of the producer; (2) improve coordination, information sharing, and administrative work with the Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and (3) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery to producers. (c) Implementation (1) In general The Secretary shall make available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title $100,000,000. (2) Additional funds (A) Initial determination If, by September 30, 2014, the Secretary notifies the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate that the Farm Service Agency has made substantial progress toward implementing the requirements of subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall make available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title $10,000,000 on October 1, 2014. The amount made available under this subparagraph is in addition to the amount made available under paragraph (1). (B) Subsequent determination If, by September 30, 2015, the Secretary notifies the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate that the requirements of subsection (b)(1) have been fully implemented and those Committees provide written concurrence to the Secretary, the Secretary shall make available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title $10,000,000 on the date the written concurrence is provided or October 1, 2015, whichever is later. The amount made available under this subparagraph is in addition to the amount made available under paragraph (1) and any amount made available under subparagraph (A). (3) Producer education (A) In general Of the funds made available under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide $3,000,000 to State extension services for the purpose of educating farmers and ranchers on the options made available under subtitles A, D, and E of this title and under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ). (B) Web-based decision aids (i) Use of qualified universities Of the funds made available under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use $3,000,000 to support qualified universities (or university-based organizations) that represent a diversity of regions and commodities (including dairy), possess expertise regarding the programs authorized by this Act, have a history in the development of decision aids and producer outreach initiatives regarding farm risk management programs, and are able to meet the deadline established pursuant to clause (ii) to develop web-based decision aids to assist producers in understanding available options described in subparagraph (A) and to train producers to use these decision aids. (ii) Deadlines To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall— (I) obligate the funds made available under clause (i) within 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (II) require the products described in clause (i) to be made available to producers on the internet within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Secretary, after the implementation of the first rule implementing programs required under subtitle A of this title. (d) Loan implementation (1) In general In any crop year in which an order is issued pursuant 2 U.S.C. 901(a) , the Secretary shall use such sums as necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation for such crop year to fully restore the support, loan, or assistance that is otherwise required under subtitles B or C of this title or under the amendments made by subtitles B or C, except with respect to the assistance provided under sections 1207(c) and 1208. (2) Repayment In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that when a producer repays a loan at a rate equal to the loan rate plus interest in accordance with the repayment provisions of subtitles B or C that the repayment amount shall include the portion of the loan amount provided under paragraph (1), except that this paragraph shall not affect or reduce marketing loan gains, loan deficiency payments, or forfeiture benefits provided for under subtitles B or C and as supplemented in accordance with paragraph (1). 1615. Research option (a) In general Notwithstanding section 4(m) of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act ( 15 U.S.C. 714b(m) ), funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation disbursed pursuant to the memorandum of understanding between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil regarding a fund for technical assistance and capacity building with respect to dispute WT/DS 267 in the World Trade Organization may, upon resolution of the dispute, be used for research consistent with the conditions imposed by subsection (b). (b) Conditions Research authorized by subsection (a) must be conducted in collaboration with research agencies of the United States Department of Agriculture or with a college, university, or research foundation located in the United States. Such research and collaboration shall be subject to the agreement of the parties to the resolved dispute described in subsection (a). II CONSERVATION A Conservation Reserve Program 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program (a) Extension Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Eligible land Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and inserting the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 ; (2) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); (3) by inserting before paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: (3) grasslands that— (A) contain forbs or shrubland (including improved rangeland and pastureland) for which grazing is the predominant use; (B) are located in an area historically dominated by grasslands; and (C) could provide habitat for animal and plant populations of significant ecological value if the land is retained in its current use or restored to a natural condition; ; (4) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking filterstrips devoted to trees or shrubs and inserting filterstrips or riparian buffers devoted to trees, shrubs, or grasses ; and (5) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraph: (5) the portion of land in a field not enrolled in the conservation reserve in a case in which— (A) more than 50 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a buffer or filterstrip, or more than 75 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a conservation practice other than as a buffer or filterstrip; and (B) the remainder of the field is— (i) infeasible to farm; and (ii) enrolled at regular rental rates. . (c) Planting status of certain land Section 1231(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(c) ) is amended by striking if and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting if, during the crop year, the land was devoted to a conserving use. . (d) Enrollment Subsection (d) of section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Enrollment (1) Maximum acreage enrolled The Secretary may maintain in the conservation reserve at any one time during— (A) fiscal year 2014, no more than 27,500,000 acres; (B) fiscal year 2015, no more than 26,000,000 acres; (C) fiscal year 2016, no more than 25,000,000 acres; (D) fiscal year 2017, no more than 24,000,000 acres; and (E) fiscal year 2018, no more than 24,000,000 acres. (2) Grasslands (A) Limitation For purposes of applying the limitations in paragraph (1), no more than 2,000,000 acres of the land described in subsection (b)(3) may be enrolled in the program at any one time during the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years. (B) Priority In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may give priority to land with expiring conservation reserve program contracts. (C) Method of enrollment In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall make the program available to owners or operators of eligible land on a continuous enrollment basis with one or more ranking periods. . (e) Duration of contract Section 1231(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(e) ) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Special rule for certain land In the case of land devoted to hardwood trees, shelterbelts, windbreaks, or wildlife corridors under a contract entered into under this subchapter, the owner or operator of the land may, within the limitations prescribed under paragraph (1), specify the duration of the contract. . (f) Conservation priority areas Section 1231(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking watershed areas of the Chesapeake Bay Region, the Great Lakes Region, the Long Island Sound Region, and other ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking Watersheds.— Watersheds and inserting Areas.— Areas ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking a watershed’s designation— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting an area’s designation if the Secretary finds that the area no longer contains actual and significant adverse water quality or habitat impacts related to agricultural production activities. . 2002. Farmable wetland program (a) Extension Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(a)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by striking a program and inserting a farmable wetland program . (b) Eligible acreage Section 1231B(b)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(b)(1)(B) ) is amended by striking flow from a row crop agriculture drainage system and inserting surface and subsurface flow from row crop agricultural production . (c) Acreage limitation Section 1231B(c)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b(c)(1)(B) ) is amended by striking 1,000,000 and inserting 750,000 . (d) Clerical amendments Section 1231B of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831b ) is amended— (1) by striking the heading and inserting the following: Farmable wetland program ; and (2) in subsection (f)(2), by striking section 1234(c)(2)(B) and inserting section 1234(d)(2)(A)(ii) . 2003. Duties of owners and operators (a) Limitation on harvesting, grazing, or commercial use of forage Section 1232(a)(8) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832(a)(8) ) is amended by striking except that and all that follows through the semicolon at the end of the paragraph and inserting except as provided in subsection (b) or (c) of section 1233; . (b) Conservation plan requirements Subsection (b) of section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832 ) is amended to read as follows: (b) Conservation plans The plan referred to in subsection (a)(1) shall set forth— (1) the conservation measures and practices to be carried out by the owner or operator during the term of the contract; and (2) the commercial use, if any, to be permitted on the land during the term. . (c) Rental payment reduction Section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3832 ) is amended by striking subsection (d). 2004. Duties of the Secretary Section 1233 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3833 ) is amended to read as follows: 1233. Duties of the Secretary (a) Cost-Share and rental payments In return for a contract entered into by an owner or operator under the conservation reserve program, the Secretary shall— (1) share the cost of carrying out the conservation measures and practices set forth in the contract for which the Secretary determines that cost sharing is appropriate and in the public interest; and (2) for a period of years not in excess of the term of the contract, pay an annual rental payment in an amount necessary to compensate for— (A) the conversion of highly erodible cropland or other eligible lands normally devoted to the production of an agricultural commodity on a farm or ranch to a less intensive use; (B) the retirement of any base history that the owner or operator agrees to retire permanently; and (C) the development and management of grasslands for multiple natural resource conservation benefits, including to soil, water, air, and wildlife. (b) Specified activities permitted The Secretary shall permit certain activities or commercial uses of land that is subject to a contract under the conservation reserve program if those activities or uses are consistent with a plan approved by the Secretary and include— (1) harvesting, grazing, or other commercial use of the forage in response to a drought, flooding, or other emergency, without any reduction in the rental rate; (2) consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat (including habitat during primary nesting seasons for birds in the area), and in exchange for a reduction of not less than 25 percent in the annual rental rate for the acres covered by the authorized activity, managed harvesting and other commercial use (including the managed harvesting of biomass), except that in permitting those activities, the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee— (A) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements; and (B) shall identify periods during which the activities may be conducted, such that the frequency is at least every 5 but not more than once every 3 years; (3) subject to appropriate restrictions during the nesting season for birds in the local area that are economically significant, in significant decline, or conserved in accordance with Federal or State law, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the State technical committee, and in exchange for a reduction of not less than 25 percent in the annual rental rate for the acres covered by the authorized activity— (A) prescribed grazing for the control of invasive species, which may be conducted annually; (B) routine grazing, except that in permitting such routine grazing, the Secretary, in coordination with the State technical committee— (i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements and stocking rates for the land that are suitable for continued routine grazing; and (ii) shall identify the periods during which routine grazing may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every 2 years, taking into consideration regional differences such as— (I) climate, soil type, and natural resources; (II) the number of years that should be required between routine grazing activities; and (III) how often during a year in which routine grazing is permitted that routine grazing should be allowed to occur; and (C) the installation of wind turbines and associated access, except that in permitting the installation of wind turbines, the Secretary shall determine the number and location of wind turbines that may be installed, taking into account— (i) the location, size, and other physical characteristics of the land; (ii) the extent to which the land contains threatened or endangered wildlife and wildlife habitat; and (iii) the purposes of the conservation reserve program under this subchapter; (4) the intermittent and seasonal use of vegetative buffer practices incidental to agricultural production on lands adjacent to the buffer such that the permitted use does not destroy the permanent vegetative cover; and (5) grazing by livestock of a beginning farmer or rancher without any reduction in the rental rate, if the grazing is— (A) consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat; (B) subject to appropriate restrictions during the nesting season for birds in the local area that are economically significant, in significant decline, or conserved in accordance with Federal or State law, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the State technical committee; and (C) described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (3). (c) Authorized activities on grasslands For eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall permit the following activities: (1) Common grazing practices, including maintenance and necessary cultural practices, on the land in a manner that is consistent with maintaining the viability of grassland, forb, and shrub species appropriate to that locality. (2) Haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed production, subject to appropriate restrictions during the nesting season for birds in the local area that are economically significant, in significant decline, or conserved in accordance with Federal or State law, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the State technical committee. (3) Fire presuppression, fire-related rehabilitation, and construction of fire breaks. (4) Grazing-related activities, such as fencing and livestock watering. (d) Resource conserving use (1) In general Beginning on the date that is 1 year before the date of termination of a contract under the program, the Secretary shall allow an owner or operator to make conservation and land improvements for economic use that facilitate maintaining protection of enrolled land after expiration of the contract. (2) Conservation plan The Secretary shall require an owner or operator carrying out the activities described in paragraph (1) to develop and implement a conservation plan. (3) Re-enrollment prohibited Land improved under paragraph (1) may not be re-enrolled in the conservation reserve program for 5 years after the date of termination of the contract. (4) Payment reduction In the case of an activity carried out under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall reduce the payment otherwise payable under the contract by an amount commensurate with the economic value of the activity. . 2005. Payments (a) Trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife corridors Section 1234(b)(3)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834(b)(3)(A) ) is amended to read as follows: (A) Applicability This paragraph applies to land devoted to the production of hardwood trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, or wildlife corridors under a contract entered into under this subchapter after November 28, 1990. . (b) Incentives for thinning Section 1234 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3834 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in the heading, by striking Federal percentage of ; and (B) in paragraph (3)(B)— (i) in clause (i), by striking or thinning ; and (ii) by amending clause (ii) to read as follows: (ii) Duration The Secretary shall make payments as described in clause (i) for a period of not less than 2 years, but not more than 4 years, beginning on the date of the planting of the trees or shrubs. ; (2) by redesignating subsections (c) through (g) as subsections (d) through (h), respectively; and (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Incentive payments (1) In general The Secretary may make incentive payments to an owner or operator of eligible land in an amount sufficient to encourage proper thinning and other practices to improve the condition of resources, promote forest management, or enhance wildlife habitat on the land. (2) Limitation A payment described in paragraph (1) may not exceed 150 percent of the total cost of thinning and other practices conducted by the owner or operator. . (c) Annual rental payments Section 1234(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (as redesignated by subsection (b)(2)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting or other eligible lands after highly erodible cropland both places it appears; (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Methods of determination (A) In general The amounts payable to owners or operators in the form of rental payments under contracts entered into under this subchapter may be determined through— (i) the submission of bids for such contracts by owners and operators in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe; or (ii) such other means as the Secretary determines are appropriate. (B) Grasslands In the case of eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall make annual payments in an amount that is not more than 75 percent of the grazing value of the land covered by the contract. ; and (3) in paragraph (5)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking conduct an annual survey and inserting , not less frequently than once every other year, conduct a survey ; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking annual ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (C) Use The Secretary may use the estimates derived from the survey conducted under subparagraph (A) relating to dryland cash rental rates as a factor in determining rental rates under this section in a manner determined appropriate by the Secretary. . (d) Payment schedule Subsection (e) of section 1234 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (as redesignated by subsection (b)(2)) is amended to read as follows: (e) Payment schedule (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this section, payments under this subchapter shall be made in cash in such amount and on such time schedule as is agreed on and specified in the contract. (2) Advance payment Payments under this subchapter may be made in advance of determination of performance. . (e) Payment limitation Section 1234(g) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (as redesignated by subsection (b)(2)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking , including rental payments made in the form of in-kind commodities, ; (2) by striking paragraph (3); and (3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2). 2006. Contract requirements (a) Early termination by owner or operator Section 1235(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A)— (A) by striking The Secretary and inserting During fiscal year 2015, the Secretary ; and (B) by striking before January 1, 1995, ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following: (C) Land devoted to hardwood trees. (D) Wildlife habitat, duck nesting habitat, pollinator habitat, upland bird habitat buffer, wildlife food plots, State acres for wildlife enhancement, shallow water areas for wildlife, and rare and declining habitat. (E) Farmable wetland and restored wetland. (F) Land that contains diversions, erosion control structures, flood control structures, contour grass strips, living snow fences, salinity reducing vegetation, cross wind trap strips, and sediment retention structures. (G) Land located within a federally designated wellhead protection area. (H) Land that is covered by an easement under the conservation reserve program. (I) Land located within an average width, according to the applicable Natural Resources Conservation Service field office technical guide, of a perennial stream or permanent water body. (J) Land enrolled under the conservation reserve enhancement program. ; and (3) in paragraph (3), by striking 60 days after the date on which the owner or operator submits the notice required under paragraph (1)(C) and inserting upon approval by the Secretary . (b) Transition option for certain farmers or ranchers Section 1235(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Duties and all that follows through a beginning farmer or rancher or and inserting Transition to covered farmer or rancher.— In the case of a contract modification approved in order to facilitate the transfer of land subject to a contract from a retired farmer or rancher to a beginning farmer or rancher, a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )), or a ; (B) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting , including preparing to plant an agricultural crop after improvements ; (C) in subparagraph (D), by striking the farmer or rancher and inserting the covered farmer or rancher ; and (D) in subparagraph (E), by striking section 1001A(b)(3)(B) and inserting section 1001 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking requirement of section 1231(h)(4)(B) and inserting option pursuant to section 1234(d)(2)(A)(ii) . (c) Final year contract Section 1235 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections: (g) Final year of contract The Secretary shall not consider an owner or operator to be in violation of a term or condition of the conservation reserve contract if— (1) during the year prior to expiration of the contract, the land is enrolled in the conservation stewardship program; and (2) the activity required under the conservation stewardship program pursuant to such enrollment is consistent with this subchapter. (h) Land enrolled in agricultural conservation easement program The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under this subchapter if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H. . 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses Section 1235A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3835a ) is repealed. 2008. Effect on existing contracts (a) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (b) Updating of existing contracts The Secretary shall permit an owner or operator of land subject to a contract entered into under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , to update the contract to reflect the activities and uses of land under contract permitted under the terms and conditions of section 1233(b) of that Act (as amended by section 2004), as determined appropriate by the Secretary. B Conservation Stewardship Program 2101. Conservation stewardship program (a) Revision of current program Subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq. ) is amended to read as follows: B Conservation stewardship program 1238D. Definitions In this subchapter: (1) Agricultural operation The term agricultural operation means all eligible land, whether or not contiguous, that is— (A) under the effective control of a producer at the time the producer enters into a contract under the program; and (B) operated with equipment, labor, management, and production or cultivation practices that are substantially separate from other agricultural operations, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Conservation activities (A) In general The term conservation activities means conservation systems, practices, or management measures. (B) Inclusions The term conservation activities includes— (i) structural measures, vegetative measures, and land management measures, including agriculture drainage management systems, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) planning needed to address a priority resource concern. (3) Conservation stewardship plan The term conservation stewardship plan means a plan that— (A) identifies and inventories priority resource concerns; (B) establishes benchmark data and conservation objectives; (C) describes conservation activities to be implemented, managed, or improved; and (D) includes a schedule and evaluation plan for the planning, installation, and management of the new and existing conservation activities. (4) Eligible land (A) In general The term eligible land means— (i) private or tribal land on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-related products are produced; and (ii) lands associated with the land described in clause (i) on which priority resource concerns could be addressed through a contract under the program. (B) Inclusions The term eligible land includes— (i) cropland; (ii) grassland; (iii) rangeland; (iv) pasture land; (v) nonindustrial private forest land; and (vi) other land in agricultural areas (including cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land used or capable of being used for the production of livestock), as determined by the Secretary. (5) Priority resource concern The term priority resource concern means a natural resource concern or problem, as determined by the Secretary, that— (A) is identified at the national, State, or local level as a priority for a particular area of a State; (B) represents a significant concern in a State or region; and (C) is likely to be addressed successfully through the implementation of conservation activities under this program. (6) Program The term program means the conservation stewardship program established by this subchapter. (7) Stewardship threshold The term stewardship threshold means the level of management required, as determined by the Secretary, to conserve and improve the quality and condition of a natural resource. 1238E. Conservation stewardship program (a) Establishment and purpose During each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall carry out a conservation stewardship program to encourage producers to address priority resource concerns and improve and conserve the quality and condition of natural resources in a comprehensive manner— (1) by undertaking additional conservation activities; and (2) by improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities. (b) Exclusions (1) Land enrolled in other conservation programs Subject to paragraph (2), the following land (even if covered by the definition of eligible land) is not eligible for enrollment in the program: (A) Land enrolled in the conservation reserve program, unless— (i) the conservation reserve contract will expire at the end of the fiscal year in which the land is to be enrolled in the program; and (ii) conservation reserve program payments for land enrolled in the program cease before the first program payment is made to the applicant under this subchapter. (B) Land enrolled in a wetland reserve easement through the agricultural conservation easement program. (C) Land enrolled in the conservation security program. (2) Conversion to cropland Eligible land used for crop production after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , that had not been planted, considered to be planted, or devoted to crop production for at least 4 of the 6 years preceding that date shall not be the basis for any payment under the program, unless the land does not meet such requirement because— (A) the land had previously been enrolled in the conservation reserve program; (B) the land has been maintained using long-term crop rotation practices, as determined by the Secretary; or (C) the land is incidental land needed for efficient operation of the farm or ranch, as determined by the Secretary. 1238F. Stewardship contracts (a) Submission of contract offers To be eligible to participate in the conservation stewardship program, a producer shall submit to the Secretary a contract offer for the agricultural operation that— (1) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the producer, at the time of the contract offer, meets or exceeds the stewardship threshold for at least 2 priority resource concerns; and (2) would, at a minimum, meet or exceed the stewardship threshold for at least 1 additional priority resource concern by the end of the stewardship contract by— (A) installing and adopting additional conservation activities; and (B) improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities across the entire agricultural operation in a manner that increases or extends the conservation benefits in place at the time the contract offer is accepted by the Secretary. (b) Evaluation of contract offers (1) Ranking of applications In evaluating contract offers submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary shall rank applications based on— (A) the level of conservation treatment on all applicable priority resource concerns at the time of application; (B) the degree to which the proposed conservation activities effectively increase conservation performance; (C) the number of applicable priority resource concerns proposed to be treated to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract; (D) the extent to which other priority resource concerns will be addressed to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold by the end of the contract period; (E) the extent to which the actual and anticipated conservation benefits from the contract are provided at the least cost relative to other similarly beneficial contract offers; and (F) the extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed when transitioning from the conservation reserve program to agricultural production. (2) Prohibition The Secretary may not assign a higher priority to any application because the applicant is willing to accept a lower payment than the applicant would otherwise be eligible to receive. (3) Additional criteria The Secretary may develop and use such additional criteria that the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure that national, State, and local priority resource concerns are effectively addressed. (c) Entering into contracts After a determination that a producer is eligible for the program under subsection (a), and a determination that the contract offer ranks sufficiently high under the evaluation criteria under subsection (b), the Secretary shall enter into a conservation stewardship contract with the producer to enroll the eligible land to be covered by the contract. (d) Contract provisions (1) Term A conservation stewardship contract shall be for a term of 5 years. (2) Required provisions The conservation stewardship contract of a producer shall— (A) state the amount of the payment the Secretary agrees to make to the producer for each year of the conservation stewardship contract under section 1238G(d); (B) require the producer— (i) to implement a conservation stewardship plan that describes the program purposes to be achieved through 1 or more conservation activities; (ii) to maintain and supply information as required by the Secretary to determine compliance with the conservation stewardship plan and any other requirements of the program; and (iii) not to conduct any activities on the agricultural operation that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program; (C) permit all economic uses of the eligible land that— (i) maintain the agricultural nature of the land; and (ii) are consistent with the conservation purposes of the conservation stewardship contract; (D) include a provision to ensure that a producer shall not be considered in violation of the contract for failure to comply with the contract due to circumstances beyond the control of the producer, including a disaster or related condition, as determined by the Secretary; (E) include provisions requiring that upon the violation of a term or condition of the contract at any time the producer has control of the land— (i) if the Secretary determines that the violation warrants termination of the contract— (I) the producer shall forfeit all rights to receive payments under the contract; and (II) the producer shall refund all or a portion of the payments received by the producer under the contract, including any interest on the payments, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) if the Secretary determines that the violation does not warrant termination of the contract, the producer shall refund or accept adjustments to the payments provided to the producer, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; (F) include provisions in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4); and (G) include any additional provisions the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the program. (3) Change of interest in land subject to a contract (A) In general At the time of application, a producer shall have control of the eligible land to be enrolled in the program. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a change in the interest of a producer in eligible land covered by a contract under the program shall result in the termination of the contract with regard to that land. (B) Transfer of duties and rights Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if— (i) within a reasonable period of time (as determined by the Secretary) after the date of the change in the interest in eligible land covered by a contract under the program, the transferee of the land provides written notice to the Secretary that all duties and rights under the contract have been transferred to, and assumed by, the transferee for the portion of the land transferred; (ii) the transferee meets the eligibility requirements of the program; and (iii) the Secretary approves the transfer of all duties and rights under the contract. (4) Modification and termination of contracts (A) Voluntary modification or termination The Secretary may modify or terminate a contract with a producer if— (i) the producer agrees to the modification or termination; and (ii) the Secretary determines that the modification or termination is in the public interest. (B) Involuntary termination The Secretary may terminate a contract if the Secretary determines that the producer violated the contract. (5) Repayment If a contract is terminated, the Secretary may, consistent with the purposes of the program— (A) allow the producer to retain payments already received under the contract; or (B) require repayment, in whole or in part, of payments received and assess liquidated damages. (e) Contract renewal At the end of the initial 5-year contract period, the Secretary may allow the producer to renew the contract for 1 additional 5-year period if the producer— (1) demonstrates compliance with the terms of the initial contract; (2) agrees to adopt and continue to integrate conservation activities across the entire agricultural operation, as determined by the Secretary; and (3) agrees, by the end of the contract period— (A) to meet the stewardship threshold of at least 2 additional priority resource concerns on the agricultural operation; or (B) to exceed the stewardship threshold of 2 existing priority resource concerns that are specified by the Secretary in the initial contract. 1238G. Duties of the Secretary (a) In general To achieve the conservation goals of a contract under the conservation stewardship program, the Secretary shall— (1) make the program available to eligible producers on a continuous enrollment basis with 1 or more ranking periods, 1 of which shall occur in the first quarter of each fiscal year; (2) identify not less than 5 priority resource concerns in a particular watershed or other appropriate region or area within a State; and (3) establish a science-based stewardship threshold for each priority resource concern identified under paragraph (2). (b) Allocation to States The Secretary shall allocate acres to States for enrollment, based— (1) primarily on each State’s proportion of eligible land to the total acreage of eligible land in all States; and (2) also on consideration of— (A) the extent and magnitude of the conservation needs associated with agricultural production in each State; (B) the degree to which implementation of the program in the State is, or will be, effective in helping producers address those needs; and (C) other considerations to achieve equitable geographic distribution of funds, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Acreage enrollment limitation During the period beginning on the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , and ending on September 30, 2022, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) enroll in the program an additional 10,000,000 acres for each fiscal year; and (2) manage the program to achieve a national average rate of $18 per acre, which shall include the costs of all financial assistance, technical assistance, and any other expenses associated with enrollment or participation in the program. (d) Conservation stewardship payments (1) Availability of payments The Secretary shall provide annual payments under the program to compensate the producer for— (A) installing and adopting additional conservation activities; and (B) improving, maintaining, and managing conservation activities in place at the agricultural operation of the producer at the time the contract offer is accepted by the Secretary. (2) Payment amount The amount of the annual payment shall be determined by the Secretary and based, to the maximum extent practicable, on the following factors: (A) Costs incurred by the producer associated with planning, design, materials, installation, labor, management, maintenance, or training. (B) Income forgone by the producer. (C) Expected conservation benefits. (D) The extent to which priority resource concerns will be addressed through the installation and adoption of conservation activities on the agricultural operation. (E) The level of stewardship in place at the time of application and maintained over the term of the contract. (F) The degree to which the conservation activities will be integrated across the entire agricultural operation for all applicable priority resource concerns over the term of the contract. (G) Such other factors as are determined appropriate by the Secretary. (3) Exclusions A payment to a producer under this subsection shall not be provided for— (A) the design, construction, or maintenance of animal waste storage or treatment facilities or associated waste transport or transfer devices for animal feeding operations; or (B) conservation activities for which there is no cost incurred or income forgone to the producer. (4) Delivery of payments In making payments under this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable— (A) prorate conservation performance over the term of the contract so as to accommodate, to the extent practicable, producers earning equal annual payments in each fiscal year; and (B) make such payments as soon as practicable after October 1 of each fiscal year for activities carried out in the previous fiscal year. (e) Supplemental payments for resource-Conserving crop rotations (1) Availability of payments The Secretary shall provide additional payments to producers that, in participating in the program, agree to adopt or improve resource-conserving crop rotations to achieve beneficial crop rotations as appropriate for the eligible land of the producers. (2) Beneficial crop rotations The Secretary shall determine whether a resource-conserving crop rotation is a beneficial crop rotation eligible for additional payments under paragraph (1) based on whether the resource-conserving crop rotation is designed to provide natural resource conservation and production benefits. (3) Eligibility To be eligible to receive a payment described in paragraph (1), a producer shall agree to adopt and maintain beneficial resource-conserving crop rotations for the term of the contract. (4) Resource-Conserving crop rotation In this subsection, the term resource-conserving crop rotation means a crop rotation that— (A) includes at least 1 resource-conserving crop (as defined by the Secretary); (B) reduces erosion; (C) improves soil fertility and tilth; (D) interrupts pest cycles; and (E) in applicable areas, reduces depletion of soil moisture or otherwise reduces the need for irrigation. (f) Payment limitations A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, payments under the program that, in the aggregate, exceed $200,000 under all contracts entered into during fiscal years 2014 through 2018, excluding funding arrangements with Indian tribes, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under the program by the person or legal entity. (g) Specialty crop and organic producers The Secretary shall ensure that outreach and technical assistance are available, and program specifications are appropriate to enable specialty crop and organic producers to participate in the program. (h) Coordination with organic certification The Secretary shall establish a transparent means by which producers may initiate organic certification under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ) while participating in a contract under the program. (i) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations that— (1) prescribe such other rules as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under subsection (f); and (2) otherwise enable the Secretary to carry out the program. . (b) Effect on existing contracts (1) In general The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq. ) before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. (2) Conservation stewardship program Funds made available under section 1241(a)(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(4) ) (as amended by section 2601(a) of this title) may be used to administer and make payments to program participants that enrolled into contracts during any of fiscal years 2009 through 2013. C Environmental Quality Incentives Program 2201. Purposes Section 1240 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C) and, in such subparagraph, by inserting and after the semicolon; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: (B) developing and improving wildlife habitat; and ; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (3) by striking paragraph (5). 2202. Definitions Section 1240A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–1 ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively; and (2) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by inserting established under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ) after national organic program . 2203. Establishment and administration Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2014 and inserting 2018 ; (2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) Term A contract under the program shall have a term that does not exceed 10 years. ; (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (3), by striking subparagraphs (A) through (G) and inserting the following: (A) soil health; (B) water quality and quantity improvement; (C) nutrient management; (D) pest management; (E) air quality improvement; (F) wildlife habitat development, including pollinator habitat; or (G) invasive species management. ; and (B) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting , a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )), before or a beginning farmer or rancher ; and (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (B) Advance payments (i) In general Not more than 50 percent of the amount determined under subparagraph (A) may be provided in advance for the purpose of purchasing materials or contracting. (ii) Return of funds If funds provided in advance are not expended during the 90-day period beginning on the date of receipt of the funds, the funds shall be returned within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the Secretary. ; (4) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following new subsection: (f) Allocation of funding (1) Livestock For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, at least 60 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices relating to livestock production. (2) Wildlife habitat For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, at least 5 percent of the funds made available for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices benefitting wildlife habitat under subsection (g). ; and (5) by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following new subsection: (g) Wildlife habitat incentive program (1) In general The Secretary shall provide payments under the environmental quality incentives program for conservation practices that support the restoration, development, protection, and improvement of wildlife habitat on eligible land, including— (A) upland wildlife habitat; (B) wetland wildlife habitat; (C) habitat for threatened and endangered species; (D) fish habitat; (E) habitat on pivot corners and other irregular areas of a field; and (F) other types of wildlife habitat, as determined by the Secretary. (2) State technical committee In determining the practices eligible for payment under paragraph (1) and targeted for funding under subsection (f), the Secretary shall consult with the relevant State technical committee not less often than once each year. . 2204. Evaluation of applications Section 1240C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–3(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking environmental and inserting conservation ; and (2) in paragraph (3), by striking purpose of the environmental quality incentives program specified in section 1240(1) and inserting purposes of the program . 2205. Duties of producers Section 1240D(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–4(2) ) is amended by striking farm, ranch, or forest and inserting enrolled . 2206. Limitation on payments Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–7 ) is amended to read as follows: 1240G. Limitation on payments A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, cost-share or incentive payments under this chapter that, in aggregate, exceed $450,000 for all contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or legal entity during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, regardless of the number of contracts entered into under this chapter by the person or legal entity. . 2207. Conservation innovation grants and payments Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–8 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: (E) facilitate on-farm conservation research and demonstration activities; and (F) facilitate pilot testing of new technologies or innovative conservation practices. ; (2) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) by striking $37,500,000 and inserting $25,000,000 ; and (B) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (c) Reporting Not later than December 31, 2014, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the status of projects funded under this section, including— (1) funding awarded; (2) project results; and (3) incorporation of project findings, such as new technology and innovative approaches, into the conservation efforts implemented by the Secretary. . 2208. Effect on existing contracts The amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq. ) before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract. D Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program (a) Establishment Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle: H Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 1265. Establishment and purposes (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish an agricultural conservation easement program for the conservation of eligible land and natural resources through easements or other interests in land. (b) Purposes The purposes of the program are to— (1) combine the purposes and coordinate the functions of the wetlands reserve program established under section 1237, the grassland reserve program established under section 1238N, and the farmland protection program established under section 1238I, as such sections were in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 ; (2) restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible land; (3) protect the agricultural use and future viability, and related conservation values, of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land; and (4) protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring and conserving eligible land. 1265A. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Agricultural land easement The term agricultural land easement means an easement or other interest in eligible land that— (A) is conveyed for the purpose of protecting natural resources and the agricultural nature of the land; and (B) permits the landowner the right to continue agricultural production and related uses subject to an agricultural land easement plan, as approved by the Secretary. (2) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) an agency of State or local government or an Indian tribe (including a farmland protection board or land resource 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 170(h)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (ii) an organization described in section 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 section 509(a) of that Code; or (II) section 509(a)(3) of that Code and is controlled by an organization described in section 509(a)(2) of that Code. (3) Eligible land The term eligible land means private or tribal land that is— (A) in the case of an agricultural land easement, agricultural land, including land on a farm or ranch— (i) that is subject to a pending offer for purchase of an agricultural land easement from an eligible entity; (ii) (I) that has prime, unique, or other productive soil; (II) that contains historical or archaeological resources; (III) the enrollment of which would protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring and conserving land; or (IV) the protection of which will further a State or local policy consistent with the purposes of the program; and (iii) that is— (I) cropland; (II) rangeland; (III) grassland or land that contains forbs, or shrubland for which grazing is the predominant use; (IV) located in an area that has been historically dominated by grassland, forbs, or shrubs and could provide habitat for animal or plant populations of significant ecological value; (V) pastureland; or (VI) nonindustrial private forest land that contributes to the economic viability of an offered parcel or serves as a buffer to protect such land from development; (B) in the case of a wetland reserve easement, a wetland or related area, including— (i) farmed or converted wetlands, together with adjacent land that is functionally dependent on that land, if the Secretary determines it— (I) is likely to be successfully restored in a cost-effective manner; and (II) will maximize the wildlife benefits and wetland functions and values, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior at the local level; (ii) cropland or grassland that was used for agricultural production prior to flooding from the natural overflow of— (I) a closed basin lake and adjacent land that is functionally dependent upon it, if the State or other entity is willing to provide 50 percent share of the cost of an easement; or (II) a pothole and adjacent land that is functionally dependent on it; (iii) farmed wetlands and adjoining lands that— (I) are enrolled in the conservation reserve program; (II) have the highest wetland functions and values, as determined by the Secretary; and (III) are likely to return to production after they leave the conservation reserve program; (iv) riparian areas that link wetlands that are protected by easements or some other device that achieves the same purpose as an easement; or (v) other wetlands of an owner that would not otherwise be eligible, if the Secretary determines that the inclusion of such wetlands in a wetland reserve easement would significantly add to the functional value of the easement; or (C) in the case of either an agricultural land easement or a wetland reserve easement, other land that is incidental to land described in subparagraph (A) or (B), if the Secretary determines that it is necessary for the efficient administration of an easement under the program. (4) Program The term program means the agricultural conservation easement program established by this subtitle. (5) Wetland reserve easement The term wetland reserve easement means a reserved interest in eligible land that— (A) is defined and delineated in a deed; and (B) stipulates— (i) the rights, title, and interests in land conveyed to the Secretary; and (ii) the rights, title, and interests in land that are reserved to the landowner. 1265B. Agricultural land easements (a) Availability of assistance The Secretary shall facilitate and provide funding for— (1) the purchase by eligible entities of agricultural land easements in eligible land; and (2) technical assistance to provide for the conservation of natural resources pursuant to an agricultural land easement plan. (b) Cost-Share assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall protect the agricultural use, including grazing, and related conservation values of eligible land through cost-share assistance to eligible entities for purchasing agricultural land easements. (2) Scope of assistance available (A) Federal share An agreement described in paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share determined by the Secretary of an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement, as determined by the Secretary using— (i) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice; (ii) an areawide market analysis or survey; or (iii) another industry-approved method. (B) Non-federal share (i) In general Under the agreement, the eligible entity shall provide a share that is at least equivalent to that provided by the Secretary. (ii) Source of contribution An eligible entity may include as part of its share under clause (i) a charitable donation or qualified conservation contribution (as defined by section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the private landowner if the eligible entity contributes its own cash resources in an amount that is at least 50 percent of the amount contributed by the Secretary. (C) Exception (i) Grasslands In the case of grassland of special environmental 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. (ii) Cash contribution For purposes of subparagraph (B)(ii), the Secretary may waive any portion of the eligible entity cash contribution requirement for projects of special significance, subject to an increase in the private landowner donation that is equal to the amount of the waiver, if the donation is voluntary and the property is in active agricultural production. (3) Evaluation and ranking of applications (A) Criteria The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program. (B) Considerations In establishing the criteria, the Secretary shall emphasize support for— (i) protecting agricultural uses and related conservation values of the land; and (ii) maximizing the protection of areas devoted to agricultural use. (C) Bidding down If the Secretary determines that 2 or more applications for cost-share assistance are comparable in achieving the purpose of the program, the Secretary shall not assign a higher priority to any of those applications solely on the basis of lesser cost to the program. (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 shall be for a term that is— (i) in the case of an eligible entity certified under the process described in paragraph (5), a minimum of five years; and (ii) for all other eligible entities, at least three, but not more than five years. (C) Minimum terms and conditions An eligible entity shall be authorized to use its own terms and conditions for agricultural land easements so long as the Secretary determines such terms and conditions— (i) are consistent with the purposes of the program; (ii) permit effective enforcement of the conservation purposes of such easements; (iii) include a right of enforcement for the Secretary, that may be used only if the terms of the easement are not enforced by the holder of the easement; (iv) subject the land in which an interest is purchased to an agricultural land easement plan that— (I) describes the activities which promote the long-term viability of the land to meet the purposes for which the easement was acquired; (II) requires the management of grasslands according to a grasslands management plan; and (III) includes a conservation plan, where appropriate, and requires, at the option of the Secretary, the conversion of highly erodible cropland to less intensive uses; and (v) include a limit on the impervious surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with the agricultural activities to be conducted. (D) Substitution of qualified projects An agreement shall allow, upon mutual agreement of the parties, substitution of qualified projects that are identified at the time of the proposed substitution. (E) Effect of violation If a violation occurs of a term or condition of an agreement under this subsection— (i) the Secretary may terminate the agreement; and (ii) the Secretary may require the eligible entity to refund all or part of any payments received by the entity under the program, with interest on the payments as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (5) Certification of eligible entities (A) Certification process The Secretary shall establish a process under which the Secretary may— (i) directly certify eligible entities that meet established criteria; (ii) enter into long-term agreements with certified eligible entities; and (iii) accept proposals for cost-share assistance for the purchase of agricultural land easements throughout the duration of such agreements. (B) Certification criteria In order to be certified, an eligible entity shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the entity will maintain, at a minimum, for the duration of the agreement— (i) a plan for administering easements that is consistent with the purpose of the program; (ii) the capacity and resources to monitor and enforce agricultural land easements; and (iii) policies and procedures to ensure— (I) the long-term integrity of agricultural land easements on eligible land; (II) timely completion of acquisitions of such easements; and (III) timely and complete evaluation and reporting to the Secretary on the use of funds provided under the program. (C) Review and revision (i) Review The Secretary shall conduct a review of eligible entities certified under subparagraph (A) every three years to ensure that such entities are meeting the criteria established under subparagraph (B). (ii) Revocation If the Secretary finds that a certified eligible entity no longer meets the criteria established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary may— (I) allow the certified eligible entity a specified period of time, at a minimum 180 days, in which to take such actions as may be necessary to meet the criteria; and (II) revoke the certification of the eligible entity, if, after the specified period of time, the certified eligible entity does not meet such criteria. (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 allowed under applicable State laws. (d) Technical assistance The Secretary may provide technical assistance, if requested, to assist in— (1) compliance with the terms and conditions of easements; and (2) implementation of an agricultural land easement plan. 1265C. Wetland reserve easements (a) Availability of assistance The Secretary shall provide assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands through— (1) wetland reserve easements and related wetland reserve easement plans; and (2) technical assistance. (b) Easements (1) Method of enrollment The Secretary shall enroll eligible land under this section through the use of— (A) 30-year easements; (B) permanent easements; (C) easements for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws; or (D) as an option for Indian tribes only, 30-year contracts. (2) Limitations (A) Ineligible land The Secretary may not acquire easements on— (i) land established to trees under the conservation reserve program, except in cases where the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of this section; and (ii) farmed wetlands or converted wetlands where the conversion was not commenced prior to December 23, 1985. (B) Changes in ownership No wetland reserve easement shall be created on land that has changed ownership during the preceding 24-month period unless— (i) the new ownership was acquired by will or succession as a result of the death of the previous owner; (ii) (I) the ownership change occurred because of foreclosure on the land; and (II) immediately before the foreclosure, the owner of the land exercises a right of redemption from the mortgage holder in accordance with State law; or (iii) the Secretary determines that the land was acquired under circumstances that give adequate assurances that such land was not acquired for the purposes of placing it in the program. (3) Evaluation and ranking of offers (A) Criteria The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria for offers from landowners under this section to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program. (B) Considerations When evaluating offers from landowners, the Secretary may consider— (i) the conservation benefits of obtaining a wetland reserve easement, including the potential environmental benefits if the land was removed from agricultural production; (ii) the cost effectiveness of each wetland reserve easement, so as to maximize the environmental benefits per dollar expended; (iii) whether the landowner or another person is offering to contribute financially to the cost of the wetland reserve easement to leverage Federal funds; and (iv) such other factors as the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the purposes of the program. (C) Priority The Secretary shall give priority to acquiring wetland reserve easements based on the value of the wetland reserve easement for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. (4) Agreement To be eligible to place eligible land into the program through a wetland reserve easement, the owner of such land shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary to— (A) grant an easement on such land to the Secretary; (B) authorize the implementation of a wetland reserve easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f); (C) create and record an appropriate deed restriction in accordance with applicable State law to reflect the easement agreed to; (D) provide a written statement of consent to such easement signed by those holding a security interest in the land; (E) comply with the terms and conditions of the easement and any related agreements; and (F) permanently retire any existing base history for the land on which the easement has been obtained. (5) Terms and conditions of easement (A) In general A wetland reserve easement shall include terms and conditions that— (i) permit— (I) repairs, improvements, and inspections on the land that are necessary to maintain existing public drainage systems; and (II) owners to control public access on the easement areas while identifying access routes to be used for restoration activities and management and easement monitoring; (ii) prohibit— (I) the alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural features of such land, unless specifically authorized by the Secretary; (II) the spraying of such land with chemicals or the mowing of such land, except where such spraying or mowing is authorized by the Secretary or is necessary— (aa) to comply with Federal or State noxious weed control laws; (bb) to comply with a Federal or State emergency pest treatment program; or (cc) to meet habitat needs of specific wildlife species; (III) any activities to be carried out on the owner’s or successor’s land that is immediately adjacent to, and functionally related to, the land that is subject to the easement if such activities will alter, degrade, or otherwise diminish the functional value of the eligible land; and (IV) the adoption of any other practice that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary; (iii) provide for the efficient and effective establishment of wetland functions and values; and (iv) include such additional provisions as the Secretary determines are desirable to carry out the program or facilitate the practical administration thereof. (B) Violation On the violation of a term or condition of a wetland reserve easement, the wetland reserve easement shall remain in force and the Secretary may require the owner to refund all or part of any payments received by the owner under the program, with interest on the payments as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (C) Compatible uses Land subject to a wetland reserve easement may be used for compatible economic uses, including such activities as hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, or periodic haying or grazing, if such use is specifically permitted by the wetland reserve easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f) and is consistent with the long-term protection and enhancement of the wetland resources for which the easement was established. (D) Reservation of grazing rights The Secretary may include in the terms and conditions of a wetland reserve easement a provision under which the owner reserves grazing rights if— (i) the Secretary determines that the reservation and use of the grazing rights— (I) is compatible with the land subject to the easement; (II) is consistent with the historical natural uses of the land and the long-term protection and enhancement goals for which the easement was established; and (III) complies with the wetland reserve easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f); and (ii) the agreement provides for a commensurate reduction in the easement payment to account for the grazing value, as determined by the Secretary. (6) Compensation (A) Determination (i) Permanent easements The Secretary shall pay as compensation for a permanent wetland reserve easement acquired under the program an amount necessary to encourage enrollment in the program, based on the lowest of— (I) the fair market value of the land, as determined by the Secretary, using the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice or an areawide market analysis or survey; (II) the amount corresponding to a geographical cap, as determined by the Secretary in regulations; or (III) the offer made by the landowner. (ii) Other Compensation for a 30-year contract or 30-year wetland reserve easement shall be not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the compensation that would be paid for a permanent wetland reserve easement. (B) Form of payment Compensation for a wetland reserve easement shall be provided by the Secretary in the form of a cash payment, in an amount determined under subparagraph (A). (C) Payment schedule (i) Easements valued at $500,000 or less For wetland reserve easements valued at $500,000 or less, the Secretary may provide payments in not more than 10 annual payments. (ii) Easements valued at more than $500,000 For wetland reserve easements valued at more than $500,000, the Secretary may provide payments in at least 5, but not more than 10 annual payments, except that, if the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program, the Secretary may make a lump-sum payment for such an easement. (c) Easement restoration (1) In general The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to owners of eligible land to carry out the establishment of conservation measures and practices and protect wetland functions and values, including necessary maintenance activities, as set forth in a wetland reserve easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f). (2) Payments The Secretary shall— (A) in the case of a permanent wetland reserve easement, pay an amount that is not less than 75 percent, but not more than 100 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) in the case of a 30-year contract or 30-year wetland reserve easement, pay an amount that is not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Technical assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall assist owners in complying with the terms and conditions of a wetland reserve easement. (2) Contracts or agreements The Secretary may enter into 1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements with a State, nongovernmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out necessary restoration, enhancement, or maintenance of a wetland reserve easement if the Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will advance the purposes of the program. (e) Wetland reserve enhancement option The Secretary may enter into 1 or more agreements with a State (including a political subdivision or agency of a State), nongovernmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out a special wetland reserve enhancement option that the Secretary determines would advance the purposes of program. (f) Administration (1) Wetland reserve easement plan The Secretary shall develop a wetland reserve easement plan for any eligible land subject to a wetland reserve easement, which shall include practices and activities necessary to restore, protect, enhance, and maintain the enrolled land. (2) Delegation of easement administration (A) In general The Secretary may delegate any of the management, monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary under this section to other Federal or State agencies that have the appropriate authority, expertise, and resources necessary to carry out such delegated responsibilities, or to conservation organizations if the Secretary determines the organization has similar expertise and resources. (B) Limitation The Secretary shall not delegate any of the monitoring or enforcement responsibilities under this section to conservation organizations. (3) Payments (A) Timing of payments The Secretary shall provide payment for obligations incurred by the Secretary under this section— (i) with respect to any easement restoration obligation under subsection (c), as soon as possible after the obligation is incurred; and (ii) with respect to any annual easement payment obligation incurred by the Secretary, as soon as possible after October 1 of each calendar year. (B) Payments to others If an owner who is entitled to a payment under this section dies, becomes incompetent, is otherwise unable to receive such payment, or is succeeded by another person or entity who renders or completes the required performance, the Secretary shall make such payment, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary and without regard to any other provision of law, in such manner as the Secretary determines is fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances. (g) Application The relevant provisions of this section shall also apply to a 30-year contract. 1265D. Administration (a) Ineligible land The Secretary may not use program funds for the purposes of acquiring an easement on— (1) lands owned by an agency of the United States, other than land held in trust for Indian tribes; (2) lands owned in fee title by a State, including an agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of local government; (3) land subject to an easement or deed restriction which, as determined by the Secretary, provides similar protection as would be provided by enrollment in the program; or (4) lands where the purposes of the program would be undermined due to on-site or off-site conditions, such as risk of hazardous substances, proposed or existing rights of way, infrastructure development, or adjacent land uses. (b) Priority In evaluating applications under the program, the Secretary may give priority to land that is currently enrolled in the conservation reserve program in a contract that is set to expire within 1 year and— (1) in the case of an agricultural land easement, is grassland that would benefit from protection under a long-term easement; and (2) in the case of a wetland reserve easement, is a wetland or related area with the highest wetland functions and value and is likely to return to production after the land leaves the conservation reserve program. (c) Subordination, exchange, modification, and termination (1) In general The Secretary may subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the Secretary determines that— (A) it is in the Federal Government’s interest to subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate the interest in land; (B) the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action— (i) will address a compelling public need for which there is no practicable alternative; or (ii) such action will further the practical administration of the program; and (C) the subordination, exchange, modification, or termination action will result in comparable conservation value and equivalent or greater economic value to the United States. (2) Consultation The Secretary shall work with the owner, and eligible entity if applicable, to address any subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of the interest, or portion of such interest, in land. (3) Notice At least 90 days before taking any termination action described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide written notice of such action to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. (d) Land enrolled in other programs (1) Conservation reserve program The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under section 1231(a) if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the program. (2) Other In accordance with the provisions of subtitle H of title II of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , land enrolled in the wetlands reserve program, grassland reserve program, or farmland protection program on the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 shall be considered enrolled in the program. (e) Compliance with certain requirements The Secretary may not provide assistance under this subtitle to an eligible entity or owner of eligible land unless the eligible entity or owner agrees, during the crop year for which the assistance is provided— (1) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B; and (2) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C. . (b) Cross reference; calculation Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3844 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (A); (ii) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); and (iii) by striking subparagraph (C); (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (2) the agricultural conservation easement program established under subtitle H; and ; and (2) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking programs administered under subchapters B and C of chapter 1 of subtitle D and inserting conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D and wetland reserve easements under section 1265C ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking an easement acquired under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D and inserting a wetland reserve easement under section 1265C ; (B) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) Exclusions (A) Shelterbelts and windbreaks The limitations established under paragraph (1) shall not apply to cropland that is subject to an easement under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D that is used for the establishment of shelterbelts and windbreaks. (B) Wet and saturated soils For the purposes of enrolling land in a wetland reserve easement under section 1265C, the limitations established under paragraph (1) shall not apply to cropland designated by the Secretary with subclass w in the land capability classes IV through VIII because of severe use limitations due to soil saturation or inundation. ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) Calculation In calculating the percentages described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include any acreage that was included in calculations of percentages made under such paragraph, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , and that remains enrolled when the calculation is made after that date under paragraph (1). . E Regional Conservation Partnership Program 2401. Regional conservation partnership program Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after subtitle H, as added by section 2301, the following new subtitle: I Regional Conservation Partnership Program 1271. Establishment and purposes (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a regional conservation partnership program to implement eligible activities on eligible land through— (1) partnership agreements with eligible partners; and (2) contracts with producers. (b) Purposes The purposes of the program are as follows: (1) To use covered programs to accomplish purposes and functions similar to those of the following programs, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 : (A) The agricultural water enhancement program established under section 1240I. (B) The Chesapeake Bay watershed program established under section 1240Q. (C) The cooperative conservation partnership initiative established under section 1243. (D) The Great Lakes basin program for soil erosion and sediment control established under section 1240P. (2) To further the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife, and related natural resources on eligible land on a regional or watershed scale. (3) To encourage eligible partners to cooperate with producers in— (A) meeting or avoiding the need for national, State, and local natural resource regulatory requirements related to production on eligible land; and (B) implementing projects that will result in the installation and maintenance of eligible activities that affect multiple agricultural or nonindustrial private forest operations on a local, regional, State, or multistate basis. 1271A. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Covered program The term covered program means the following: (A) The agricultural conservation easement program. (B) The environmental quality incentives program. (C) The conservation stewardship program. (D) The healthy forests reserve program established under section 501 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6571 ). (2) Eligible activity The term eligible activity means a conservation activity for any of the following: (A) Water quality restoration or enhancement projects, including nutrient management and sediment reduction. (B) Water quantity conservation, restoration, or enhancement projects relating to surface water and groundwater resources, including— (i) the conversion of irrigated cropland to the production of less water-intensive agricultural commodities or dryland farming; or (ii) irrigation system improvement and irrigation efficiency enhancement. (C) Drought mitigation. (D) Flood prevention. (E) Water retention. (F) Air quality improvement. (G) Habitat conservation, restoration, and enhancement. (H) Erosion control and sediment reduction. (I) Forest restoration. (J) Other related activities that the Secretary determines will help achieve conservation benefits. (3) Eligible land (A) In general The term eligible land means— (i) land on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-related products are produced; and (ii) lands associated with the lands described in clause (i). (B) Inclusions The term eligible land includes— (i) cropland; (ii) grassland; (iii) rangeland; (iv) pastureland; (v) nonindustrial private forest land; and (vi) other land incidental to agricultural production (including wetlands and riparian buffers) on which significant natural resource issues could be addressed under the program. (4) Eligible partner The term eligible partner means any of the following: (A) An agricultural or silvicultural producer association or other group of producers. (B) A State or unit of local government. (C) An Indian tribe. (D) A farmer cooperative. (E) A water district, irrigation district, rural water district or association, or other organization with specific water delivery authority to producers on agricultural land. (F) A municipal water or wastewater treatment entity. (G) An institution of higher education. (H) An organization or entity with an established history of working cooperatively with producers on agricultural land, as determined by the Secretary, to address— (i) local conservation priorities related to agricultural production, wildlife habitat development, or nonindustrial private forest land management; or (ii) critical watershed-scale soil erosion, water quality, sediment reduction, or other natural resource issues. (5) Partnership agreement The term partnership agreement means an agreement entered into under section 1271B between the Secretary and an eligible partner. (6) Program The term program means the regional conservation partnership program established by this subtitle. 1271B. Regional conservation partnerships (a) Partnership agreements authorized The Secretary may enter into a partnership agreement with an eligible partner to implement a project that will assist producers with installing and maintaining an eligible activity on eligible land. (b) Length A partnership agreement shall be for a period not to exceed 5 years, except that the Secretary may extend the agreement one time for up to 12 months when an extension is necessary to meet the objectives of the program. (c) Duties of partners (1) In general Under a partnership agreement, the eligible partner shall— (A) define the scope of a project, including— (i) the eligible activities to be implemented; (ii) the potential agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land operations affected; (iii) the local, State, multistate, or other geographic area covered; and (iv) the planning, outreach, implementation, and assessment to be conducted; (B) conduct outreach and education to producers for potential participation in the project; (C) at the request of a producer, act on behalf of a producer participating in the project in applying for assistance under section 1271C; (D) leverage financial or technical assistance provided by the Secretary with additional funds to help achieve the project objectives; (E) conduct an assessment of the project’s effects; and (F) at the conclusion of the project, report to the Secretary on its results and funds leveraged. (2) Contribution An eligible partner shall provide a significant portion of the overall costs of the scope of the project that is the subject of the agreement entered into under subsection (a), as determined by the Secretary. (d) Applications (1) Competitive process The Secretary shall conduct a competitive process to select applications for partnership agreements and may assess and rank applications with similar conservation purposes as a group. (2) Criteria used In carrying out the process described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make public the criteria used in evaluating applications. (3) Content An application to the Secretary shall include a description of— (A) the scope of the project, as described in subsection (c)(1)(A); (B) the plan for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on progress made toward achieving the project’s objectives; (C) the program resources requested for the project, including the covered programs to be used and estimated funding needed from the Secretary; (D) each eligible partner collaborating to achieve project objectives, including their roles, responsibilities, capabilities, and financial contribution; and (E) any other elements the Secretary considers necessary to adequately evaluate and competitively select applications for funding under the program. (4) Priority to certain applications The Secretary may give a higher priority to applications that— (A) assist producers in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory requirement; (B) have a high percentage of producers in the area to be covered by the agreement; (C) significantly leverage non-Federal financial and technical resources and coordinate with other local, State, or national efforts; (D) deliver high percentages of applied conservation to address conservation priorities or regional, State, or national conservation initiatives; (E) provide innovation in conservation methods and delivery, including outcome-based performance measures and methods; or (F) meet other factors that are important for achieving the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary. 1271C. Assistance to producers (a) In general The Secretary shall enter into contracts with producers to provide financial and technical assistance to— (1) producers participating in a project with an eligible partner; or (2) producers that fit within the scope of a project described in section 1271B or a critical conservation area designated under section 1271F, but who are seeking to implement an eligible activity on eligible land independent of an eligible partner. (b) Terms and conditions (1) Consistency with program rules (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B) and paragraph (2), the Secretary shall ensure that the terms and conditions of a contract under this section are consistent with the applicable rules of the covered programs to be used as part of the partnership agreement, as described in the application under section 1271B(d)(3)(C). (B) Adjustments (i) In general The Secretary may adjust the rules of a covered program, including— (I) operational guidance and requirements for a covered program at the discretion of the Secretary so as to provide a simplified application and evaluation process; and (II) nonstatutory, regulatory rules or provisions to better reflect unique local circumstances and purposes if the Secretary determines such adjustments are necessary to achieve the purposes of the covered program. (ii) Limitation The Secretary shall not adjust the application of statutory requirements for a covered program, including requirements governing appeals, payment limits, and conservation compliance. (iii) Irrigation In States where irrigation has not been used significantly for agricultural purposes, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary shall not limit eligibility under section 1271B or this section on the basis of prior irrigation history. (2) Alternative funding arrangements (A) In general For the purposes of providing assistance for land described in subsection (a) and section 1271F, the Secretary may enter into alternative funding arrangements with a multistate water resource agency or authority if— (i) the Secretary determines that the goals and objectives of the program will be met by the alternative funding arrangements; (ii) the agency or authority certifies that the limitations established under this section on agreements with individual producers will not be exceeded; and (iii) all participating producers meet applicable payment eligibility provisions. (B) Conditions As a condition of receiving funding under subparagraph (A), the multistate water resource agency or authority shall agree— (i) to submit an annual independent audit to the Secretary that describes the use of funds under this paragraph; (ii) to provide any data necessary for the Secretary to issue a report on the use of funds under this paragraph; and (iii) not to use any of the funds provided pursuant to subparagraph (A) for administration or to provide for administrative costs through contracts with another entity. (C) Limitation The Secretary may enter into not more than 20 alternative funding arrangements under this paragraph. (c) Payments (1) In general In accordance with statutory requirements of the covered programs involved, the Secretary may make payments to a producer in an amount determined by the Secretary to be necessary to achieve the purposes of the program. (2) Payments to certain producers The Secretary may provide payments for a period of 5 years— (A) to producers participating in a project that addresses water quantity concerns and in an amount sufficient to encourage conversion from irrigated to dryland farming; and (B) to producers participating in a project that addresses water quality concerns and in an amount sufficient to encourage adoption of conservation practices and systems that improve nutrient management. (3) Waiver authority To assist in the implementation of the program, the Secretary may waive the applicability of the limitation in section 1001D(b)(2) of this Act for participating producers if the Secretary determines that the waiver is necessary to fulfill the objectives of the program. 1271D. Funding (a) Availability of funds The Secretary shall use $100,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out the program. (b) Duration of availability Funds made available under subsection (a) shall remain available until expended. (c) Additional funding and acres (1) In general In addition to the funds made available under subsection (a), the Secretary shall reserve 7 percent of the funds and acres made available for a covered program for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 in order to ensure additional resources are available to carry out this program. (2) Unused funds and acres Any funds or acres reserved under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from a covered program that are not committed under this program by April 1 of that fiscal year shall be returned for use under the covered program. (d) Allocation of funding Of the funds and acres made available for the program under subsection (a) and reserved for the program under subsection (c), the Secretary shall allocate— (1) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a State competitive process administered by the State Conservationist, with the advice of the State technical committee established under subtitle G; (2) 40 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a national competitive process to be established by the Secretary; and (3) 35 percent of the funds and acres to projects for critical conservation areas designated under section 1271F. (e) Limitation on administrative expenses None of the funds made available or reserved for the program may be used to pay for the administrative expenses of eligible partners. 1271E. Administration (a) Disclosure In addition to the criteria used in evaluating applications as described in section 1271B(d)(2), the Secretary shall make publicly available information on projects selected through the competitive process described in section 1271B(d)(1). (b) Reporting Not later than December 31, 2014, and every two years 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 report on the status of projects funded under the program, including— (1) the number and types of eligible partners and producers participating in the partnership agreements selected; (2) the number of producers receiving assistance; (3) total funding committed to projects, including from Federal and non-Federal resources; and (4) a description of how the funds under section 1271C(b)(2) are being administered, including— (A) any oversight mechanisms that the Secretary has implemented; (B) the process through which the Secretary is resolving appeals by program participants; and (C) the means by which the Secretary is tracking adherence to any applicable provisions for payment eligibility. 1271F. Critical conservation areas (a) In general In administering funds under section 1271D(d)(3), the Secretary shall select applications for partnership agreements and producer contracts within critical conservation areas designated under this section. (b) Critical conservation area designations (1) Priority In designating critical conservation areas under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to geographical areas based on the degree to which the geographical area— (A) includes multiple States with significant agricultural production; (B) is covered by an existing regional, State, binational, or multistate agreement or plan that has established objectives, goals, and work plans and is adopted by a Federal, State, or regional authority; (C) would benefit from water quality improvement, including through reducing erosion, promoting sediment control, and addressing nutrient management activities affecting large bodies of water of regional, national, or international significance; (D) would benefit from water quantity improvement, including improvement relating to— (i) groundwater, surface water, aquifer, or other water sources; or (ii) a need to promote water retention and flood prevention; or (E) contains producers that need assistance in meeting or avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory requirement that could have a negative impact on the economic scope of the agricultural operations within the area. (2) Expiration Critical conservation area designations under this section shall expire after 5 years, subject to redesignation, except that the Secretary may withdraw designation from an area if the Secretary finds the area no longer meets the conditions described in paragraph (1). (3) Limitation The Secretary may not designate more than 8 geographical areas as critical conservation areas under this section. (c) Administration (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall administer any partnership agreement or producer contract under this section in a manner that is consistent with the terms of the program. (2) Relationship to existing activity The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that eligible activities carried out in critical conservation areas designated under this section complement and are consistent with other Federal and State programs and water quality and quantity strategies. (3) Additional authority For a critical conservation area described in subsection (b)(1)(D), the Secretary may use authorities under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq. ), other than section 14 of such Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012 ), to carry out projects for the purposes of this section. . F Other Conservation Programs 2501. Conservation of private grazing land Section 1240M(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb(e) ) is amended by striking “2012” and inserting “2018”. 2502. Grassroots source water protection program Section 1240O(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–2(b) ) is amended to read as follows: (b) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018. (2) Availability of funds In addition to funds made available under paragraph (1), of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use $5,000,000, to remain available until expended. . 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program (a) Funding Section 1240R(f)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5(f)(1) ) is amended— (1) in the heading, by striking Fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting Mandatory funding ; and (2) by inserting and $40,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 before the period at the end. (b) Report on program effectiveness Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 evaluating the effectiveness of the voluntary public access and habitat incentive program established by section 1240R of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5 ), including— (1) identifying cooperating agencies; (2) identifying the number of land holdings and total acres enrolled by State; (3) evaluating the extent of improved access on eligible land, improved wildlife habitat, and related economic benefits; and (4) any other relevant information and data relating to the program that would be helpful to such Committees. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program Subsection (c)(2) of section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3851 ) is amended to read as follows: (2) Exclusion Funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program may not be used to carry out the ACES program. . 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program (a) Availability of funds Section 14(h)(1) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(1) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; (3) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (H) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain available until expended. . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 14(h)(2)(E) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 2506. Emergency watershed protection program Section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2203 ) is amended— (1) by striking Sec. 403. The Secretary and inserting the following: 403. Emergency measures (a) In general The Secretary ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) Floodplain easements (1) Modification and termination The Secretary may modify or terminate a floodplain easement administered by the Secretary under this section if— (A) the current owner agrees to the modification or termination; and (B) the Secretary determines that the modification or termination— (i) will address a compelling public need for which there is no practicable alternative; and (ii) is in the public interest. (2) Consideration (A) Termination As consideration for termination of an easement and associated agreements under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall enter into compensatory arrangements as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary. (B) Modification In the case of a modification under paragraph (1)— (i) as a condition of the modification, the current owner shall enter into a compensatory arrangement (as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary) to incur the costs of modification; and (ii) the Secretary shall ensure that— (I) the modification will not adversely affect the floodplain functions and values for which the easement was acquired; (II) any adverse impacts will be mitigated by enrollment and restoration of other land that provides greater floodplain functions and values at no additional cost to the Federal Government; and (III) the modification will result in equal or greater environmental and economic values to the United States. . 2507. Terminal Lakes Section 2507 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 43 U.S.C. 2211 note; Public Law 107–171 ) is amended to read as follows: 2507. Terminal lakes assistance (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible land The term eligible land means privately owned agricultural land (including land in which a State has a property interest as a result of State water law)— (A) that a landowner voluntarily agrees to sell to a State; and (B) which— (i) (I) is ineligible for enrollment as a wetland reserve easement established under the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of the Food Security Act of 1985; (II) is flooded to— (aa) an average depth of at least 6.5 feet; or (bb) a level below which the State determines the management of the water level is beyond the control of the State or landowner; or (III) is inaccessible for agricultural use due to the flooding of adjoining property (such as islands of agricultural land created by flooding); (ii) is located within a watershed with water rights available for lease or purchase; and (iii) has been used during at least 5 of the immediately preceding 30 years— (I) to produce crops or hay; or (II) as livestock pasture or grazing. (2) Program The term program means the voluntary land purchase program established under this section. (3) Terminal lake The term terminal lake means a lake and its associated riparian and watershed resources that is— (A) considered flooded because there is no natural outlet for water accumulating in the lake or the associated riparian area such that the watershed and surrounding land is consistently flooded; or (B) considered terminal because it has no natural outlet and is at risk due to a history of consistent Federal assistance to address critical resource conditions, including insufficient water available to meet the needs of the lake, general uses, and water rights. (b) Assistance The Secretary shall— (1) provide grants under subsection (c) for the purchase of eligible land impacted by a terminal lake described in subsection (a)(3)(A); and (2) provide funds to the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to subsection (e)(2) with assistance in accordance with subsection (d) for terminal lakes described in subsection (a)(3)(B). (c) Land purchase grants (1) In general Using funds provided under subsection (e)(1), the Secretary shall make available land purchase grants to States for the purchase of eligible land in accordance with this subsection. (2) Implementation (A) Amount A land purchase grant shall be in an amount not to exceed the lesser of— (i) 50 percent of the total purchase price per acre of the eligible land; or (ii) (I) in the case of eligible land that was used to produce crops or hay, $400 per acre; and (II) in the case of eligible land that was pasture or grazing land, $200 per acre. (B) Determination of purchase price A State purchasing eligible land with a land purchase grant shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the purchase price of such land reflects the value, if any, of other encumbrances on the eligible land to be purchased, including easements and mineral rights. (C) Cost-share required To be eligible to receive a land purchase grant, a State shall provide matching non-Federal funds in an amount equal to 50 percent of the amount described in subparagraph (A), including additional non-Federal funds. (D) Conditions To receive a land purchase grant, a State shall agree— (i) to ensure that any eligible land purchased is— (I) conveyed in fee simple to the State; and (II) free from mortgages or other liens at the time title is transferred; (ii) to maintain ownership of the eligible land in perpetuity; (iii) to pay (from funds other than grant dollars awarded) any costs associated with the purchase of eligible land under this section, including surveys and legal fees; and (iv) to keep eligible land in a conserving use, as defined by the Secretary. (E) Loss of Federal benefits Eligible land purchased with a grant under this section shall lose eligibility for any benefits under other Federal programs, including— (i) benefits under title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3801 et seq. ); (ii) benefits under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ); and (iii) covered benefits described in section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ). (F) Prohibition Any Federal rights or benefits associated with eligible land prior to purchase by a State may not be transferred to any other land or person in anticipation of or as a result of such purchase. (d) Water assistance (1) In general The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, may use the funds described in subsection (e)(2) to administer and provide financial assistance to carry out this subsection to provide water and assistance to a terminal lake described in subsection (a)(3)(B) through willing sellers or willing participants only— (A) to lease water; (B) to purchase land, water appurtenant to the land, and related interests; and (C) to carry out research, support, and conservation activities for associated fish, wildlife, plant, and habitat resources. (2) Exclusions The Secretary of the Interior may not use this subsection to deliver assistance to the Great Salt Lake in Utah, lakes that are considered dry lakes, or other lakes that do not meet the purposes of this section, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior. (3) Transitional provision (A) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any funds made available before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 under a provision of law described in subparagraph (B) shall remain available using the provisions of law (including regulations) in effect on the day before the date of enactment of that Act. (B) Described laws The provisions of law described in this section are— (i) section 2507 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 43 U.S.C. 2211 note; Public Law 107–171 ) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 ); (ii) section 207 of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2003 ( Public Law 108–7 ; 117 Stat. 146); (iii) section 208 of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2006 ( Public Law 109–103 ; 119 Stat. 2268, 123 Stat. 2856); and (iv) section 208 of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 ( Public Law 111–85 ; 123 Stat. 2858, 123 Stat. 2967, 125 Stat. 867). (e) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out subsection (c) $25,000,000, to remain available until expended. (2) Commodity credit corporation As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , the Secretary shall transfer to the Bureau of Reclamation—Water and Related Resources account $150,000,000 from the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out subsection (d), to remain available until expended. . 2508. Soil and Water Resources Conservation (a) Congressional policy and declaration of purpose Section 4 of the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 ( 16 U.S.C. 2003 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b), by inserting and tribal after State each place it appears; and (2) in subsection (c)(2), by inserting , tribal, after State . (b) Continuing appraisal of soil, water, and related resources Section 5 of the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 ( 16 U.S.C. 2004 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(4), by striking and State and inserting , State, and tribal ; (2) in subsection (b), by inserting , tribal after State each place it appears; and (3) in subsection (c)— (A) by striking State soil and inserting State and tribal soil ; and (B) by striking local and inserting local, tribal, . (c) Soil and water conservation program Section 6(a) of the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 ( 16 U.S.C. 2005(a) ) is amended— (1) by inserting , tribal, after State the first place it appears; (2) by inserting , tribal after State each other place it appears; and (3) by inserting , tribal, after private . (d) Utilization of available information and data Section 9 of the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 ( 16 U.S.C. 2008 ) is amended by inserting , tribal after State . G Funding and Administration 2601. Funding (a) In general Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following: (a) Annual funding For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the following programs under this title (including the provision of technical assistance): (1) The conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D, including, to the maximum extent practicable— (A) $10,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to provide payments under section 1234(c); and (B) $33,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out section 1235(f) to facilitate the transfer of land subject to contracts from retired or retiring owners and operators to beginning farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. (2) The agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H using to the maximum extent practicable— (A) $400,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; (B) $425,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (C) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; (D) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and (E) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. (3) The conservation security program under subchapter A of chapter 2 of subtitle D, using such sums as are necessary to administer contracts entered into before September 30, 2008. (4) The conservation stewardship program under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D. (5) The environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D, using, to the maximum extent practicable— (A) $1,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; (B) $1,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (C) $1,650,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; (D) $1,650,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and (E) $1,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. . (b) Guaranteed availability of funds Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (b) through (h) as subsections (c) through (i), respectively; (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: (b) Availability of funds Amounts made available by subsection (a) for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 shall be used by the Secretary to carry out the programs specified in such subsection and shall remain available until expended. ; and (3) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)), by striking subsection (b) and inserting subsection (c) . 2602. Technical assistance Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended by striking subsection (c) (as redesignated by section 2601(b)(1)) and inserting the following: (c) Technical assistance (1) Availability Commodity Credit Corporation funds made available for a fiscal year for each of the programs specified in subsection (a)— (A) shall be available for the provision of technical assistance for the programs for which funds are made available as necessary to implement the programs effectively; (B) except for technical assistance for the conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D, shall be apportioned for the provision of technical assistance in the amount determined by the Secretary, at the sole discretion of the Secretary; and (C) shall not be available for the provision of technical assistance for conservation programs specified in subsection (a) other than the program for which the funds were made available. (2) Priority (A) In general In the delivery of technical assistance under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590a et seq. ), the Secretary shall give priority to producers who request technical assistance from the Secretary in order to comply for the first time with the requirements of subtitle B and subtitle C of this title as a result of the amendments made by section 2611 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . (B) Report Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , 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 report regarding the extent to which the conservation compliance requirements contained in the amendments made by section 2611 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 apply to and impact specialty crop growers, including national analysis and surveys to determine the extent of specialty crop acreage that includes highly erodible land and wetlands. (3) Report Not later than December 31, 2014, the Secretary shall submit (and update as necessary in subsequent years) to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report— (A) detailing the amount of technical assistance funds requested and apportioned in each program specified in subsection (a) during the preceding fiscal year; and (B) any other data relating to this provision that would be helpful to such Committees. (4) Compliance report Not later than November 1 of each year, 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 report that includes— (A) a description of the extent to which the requests for highly erodible land conservation and wetland compliance determinations are being addressed in a timely manner; (B) the total number of requests completed in the previous fiscal year; (C) the incomplete determinations on record; and (D) the number of requests that are still outstanding more than 1 year since the date on which the requests were received from the producer. . 2603. Regional equity Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) is amended by striking subsection (e) (as redesignated by section 2601(b)(1)) and inserting the following: (e) Regional equity (1) Equitable distribution When determining funding allocations each fiscal year, the Secretary shall, after considering available funding and program demand in each State, provide a distribution of funds for conservation programs under subtitle D (excluding the conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1), subtitle H, and subtitle I to ensure equitable program participation proportional to historical funding allocations and usage by all States. (2) Minimum percentage In determining the specific funding allocations under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) ensure that during the first quarter of each fiscal year each State has the opportunity to establish that the State can use an aggregate allocation amount of at least 0.6 percent of the funds made available for those conservation programs; and (B) for each State that can so establish, provide an aggregate amount of at least 0.6 percent of the funds made available for those conservation programs. . 2604. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access Subsection (h) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) (as redesignated by section 2601(b)(1)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) Preference In providing assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )) that qualifies under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1). . 2605. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance Subsection (i) of section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 ) (as redesignated by section 2601(b)(1)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking wetlands reserve program and inserting agricultural conservation easement program ; (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; (3) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking agricultural water enhancement program and inserting regional conservation partnership program ; and (B) by striking 1240I(g) and inserting 1271C(c)(3) ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (5) Payments made under the conservation stewardship program. (6) Exceptions provided by the Secretary under section 1265B(b)(2)(C). . 2606. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation programs Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3844 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )). ; (2) in subsection (d), by inserting , H, and I before the period at the end; (3) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking country and inserting county ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by striking subsection (c)(2)(B) or (f)(4) and inserting subsection (d)(2)(A)(ii) or (g)(2) ; (4) in subsection (h)(2), by inserting , including, to the extent practicable, practices that maximize benefits for honey bees after pollinators ; and (5) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (j) Improved administrative efficiency and effectiveness In administrating a conservation program under this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining conservation planning and program resources; and (2) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. (k) Relation to other payments Any payment received by an owner or operator under this title, including an easement payment or rental payment, shall be in addition to, and not affect, the total amount of payments that the owner or operator is otherwise eligible to receive under any of the following: (1) This Act. (2) The Agricultural Act of 1949 ( 7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq. ). (3) The Agricultural Act of 2014 . (4) Any law that succeeds a law specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3). (l) Funding for Indian tribes In carrying out the conservation stewardship program under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D and the environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D, the Secretary may enter into alternative funding arrangements with Indian tribes if the Secretary determines that the goals and objectives of the programs will be met by such arrangements, and that statutory limitations regarding contracts with individual producers will not be exceeded by any tribal member. . 2607. Standards for State technical committees Section 1261(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3861(b) ) is amended by striking Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary shall develop and inserting The Secretary shall review and update as necessary . 2608. Rulemaking authority Subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3841 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1246. Regulations (a) In general The Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement programs under this title, including such regulations as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under section 1244(f). (b) Rulemaking procedure The promulgation of regulations and administration of programs under this title— (1) shall be carried out without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act); and (2) shall be made as an interim rule effective on publication with an opportunity for notice and comment. (c) Congressional review of agency rulemaking In promulgating regulations under this section, the Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 5, United States Code. . 2609. Wetlands mitigation Section 1222(k) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3822(k) ) is amended to read as follows: (k) Mitigation banking (1) Mitigation banking program (A) In general Using authorities available to the Secretary, the Secretary shall operate a program or work with third parties to establish mitigation banks to assist persons in complying with the provisions of this section while mitigating any loss of wetland values and functions. (B) Funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use $10,000,000, to remain available until expended, to carry out this paragraph. (2) Applicability Subsection (f)(2)(C) shall not apply to this subsection. (3) Policy and criteria The Secretary shall develop the appropriate policy and criteria that will allow willing persons to access existing mitigation banks, under this section or any other authority, that will serve the purposes of this section without requiring the Secretary to hold an easement, in whole or in part, in a mitigation bank. . 2610. Lesser prairie-chicken conservation report (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 containing the results of a review and analysis of each of the activities (including those administered by the Secretary) that pertain to the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken, including the conservation reserve program, the environmental quality incentives program, the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative, the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances for Oil and Gas, and the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Lesser Prairie-Chicken Range-Wide Conservation Plan. (b) Contents The Secretary shall include in the report required by this section, at a minimum— (1) with respect to each activity described in subsection (a) as it relates to the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken, findings regarding— (A) the cost of the activity to the Federal Government, impacted State governments, and the private sector; (B) the conservation effectiveness of the activity; and (C) the cost effectiveness of the activity; and (2) a ranking of the activities described in subsection (a) based on their relative cost effectiveness. 2611. Highly erodible land and wetland conservation for crop insurance (a) Highly erodible land program ineligibility (1) In general Section 1211(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811(a)(1) ) is amended— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking or at the end; (B) in subparagraph (D), by adding or at the end; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (E) any portion of the premium paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for a policy or plan of insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ), on the condition that if a person is determined to have committed a violation under this subsection during a crop year, ineligibility under this subparagraph shall— (i) only apply to reinsurance years subsequent to the date of final determination of a violation, including all administrative appeals; and (ii) not apply to the existing reinsurance year or any reinsurance year prior to the date of final determination; . (2) Exemptions Section 1212(a)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3812(a)(2) ) is amended— (A) in the first sentence, by striking (2) If, and inserting the following: (2) Eligibility based on compliance with conservation plan (A) In general If, ; (B) in the second sentence, by striking In carrying and inserting the following: (B) Minimization of documentation In carrying ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (C) Crop insurance (i) Operations new to compliance Notwithstanding section 1211(a), in the case of a person that is subject to section 1211 for the first time solely due to the amendment made by section 2611(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , any person who produces an agricultural commodity on the land that is the basis of the payments described in section 1211(a)(1)(E) shall have 5 reinsurance years after the date on which such payments become subject to section 1211 to develop and comply with an approved conservation plan so as to maintain eligibility for such payments. (ii) Existing operations with prior violations Notwithstanding section 1211(a), in the case of a person that the Secretary determines would have been in violation of section 1211(a) if the person had continued participation in the programs requiring compliance at any time after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 and is currently in violation of section 1211(a), the person shall have 2 reinsurance years after the date on which the payments described in section 1211(a)(1)(E) become subject to section 1211 to develop and comply with an approved conservation plan, as determined by the Secretary, so as to maintain eligibility for such payments. (iii) Applicable reinsurance year Ineligibility for the payment described in section 1211(a)(1)(E) for a violation under this subparagraph during a crop year shall— (I) only apply to reinsurance years subsequent to the date of a final determination of a violation, including all administrative appeals; and (II) not apply to the existing reinsurance year or any reinsurance year prior to the date of the final determination. . (3) Crop insurance premium assistance Section 1213(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3812a(d) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (4) Crop insurance premium assistance For the purpose of determining the eligibility of a person for the payment described in section 1211(a)(1)(E), the Secretary shall apply the procedures described in section 1221(c)(3)(E) and coordinate the certification process so as to avoid duplication or unnecessary paperwork. . (b) Wetland conservation program ineligibility Section 1221 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Ineligibility for crop insurance premium assistance (1) Requirements (A) In general If a person is determined to have committed a violation under subsection (a) or (d) during a crop year, the person shall be ineligible to receive any payment of any portion of premium paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for a plan or policy of insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) pursuant to this subsection. (B) Applicability Ineligibility under this subsection shall— (i) only apply to reinsurance years subsequent to the date of a final determination of a violation, including all administrative appeals; and (ii) not apply to the existing reinsurance year or any reinsurance year prior to the date of the final determination. (2) Conversions (A) In general Notwithstanding paragraph (1), ineligibility for crop insurance premium assistance shall apply in accordance with this paragraph. (B) New conversions In the case of a wetland that the Secretary determines was converted after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 — (i) the person shall be ineligible to receive crop insurance premium subsidies in subsequent reinsurance years unless the Secretary determines that an exemption pursuant to section 1222 applies; or (ii) for any violation that the Secretary determines impacts less than 5 acres of an entire farm, the person may pay a contribution in an amount equal to 150 percent of the cost of mitigation, as determined by the Secretary, to the fund described in section 1241(f) for wetland restoration in lieu of ineligibility to receive crop insurance premium assistance. (C) Prior conversions In the case of a wetland that the Secretary determines was converted prior to the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , ineligibility under this subsection shall not apply. (D) Conversions and new policies or plans of insurance In the case of an agricultural commodity for which an individual policy or plan of insurance is available for the first time to the person after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 — (i) ineligibility shall apply only to conversions that take place after the date on which the policy or plan of insurance first becomes available to the person; and (ii) the person shall take such steps as the Secretary determines appropriate to mitigate any prior conversion in a timely manner but not to exceed 2 reinsurance years. (3) Limitations (A) Mitigation required Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, a person subject to a final determination, including all administrative appeals, of a violation described in subsection (d) shall have 1 reinsurance year to initiate a mitigation plan to remedy the violation, as determined by the Secretary, before becoming ineligible under this subsection in the following reinsurance year to receive any payment of any portion of the premium paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for a policy or plan of insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ). (B) Persons covered for the first time Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (1), in the case of a person that is subject to this subsection for the first time solely due to the amendment made by section 2611(b) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , the person shall have 2 reinsurance years after the reinsurance year in which a final determination is made, including all administrative appeals, of a violation described in this subsection to take such steps as the Secretary determines appropriate to remedy or mitigate the violation in accordance with this subsection. (C) Good faith If the Secretary determines that a person subject to a final determination, including all administrative appeals, of a violation described in this subsection acted in good faith and without intent to commit a violation described in this subsection as described in section 1222(h), the person shall have 2 reinsurance years to take such steps as the Secretary determines appropriate to remedy or mitigate the violation in accordance with this subsection. (D) Tenant relief (i) In general If a tenant is determined to be ineligible for payments and other benefits under this subsection, the Secretary may limit the ineligibility only to the farm that is the basis for the ineligibility determination if the tenant has established, to the satisfaction of the Secretary that— (I) the tenant has made a good faith effort to meet the requirements of this section, including enlisting the assistance of the Secretary to obtain a reasonable plan for restoration or mitigation for the farm; (II) the landlord on the farm refuses to comply with the plan on the farm; and (III) the Secretary determines that the lack of compliance is not a part of a scheme or device to avoid the compliance. (ii) Report 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 an annual report concerning the ineligibility determinations limited during the previous 12-month period under this subparagraph. (E) Certificate of compliance (i) In general Beginning with the first full reinsurance year immediately following the date of enactment of this paragraph, all persons seeking eligibility for the payment of a portion of the premium paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for a policy or plan of insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) shall provide certification of compliance with this section as determined by the Secretary. (ii) Timely evaluation The Secretary shall evaluate the certification in a timely manner and— (I) a person who has properly complied with certification shall be held harmless with regard to eligibility during the period of evaluation; and (II) if the Secretary fails to evaluate the certification in a timely manner and the person is subsequently found to be in violation of this subsection, ineligibility shall not apply to the person for that violation. (iii) Equitable contribution (I) In general If a person fails to notify the Secretary as required and is subsequently found to be in violation of this subsection, the Secretary shall— (aa) determine the amount of an equitable contribution to conservation by the person for the violation; and (bb) deposit the contribution in the fund described in section 1241(f). (II) Limitation The contribution shall not exceed the total of the portion of the premium paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for a policy or plan of insurance for all years the person is determined to have been in violation subsequent to the date on which certification was first required under this subparagraph. (4) Duties of the Secretary (A) In general In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall use existing processes and procedures for certifying compliance. (B) Responsibility The Secretary, acting through the agencies of the Department of Agriculture, shall be solely responsible for determining whether a producer is eligible to receive crop insurance premium subsidies in accordance with this subsection. (C) Limitation The Secretary shall ensure that no agent, approved insurance provider, or employee or contractor of an agency or approved insurance provider, bears responsibility or liability for the eligibility of an insured producer under this subsection, other than in cases of misrepresentation, fraud, or scheme and device. . H Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program Section 1230 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3830 ) is repealed. 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program (a) Repeal Except as provided in subsection (b), section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831a ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts and agreements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract or agreement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831a ) before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract or agreement. (2) Funding The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the conservation reserve program under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) to continue to carry out contracts or agreements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts or agreements as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . 2703. Wetlands reserve program (a) Repeal Except as provided in subsection (b), subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts, agreements, and easements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract, agreement, or easement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq. ) before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract, agreement, or easement. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq. ), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the wetlands reserve program under that subchapter for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out contracts, agreements, or easements referred to in paragraph (1) that were entered into prior to the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (including the provision of technical assistance), provided that no such contract, agreement, or easement is modified so as to increase the amount of the payment received. (B) Other The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301, to continue to carry out contracts, agreements, and easements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts, agreements, and easements as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program (a) Repeal Except as provided in subsection (b), subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing agreements and easements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any agreement or easement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq. ) before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , or any payments required to be made in connection with the agreement or easement. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq. ), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the farmland protection program under that subchapter for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out agreements and easements referred to in paragraph (1) that were entered into prior to the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (including the provision of technical assistance). (B) Other On exhaustion of funds made available under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301, to continue to carry out agreements and easements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such agreements and easements as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . 2705. Grassland reserve program (a) Repeal Except as provided in subsection (b), subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq. ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts, agreements, and easements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract, agreement, or easement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq. ) before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract, agreement, or easement. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq. ), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the grassland reserve program under that subchapter for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out contracts, agreements, or easements referred to in paragraph (1) that were entered into prior to the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (including the provision of technical assistance), provided that no such contract, agreement, or easement is modified so as to increase the amount of the payment received. (B) Other The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301, to continue to carry out contracts, agreements, and easements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts, agreements, and easements as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program (a) Repeal Except as provided in subsection (b), section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts and agreements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract or agreement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9 ) before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract or agreement. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa–9 ), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the agricultural water enhancement program under that section for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out contracts and agreements referred to in paragraph (1) that were entered into prior to the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (including the provision of technical assistance). (B) Other On exhaustion of funds made available under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401, to continue to carry out contracts and agreements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts and agreements as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program (a) Repeal Except as provided in subsection (b), section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts and agreements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract or agreement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1 ) before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract or agreement. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–1 ), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the wildlife habitat incentive program under that section for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out contracts or agreements referred to in paragraph (1) which were entered into prior to the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (including the provision of technical assistance). (B) Other On exhaustion of funds made available under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq. ) to continue to carry out contracts or agreements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts or agreements as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . 2708. Great Lakes basin program Section 1240P of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–3 ) is repealed. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program (a) Repeal Except as provided in subsection (b), section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts, agreements, and easements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract, agreement, or easement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4 ) before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract, agreement, or easement. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–4 ), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the Chesapeake Bay watershed program under that section for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out contracts, agreements, and easements referred to in paragraph (1) that were entered into prior to the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (including the provision of technical assistance). (B) Other The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401, to continue to carry out contracts, agreements, and easements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts, agreements, and easements as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative (a) Repeal Except as provided in subsection (b), section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3843 ) is repealed. (b) Transitional provisions (1) Effect on existing contracts and agreements The amendment made by this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract or agreement entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3843 ) before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract or agreement. (2) Funding (A) Use of prior year funds Notwithstanding the repeal of section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3843 ), any funds made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the cooperative conservation partnership initiative under that section for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 shall be made available to carry out contracts and agreements referred to in paragraph (1) that were entered into prior to the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (including the provision of technical assistance). (B) Other On exhaustion of funds made available under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may use funds made available to carry out the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401, to continue to carry out contracts and agreements referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts and agreements as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 . 2711. Environmental easement program Chapter 3 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3839 et seq. ) is repealed. 2712. Temporary administration of conservation programs (a) Applicability This section is applicable to activities under— (1) the wetlands reserve program, the farmland protection program, and the farm viability program being merged into the agricultural conservation easement program under the amendment made by section 2301; (2) the wildlife habitat incentive program being merged into the environmental quality incentives program under the amendments made by subtitle C; (3) the agricultural water enhancement program, the Chesapeake Bay watershed program, the cooperative conservation partnership initiative, and the Great Lakes basin program being merged into the regional conservation partnership program under the amendment made by section 2401; and (4) the grassland reserve program being merged into the conservation reserve program under the amendments made by subtitle A and into the agricultural conservation easement program under the amendment made by section 2301. (b) Interim administration Subject to subsection (d), with respect to the implementation of the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2301, the amendments to the environmental quality incentives program made by subtitle C, the regional conservation partnership program under subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2401, and the amendments to the conservation reserve program made by subtitle A, the Secretary shall use the regulations in existence as of the day before the date of enactment of this Act that are applicable to the wetlands reserve program, the grassland reserve program, the farmland protection program, the farm viability program, the wildlife habitat incentive program, the agricultural water enhancement program, the Chesapeake Bay watershed program, the cooperative conservation partnership initiative, and the Great Lakes basin program repealed by this subtitle, to the extent that the terms and conditions of such regulations are consistent with— (1) the provisions of the agricultural conservation easement program and the regional conservation partnership program; and (2) the amendments to the environmental quality incentives program and the conservation reserve program made by this title. (c) Funding The Secretary may only use funds authorized in this title or in the amendments made by this title for the specific programs listed in subsection (b), including any restrictions on the use of those funds, for the purposes identified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b). (d) Termination of authority The authority of the Secretary to carry out subsection (b) shall terminate on the date that is 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (e) Permanent administration Effective beginning on the termination date described in subsection (d), the Secretary shall provide technical assistance, financial assistance, and easement enrollment in accordance with any final regulations that the Secretary considers necessary to carry out this title and the amendments made by this title. 2713. Technical amendments (a) Definitions Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3801(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking E and inserting I . (b) Program ineligibility Section 1211(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811(a) ) is amended by striking predominate each place it appears and inserting predominant . (c) Specialty crop producers Section 1242(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3842(i) ) is amended in the header by striking Speciality and inserting Specialty . III Trade A Food for Peace Act 3001. General authority Section 201 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1721 ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting (to be implemented by the Administrator) after under this title ; and (2) by striking paragraph (7) and the second sentence and inserting the following new paragraph: (7) build resilience to mitigate and prevent food crises and reduce the future need for emergency aid. . 3002. Set-aside for support for organizations through which nonemergency assistance is provided Section 202(e) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1722(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 13 percent and inserting 20 percent ; (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking new and inserting and enhancing ; (C) by striking subparagraph (B); (D) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and (E) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraphs: (B) meeting specific administrative, management, personnel, transportation, storage, and distribution costs for carrying out programs in foreign countries under this title; (C) implementing income-generating, community development, health, nutrition, cooperative development, agricultural, and other developmental activities within 1 or more recipient countries or within 1 or more countries in the same region; and ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) Investment authority An eligible organization that receives funds made available under paragraph (1) may invest the funds pending the eligible organization’s use of the funds. Any interest earned on such investment may be used for the purposes for which the assistance was provided to the eligible organization without further appropriation by Congress. . 3003. Food aid quality Section 202(h) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1722(h) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) In general The Administrator shall use funds made available for fiscal year 2014 and subsequent fiscal years to carry out this title— (A) to assess the types and quality of agricultural commodities and products donated for food aid; (B) to adjust products and formulations, including potential introduction of new fortificants and products, as necessary to cost-effectively meet nutrient needs of target populations; (C) to test prototypes; (D) to adopt new specifications or improve existing specifications for micronutrient fortified food aid products, based on the latest developments in food and nutrition science, and in coordination with other international partners; (E) to develop new program guidance to facilitate improved matching of products to purposes having nutritional intent, in coordination with other international partners; (F) to develop improved guidance for implementing partners on how to address nutritional deficiencies that emerge among recipients for whom food assistance is the sole source of diet in emergency programs that extend beyond 1 year, in coordination with other international partners; and (G) to evaluate, in appropriate settings and as necessary, the performance and cost-effectiveness of new or modified specialized food products and program approaches designed to meet the nutritional needs of the most vulnerable groups, such as pregnant and lactating mothers, and children under the age of 5. ; and (2) in paragraph (3), by striking fiscal years 2009 through 2011 and inserting fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 3004. Minimum levels of assistance Section 204(a) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1724(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group (a) Membership Section 205(b) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1725(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking and at the end of paragraph (6); (2) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph: (7) representatives from the United States agricultural processing sector involved in providing agricultural commodities for programs under this Act; and . (b) Consultation Section 205(d) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1725(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking the first sentence and inserting the following: (1) Consultation in advance of issuance of implementation regulations, handbooks, and guidelines Not later than 45 days before a proposed regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this title, or a proposed significant revision to a regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this title, becomes final, the Administrator shall provide the proposal to the Group for review and comment. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Consultation regarding food aid quality efforts The Administrator shall seek input from and consult with the Group on the implementation of section 202(h). . (c) Reauthorization Section 205(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1725(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation (a) Regulations and guidance Section 207(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(c) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by inserting and Guidance after Regulations ; (2) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new sentence: Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , the Administrator shall issue all regulations and revisions to agency guidance necessary to implement the amendments made to this title by such Act. ; and (3) in paragraph (2), by inserting and guidance after develop regulations . (b) Funding Section 207(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(f) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)(F), by striking upgraded and inserting maintenance of ; (2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and (3) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and (4) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking $22,000,000 and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting $17,000,000 of the funds made available under this title for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, except for paragraph (2)(F), for which not more than $500,000 shall be made available for each of the fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (c) Implementation reports Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Agency for International Development shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committees on Agriculture and Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report describing— (1) the implementation of section 207(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726a(c) ); (2) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements for programs conducted under title II of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq. ) by an eligible organization that is a nongovernmental organization (as such term is defined in section 402 of such Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1732 )); and (3) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements for such programs by an eligible organization that is an intergovernmental organization, such as the World Food Program or other multilateral organization. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1726b(f) ) is amended by striking $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2012 and inserting $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 3008. Impact on local farmers and economy and report on use of funds (a) Impact on Local Farmers and Economy Section 403(b) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733(b) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: The Secretary or the Administrator, as appropriate, shall seek information, as part of the regular proposal and submission process, from implementing agencies on the potential costs and benefits to the local economy of sales of agricultural commodities within the recipient country. . (b) Report on use of funds Section 403 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1733 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (m) Report on use of funds (1) Report required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that— (A) specifies the amount of funds (including funds for administrative costs, indirect cost recovery, internal transportation, storage, and handling, and associated distribution costs) provided to each eligible organization that received assistance under this Act in the previous fiscal year; (B) describes how those funds were used by the eligible organization; (C) describes the actual rate of return for each commodity made available under this Act, including— (i) factors that influenced the rate of return; and (ii) for the commodity, the costs of bagging or further processing, ocean transportation, inland transportation in the recipient country, storage costs, and any other information that the Administrator determines to be necessary; and (D) for each instance in which a commodity was made available under this Act at a rate of return less than 70 percent, describes the reasons for the rate of return realized. (2) Rate of return described For purposes of applying paragraph (1)(C), the rate of return for a commodity shall be equal to the proportion that— (A) the proceeds the implementing partners generate through monetization; bears to (B) the cost to the Federal Government to procure and ship the commodity to a recipient country for monetization. . 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities Section 407(c)(4) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736a(c)(4) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (B) by striking for each such fiscal year not more than $10,000,000 of such funds and inserting for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2013 not more than $10,000,000 of such funds and for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 not more than $15,000,000 of such funds ; and (2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (B) Additional prepositioning sites The Administrator may establish additional sites for prepositioning in foreign countries or change the location of current sites for prepositioning in foreign countries after conducting, and based on the results of, assessments of need, the availability of appropriate technology for long-term storage, feasibility, and cost. . 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities Section 407(f)(1) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736a(f)(1) ) is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking agricultural trade and inserting food aid ; (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: and the total number of beneficiaries of the project and the activities carried out through such project ; and (3) in subparagraph (B)(iii)— (A) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by inserting , and the total number of beneficiaries in, after commodities made available to ; (B) by striking and at the end of subclause (I); (C) by inserting and at the end of subclause (II); and (D) by inserting after subclause (II) the following new subclause: (III) the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program established by section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1 ); . 3011. 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 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3012. Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance Subsection (e) of section 412 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736f ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), of the amounts made available to carry out emergency and nonemergency food assistance programs under title II, not less than 20 nor more than 30 percent for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 shall be expended for nonemergency food assistance programs under title II. (2) Minimum level The amount made available to carry out nonemergency food assistance programs under title II shall not be less than $350,000,000 for any fiscal year. . 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs (a) Elimination of obsolete reference to study Section 415(a)(2)(B) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(a)(2)(B) ) is amended by striking , using recommendations and all that follows through quality enhancements . (b) Extension Section 415(c) of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736g–2(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program (a) Funding and reauthorization of program Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1737 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2013, and not less than the greater of $15,000,000 or 0.6 percent of the amounts made available for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, ; and (2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Comptroller general report Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that contains— (1) a review of the John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program authorized by section 501 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1737 ); and (2) recommendations relating to actions that the Comptroller General determines to be necessary to improve the monitoring and evaluation of assistance provided under such program. 3015. Coordination of foreign assistance programs report Section 413 of the Food for Peace Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1736g ) is amended— (1) by striking (a) In general .—To the maximum and inserting To the maximum ; and (2) by striking subsection (b). B Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 3101. Export credit guarantee program (a) Short-Term Credit Guarantees Section 202 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5622 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 3-year and inserting 24-month ; (2) in subsection (d), by striking country and inserting obligor ; (3) by striking subsection (i); (4) by redesignating subsections (j) and (k) as subsections (i) and (j), respectfully; and (5) in subsection (j)(2) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B); (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (E) as subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectfully; (C) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated), by striking and at the end; (D) in subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated)— (i) by striking , but do not exceed, ; and (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (E) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) notwithstanding any other provision of this section, administer and carry out (only after consulting with the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry of the Senate) the program pursuant to such terms as may be agreed between the parties to address the World Trade Organization dispute WTO/DS267 to the extent not superseded by any applicable international undertakings on officially supported export credits to which the United States is a party. . (b) Funding Subsection (b) of section 211 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5641 ) is amended to read as follows: (b) Export Credit Guarantee Program The Commodity Credit Corporation shall make available for each fiscal year $5,500,000,000 of credit guarantees under section 202(a). . 3102. Funding for market access program Section 211(c)(1)(A) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5641(c)(1)(A) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program Section 703(a) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 5723(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Other Agricultural Trade Laws 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985 (a) Extension The Food for Progress Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o ) is amended— (1) in subsection (f)(3), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (2) in subsection (g), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (3) in subsection (k), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (4) in subsection (l)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Repeal of completed project Subsection (f) of the Food for Progress Act of 1985 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o ) is amended by striking paragraph (6). 3202. 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 2012 both places it appears and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (h), by striking 2012 both places it appears and inserting 2018 . 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets (a) Direct credits or export credit guarantees Section 1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101–624 ; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Development of agricultural systems Section 1542(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101–624 ; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (a) Reauthorization Section 3107(l)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(l)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Technical correction Section 3107(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1(d) ) is amended by striking to in the matter preceding paragraph (1). 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops (a) Purpose Section 3205(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5680(b) ) is amended by striking related barriers to trade and inserting technical barriers to trade . (b) Funding Section 3205(e)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5680(e)(2) ) is amended— (1) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (C); and (2) by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E) and inserting the following new subparagraph: (D) $9,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2018. . (c) U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish study Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct an economic study on the existing market in the United States for U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust Section 3202(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 22 U.S.C. 2220a note) is amended by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 3207. Local and regional food aid procurement projects Section 3206 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1726c ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking (b) Study; field-Based projects .— and all that follows through (2) Field-based projects .— and inserting the following: (b) Field-Based projects ; (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (C) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting paragraph (2) ; and (D) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting paragraph (1) ; (2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking subsection (b)(2) and inserting subsection (b) ; (3) by striking subsections (d), (f), and (g); (4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d); (5) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)— (A) in paragraph (2)— (i) by striking subparagraph (B); and (ii) in subparagraph (A)— (I) by striking (A) Application .— and all that follows through To be eligible in clause (i) and inserting the following: (A) In general To be eligible ; (II) by redesignating clause (ii) as subparagraph (B) and indenting appropriately; and (III) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated), by striking clause (i) and inserting subparagraph (A) ; and (B) by striking paragraph (4); and (6) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $80,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Preference In carrying out this section, the Secretary may give a preference to eligible organizations that have, or are working toward, projects under the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program established under section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1736o–1 ). (3) Reporting Each year, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes the use of funds under this section, including— (A) the impact of procurements and projects on— (i) local and regional agricultural producers; and (ii) markets and consumers, including low-income consumers; and (B) implementation time frames and costs. . 3208. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (a) Definition of agriculture committees and subcommittees In this section, the term agriculture committees and subcommittees means— (1) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; (2) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; and (3) the subcommittees on agriculture, rural development, food and drug administration, and related agencies of the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate. (b) Proposal (1) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the agriculture committees and subcommittees, shall propose a reorganization of international trade functions for imports and exports of the Department of Agriculture. (2) Considerations In producing the proposal under this section, the Secretary shall— (A) in recognition of the importance of agricultural exports to the farm economy and the economy as a whole, include a plan for the establishment of an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs; (B) take into consideration how the Under Secretary described in subparagraph (A) would serve as a multiagency coordinator of sanitary and phytosanitary issues and nontariff trade barriers in agriculture with respect to imports and exports of agricultural products; and (C) take into consideration all implications of a reorganization described in paragraph (1) on domestic programs and operations of the Department of Agriculture. (3) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act and before the reorganization described in paragraph (1) can take effect, the Secretary shall submit to the agriculture committees and subcommittees a report that— (A) includes the results of the proposal under this section; and (B) provides a notice of the reorganization plan. (4) Implementation Not later than 1 year after the date of the submission of the report under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall implement a reorganization of international trade functions for imports and exports of the Department of Agriculture, including the establishment of an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. (c) Confirmation required The position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs established under subsection (b)(2)(A) shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. IV Nutrition A Supplemental nutrition assistance program 4001. Preventing payment of cash to recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance benefits for the return of empty bottles and cans used to contain food purchased with benefits provided under the program Section 3(k)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(k)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking and hot foods and inserting hot foods ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: and any deposit fee in excess of the amount of the State fee reimbursement (if any) required to purchase any food or food product contained in a returnable bottle or can, regardless of whether the fee is included in the shelf price posted for the food or food product, . 4002. Retail food stores (a) Definition of retail food store Section 3(p)(1)(A) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(p)(1)(A) ) is amended— (1) by inserting at least 7 after a variety of ; and (2) by striking at least 2 and inserting at least 3 . (b) Alternative benefit delivery Section 7(f) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(f) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Imposition of costs (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall require participating retail food stores (including restaurants participating in a State option restaurant program intended to serve the elderly, disabled, and homeless) to pay 100 percent of the costs of acquiring, and arrange for the implementation of, electronic benefit transfer point-of-sale equipment and supplies, including related services. (B) Exemptions The Secretary may exempt from subparagraph (A)— (i) farmers’ markets and other direct-to-consumer markets, military commissaries, nonprofit food buying cooperatives, and establishments, organizations, programs, or group living arrangements described in paragraphs (5), (7), and (8) of section 3(k); and (ii) establishments described in paragraphs (3), (4), and (9) of section 3(k), other than restaurants participating in a State option restaurant program. (C) Interchange fees Nothing in this paragraph permits the charging of fees relating to the redemption of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits, in accordance with subsection (h)(13). ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (4) Termination of manual vouchers (A) In general Effective beginning on the date of enactment of this paragraph, except as provided in subparagraph (B), no State shall issue manual vouchers to a household that receives supplemental nutrition assistance under this Act or allow retail food stores to accept manual vouchers as payment, unless the Secretary determines that the manual vouchers are necessary, such as in the event of an electronic benefit transfer system failure or a disaster situation. (B) Exemptions The Secretary may exempt categories of retail food stores or individual retail food stores from subparagraph (A) based on criteria established by the Secretary. (5) Unique identification number required (A) In general To enhance the anti-fraud protections of the program, the Secretary shall require all parties providing electronic benefit transfer services to provide for and maintain unique terminal identification number information through the supplemental nutrition assistance program electronic benefit transfer transaction routing system. (B) Regulations (i) In general Not earlier than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall issue proposed regulations to carry out this paragraph. (ii) Commercial practices In issuing regulations to carry out this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider existing commercial practices for other point-of-sale debit transactions. . (c) Electronic benefit transfer auditability Section 7(h)(2)(C) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(2)(C) ) is amended by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following: (ii) unless determined by the Secretary to be located in an area with significantly limited access to food, measures that require an electronic benefit transfer system— (I) to set and enforce sales restrictions based on benefit transfer payment eligibility by using scanning or product lookup entry; and (II) to deny benefit tenders for manually entered sales of ineligible items. . (d) Electronic benefit transfers Section 7(h)(3)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(3)(B) ) is amended by striking is operational— and all that follows through (ii) in the case of other participating stores, and inserting is operational . (e) Approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2018 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(1), in the second sentence, by striking ; and (C) and inserting ; (C) whether the applicant is located in an area with significantly limited access to food; and (D) ; (2) in subsection (c), in the first sentence, by inserting purchase invoices, or program-related records, after relevant income and sales tax filing documents, ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (g) EBT service requirement An approved retail food store shall provide adequate EBT service as described in section 7(h)(3)(B). . 4003. Enhancing services to elderly and disabled supplemental nutrition assistance program participants (a) Enhancing services to elderly and disabled program participants Section 3(p) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(p) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: (5) a governmental or private nonprofit food purchasing and delivery service that— (A) purchases food for, and delivers the food to, individuals who are— (i) unable to shop for food; and (ii) (I) not less than 60 years of age; or (II) physically or mentally handicapped or otherwise disabled; (B) clearly notifies the participating household at the time the household places a food order— (i) of any delivery fee associated with the food purchase and delivery provided to the household by the service; and (ii) that a delivery fee cannot be paid with benefits provided under supplemental nutrition assistance program; and (C) sells food purchased for the household at the price paid by the service for the food and without any additional cost markup. . (b) Implementation (1) Issuance of rules The Secretary shall issue regulations that— (A) establish criteria to identify a food purchasing and delivery service referred to in section 3(p)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(p)(5) ); and (B) establish procedures to ensure that the service— (i) does not charge more for a food item than the price paid by the service for the food item; (ii) offers food delivery service at no or low cost to households under that Act; (iii) ensures that benefits provided under the supplemental nutrition assistance program are used only to purchase food (as defined in section 3 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2012 )); (iv) limits the purchase of food, and the delivery of the food, to households eligible to receive services described in section 3(p)(5) of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(p)(5) ); (v) has established adequate safeguards against fraudulent activities, including unauthorized use of electronic benefit cards issued under that Act; and (vi) meets such other requirements as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (2) Limitation Before the issuance of rules under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not approve more than 20 food purchasing and delivery services referred to in section 3(p)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(p)(5) ) to participate as retail food stores under the supplemental nutrition assistance program. 4004. Food distribution program on Indian reservations (a) In general Section 4(b)(6)(F) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013(b)(6)(F) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Feasibility study, report, and demonstration project for Indian tribes (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Indian; Indian tribe The terms Indian and Indian tribe have the meaning given the terms in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (B) Tribal organization The term tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (2) Study The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of tribal administration of Federal food assistance programs, services, functions, and activities (or portions thereof), in lieu of State agencies or other administrating entities. (3) Report Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 report that— (A) contains a list of programs, services, functions, and activities with respect to which it would be feasible to be administered by a tribal organization; (B) a description of whether that administration would necessitate a statutory or regulatory change; and (C) such other issues that may be determined by the Secretary and developed through consultation pursuant to paragraph (4). (4) Consultation with Indian tribes In developing the report required by paragraph (3), the Secretary shall consult with tribal organizations. (5) Funding Out of any funds made available under section 18 for fiscal year 2014, the Secretary shall make available to carry out the study and report described in paragraphs (2) and (3) $1,000,000, to remain available until expended. (6) Traditional and local foods demonstration project (A) In general Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall pilot a demonstration project by awarding a grant to 1 or more tribal organizations authorized to administer the food distribution program on Indian reservations under section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013(b) ) for the purpose of purchasing nutritious and traditional foods, and when practicable, foods produced locally by Indian producers, for distribution to recipients of foods distributed under that program. (B) Administration The Secretary may award a grant on a noncompetitive basis to 1 or more tribal organizations that have the administrative and financial capability to conduct a demonstration project, as determined by the Secretary. (C) Consultation, technical assistance, and training During the implementation phase of the demonstration project, the Secretary shall consult with Indian tribes and provide outreach to Indian farmers, ranchers, and producers regarding the training and capacity to participate in the demonstration project. (D) Funding (i) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (ii) Relationship to other authorities The funds and authorities provided under this subparagraph are in addition to any other funds or authorities the Secretary may have to carry out activities described in this paragraph. 4005. Exclusion of medical marijuana from excess medical expense deduction Section 5(e)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(5) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C) Exclusion of medical marijuana The Secretary shall promulgate rules to ensure that medical marijuana is not treated as a medical expense for purposes of this paragraph. . 4006. Standard utility allowances based on the receipt of energy assistance payments (a) Standard utility allowances in the supplemental nutrition assistance program Section 5(e)(6)(C) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C) ) is amended— (1) in clause (i), by inserting , subject to clause (iv) after Secretary ; and (2) in clause (iv), by striking subclause (I) and inserting the following: (I) In general Subject to subclause (II), if a State agency elects to use a standard utility allowance that reflects heating and cooling costs, the standard utility allowance shall be made available to households that received a payment, or on behalf of which a payment was made, under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 ( 42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq. ) or other similar energy assistance program, if in the current month or in the immediately preceding 12 months, the household either received such a payment, or such a payment was made on behalf of the household, that was greater than $20 annually, as determined by the Secretary. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 2605(f)(2)(A) of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 ( 42 U.S.C. 8624(f)(2)(A) ) is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following: , except that, for purposes of the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ), such payments or allowances were greater than $20 annually, consistent with section 5(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) ), as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture . (c) Application and implementation (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), this section and the amendments made by this section shall— (A) take effect 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act; and (B) apply with respect to certification periods that begin after that date. (2) State option to delay implementation for current recipients A State may, at the option of the State, implement a policy that eliminates or reduces the effect of the amendments made by this section on households that received a standard utility allowance as of the date of enactment of this Act, for not more than a 5-month period beginning on the date on which the amendments would otherwise apply to the respective household. 4007. Eligibility disqualifications Section 6(e)(3)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015(e)(3)(B) ) is amended by striking section; and inserting the following: section, subject to the condition that the course or program of study— (i) is part of a program of career and technical education (as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 ( 20 U.S.C. 2302 )) that may be completed in not more than 4 years at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1002 )); or (ii) is limited to remedial courses, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language; . 4008. Eligibility disqualifications for certain convicted felons (a) In general Section 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (r) Disqualification for certain convicted felons (1) In general An individual shall not be eligible for benefits under this Act if— (A) the individual is convicted of— (i) aggravated sexual abuse under section 2241 of title 18, United States Code; (ii) murder under section 1111 of title 18, United States Code; (iii) an offense under chapter 110 of title 18, United States Code; (iv) a Federal or State offense involving sexual assault, as defined in 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ( 42 U.S.C. 13925(a) ); or (v) an offense under State law determined by the Attorney General to be substantially similar to an offense described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii); and (B) the individual is not in compliance with the terms of the sentence of the individual or the restrictions under subsection (k). (2) Effects on assistance and benefits for others The amount of benefits otherwise required to be provided to an eligible household under this Act shall be determined by considering the individual to whom paragraph (1) applies not to be a member of the household, except that the income and resources of the individual shall be considered to be income and resources of the household. (3) Enforcement Each State shall require each individual applying for benefits under this Act to attest to whether the individual, or any member of the household of the individual, has been convicted of a crime described in paragraph (1). . (b) Conforming amendment Section 5(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(a) ) is amended in the second sentence by striking sections 6(b), 6(d)(2), and 6(g) and inserting subsections (b), (d)(2), (g), and (r) of section 6 . (c) Inapplicability to convictions occurring on or before enactment The amendments made by this section shall not apply to a conviction if the conviction is for conduct occurring on or before the date of enactment of this Act. 4009. Ending supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits for lottery or gambling winners (a) In general Section 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015 ) (as amended by section 4008) is amended by adding at the end the following: (s) Ineligibility for benefits due to receipt of substantial lottery or gambling winnings (1) In general Any household in which a member receives substantial lottery or gambling winnings, as determined by the Secretary, shall lose eligibility for benefits immediately upon receipt of the winnings. (2) Duration of ineligibility A household described in paragraph (1) shall remain ineligible for participation until the household meets the allowable financial resources and income eligibility requirements under subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (i), (k), (l), (m), and (n) of section 5. (3) Agreements As determined by the Secretary, each State agency, to the maximum extent practicable, shall establish agreements with entities responsible for the regulation or sponsorship of gaming in the State to determine whether individuals participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program have received substantial lottery or gambling winnings. . 4010. Improving security of food assistance Section 7(h)(8) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(8) ) is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking card fee and inserting of cards ; (2) by striking A State and inserting the following: (A) Fees A State ; and (3) by adding after subparagraph (A) (as so designated) the following: (B) Purposeful loss of cards (i) In general Subject to terms and conditions established by the Secretary in accordance with clause (ii), if a household makes excessive requests for replacement of the electronic benefit transfer card of the household, the Secretary may require a State agency to decline to issue a replacement card to the household unless the household, upon request of the State agency, provides an explanation for the loss of the card. (ii) Requirements The terms and conditions established by the Secretary shall provide that— (I) the household be given the opportunity to provide the requested explanation and meet the requirements under this paragraph promptly; (II) after an excessive number of lost cards, the head of the household shall be required to review program rights and responsibilities with State agency personnel authorized to make determinations under section 5(a); and (III) any action taken, including actions required under section 6(b)(2), other than the withholding of the electronic benefit transfer card until an explanation described in subclause (I) is provided, shall be consistent with the due process protections under section 6(b) or 11(e)(10), as appropriate. (C) Protecting vulnerable persons In implementing this paragraph, a State agency shall act to protect homeless persons, persons with disabilities, victims of crimes, and other vulnerable persons who lose electronic benefit transfer cards but are not intentionally committing fraud. (D) Effect on eligibility While a State may decline to issue an electronic benefits transfer card until a household satisfies the requirements under this paragraph, nothing in this paragraph shall be considered a denial of, or limitation on, the eligibility for benefits under section 5. . 4011. Technology modernization for retail food stores (a) Mobile technologies Section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(h) ) (as amended by section 4030(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (14) Mobile technologies (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall approve retail food stores to redeem benefits through electronic means other than wired point of sale devices for electronic benefit transfer transactions, if the retail food stores— (i) establish recipient protections regarding privacy, ease of use, access, and support similar to the protections provided for transactions made in retail food stores; (ii) bear the costs of obtaining, installing, and maintaining mobile technologies, including mechanisms needed to process EBT cards and transaction fees; (iii) demonstrate the foods purchased with benefits issued under this section through mobile technologies are purchased at a price not higher than the price of the same food purchased by other methods used by the retail food store, as determined by the Secretary; (iv) provide adequate documentation for each authorized transaction, as determined by the Secretary; and (v) meet other criteria as established by the Secretary. (B) Demonstration project on acceptance of benefits of mobile transactions (i) In general Before authorizing implementation of subparagraph (A) in all States, the Secretary shall pilot the use of mobile technologies determined by the Secretary to be appropriate to test the feasibility and implications for program integrity, by allowing retail food stores to accept benefits from recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance through mobile transactions. (ii) Demonstration projects To be eligible to participate in a demonstration project under clause (i), a retail food store shall submit to the Secretary for approval a plan that includes— (I) a description of the technology; (II) the manner by which the retail food store will provide proof of the transaction to households; (III) the provision of data to the Secretary, consistent with requirements established by the Secretary, in a manner that allows the Secretary to evaluate the impact of the demonstration on participant access, ease of use, and program integrity; and (IV) such other criteria as the Secretary may require. (iii) Date of completion The demonstration projects under this subparagraph shall be completed and final reports submitted to the Secretary by not later than July 1, 2016. (C) Report to Congress The Secretary shall— (i) by not later than January 1, 2017, authorize implementation of subparagraph (A) in all States, unless the Secretary makes a finding, based on the data provided under subparagraph (B), that implementation in all States is not in the best interest of the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and (ii) if the determination made in clause (i) is not to implement subparagraph (A) in all States, submit a report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate that includes the basis of the finding. . (b) Acceptance of benefits through on-line transactions (1) In general Section 7 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (k) Option to accept program benefits through on-line transactions (1) In general Subject to paragraph (4), the Secretary shall approve retail food stores to accept benefits from recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance through on-line transactions. (2) Requirements to accept benefits A retail food store seeking to accept benefits from recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance through on-line transactions shall— (A) establish recipient protections regarding privacy, ease of use, access, and support similar to the protections provided for transactions made in retail food stores; (B) ensure benefits are not used to pay delivery, ordering, convenience, or other fees or charges; (C) clearly notify participating households at the time a food order is placed— (i) of any delivery, ordering, convenience, or other fee or charge associated with the food purchase; and (ii) that any such fee cannot be paid with benefits provided under this Act; (D) ensure the security of on-line transactions by using the most effective technology available that the Secretary considers appropriate and cost-effective and that is comparable to the security of transactions at retail food stores; and (E) meet other criteria as established by the Secretary. (3) State agency action Each State agency shall ensure that recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance can use benefits on-line as described in this subsection as appropriate. (4) Demonstration project on acceptance of benefits through on-line transactions (A) In general Before the Secretary authorizes implementation of paragraph (1) in all States, the Secretary shall carry out a number of demonstration projects as determined by the Secretary to test the feasibility of allowing retail food stores to accept benefits through on-line transactions. (B) Demonstration projects To be eligible to participate in a demonstration project under subparagraph (A), a retail food store shall submit to the Secretary for approval a plan that includes— (i) a method of ensuring that benefits may be used to purchase only eligible items under this Act; (ii) a description of the method of educating participant households about the availability and operation of on-line purchasing; (iii) adequate testing of the on-line purchasing option prior to implementation; (iv) the provision of data as requested by the Secretary for purposes of analyzing the impact of the project on participant access, ease of use, and program integrity; (v) reports on progress, challenges, and results, as determined by the Secretary; and (vi) such other criteria, including security criteria, as established by the Secretary. (C) Date of completion The demonstration projects under this paragraph shall be completed and final reports submitted to the Secretary by not later than July 1, 2016. (5) Report to Congress The Secretary shall— (A) by not later than January 1, 2017, authorize implementation of paragraph (1) in all States, unless the Secretary makes a finding, based on the data provided under paragraph (4), that implementation in all States is not in the best interest of the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and (B) if the determination made in subparagraph (A) is not to implement in all States, submit a report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate that includes the basis of the finding. . (2) Conforming amendments (A) Section 7(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(b) ) is amended by striking purchase food in retail food stores and inserting purchase food from retail food stores . (B) Section 10 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2019 ) is amended in the first sentence by inserting retail food stores authorized to accept and redeem benefits through on-line transactions shall be authorized to accept benefits prior to the delivery of food if the delivery occurs within a reasonable time of the purchase, as determined by the Secretary, after food so purchased, . (c) Savings clause Nothing in this section or an amendment made by this section alters any requirements of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ) unless specifically authorized in this section or an amendment made by this section. 4012. Use of benefits for purchase of community-supported agriculture share Subsection (o)(4) of section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012 ) (as redesignated by section 4030(a)(4)) is amended by inserting , or agricultural producers who market agricultural products directly to consumers after such food . 4013. Improved wage verification using the National Directory of New Hires Section 11(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2020(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by inserting and after compliance with the requirement specified in paragraph (24) after section 16(e) of this Act ; (2) in paragraph (22), by striking and at the end; (3) in paragraph (23)(C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (24) that the State agency shall request wage data directly from the National Directory of New Hires established under section 453(i) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 653(i) ) relevant to determining eligibility to receive supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits and determining the correct amount of those benefits at the time of certification. . 4014. Restaurant meals program (a) In general Section 11(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2020(e) ) (as amended by section 4013) is amended— (1) in paragraph (23)(C), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (24), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (25) if the State elects to carry out a program to contract with private establishments to offer meals at concessional prices, as described in paragraphs (3), (4), and (9) of section 3(k)— (A) the plans of the State agency for operating the program, including— (i) documentation of a need that eligible homeless, elderly, and disabled clients are underserved in a particular geographic area; (ii) the manner by which the State agency will limit participation to only those private establishments that the State determines necessary to meet the need identified in clause (i); and (iii) any other conditions the Secretary may prescribe, such as the level of security necessary to ensure that only eligible recipients participate in the program; and (B) a report by the State agency to the Secretary annually, the schedule of which shall be established by the Secretary, that includes— (i) the number of households and individual recipients authorized to participate in the program, including any information on whether the individual recipient is elderly, disabled, or homeless; and (ii) an assessment of whether the program is meeting an established need, as documented under subparagraph (A)(i). . (b) Approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2018 ) (as amended by section 4002(d)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (h) Private establishments (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), no private establishment that contracts with a State agency to offer meals at concessional prices as described in paragraphs (3), (4), and (9) of section 3(k) may be authorized to accept and redeem benefits unless the Secretary determines that the participation of the private establishment is required to meet a documented need in accordance with section 11(e)(25). (2) Existing contracts (A) In general If, on the day before the date of enactment of this subsection, a State has entered into a contract with a private establishment described in paragraph (1) and the Secretary has not determined that the participation of the private establishment is necessary to meet a documented need in accordance with section 11(e)(25), the Secretary shall allow the operation of the private establishment to continue without that determination of need for a period not to exceed 180 days from the date on which the Secretary establishes determination criteria, by regulation, under section 11(e)(25). (B) Justification If the Secretary determines to terminate a contract with a private establishment that is in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall provide justification to the State in which the private establishment is located for that termination. (3) Report to Congress Not later than 90 days after September 30, 2014, and 90 days after the last day of each fiscal year 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 report on the effectiveness of a program under this subsection using any information received from States under section 11(e)(25) as well as any other information the Secretary may have relating to the manner in which benefits are used. . (c) Conforming amendments Section 3(k) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(k) ) is amended by inserting subject to section 9(h) after concessional prices each place it appears. 4015. Mandating State immigration verification Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2020 ) is amended by striking subsection (p) and inserting the following: (p) State verification option In carrying out the supplemental nutrition assistance program, a State agency shall be required to use an immigration status verification system established under section 1137 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1320b–7 ), and an income and eligibility verification system, in accordance with standards set by the Secretary. . 4016. Data exchange standardization for improved interoperability (a) Data exchange standardization Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2020 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (v) Data exchange standards for improved interoperability (1) Designation The Secretary shall, in consultation with an interagency work group established by the Office of Management and Budget, and considering State government perspectives, designate data exchange standards to govern, under this Act— (A) necessary categories of information that State agencies operating related programs are required under applicable law to electronically exchange with another State agency; and (B) Federal reporting and data exchange required under applicable law. (2) Requirements The data exchange standards required by paragraph (1) shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (A) incorporate a widely accepted, nonproprietary, searchable, computer-readable format, such as the eXtensible Markup Language; (B) contain interoperable standards developed and maintained by intergovernmental partnerships, such as the National Information Exchange Model; (C) incorporate interoperable standards developed and maintained by Federal entities with authority over contracting and financial assistance; (D) be consistent with and implement applicable accounting principles; (E) be implemented in a manner that is cost-effective and improves program efficiency and effectiveness; and (F) be capable of being continually upgraded as necessary. (3) Rules of construction Nothing in this subsection requires a change to existing data exchange standards for Federal reporting found to be effective and efficient. . (b) Application date (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a proposed rule to carry out the amendments made by this section. (2) Requirements The rule shall— (A) identify federally required data exchanges; (B) include specification and timing of exchanges to be standardized; (C) address the factors used in determining whether and when to standardize data exchanges; (D) specify State implementation options; and (E) describe future milestones. 4017. Pilot projects to improve Federal-State cooperation in identifying and reducing fraud in the supplemental nutrition assistance program Section 12 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2021 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (i) Pilot projects to improve Federal-State cooperation in identifying and reducing fraud in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (1) Pilot projects required (A) In general The Secretary shall carry out, under such terms and conditions as are determined by the Secretary, pilot projects to test innovative Federal-State partnerships to identify, investigate, and reduce fraud by retail food stores and wholesale food concerns in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, including allowing States to operate programs to investigate that fraud. (B) Requirement At least 1 pilot project described in subparagraph (A) shall be carried out in an urban area that is among the 10 largest urban areas in the United States (based on population), if— (i) the supplemental nutrition assistance program is separately administered in the area; and (ii) if the administration of the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the area complies with the other applicable requirements of the program. (2) Selection criteria Pilot projects shall be selected based on criteria the Secretary establishes, which shall include— (A) enhancing existing efforts by the Secretary to reduce fraud described in paragraph (1)(A); (B) requiring participant States to maintain the overall level of effort of the States at addressing recipient fraud, as determined by the Secretary, prior to participation in the pilot project; (C) collaborating with other law enforcement authorities as necessary to carry out an effective pilot project; (D) commitment of the participant State agency to follow Federal rules and procedures with respect to investigations described in paragraph (1)(A); and (E) the extent to which a State has committed resources to recipient fraud and the relative success of those efforts. (3) Evaluation (A) In general The Secretary shall evaluate the pilot projects selected under this subsection to measure the impact of the pilot projects. (B) Requirements The evaluation shall include— (i) the impact of each pilot project on increasing the capacity of the Secretary to address fraud described in paragraph (1)(A); (ii) the effectiveness of the pilot projects in identifying, preventing and reducing fraud described in paragraph (1)(A); and (iii) the cost effectiveness of the pilot projects. (4) Report to Congress Not later than September 30, 2017, 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 report that includes a description of the results of each pilot project, including— (A) an evaluation of the impact of the pilot project on fraud described in paragraph (1)(A); and (B) the costs associated with the pilot project. (5) Funding Any costs incurred by a State to operate pilot projects under this subsection that are in excess of the amount expended under this Act to identify, investigate, and reduce fraud described in paragraph (1)(A) in the respective State in the previous fiscal year shall not be eligible for Federal reimbursement under this Act. . 4018. Prohibiting government-sponsored recruitment activities (a) Administrative cost-sharing and quality control Section 16(a)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(a)(4) ) is amended by inserting after recruitment activities the following: designed to persuade an individual to apply for program benefits or that promote the program through television, radio, or billboard advertisements . (b) Limitation on use of funds authorized to be appropriated under Act Section 18 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2027 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Ban on recruitment and promotion activities (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), no funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act shall be used by the Secretary for— (A) recruitment activities designed to persuade an individual to apply for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits; (B) television, radio, or billboard advertisements that are designed to promote supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits and enrollment; or (C) any agreements with foreign governments designed to promote supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits and enrollment. (2) Limitation Paragraph (1)(B) shall not apply to programmatic activities undertaken with respect to benefits made under section 5(h). . (c) Ban on recruitment activities by entities that receive funds Section 18 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2027 ) (as amended by subsection (b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (h) Ban on recruitment by entities that receive funds The Secretary shall issue regulations that prohibit entities that receive funds under this Act to compensate any person for conducting outreach activities relating to participation in, or for recruiting individuals to apply to receive benefits under, the supplemental nutrition assistance program, if the amount of the compensation would be based on the number of individuals who apply to receive the benefits. . 4019. Tolerance level for excluding small errors Section 16(c)(1)(A) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(c)(1)(A) ) is amended— (1) by striking In carrying and inserting the following: (i) In general In carrying ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (ii) Tolerance level for excluding small errors The Secretary shall set the tolerance level for excluding small errors for the purposes of this subsection— (I) for fiscal year 2014, at an amount not greater than $37; and (II) for each fiscal year thereafter, the amount specified in subclause (I) adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty food plan is adjusted under section 3(u)(4) between June 30, 2013, and June 30 of the immediately preceding fiscal year. . 4020. Quality control standards (a) In general Section 16(c)(1)(D)(i) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(c)(1)(D)(i) ) is amended by striking subclause (I). (b) Conforming amendments (1) Section 13(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2022(a)(1) ) is amended in the first sentence by striking section 16(c)(1)(D)(i)(III) and inserting section 16(c)(1)(D)(i)(II) . (2) Section 16(c)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(c)(1) ) is amended— (A) in subparagraph (D)— (i) in clause (i)— (I) by redesignating subclauses (II) through (IV) as subclauses (I) through (III), respectively; and (II) in subclause (III) (as so redesignated), by striking through (III) and inserting and (II) ; and (ii) in clause (ii), by striking waiver amount or ; (B) in subparagraph (E)(i), by striking (D)(i)(III) and inserting (D)(i)(II) ; and (C) in subparagraph (F), by striking (D)(i)(II) each place it appears and inserting (D)(i)(I) . 4021. Performance bonus payments Section 16(d) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(d) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) Use of performance bonus payments A State agency may use a performance bonus payment received under this subsection only to carry out the program established under this Act, including investments in— (A) technology; (B) improvements in administration and distribution; and (C) actions to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. . 4022. Pilot projects to reduce dependency and increase work requirements and work effort under supplemental nutrition assistance program (a) In general Section 16(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(h) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (A)— (i) by striking 15 months and inserting 24 months ; and (ii) by striking , except that for fiscal year 2013 and fiscal year 2014, the amount shall be $79,000,000 ; (B) in subparagraph (C)— (i) by striking If a State and inserting the following: (i) In general If a State ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: (ii) Timing The Secretary shall collect such information as the Secretary determines to be necessary about the expenditures and anticipated expenditures by the State agencies of the funds initially allocated to the State agencies under subparagraph (A) to make reallocations of unexpended funds under clause (i) within a timeframe that allows each State agency to which funds are reallocated at least 270 days to expend the reallocated funds. (iii) Opportunity The Secretary shall ensure that all State agencies have an opportunity to obtain reallocated funds. ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (F) Pilot projects to reduce dependency and increase work requirements and work effort under supplemental nutrition assistance program (i) Pilot projects required (I) In general The Secretary shall carry out pilot projects under which State agencies shall enter into cooperative agreements with the Secretary to develop and test methods, including operating work programs with certain features comparable to the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families established under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ), for employment and training programs and services to raise the number of work registrants under section 6(d) of this Act who obtain unsubsidized employment, increase the earned income of the registrants, and reduce the reliance of the registrants on public assistance, so as to reduce the need for supplemental nutrition assistance benefits. (II) Requirements Pilot projects shall— (aa) meet such terms and conditions as the Secretary considers to be appropriate; and (bb) except as otherwise provided in this subparagraph, be in accordance with the requirements of sections 6(d) and 20. (ii) Selection criteria (I) In general The Secretary shall select pilot projects under this subparagraph in accordance with the criteria established under this clause and additional criteria established by the Secretary. (II) Qualifying criteria To be eligible to participate in a pilot project, a State agency shall— (aa) agree to participate in the evaluation described in clause (vii), including providing evidence that the State has a robust data collection system for program administration and cooperating to make available State data on the employment activities and post-participation employment, earnings, and public benefit receipt of participants to ensure proper and timely evaluation; (bb) commit to collaborate with the State workforce board and other job training programs in the State and local area; and (cc) commit to maintain at least the amount of State funding for employment and training programs and services under paragraphs (2) and (3) and under section 20 as the State expended for fiscal year 2013. (III) Selection criteria In selecting pilot projects, the Secretary shall— (aa) consider the degree to which the pilot project would enhance existing employment and training programs in the State; (bb) consider the degree to which the pilot project would enhance the employment and earnings of program participants; (cc) consider whether there is evidence that the pilot project could be replicated easily by other States or political subdivisions; (dd) consider whether the State agency has a demonstrated capacity to operate high quality employment and training programs; and (ee) ensure the pilot projects, when considered as a group, test a range of strategies, including strategies that— (AA) target individuals with low skills or limited work experience, individuals subject to the requirements under section 6(o), and individuals who are working; (BB) are located in a range of geographic areas and States, including rural and urban areas; (CC) emphasize education and training, rehabilitative services for individuals with barriers to employment, rapid attachment to employment, and mixed strategies; and (DD) test programs that assign work registrants to mandatory and voluntary participation in employment and training activities. (iii) Accountability (I) In general The Secretary shall establish and implement a process to terminate a pilot project for which the State has failed to meet the criteria described in clause (ii) or other criteria established by the Secretary. (II) Timing The process shall include a reasonable time period, not to exceed 180 days, for State agencies found noncompliant to correct the noncompliance. (iv) Employment and training activities Allowable programs and services carried out under this subparagraph shall include those programs and services authorized under this Act and employment and training activities authorized under the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families established under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ), including: (I) Employment in the public or private sector that is not subsidized by any public program. (II) Employment in the private sector for which the employer receives a subsidy from public funds to offset all or a part of the wages and costs of employing an adult. (III) Employment in the public sector for which the employer receives a subsidy from public funds to offset all or a part of the wages and costs of employing an adult. (IV) A work activity that— (aa) is performed in return for public benefits; (bb) provides an adult with an opportunity to acquire the general skills, knowledge, and work habits necessary to obtain employment; (cc) is designed to improve the employability of those who cannot find unsubsidized employment; and (dd) is supervised by an employer, work site sponsor, or other responsible party on an ongoing basis. (V) Training in the public or private sector that— (aa) is given to a paid employee while the employee is engaged in productive work; and (bb) provides knowledge and skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job. (VI) Job search, obtaining employment, or preparation to seek or obtain employment, including— (aa) life skills training; (bb) substance abuse treatment or mental health treatment, determined to be necessary and documented by a qualified medical, substance abuse, or mental health professional; and (cc) rehabilitation activities, supervised by a public agency or other responsible party on an ongoing basis. (VII) Structured programs and embedded activities— (aa) in which adults perform work for the direct benefit of the community under the auspices of public or nonprofit organizations; (bb) that are limited to projects that serve useful community purposes in fields such as health, social service, environmental protection, education, urban and rural redevelopment, welfare, recreation, public facilities, public safety, and child care; (cc) that are designed to improve the employability of adults not otherwise able to obtain unsubsidized employment; (dd) that are supervised on an ongoing basis; and (ee) with respect to which a State agency takes into account, to the maximum extent practicable, the prior training, experience, and skills of a recipient in making appropriate community service assignments. (VIII) Career and technical training programs that are— (aa) directly related to the preparation of adults for employment in current or emerging occupations; and (bb) supervised on an ongoing basis. (IX) Training or education for job skills that are— (aa) required by an employer to provide an adult with the ability to obtain employment or to advance or adapt to the changing demands of the workplace; and (bb) supervised on an ongoing basis. (X) Education that is— (aa) related to a specific occupation, job, or job offer; and (bb) supervised on an ongoing basis. (XI) In the case of an adult who has not completed secondary school or received a certificate of general equivalence, regular attendance that is— (aa) in accordance with the requirements of the secondary school or course of study, at a secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence; and (bb) supervised on an ongoing basis. (XII) Providing child care to enable another recipient of public benefits to participate in a community service program that— (aa) does not provide compensation for the community service; (bb) is a structured program designed to improve the employability of adults who participate in the program; and (cc) is supervised on an ongoing basis. (v) Sanctions Subject to clause (vi), no work registrant shall be eligible to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program if the individual refuses without good cause to participate in an employment and training program under this subparagraph, to the extent required by the State agency. (vi) Standards (I) In general Employment and training activities under this subparagraph shall be considered to be carried out under section 6(d), including for the purpose of satisfying any conditions of participation and duration of ineligibility. (II) Standards for certain employment activities The Secretary shall establish standards for employment activities described in subclauses (I), (II), and (III) of clause (iv) that ensure that failure to work for reasons beyond the control of an individual, such as involuntary reduction in hours of employment, shall not result in ineligibility. (III) Participation in other programs Before assigning a work registrant to mandatory employment and training activities, a State agency shall— (aa) assess whether the work registrant is participating in substantial employment and training activities outside of the pilot project that are expected to result in the work registrant gaining increased skills, training, work, or experience consistent with the objectives of the pilot project; and (bb) if determined to be acceptable, count hours engaged in the activities toward any minimum participation requirement. (vii) Evaluation and reporting (I) Independent evaluation (aa) In general The Secretary shall, under such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, conduct for each State agency that enters into a cooperative agreement under clause (i) an independent longitudinal evaluation of each pilot project of the State agency under this subparagraph, with results reported not less frequently than in consecutive 12-month increments. (bb) Purpose The purpose of the independent evaluation shall be to measure the impact of employment and training programs and services provided by each State agency under the pilot projects on the ability of adults in each pilot project target population to find and retain employment that leads to increased household income and reduced reliance on public assistance, as well as other measures of household well-being, compared to what would have occurred in the absence of the pilot project. (cc) Methodology The independent evaluation shall use valid statistical methods that can determine, for each pilot project, the difference, if any, between supplemental nutrition assistance and other public benefit receipt expenditures, employment, earnings and other impacts as determined by the Secretary— (AA) as a result of the employment and training programs and services provided by the State agency under the pilot project; as compared to (BB) a control group that is not subject to the employment and training programs and services provided by the State agency under the pilot project. (II) Reporting Not later than December 31, 2015, and each December 31 thereafter until the completion of the last evaluation under subclause (I), 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 and share broadly, including by posting on the Internet website of the Department of Agriculture, a report that includes a description of— (aa) the status of each pilot project carried out under this subparagraph; (bb) the results of the evaluation completed during the previous fiscal year; (cc) to the maximum extent practicable, baseline information relevant to the stated goals and desired outcomes of the pilot project; (dd) the employment and training programs and services each State tested under the pilot, including— (AA) the system of the State for assessing the ability of work registrants to participate in and meet the requirements of employment and training activities and assigning work registrants to appropriate activities; and (BB) the employment and training activities and services provided under the pilot; (ee) the impact of the employment and training programs and services on appropriate employment, income, and public benefit receipt as well as other outcomes among households participating in the pilot project, relative to households not participating; and (ff) the steps and funding necessary to incorporate into State employment and training programs and services the components of the pilot projects that demonstrate increased employment and earnings. (viii) Funding (I) In general Subject to subclause (II), from amounts made available under section 18(a)(1), the Secretary shall use to carry out this subparagraph— (aa) for fiscal year 2014, $10,000,000; and (bb) for fiscal year 2015, $190,000,000. (II) Limitations (aa) In general The Secretary shall not fund more than 10 pilot projects under this subparagraph. (bb) Duration Each pilot project shall be in effect for not more than 3 years. (III) Availability of funds Funds made available under subclause (I) shall remain available through September 30, 2018. (ix) Use of funds (I) In general Funds made available under this subparagraph for pilot projects shall be used only for— (aa) pilot projects that comply with this Act; (bb) the program and administrative costs of carrying out the pilot projects; (cc) the costs incurred in developing systems and providing information and data for the independent evaluations under clause (vii); and (dd) the costs of the evaluations under clause (vii). (II) Maintenance of effort Funds made available under this subparagraph shall be used only to supplement, not to supplant, non-Federal funds used for existing employment and training activities or services. (III) Other funds In carrying out pilot projects, States may contribute additional funds obtained from other sources, including Federal, State, or private funds, on the condition that the use of the contributions is permissible under Federal law. ; and (2) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following: (5) Monitoring (A) In general The Secretary shall monitor the employment and training programs carried out by State agencies under section 6(d)(4) and assess the effectiveness of the programs in— (i) preparing members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program for employment, including the acquisition of basic skills necessary for employment; and (ii) increasing the number of household members who obtain and retain employment subsequent to participation in the employment and training programs. (B) Reporting measures (i) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall develop State reporting measures that identify improvements in the skills, training, education, or work experience of members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. (ii) Requirements Measures shall— (I) be based on common measures of performance for Federal workforce training programs; and (II) include additional indicators that reflect the challenges facing the types of members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program who participate in a specific employment and training component. (iii) State requirements The Secretary shall require that each State employment and training plan submitted under section 11(e)(19) identifies appropriate reporting measures for each proposed component that serves a threshold number of participants determined by the Secretary of at least 100 people a year. (iv) Inclusions Reporting measures described in clause (iii) may include— (I) the percentage and number of program participants who received employment and training services and are in unsubsidized employment subsequent to the receipt of those services; (II) the percentage and number of program participants who obtain a recognized credential, including a registered apprenticeship, or a regular secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, while participating in, or within 1 year after receiving, employment and training services; (III) the percentage and number of program participants who are in an education or training program that is intended to lead to a recognized credential, including a registered apprenticeship or on-the-job training program, a regular secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or unsubsidized employment; (IV) subject to terms and conditions established by the Secretary, measures developed by each State agency to assess the skills acquisition of employment and training program participants that reflect the goals of the specific employment and training program components of the State agency, which may include, at a minimum— (aa) the percentage and number of program participants who are meeting program requirements in each component of the education and training program of the State agency; (bb) the percentage and number of program participants who are gaining skills likely to lead to employment as measured through testing, quantitative or qualitative assessment, or other method; and (cc) the percentage and number of program participants who do not comply with employment and training requirements and who are ineligible under section 6(b); and (V) other indicators approved by the Secretary. (C) Oversight of State employment and training activities The Secretary shall assess State employment and training programs on a periodic basis to ensure— (i) compliance with Federal employment and training program rules and regulations; (ii) that program activities are appropriate to meet the needs of the individuals referred by the State agency to an employment and training program component; (iii) that reporting measures are appropriate to identify improvements in skills, training, work and experience for participants in an employment and training program component; and (iv) for States receiving additional allocations under paragraph (1)(E), any information the Secretary may require to evaluate the compliance of the State agency with paragraph (1), which may include— (I) a report for each fiscal year of the number of individuals in the State who meet the conditions of paragraph (1)(E)(ii), the number of individuals the State agency offers a position in a program described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 6(o)(2), and the number who participate in such a program; (II) a description of the types of employment and training programs the State agency uses to comply with paragraph (1)(E) and the availability of those programs throughout the State; and (III) any additional information the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (D) State report Each State agency shall annually prepare and submit to the Secretary a report on the State employment and training program that includes, using measures identified under subparagraph (B), the numbers of supplemental nutrition assistance program participants who have gained skills, training, work, or experience that will increase the ability of the participants to obtain regular employment. (E) Modifications to the State employment and training plan Subject to terms and conditions established by the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that the performance of a State agency with respect to employment and training outcomes is inadequate, the Secretary may require the State agency to make modifications to the State employment and training plan to improve the outcomes. (F) Periodic evaluation Subject to terms and conditions established by the Secretary, not later than October 1, 2016, and not less frequently than once every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a study to review existing practice and research to identify employment and training program components and practices that— (i) effectively assist members of households participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program in gaining skills, training, work, or experience that will increase the ability of the participants to obtain regular employment; and (ii) are best integrated with statewide workforce development systems. . (b) Conforming amendments (1) Section 5 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (d)(14), by inserting or a pilot project under section 16(h)(1)(F) after 6(d)(4)(I) ; (B) in subsection (e)(3)(B)(iii), by inserting or a pilot project under section 16(h)(1)(F) after 6(d)(4) ; and (C) in subsection (g)(3), in the first sentence, by inserting or a pilot project under section 16(h)(1)(F) after 6(d) . (2) Section 16(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(h) ) is amended— (A) in paragraph (3), by inserting or a pilot project under paragraph (1)(F) after 6(d)(4) ; and (B) in paragraph (4), by inserting or a pilot project under paragraph (1)(F) after 6(d)(4) . (3) Section 17(b)(1)(B)(iv)(III)(hh) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2026(b)(1)(B)(iv)(III)(hh)) is amended by inserting (h)(1)(F), after (g), . (c) Application date (1) In general The amendments made by this section (other than the amendments made by subsection (a)(2)) shall apply beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Process for selecting pilot programs (A) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall— (i) develop and publish the process for selecting pilot projects under section 16(h)(1)(F) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (as added by subsection (a)(1)(C)); and (ii) issue such request for proposals for the independent evaluation as is determined appropriate by the Secretary. (B) Application The Secretary shall begin considering proposals not earlier than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary completes the actions described in subparagraph (A). (C) Selection Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary completes the actions described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall select pilot projects from the applications submitted in response to the request for proposals issued under subparagraph (A). (3) Monitoring of employment and training programs (A) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue interim final regulations implementing the amendments made by subsection (a)(2). (B) State action States shall include reporting measures required under section 16(h)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (as amended by subsection (a)(2)) in the employment and training plans of the States for the first full fiscal year that begins not earlier than 180 days after the date that the regulations described in subparagraph (A) are published. 4023. Cooperation with program research and evaluation Section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2026 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (l) Cooperation with program research and evaluation Subject to the requirements of this Act, including protections under section 11(e)(8), States, State agencies, local agencies, institutions, facilities such as data consortiums, and contractors participating in programs authorized under this Act shall— (1) cooperate with officials and contractors acting on behalf of the Secretary in the conduct of evaluations and studies under this Act; and (2) submit information at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require. . 4024. Authorization of appropriations Section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2027(a)(1) ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4025. Review, report, and regulation of cash nutrition assistance program benefits provided in Puerto Rico Section 19 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2028 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (e) Review, report, and regulation of cash nutrition assistance program benefits provided in Puerto Rico (1) Review The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall carry out a review of the provision of nutrition assistance in Puerto Rico in the form of cash benefits under this section that shall include— (A) an examination of the history of and purpose for distribution of a portion of monthly benefits in the form of cash; (B) an examination of current barriers to the redemption of non-cash benefits by current program participants and retailers; (C) an examination of current usage of cash benefits for the purchase of non-food and other prohibited items; (D) an identification and assessment of potential adverse effects of the discontinuation of a portion of benefits in the form of cash for program participants and retailers; and (E) an examination of such other factors as the Secretary determines to be relevant. (2) Report Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 report that describes the results of the review conducted under this subsection. (3) Regulation (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), and notwithstanding the second sentence of subsection (b)(1)(B)(i), the Secretary shall disapprove any plan submitted pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(A)— (i) for fiscal year 2017 that provides for the distribution of more than 20 percent of the nutrition assistance benefit of a participant in the form of cash; (ii) for fiscal year 2018 that provides for the distribution of more than 15 percent of the nutrition assistance benefit of a participant in the form of cash; (iii) for fiscal year 2019 that provides for the distribution of more than 10 percent of the nutrition assistance benefit of a participant in the form of cash; (iv) for fiscal year 2020 that provides for the distribution of more than 5 percent of the nutrition assistance benefit of a participant in the form of cash; and (v) for fiscal year 2021 that provides for the distribution of any portion of the nutrition assistance benefit of a participant in the form of cash. (B) Exception Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Secretary, informed by the report required under paragraph (2), may approve a plan that exempts participants or categories of participants if the Secretary determines that discontinuation of benefits in the form of cash is likely to have significant adverse effects. (4) Funding Out of any funds made available under section 18 for fiscal year 2014, the Secretary shall make available to carry out the review and report described in paragraphs (1) and (2) $1,000,000, to remain available until expended. . 4026. Assistance for community food projects Section 25 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2034 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1)(B)— (i) in clause (i)— (I) in subclause (I), by inserting after individuals the following: through food distribution, community outreach to assist in participation in Federally assisted nutrition programs, or improving access to food as part of a comprehensive service; ; and (II) in subclause (III), by inserting food access, after food, ; and (ii) in clause (ii), by striking subclause (I) and inserting the following: (I) equipment necessary for the efficient operation of a project; ; and (B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following: (2) Gleaner The term gleaner means an entity that— (A) collects edible, surplus food that would be thrown away and distributes the food to agencies or nonprofit organizations that feed the hungry; or (B) harvests for free distribution to the needy, or for donation to agencies or nonprofit organizations for ultimate distribution to the needy, an agricultural crop that has been donated by the owner of the crop. (3) Hunger-free communities goal The term hunger-free communities goal means any of the 14 goals described in House Concurrent Resolution 302, 102nd Congress, agreed to October 5, 1992. ; (2) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter. and inserting the following: “each of fiscal years 2008 through 2014; and (C) $9,000,000 for fiscal year 2015 and each fiscal year thereafter. ; (3) in subsection (c)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking private nonprofit entity and inserting public food program service provider, a tribal organization, or a private nonprofit entity, including gleaners, ; (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking or after the semicolon at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting or after the semicolon at the end; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (C) efforts to reduce food insecurity in the community, including food distribution, improving access to services, or coordinating services and programs; ; (C) in paragraph (2), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (D) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (E) by adding at the end the following: (4) collaborate with 1 or more local partner organizations to achieve at least 1 hunger-free communities goal. ; (4) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (3), by striking or after the semicolon at the end; (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (5) develop new resources and strategies to help reduce food insecurity in the community and prevent food insecurity in the future by— (A) developing creative food resources; (B) coordinating food services with park and recreation programs and other community-based outlets to reduce barriers to access; or (C) creating nutrition education programs for at- risk populations to enhance food-purchasing and food- preparation skills and to heighten awareness of the connection between diet and health. ; (5) in subsection (f)(2), by striking 3 years and inserting 5 years ; and (6) by striking subsections (h) and (i) and inserting the following: (h) Reports to Congress Not later than September 30, 2014, and each year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that describes each grant made under this section, including— (1) a description of any activity funded; (2) the degree of success of each activity funded in achieving hunger-free community goals; and (3) the degree of success in improving the long-term capacity of a community to address food and agriculture problems related to hunger or access to healthy food. . 4027. Emergency food assistance (a) Purchase of commodities Section 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2036(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (C)— (i) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (D) for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, the sum obtained by adding the total dollar amount of commodities specified in subparagraph (C) and— (i) for fiscal year 2015, $50,000,000; (ii) for fiscal year 2016, $40,000,000; (iii) for fiscal year 2017, $20,000,000; and (iv) for fiscal year 2018, $15,000,000; and (E) for fiscal year 2019 and each subsequent fiscal year, the total dollar amount of commodities specified in subparagraph (D)(iv) adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been adjusted under section 3(u)(4) to reflect changes between June 30, 2017, and June 30 of the immediately preceding fiscal year. ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) Funds availability For purposes of the funds described in this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) make the funds available for 2 fiscal years; and (B) allow States to carry over unexpended balances to the next fiscal year pursuant to such terms and conditions as are determined by the Secretary. . (b) Emergency food program infrastructure grants Section 209(d) of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 ( 7 U.S.C. 7511a(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4028. Nutrition education Section 28(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2036a(b) ) is amended by inserting and physical activity after healthy food choices . 4029. Retail food store and recipient trafficking The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 29. Retail food store and recipient trafficking (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to provide the Department of Agriculture with additional resources to prevent trafficking in violation of this Act by strengthening recipient and retail food store program integrity. (b) Use of funds (1) In general Additional funds are provided under this section to supplement the retail food store and recipient integrity activities of the Department. (2) Information technologies The Secretary shall use an appropriate amount of the funds provided under this section to employ information technologies known as data mining and data warehousing and other available information technologies to administer the supplemental nutrition assistance program and enforce regulations promulgated under section 4(c). (c) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Mandatory funding (A) In general Out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out this section not less than $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain available until expended. (B) Receipt and acceptance The Secretary shall be entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to carry out this section the funds transferred under subparagraph (A), without further appropriation. (C) Maintenance of funding The funding provided under subparagraph (A) shall supplement (and not supplant) other Federal funding for programs carried out under this Act. . 4030. Technical and conforming amendments (a) Section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (g), by striking coupon, the last place it appears and inserting coupon ; (2) in subsection (k)(7), by striking or are and inserting and ; (3) by striking subsection ( l ); (4) by redesignating subsections (m) through (t) as subsections ( l ) through (s), respectively; and (5) by inserting after subsection (s) (as so redesignated) the following: (t) Supplemental nutrition assistance program means the program operated pursuant to this Act. . (b) Section 4(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013(a) ) is amended in the last sentence by striking benefits and inserting Benefits . (c) Section 5 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014 ) is amended— (1) in the last sentence of subsection (i)(2)(D), by striking section 13(b)(2) and inserting section 13(b) ; and (2) in subsection (k)(4)(A), by striking paragraph (2)(H) and inserting paragraph (2)(G) . (d) Section 6(d)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4) ) is amended in subparagraphs (B)(vii) and (F)(iii) by indenting both clauses appropriately. (e) Section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(h) ) is amended by redesignating the second paragraph (12) (relating to interchange fees) as paragraph (13). (f) Section 9(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2018(a) ) is amended by indenting paragraph (3) appropriately. (g) Section 12 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2021 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(3)(C), by striking civil money penalties and inserting civil penalties ; and (2) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ( 7 U.S.C. 1786 ) and inserting ( 42 U.S.C. 1786 ) . (h) Section 15(b)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2024(b)(1) ) is amended in the first sentence by striking an benefit both places it appears and inserting a benefit . (i) Section 16(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(a) ) is amended in the proviso following paragraph (8) by striking as amended. . (j) Section 18(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2027(e) ) is amended in the first sentence by striking sections 7(f) and inserting section 7(f) . (k) Section 22(b)(10)(B)(i) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2031(b)(10)(B)(i) ) is amended in the last sentence by striking Food benefits and inserting Benefits . (l) Section 26(f)(3)(C) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2035(f)(3)(C) ) is amended by striking subsection and inserting subsections . (m) Section 27(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2036(a)(1) ) is amended by striking ( Public Law 98–8 ; 7 U.S.C. 612c note) and inserting ( 7 U.S.C. 7515 ) . (n) Section 115 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 ( 21 U.S.C. 862a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking food stamp program (as defined in section 3(l) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977) or any State program carried out under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance program (as defined in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012 )) or any State program carried out under that Act ; (2) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking the food stamp act of 1977 and inserting the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ; and (B) by striking food stamp program (as defined in section 3(l) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977), or any State program carried out under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance program (as defined in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012 )), or any State program carried out under that Act ; and (3) in subsection (e)(2), by striking section 3(s) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, when referring to the food stamp program (as defined in section 3(l) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977) or any State program carried out under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and inserting section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012 ), when referring to the supplemental nutrition assistance program (as defined in that section) or any State program carried out under that Act . (o) Section 3803(c)(2)(C)(vii) of title 31 of the United States Code is amended by striking section 3(l) and inserting section 3 . (p) Section 453(j)(10) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 653(j)(10) ) is amended in the paragraph heading by striking food stamp programs and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits . (q) Section 1137 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1320b–7 )— (1) in subsection (a)(5)(B), by striking food stamp and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance ; and (2) in subsection (b)(4), by striking food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ) . (r) Section 1631(n) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1383 ) is amended in the subsection heading by striking food stamp and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance . (s) Section 509 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3056g ) is amended in the section heading by striking food stamp programs and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance programs . (t) Section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93–86 ) is amended by striking Food Stamp Act of 1977 and inserting Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 . (u) Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93–86 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (h)(1), by striking food stamps and inserting the supplemental nutrition assistance program ; (2) in subsection (i)(1), by striking food stamps provided under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and inserting supplemental nutrition assistance benefits provided under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ; and (3) in subsection ( l )(2)(B), by striking Food Stamp Act of 1977 and inserting Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 . (v) Section 4115(c)(2)(H) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1871) is amended by striking 531 and inserting 454 . 4031. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands pilot program (a) Study (1) In general Prior to establishing the pilot program under subsection (b), the Secretary shall conduct a study to be completed not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act to assess— (A) the capabilities of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to operate the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ) in a similar manner as the program is operated in the States (as defined in section 3 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2012 )); and (B) alternative models of the supplemental nutrition assistance program operation and benefit delivery that best meet the nutrition assistance needs of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. (2) Scope The study conducted under paragraph (1)(A) shall assess the capability of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to fulfill the responsibilities of a State agency (as defined in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012 )), including— (A) extending and limiting participation to eligible households, as required by sections 5 and 6 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2014 , 2015); (B) issuing benefits through EBT cards, as required by section 7 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2016 ); (C) maintaining the integrity of the program, including operation of a quality control system, as required by section 16(c) of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(c) ); (D) implementing work requirements, including operating an employment and training program, as required by section 6(d) of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2015(d) ); and (E) paying a share of administrative costs with non-Federal funds, as required by section 16(a) of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2016(a) ). (b) Establishment If the Secretary determines that a pilot program is feasible, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to operate the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the same manner in which the program is operated in the States. (c) Scope The Secretary shall use the information obtained from the study conducted under subsection (a) to establish the scope of the pilot program established under subsection (b). (d) Report Not later than June 30, 2019, 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 report on the pilot program carried out under this section, including an analysis of the feasibility of operating the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in the same manner in which the program is operated in the States. (e) Funding (1) Study Of the funds made available under section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2027(a)(1) ), the Secretary may use to conduct the study described in subsection (a) not more than $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 and 2015. (2) Pilot program (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), of the funds made available under section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2027(a)(1) ), the Secretary may use to establish and carry out the pilot program under subsection (b), including the Federal costs for providing technical assistance to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, authorizing and monitoring retail food stores, and assessing pilot operations, not more than— (i) $13,500,000 for fiscal year 2016; and (ii) $8,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018. (B) Exception If the Secretary determines that a pilot program described in subsection (b) is not feasible, the Secretary shall provide to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands any unspent funds described in subparagraph (A), which shall— (i) be made available for obligation under the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands nutrition assistance program block grant in addition to any other funds made available for that grant; and (ii) remain available until expended. 4032. Annual State report on verification of SNAP participation (a) Annual report Not later than 1 year after the date specified by the Secretary during the 180-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, each State agency that carries out the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ) shall submit to the Secretary a report containing sufficient information for the Secretary to determine whether the State agency has, for the most recently concluded fiscal year preceding that annual date, verified that the State agency in that fiscal year— (1) did not issue benefits to a deceased individual; and (2) did not issue benefits to an individual who had been permanently disqualified from receiving benefits. (b) Penalty for noncompliance For any fiscal year for which a State agency fails to comply with subsection (a), the Secretary shall impose a penalty that includes a reduction of up to 50 percent of the amount that would be otherwise payable to the State agency under section 16(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2025(a) ) with respect to that fiscal year. (c) Report of pilot program to test prevention of duplicate participation Not later than 90 days after the completion in multiple States of a temporary pilot program to test the detection and prevention of duplicate participation by beneficiaries of the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ), 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 report assessing the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost for the expansion of the pilot program nationwide. 4033. Service of traditional foods in public facilities (a) Purposes The purposes of this section are— (1) to provide access to traditional foods in food service programs; (2) to encourage increased consumption of traditional foods to decrease health disparities among Indians, particularly Alaska Natives; and (3) to provide alternative food options for food service programs. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Alaska native The term Alaska Native means a person who is a member of any Native village, Village Corporation, or Regional Corporation (as those terms are defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1602 )). (2) Commissioner The term Commissioner means the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. (3) Food service program The term food service program includes— (A) food service at residential child care facilities that have a license from an appropriate State agency; (B) any child nutrition program (as that term is defined in section 25(b) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1769f(b) ); (C) food service at hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities; and (D) senior meal programs. (4) Indian; Indian tribe The terms Indian and Indian tribe have the meanings given those terms in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (5) Traditional food (A) In general The term traditional food means food that has traditionally been prepared and consumed by an Indian tribe. (B) Inclusions The term traditional food includes— (i) wild game meat; (ii) fish; (iii) seafood; (iv) marine mammals; (v) plants; and (vi) berries. (6) Tribal organization The term tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (c) Program The Secretary and the Commissioner shall allow the donation to and serving of traditional food through food service programs at public facilities and nonprofit facilities, including facilities operated by Indian tribes and facilities operated by tribal organizations, that primarily serve Indians if the operator of the food service program— (1) ensures that the food is received whole, gutted, gilled, as quarters, or as a roast, without further processing; (2) makes a reasonable determination that— (A) the animal was not diseased; (B) the food was butchered, dressed, transported, and stored to prevent contamination, undesirable microbial growth, or deterioration; and (C) the food will not cause a significant health hazard or potential for human illness; (3) carries out any further preparation or processing of the food at a different time or in a different space from the preparation or processing of other food for the applicable program to prevent cross-contamination; (4) cleans and sanitizes food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils after processing the traditional food; (5) labels donated traditional food with the name of the food; (6) stores the traditional food separately from other food for the applicable program, including through storage in a separate freezer or refrigerator or in a separate compartment or shelf in the freezer or refrigerator; (7) follows Federal, State, local, county, tribal, or other non-Federal law regarding the safe preparation and service of food in public or nonprofit facilities; and (8) follows other such criteria as established by the Secretary and Commissioner. (d) Liability (1) In general The United States, an Indian tribe, and a tribal organization shall not be liable in any civil action for any damage, injury, or death caused to any person by the donation to or serving of traditional foods through food service programs. (2) Rule of construction Nothing in paragraph (1) alters any liability or other obligation of the United States under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 1450 et seq. ). B Commodity distribution programs 4101. Commodity distribution program Section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93–86 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4102. Commodity supplemental food program Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93–86 ) is amended— (1) in paragraphs (1) and (2)(B) of subsection (a), by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 ; (2) in the first sentence of subsection (d)(2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (3) by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following: (g) Eligibility Except as provided in subsection (m), the States shall only provide assistance under the commodity supplemental food program to low-income persons aged 60 and older. ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (m) Phase-Out Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual who receives assistance under the commodity supplemental food program on the day before the date of enactment of this subsection shall continue to receive that assistance until the date on which the individual is no longer eligible for assistance under the eligibility requirements for the program in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this subsection. . 4103. 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 in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4104. Processing of commodities (a) In general Section 17 of the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 100–237 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting and processing after donations ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (c) Processing (1) In general For any program included under subsection (b), the Secretary may, notwithstanding any other provision of Federal or State law relating to the procurement of goods and services— (A) retain title to commodities delivered to a processor, on behalf of a State (including a State distributing agency and a recipient agency), until such time as end products containing the commodities, or similar commodities as approved by the Secretary, are delivered to a State distributing agency or to a recipient agency; and (B) promulgate regulations to ensure accountability for commodities provided to a processor for processing into end products, and to facilitate processing of commodities into end products for use by recipient agencies. (2) Regulations The regulations described in paragraph (1)(B) may provide that— (A) a processor that receives commodities for processing into end products, or provides a service with respect to the commodities or end products, in accordance with the agreement of the processor with a State distributing agency or a recipient agency, provide to the Secretary a bond or other means of financial assurance to protect the value of the commodities; and (B) in the event a processor fails to deliver to a State distributing agency or a recipient agency an end product in conformance with the processing agreement entered into under this Act, the Secretary— (i) take action with respect to the bond or other means of financial assurance pursuant to regulations promulgated under this subsection; and (ii) distribute any proceeds obtained by the Secretary to 1 or more State distributing agencies and recipient agencies, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. . (b) Definitions Section 18 of the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 100–237 ) is amended by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following: (1) Commodities The term commodities means agricultural commodities and their products that are donated by the Secretary for use by recipient agencies. (2) End product The term end product means a food product that contains processed commodities. . (c) Technical and conforming amendments Section 3 of the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 100–237 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B) the program established under section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013(b) ); ; and (B) in paragraph (3)(D), by striking the Committee on Education and Labor and inserting the Committee on Education and the Workforce ; (2) in subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii), by striking section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act ( 7 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ) and inserting section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c ) ; (3) in subsection (e)(1)(D)(iii), by striking subclause (II) and inserting the following: (II) the program established under section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013(b) ); ; and (4) in subsection (k), by striking the Committee on Education and Labor and inserting the Committee on Education and the Workforce . C Miscellaneous 4201. Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions Section 10603(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 612c–4(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 4202. Pilot project for procurement of unprocessed fruits and vegetables Section 6 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1755 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Pilot project for procurement of unprocessed fruits and vegetables (1) In general The Secretary shall conduct a pilot project under which the Secretary shall facilitate the procurement of unprocessed fruits and vegetables in not more than 8 States receiving funds under this Act. (2) Purpose The purpose of the pilot project required by this subsection is to provide selected States flexibility for the procurement of unprocessed fruits and vegetables by permitting each State— (A) to utilize multiple suppliers and products established and qualified by the Secretary; and (B) to allow geographic preference, if desired, in the procurement of the products under the pilot project. (3) Selection and participation (A) In general The Secretary shall select States for participation in the pilot project in accordance with criteria established by the Secretary and terms and conditions established for participation. (B) Requirement The Secretary shall ensure that at least 1 project is located in a State in each of— (i) the Pacific Northwest Region; (ii) the Northeast Region; (iii) the Western Region; (iv) the Midwest Region; and (v) the Southern Region. (4) Priority In selecting States for participation in the pilot project, the Secretary shall prioritize applications based on— (A) the quantity and variety of growers of local fruits and vegetables in the States on a per capita basis; (B) the demonstrated commitment of the States to farm-to-school efforts, as evidenced by prior efforts to increase and promote farm-to-school programs in the States; and (C) whether the States contain a sufficient quantity of local educational agencies, various population sizes, and geographical locations. (5) Recordkeeping and reporting requirements (A) Recordkeeping requirement States selected to participate in the pilot project, and participating school food authorities within those States, shall keep records of the fruits and vegetables received under the pilot project in such manner and form as requested by the Secretary. (B) Reporting requirement Each participating State shall submit to the Secretary a report on the success of the pilot project in the State, including information on— (i) the quantity and cost of each type of fruit and vegetable received by the State under the pilot project; and (ii) the benefit provided by those procurements in conducting school food service in the State, including meeting school meal requirements. . 4203. Seniors farmers' market nutrition program (a) In general Section 4402(a) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3007(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) takes effect on October 1, 2013. 4204. Dietary Guidelines for Americans Section 301(a) of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5341(a) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Pregnant women and young children Not later than the 2020 report and in each report thereafter, the Secretaries shall include national nutritional and dietary information and guidelines for pregnant women and children from birth until the age of 2. . 4205. Multiagency task force Subtitle D of title II of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6951 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 242. Multiagency task force (a) In general The Secretary shall establish, in the office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, a multiagency task force for the purpose of providing coordination and direction for commodity programs. (b) Composition The Task Force shall be composed of at least 4 members, including— (1) a representative from the Food Distribution Division of the Food and Nutrition Service, who shall— (A) be appointed by the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services; and (B) serve as Chairperson of the Task Force; (2) at least 1 representative from the Agricultural Marketing Service, who shall be appointed by the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; (3) at least 1 representative from the Farm Services Agency, who shall be appointed by the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services; and (4) at least 1 representative from the Food Safety and Inspection Service, who shall be appointed by the Under Secretary for Food Safety. (c) Duties (1) In general The Task Force shall be responsible for evaluation and monitoring of the commodity programs to ensure that the commodity programs meet the mission of the Department— (A) to support the United States farm sector; and (B) to contribute to the health and well-being of individuals in the United States through the distribution of domestic agricultural products through commodity programs. (2) Specific duties In carrying out paragraph (1), the Task Force shall— (A) review and make recommendations regarding the specifications used for the procurement of food commodities; (B) review and make recommendations regarding the efficient and effective distribution of food commodities; and (C) review and make recommendations regarding the degree to which the quantity, quality, and specifications of procured food commodities align the needs of producers and the preferences of recipient agencies. (d) Reports Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that describes, for the period covered by the report— (1) the findings and recommendations of the Task Force; and (2) policies implemented for the improvement of commodity procurement programs. . 4206. Healthy Food Financing Initiative Subtitle D of title II of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6951 et seq. ) (as amended by section 4205) is amended by adding at the end the following: 243. Healthy Food Financing Initiative (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to enhance the authorities of the Secretary to support efforts to provide access to healthy food by establishing an initiative to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, to create and preserve quality jobs, and to revitalize low-income communities by providing loans and grants to eligible fresh, healthy food retailers to overcome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Community development financial institution The term community development financial institution has the meaning given the term in section 103 of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 ( 12 U.S.C. 4702 ). (2) Initiative The term Initiative means the Healthy Food Financing Initiative established under subsection (c)(1). (3) National fund manager The term national fund manager means a community development financial institution that is— (A) in existence on the date of enactment of this section; and (B) certified by the Community Development Financial Institution Fund of the Department of Treasury to manage the Initiative for purposes of— (i) raising private capital; (ii) providing financial and technical assistance to partnerships; and (iii) funding eligible projects to attract fresh, healthy food retailers to underserved areas, in accordance with this section. (4) Partnership The term partnership means a regional, State, or local public-private partnership that— (A) is organized to improve access to fresh, healthy foods; (B) provides financial and technical assistance to eligible projects; and (C) meets such other criteria as the Secretary may establish. (5) Perishable food The term perishable food means a staple food that is fresh, refrigerated, or frozen. (6) Quality job The term quality job means a job that provides wages and other benefits comparable to, or better than, similar positions in existing businesses of similar size in similar local economies. (7) Staple food (A) In general The term staple food means food that is a basic dietary item. (B) Inclusions The term staple food includes— (i) bread or cereal; (ii) flour; (iii) fruits; (iv) vegetables; (v) meat; and (vi) dairy products. (c) Initiative (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish an initiative to achieve the purpose described in subsection (a) in accordance with this subsection. (2) Implementation (A) In general (i) In general In carrying out the Initiative, the Secretary shall provide funding to entities with eligible projects, as described in subparagraph (B), subject to the priorities described in subparagraph (C). (ii) Use of funds Funds provided to an entity pursuant to clause (i) shall be used— (I) to create revolving loan pools of capital or other products to provide loans to finance eligible projects or partnerships; (II) to provide grants for eligible projects or partnerships; (III) to provide technical assistance to funded projects and entities seeking Initiative funding; and (IV) to cover administrative expenses of the national fund manager in an amount not to exceed 10 percent of the Federal funds provided. (B) Eligible projects Subject to the approval of the Secretary, the national fund manager shall establish eligibility criteria for projects under the Initiative, which shall include the existence or planned execution of agreements— (i) to expand or preserve the availability of staple foods in underserved areas with moderate- and low-income populations by maintaining or increasing the number of retail outlets that offer an assortment of perishable food and staple food items, as determined by the Secretary, in those areas; and (ii) to accept benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ). (C) Priorities In carrying out the Initiative, priority shall be given to projects that— (i) are located in severely distressed low-income communities, as defined by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of the Department of Treasury; and (ii) include 1 or more of the following characteristics: (I) The project will create or retain quality jobs for low-income residents in the community. (II) The project supports regional food systems and locally grown foods, to the maximum extent practicable. (III) In areas served by public transit, the project is accessible by public transit. (IV) The project involves women- or minority-owned businesses. (V) The project receives funding from other sources, including other Federal agencies. (VI) The project otherwise advances the purpose of this section, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $125,000,000, to remain available until expended. . 4207. Purchase of Halal and Kosher food for emergency food assistance program Section 202 of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 ( 7 U.S.C. 7502 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (h) Kosher and Halal food As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall finalize and implement a plan— (1) to increase the purchase of Kosher and Halal food from food manufacturers with a Kosher or Halal certification to carry out the program established under this Act if the Kosher and Halal food purchased is cost neutral as compared to food that is not from food manufacturers with a Kosher or Halal certification; and (2) to modify the labeling of the commodities list used to carry out the program in a manner that enables Kosher and Halal distribution entities to identify which commodities to obtain from local food banks. . 4208. Food insecurity nutrition incentive Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7517 ) is amended to read as follows: 4405. Food insecurity nutrition incentive (a) In general In this section: (1) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) a nonprofit organization (including an emergency feeding organization); (B) an agricultural cooperative; (C) a producer network or association; (D) a community health organization; (E) a public benefit corporation; (F) an economic development corporation; (G) a farmers' market; (H) a community-supported agriculture program; (I) a buying club; (J) a retail food store participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program; (K) a State, local, or tribal agency; and (L) any other entity the Secretary designates. (2) Emergency feeding organization The term emergency feeding organization has the meaning given the term in section 201A of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 ( 7 U.S.C. 7501 ). (3) Supplemental nutrition assistance program The term supplemental nutrition assistance program means the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ). (b) Food insecurity nutrition incentive grants (1) Authorization (A) In general In each of the years specified in subsection (c), the Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities in accordance with paragraph (2). (B) Federal share The Federal share of the cost of carrying out an activity under this subsection shall not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the activity. (C) Non-Federal share (i) In general The non-Federal share of the cost of an activity under this subsection may be provided— (I) in cash or in-kind contributions as determined by the Secretary, including facilities, equipment, or services; and (II) by a State or local government or a private source. (ii) Limitation In the case of a for-profit entity, the non-Federal share described in clause (i) shall not include services of an employee, including salaries paid or expenses covered by the employer. (2) Criteria (A) In general For purposes of this subsection, an eligible entity is a governmental agency or nonprofit organization that— (i) meets the application criteria set forth by the Secretary; and (ii) proposes a project that, at a minimum— (I) has the support of the State agency; (II) would increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program by providing incentives at the point of purchase; (III) agrees to participate in the evaluation described in paragraph (4); (IV) ensures that the same terms and conditions apply to purchases made by individuals with benefits issued under this Act and incentives provided for in this subsection as apply to purchases made by individuals who are not members of households receiving benefits, such as provided for in section 278.2(b) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation); and (V) includes effective and efficient technologies for benefit redemption systems that may be replicated in other States and communities. (B) Priority In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that— (i) maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participants; (ii) use direct-to-consumer sales marketing; (iii) demonstrate a track record of designing and implementing successful nutrition incentive programs that connect low-income consumers and agricultural producers; (iv) provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables; (v) are located in underserved communities; or (vi) address other criteria as established by the Secretary. (3) Applicability (A) In general The value of any benefit provided to a participant in any activity funded under this subsection shall be treated as supplemental nutrition benefits under section 8(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2017(b) ). (B) Prohibition on collection of sales taxes Each State shall ensure that no State or local tax is collected on a purchase of food under this subsection. (C) No limitation on benefits A grant made available under this subsection shall not be used to carry out any project that limits the use of benefits under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ) or any other Federal nutrition law. (D) Household allotment Assistance provided under this subsection to households receiving benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program shall not— (i) be considered part of the supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits of the household; or (ii) be used in the collection or disposition of claims under section 13 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2022 ). (4) Evaluation (A) Independent evaluation The Secretary shall provide for an independent evaluation of projects selected under this subsection that measures the impact of each project on— (i) improving the nutrition and health status of participating households receiving incentives under this subsection; and (ii) increasing fruit and vegetable purchases in participating households. (B) Requirement The independent evaluation under subparagraph (A) shall use rigorous methodologies capable of producing scientifically valid information regarding the effectiveness of a project. (C) Costs The Secretary may use funds not to exceed 10 percent of the funding provided to carry out this section to pay costs associated with administering, monitoring, and evaluating each project. (c) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (b) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Mandatory Funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out subsection (b)— (A) $35,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 and 2015; (B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017; and (C) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. . 4209. Food and agriculture service learning program Title IV of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7630 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 413. Food and agriculture service learning program (a) In general Subject to the availability of appropriations under subsection (e), the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and working in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies that oversee national service programs, shall administer a competitively awarded food and agriculture service learning grant program (referred to in this section as the Program ) to increase knowledge of agriculture and improve the nutritional health of children. (b) Purposes The purposes of the Program are— (1) to increase capacity for food, garden, and nutrition education within host organizations or entities and school cafeterias and in the classroom; (2) to complement and build on the efforts of the farm to school programs implemented under section 18(g) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1769(g) ); (3) to complement efforts by the Department and school food authorities to implement the school lunch program established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq. ) and the school breakfast program established by section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 ( 42 U.S.C. 1773 ); (4) to carry out activities that advance the nutritional health of children and nutrition education in elementary schools and secondary schools (as those terms are defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 )); and (5) to foster higher levels of community engagement and support the expansion of national service and volunteer opportunities. (c) Grants (1) In general In carrying out the Program, the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture shall make competitive grants to eligible entities that carry out the purposes described in paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (b). (2) Priorities In making grants under this section, the Secretary may consider projects that are carried out by entities that— (A) have a proven track record in carrying out the purposes described in subsection (b); (B) work in underserved rural and urban communities; (C) teach and engage children in experiential learning about agriculture, gardening, nutrition, cooking, and where food comes from; and (D) facilitate a connection between elementary schools and secondary schools and agricultural producers in the local and regional area. (d) Accountability (1) In general The Secretary may require a partner organization or other qualified entity to collect and report any data on the activities carried out under the Program, as determined by the Secretary. (2) Evaluation The Secretary shall— (A) conduct regular evaluations of the activities carried out under the Program; and (B) 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 includes a description of the results of each evaluation conducted under subparagraph (A). (e) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $25,000,000, to remain available until expended. (2) Administration Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b) ) shall apply with respect to the making of a competitive grant under this section. (3) Maintenance of effort Funds made available under paragraph (1) shall be used only to supplement, not to supplant, the amount of Federal funding otherwise expended for nutrition, research, and extension programs of the Department. . 4210. Nutrition information and awareness pilot program Section 4403 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3171 note; Public Law 107–171 ) is repealed. 4211. Termination of existing agreement Effective beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the memorandum of understanding entered into on July 22, 2004, by the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Mexico and known as the Partnership for Nutrition Assistance Initiative is null and void. 4212. Review of sole-source contracts in Federal nutrition programs (a) In general The Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of sole-source contracts in Federal nutrition programs carried out by the Secretary, and the effect the contracts have on program participation, program goals, nonprogram consumers, retailers, and free market dynamics. (b) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 report that describes the findings of the review conducted under subsection (a). 4213. Pulse crop products (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to encourage greater awareness and interest in the number and variety of pulse crop products available to schoolchildren, as recommended by the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans published under section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5341 ). (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible pulse crop The term eligible pulse crop means dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas. (2) Pulse crop product The term pulse crop product means a food product derived in whole or in part from an eligible pulse crop. (c) Purchase of pulse crops and pulse crop products In addition to the commodities delivered under section 6 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1755 ), subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall purchase eligible pulse crops and pulse crop products for use in— (1) the school lunch program established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq. ); and (2) the school breakfast program established by section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 ( 42 U.S.C. 1773 ). (d) Evaluation Not later than September 30, 2016, the Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the activities conducted under subsection (c), including— (1) an evaluation of whether children participating in the school lunch and breakfast programs described in subsection (c) increased overall consumption of eligible pulse crops as a result of the activities; (2) an evaluation of which eligible pulse crops and pulse crop products are most acceptable for use in the school lunch and breakfast programs; (3) any recommendations of the Secretary regarding the integration of the use of pulse crop products in carrying out the school lunch and breakfast programs; (4) an evaluation of any change in the nutrient composition in the school lunch and breakfast programs due to the activities; and (5) an evaluation of any other outcomes determined to be appropriate by the Secretary. (e) Report As soon as practicable after the completion of the evaluation under subsection (d), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representative a report describing the results of the evaluation. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000, to remain available until expended. 4214. Pilot project for canned, frozen, or dried fruits and vegetables (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), in the 2014–2015 school year, the Secretary shall carry out a pilot project in schools participating in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program under section 19 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1769a ) (referred to in this section as the Program ), in not less than 5 States, to evaluate the impact of allowing schools to offer canned, frozen, or dried fruits and vegetables as part of the Program. (b) Requirements Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish criteria for the conditions under which canned, frozen, or dried fruits and vegetables may be offered, which shall be in accordance with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans published under section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5341 ). (c) Evaluation With respect to the pilot project, the Secretary shall evaluate— (1) the impacts on fruit and vegetable consumption at the schools participating in the pilot project; (2) the impacts of the pilot project on school participation in the Program and operation of the Program; (3) the implementation strategies used by the schools participating in the pilot project; (4) the acceptance of the pilot project by key stakeholders; and (5) such other outcomes as are determined by the Secretary. (d) Reports (1) Interim report Not later than January 1, 2015, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the results of the evaluation under subsection (c). (2) Final Report On completion of the pilot project, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the results of the evaluation under subsection (c). (e) Notice of Availability As soon as practicable after the date on which the Secretary establishes the criteria for the pilot project under subsection (b), the Secretary shall notify potentially eligible schools of the potential eligibility of the schools for participation in the pilot project. (f) Relationship to fresh fruit and vegetable program Nothing in this section permits a school that is not a part of the pilot project to offer anything other than fresh fruits and vegetables through the Program. (g) Funding The Secretary shall use $5,000,000 of amounts otherwise made available to the Secretary to carry out this section. V Credit A Farm ownership loans 5001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans (a) In general Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking (a) In general.— The and inserting the following: (a) In general (1) Eligibility requirements The ; (2) in the first sentence, by striking and limited liability companies and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities as the Secretary considers appropriate, ; (3) in the second sentence, by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively; (4) in each of the second and third sentences, by striking and limited liability companies each place it appears and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) in the third sentence— (A) by striking clause (3) and inserting subparagraph (C) ; (B) by striking clause (4) and inserting subparagraph (D) ; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (2) Special rules (A) Eligibility of certain operating-only entities An entity that is or will become only the operator of a family farm shall be considered to meet the owner-operator requirements of paragraph (1) if the individuals that are the owners of the family farm own more than 50 percent (or such other percentage as the Secretary determines is appropriate) of the entity. (B) Eligibility of certain embedded entities An entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph (1), or an operator described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph that is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities, shall be considered to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of the entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . (b) Direct farm ownership experience requirement Section 302(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922(b)(1) ) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by inserting or has other acceptable experience for a period of time, as determined by the Secretary, after 3 years . (c) Conforming amendments (1) Section 304(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(c)(2) ) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 302(a) and inserting subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 302(a)(1) . (2) Section 310D(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1934(a) ) is amended in the second sentence— (A) by inserting after partnership the following: , or such other legal entities as the Secretary considers appropriate, ; and (B) by striking or partners each place it appears and inserting partners, or owners . 5002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program (a) Eligibility Section 304(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(c) ) is amended by striking or limited liability companies and inserting limited liability companies, or such other legal entities as the Secretary considers appropriate . (b) Limitations applicable to loan guarantees Section 304(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924(e) ) is amended by striking shall be 75 percent of the principal amount of the loan. and inserting “shall be— (1) 80 percent of the principal amount of the loan; or (2) in the case of a producer that is a qualified socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher or a beginning farmer or rancher, 90 percent of the principal amount of the loan. . (c) Extension of program Section 304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1924 ) is amended by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following: (h) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 5003. Joint financing arrangements Section 307(a)(3) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1927(a)(3) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the following: (D) Joint financing arrangements If a direct farm ownership loan is made under this subtitle as part of a joint financing arrangement and the amount of the direct farm ownership loan does not exceed 50 percent of the total principal amount financed under the arrangement, the interest rate on the direct farm ownership loan shall be a rate equal to the greater of— (i) the difference between— (I) 2 percent; and (II) the interest rate for farm ownership loans under this subtitle; or (ii) 2.5 percent. . 5004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement Section 307 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1927 ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (d); and (2) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d). 5005. Down payment loan program (a) In general Section 310E(b)(1)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1935(b)(1)(C) ) is amended by striking $500,000 and inserting $667,000 . (b) Technical correction Section 310E(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1935(b) ) is amended by striking paragraph (2) (as added by section 7(a) of Public Law 102–554 ; 106 Stat. 4145). B Operating loans 5101. Eligibility for farm operating loans Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking (a) In general.— The and inserting the following: (a) In general (1) Eligibility requirements The ; (2) in the first sentence, by striking and limited liability companies and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities as the Secretary considers appropriate, ; (3) in the second sentence, by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively; (4) in each of the second and third sentences, by striking and limited liability companies each place it appears and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (5) in the third sentence— (A) by striking clause (3) and inserting subparagraph (C) ; and (B) by striking clause (4) and inserting subparagraph (D) ; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (2) Special rule An entity that is an operator described in paragraph (1) that is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities, shall be considered to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of the entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . 5102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth Section 311(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(b)(1) ) is amended by striking who are rural residents . 5103. Defaults by youth loan borrowers Section 311(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(b) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) Equitable considerations for default (A) Debt forgiveness (i) In general The Secretary may, on a case-by-case basis, provide debt forgiveness to a borrower for a loan made under this subsection if the borrower was unable to timely repay the loan due to circumstances beyond the control of the borrower, as determined by the Secretary, including any natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster that results in an inordinate level of damage or disruption severely affecting the borrower. (ii) Eligibility for future loans Notwithstanding any other provision of law, debt forgiveness provided under this subparagraph shall not be used by any Federal agency in determining the eligibility of the borrower for any loan made or guaranteed by the agency. (B) Education loans Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a borrower becomes delinquent or is provided with debt forgiveness with respect to a youth loan made under this subsection, the borrower shall not become ineligible, as a result of the delinquency or debt forgiveness, to receive loans and loan guarantees from the Federal Government to pay for education expenses of the borrower. . 5104. Term limits on direct operating loans Section 311(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) Annual report on term limits on direct operating loans (A) In general The Secretary shall prepare a report annually that describes— (i) the status of the direct operating loan program of the Department of Agriculture; and (ii) the impact of term limits on direct loan borrowers. (B) Demographic information (i) In general The report shall provide a demographic breakdown, on a State-by-State basis, of— (I) all direct loan borrowers; and (II) borrowers that have reached the eligibility limit for direct lending programs during the previous calendar year. (ii) Demographic information The available demographic information shall include, to the maximum extent practicable, a description of race or ethnicity, gender, age, type of farm or ranch, financial classification, number of years of indebtedness, veteran status, and other similar information, as determined by the Secretary. (C) Additional content In addition to information described in subparagraph (B), the report shall provide— (i) a demographic analysis of the borrowers impacted by term limits; (ii) information on the conditions impacting the direct lending portfolio of the Department of Agriculture, including impacts by region and agriculture sector, and credit availability within those regions and sectors; (iii) to the maximum extent practicable, information on the status of borrower operations impacted by term limits; and (iv) recommendations, if appropriate, to address any identifiable unmet credit needs. (D) Submission The Secretary shall— (i) annually submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a copy of the report; and (ii) make the report available to the public, including posting the report on the website of the Department of Agriculture. . 5105. Valuation of local or regional crops Section 312 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1942 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (e) Valuation of local or regional crops (1) In general The Secretary shall develop ways to determine unit prices (or other appropriate forms of valuation) for crops and other agricultural products, the end use of which is intended to be in locally or regionally produced agricultural food products, to facilitate lending to local and regional food producers. (2) Price history The Secretary shall implement a mechanism for local and regional food producers to establish price history for the crops and other agricultural products produced by local and regional food producers. . 5106. Microloans (a) In general Section 313 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1943 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Microloans (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may establish a program to make or guarantee microloans. (2) Limitations The Secretary shall not make or guarantee a microloan under this subsection that would cause the total principal indebtedness outstanding at any 1 time for microloans made under this title to any 1 borrower to exceed $50,000. (3) Applications To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall limit the administrative burdens and streamline the application and approval process for microloans under this subsection. (4) Cooperative lending pilot projects (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), during each of the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years, the Secretary may carry out a pilot project to make loans to community development financial institutions, as the Secretary determines appropriate— (i) to make or guarantee microloans consistent with the terms provided under this subsection; and (ii) to provide business, financial, marketing, and credit management services to microloan borrowers. (B) Requirements Prior to making a loan to an institution described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall— (i) review and approve— (I) the loan loss reserve fund for microloans established by the institution; and (II) the underwriting standards for microloans of the institution; and (ii) establish such other requirements for making a loan to the institution as the Secretary determines necessary. (C) Eligibility To be eligible for a loan under subparagraph (A), an institution described in subparagraph (A) shall, as determined by the Secretary— (i) have the legal authority necessary to carry out the actions described in subparagraph (A); (ii) have a proven track record of successfully assisting agricultural borrowers; and (iii) have the services of a staff with appropriate loan making and servicing expertise. (D) Oversight Not less often than annually, on a date determined by the Secretary, an institution that has a loan under this paragraph shall provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require to ensure that the services provided by the institution are serving the purposes of this subsection. (E) Limitation The Secretary shall not make more than $10,000,000 in loans under this paragraph in any fiscal year. . (b) Conforming amendments (1) Section 311(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1941(c) ) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Definition of direct operating loan In this subsection, the term direct operating loan does not include— (A) a loan made to a youth under subsection (b); or (B) a microloan made to a beginning farmer or rancher or a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ). . (2) Section 312(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1942(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by inserting (including a microloan, as defined by the Secretary) after A direct loan . (3) Section 316(a)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1946(a)(2) ) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by inserting a microloan to a beginning farmer or rancher or veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ), or after The interest rate on . 5107. Term limits on guaranteed operating loans Section 319 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1949 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking (a) Graduation plan .— ; and (2) by striking subsection (b). C Emergency loans 5201. Eligibility for emergency loans Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1961(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking owner-operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle A) or operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B) each place it appears and inserting (in the case of farm ownership loans in accordance with subtitle A) owner-operators or operators, or (in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B) operators ; (2) in the first sentence— (A) by inserting , or such other legal entities as the Secretary considers appropriate after limited liability companies the first place it appears; (B) by inserting , or other legal entities after limited liability companies the second place it appears; and (C) by striking and limited liability companies, and inserting limited liability companies, and such other legal entities ; (3) in the second sentence, by striking ownership and operator and inserting ownership or operator ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: An entity that is an owner-operator or operator described in this subsection shall be considered to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under this subsection if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of the entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm. . D Administrative provisions 5301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program Section 333B(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983b(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5302. Farmer loan pilot projects Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is amended by inserting after section 333C ( 7 U.S.C. 1983c ) the following: 333D. Farmer loan pilot projects (a) In general The Secretary may conduct pilot projects of limited scope and duration that are consistent with subtitle A through this subtitle to evaluate processes and techniques that may improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the programs carried out under subtitle A through this subtitle. (b) Notification The Secretary shall— (1) not less than 60 days before the date on which the Secretary initiates a pilot project under subsection (a), submit notice of the proposed pilot project to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; and (2) consider any recommendations or feedback provided to the Secretary in response to the notice provided under paragraph (1). . 5303. Definition of qualified beginning farmer or rancher (a) In general Section 343(a)(11) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11) ) is amended in subparagraphs (C) and (D)— (1) by striking or joint operation, each place it appears and inserting joint operation, or such other legal entity as the Secretary considers appropriate, ; (2) by striking or joint operators, each place it appears and inserting joint operators, or owners, ; and (3) in subparagraph (D), by striking corporation, has stockholders, each place it appears in clauses (i)(II)(bb) and (ii)(II)(bb) and inserting cooperative, corporation, partnership, joint operation, or other such legal entity as the Secretary considers appropriate, has members, stockholders, partners, or joint operators, . (b) Modification of acreage ownership limitation Section 343(a)(11)(F) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)(F) ) is amended by striking median acreage and inserting average acreage . 5304. Loan authorization levels Section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(1) ) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 5305. Loan fund set-asides Section 346(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) ) is amended— (1) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by striking of the total amount . 5306. Borrower training Section 359(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2006a(c)(2) ) is amended by striking section 302(a)(2) or 311(a)(2) and inserting section 302(a)(1)(B) or 311(a)(1)(B) . E Miscellaneous 5401. State agricultural mediation programs Section 506 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 ( 7 U.S.C. 5106 ) is amended by striking 2015 and inserting 2018 . 5402. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land The first section of Public Law 91–229 ( 25 U.S.C. 488 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), in the first sentence, by striking loans from and all that follows through 1929) and inserting direct loans in a manner consistent with direct loans pursuant to subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1981 et seq. ) ; and (2) in subsection (b)(1)— (A) by striking pursuant to section 205(c) of the Indian Land Consolidation Act ( 25 U.S.C. 2204(c) ) ; and (B) by inserting or to intermediaries in order to establish revolving loan funds for the purchase of highly fractionated land under that section before the period at the end. 5403. Removal of duplicative appraisals Notwithstanding any other law (including regulations), in making loans under the first section of Public Law 91–229 ( 25 U.S.C. 488 ), borrowers who are Indian tribes, members of Indian tribes, or tribal corporations shall only be required to obtain 1 appraisal under an appraisal standard recognized as of the date of enactment of this Act by the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior. 5404. Compensation disclosure by Farm Credit System institutions (a) Findings Congress finds that — (1) the reasonable disclosure to stockholders by Farm Credit System institutions regarding the compensation of Farm Credit System institution senior officers is beneficial to stockholders’ understanding of the operation of their institutions; (2) transparency regarding compensation practices reinforces the cooperative nature of Farm Credit System institutions; (3) the unique cooperative structure of the Farm Credit System should be considered when promulgating rules; (4) the participation of stockholders in the election of the boards of directors of Farm Credit System institutions provides stockholders the opportunity to participate in the management of their institutions; (5) as representatives of stockholders, the boards of directors of Farm Credit System institutions importantly establish and oversee the compensation practices of Farm Credit System institutions to ensure the safe and sound operation of those institutions; and (6) any regulation should strengthen and not hinder the ability of Farm Credit System boards of directors to oversee compensation practices. (b) Implementation Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Farm Credit Administration shall review its rules to reflect Congressional intent that a primary responsibility of the boards of directors of Farm Credit System institutions, as elected representatives of their stockholders, is to oversee compensation practices. VI Rural Development A Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 6001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants Section 306(a)(2)(B)(vii) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)(vii) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6002. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant program funds Section 306(a)(19) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (C). 6003. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a) ) is amended by striking paragraph (22) and inserting the following: (22) Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program (A) In general The Secretary shall continue a national rural water and wastewater circuit rider program that— (i) is consistent with the activities and results of the program conducted before the date of enactment of this clause, as determined by the Secretary; and (ii) receives funding from the Secretary, acting through the Rural Utilities Service. (B) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. . 6004. Use of loan guarantees for community facilities Section 306(a)(24) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(24) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C) Use of loan guarantees for community facilities The Secretary shall consider the benefits to communities that result from using loan guarantees in carrying out the community facilities program and, to the maximum extent practicable, use guarantees to enhance community involvement. . 6005. Tribal college and university essential community facilities Section 306(a)(25)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6006. Essential community facilities technical assistance and training Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (26) Essential community facilities technical assistance and training (A) In general The Secretary may make grants to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations (such as States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and villages, boroughs, authorities, districts, and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations) that will serve rural areas for the purpose of enabling the public bodies and private nonprofit corporations to provide to associations described in paragraph (1) technical assistance and training, with respect to essential community facilities programs authorized under this subsection— (i) to assist communities in identifying and planning for community facility needs; (ii) to identify public and private resources to finance community facility needs; (iii) to prepare reports and surveys necessary to request financial assistance to develop community facilities; (iv) to prepare applications for financial assistance; (v) to improve the management, including financial management, related to the operation of community facilities; or (vi) to assist with other areas of need identified by the Secretary. (B) Selection priority In selecting recipients of grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to private, nonprofit, or public organizations that have experience in providing technical assistance and training to rural entities. (C) Funding Not less than 3 nor more than 5 percent of any funds appropriated to carry out each of the essential community facilities grant, loan and loan guarantee programs as authorized under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be reserved for grants under this paragraph. . 6007. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program Section 306A(i)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926a(i)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6008. Water systems for rural and native villages in Alaska Section 306D(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926d(d)(1) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6009. Household water well systems Section 306E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926e(d) ) is amended by striking $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 6010. Rural business and industry loan program (a) In general Section 310B(a)(2)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(a)(2)(A) ) is amended by inserting (including through the financing of working capital) after employment . (b) Greater flexibility for adequate collateral through accounts receivable Section 310B(g)(7) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(7) ) is amended— (1) by striking In determining and inserting the following: (A) In general In determining ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (B) Accounts receivable In the discretion of the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that the action would not create or otherwise contribute to an unreasonable risk of default or loss to the Federal Government, the Secretary may take accounts receivable as security for the obligations entered into in connection with loans and a borrower may use accounts receivable as collateral to secure a loan made or guaranteed under this subsection. . (c) Regulations Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement the amendments made by this section. 6011. Solid waste management grants Section 310B(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking The Secretary and by inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; and (2) by adding at the end the following (2) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6012. Rural business development grants (a) In general Section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932 ) is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: (c) Rural business development grants (1) In general The Secretary may make grants under this subsection to eligible entities described in paragraph (2) in rural areas that primarily serve rural areas for purposes described in paragraph (3). (2) Eligible entities The Secretary may make grants under this subsection to— (A) governmental entities; (B) Indian tribes; and (C) nonprofit entities. (3) Eligible purposes for grants Eligible entities that receive grants under this subsection may use the grant funds for— (A) business opportunity projects that— (i) identify and analyze business opportunities; (ii) identify, train, and provide technical assistance to existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and managers; (iii) assist in the establishment of new rural businesses and the maintenance of existing businesses, including through business support centers; (iv) conduct regional, community, and local economic development planning and coordination, and leadership development; and (v) establish centers for training, technology, and trade that will provide training to rural businesses in the use of interactive communications technologies to develop international trade opportunities and markets; and (B) projects that support the development of business enterprises that finance or facilitate— (i) the development of small and emerging private business enterprise; (ii) the establishment, expansion, and operation of rural distance learning networks; (iii) the development of rural learning programs that provide educational instruction or job training instruction related to potential employment or job advancement to adult students; and (iv) the provision of technical assistance and training to rural communities for the purpose of improving passenger transportation services or facilities. (4) Authorization of appropriations (A) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this subsection $65,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. (B) Allocation Of the funds made available under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year, not more than 10 percent shall be used for the purposes described in paragraph (3)(A). . (b) Conforming amendment Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a) ) is amended by striking paragraph (11). 6013. Rural cooperative development grants Section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(e) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (12) as paragraph (13); (2) by inserting after paragraph (11) the following: (12) Interagency working group Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , the Secretary shall coordinate and chair an interagency working group to foster cooperative development and ensure coordination with Federal agencies and national and local cooperative organizations that have cooperative programs and interests. ; and (3) in paragraph (13) (as so redesignated), by striking $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 6014. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(v)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(v)(I) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6015. Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program Section 310B(i)(4) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(i)(4) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6016. Rural economic area partnership zones Section 310B(j) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(j) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6017. Intermediary relending program (a) In general Subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1922 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 310H. Intermediary relending program (a) In general The Secretary may make or guarantee loans to eligible entities described in subsection (b) so that the eligible entities may relend the funds to individuals and entities for the purposes described in subsection (c). (b) Eligible entities Entities eligible for loans and loan guarantees described in subsection (a) are— (1) public agencies; (2) Indian tribes; (3) cooperatives; and (4) nonprofit corporations. (c) Eligible purposes The proceeds from loans made or guaranteed by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (a) may be relent by eligible entities for projects that— (1) predominately serve communities in rural areas; and (2) as determined by the Secretary— (A) promote community development; (B) establish new businesses; (C) establish and support microlending programs; and (D) create or retain employment opportunities. (d) Limitation The Secretary shall not make loans under section 623(a) of the Community Economic Development Act of 1981 ( 42 U.S.C. 9812(a) ). (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Conforming amendments Section 1323(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( Public Law 99–198 ; 7 U.S.C. 1932 note) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by adding and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (3) by striking subparagraph (C). 6018. Rural college coordinated strategy Section 331 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1981 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Rural college coordinated strategy (1) In general The Secretary shall develop a coordinated strategy across the relevant programs within the Rural Development mission areas to serve the specific, local needs of rural communities when making investments in rural community colleges and technical colleges through other authorities in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection. (2) Consultation In developing a coordinated strategy, the Secretary shall consult with groups representing rural-serving community colleges and technical colleges to coordinate critical investments in rural community colleges and technical colleges involved in workforce training. (3) Administration Nothing in this subsection provides a priority for funding under authorities in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection. (4) Use The Secretary shall use the coordinated strategy and information developed for the strategy to more effectively serve rural communities with respect to investments in community colleges and technical colleges. . 6019. Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983 ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking require ; (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting require after (1) ; (3) in paragraph (2), by inserting , require after 314 ; (4) in paragraph (3), by inserting require after loans, ; (5) in paragraph (4)— (A) by inserting require after (4) ; and (B) by striking and after the semicolon; (6) in paragraph (5)— (A) by inserting require after (5) ; and (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (7) by adding at the end the following: (6) in the case of water and waste disposal direct and guaranteed loans provided under section 306, encourage, to the maximum extent practicable, private or cooperative lenders to finance rural water and waste disposal facilities by— (A) maximizing the use of loan guarantees to finance eligible projects in rural communities in which the population exceeds 5,500; (B) maximizing the use of direct loans to finance eligible projects in rural communities if the impact on ratepayers will be material when compared to financing with a loan guarantee; (C) establishing and applying a materiality standard when determining the difference in impact on ratepayers between a direct loan and a loan guarantee; (D) in the case of projects that require interim financing in excess of $500,000, requiring that the projects initially seek the financing from private or cooperative lenders; and (E) determining if an existing direct loan borrower can refinance with a private or cooperative lender, including with a loan guarantee, prior to providing a new direct loan. . 6020. Simplified applications (a) In general Section 333A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1983a ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (h) Simplified application forms Except as provided in subsection (g)(2), the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, develop a simplified application process, including a single page application if practicable, for grants and relending authorized under sections 306, 306C, 306D, 306E, 310B(b), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(f), 310H, 379B, and 379E. . (b) Report to Congress Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 report that contains an evaluation of the implementation of the amendment made by subsection (a). 6021. National Rural Development Partnership Section 378 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008m ) is amended— (1) in subsection (g)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (h), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6022. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008p(d) ) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following: (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6023. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program Section 379E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008s(d) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (C) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6024. Health care services Section 379G(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008u(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6025. Strategic economic and community development Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1981 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 379H. Strategic economic and community development (a) In general In the case of any rural development program described in subsection (d)(2), the Secretary may give priority to an application for a project that, as determined and approved by the Secretary— (1) meets the applicable eligibility requirements of this title; (2) will be carried out solely in a rural area; and (3) supports strategic community and economic development plans on a multijurisdictional basis. (b) Rural area For purposes of subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall consider an application to be for a project that will be carried out solely in a rural area only if— (1) in the case of an application for a project in the rural community facilities category described in subsection (d)(2)(A), the project will be carried out in a rural area described in section 343(a)(13)(C); (2) in the case of an application for a project in the rural utilities category described in subsection (d)(2)(B), the project will be carried out in a rural area described in section 343(a)(13)(B); and (3) in the case of an application for a project in the rural business and cooperative development category described in subsection (d)(2)(C), the project will be carried out in a rural area described in section 343(a)(13)(A). (c) Evaluation (1) In general In evaluating strategic applications, the Secretary shall give a higher priority to strategic applications for a plan described in subsection (a) that demonstrates to the Secretary— (A) the plan was developed through the collaboration of multiple stakeholders in the service area of the plan, including the participation of combinations of stakeholders such as State, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit institutions, institutions of higher education, and private entities; (B) an understanding of the applicable regional resources that could support the plan, including natural resources, human resources, infrastructure, and financial resources; (C) investment from other Federal agencies; (D) investment from philanthropic organizations; and (E) clear objectives for the plan and the ability to establish measurable performance measures and to track progress toward meeting the objectives. (2) Consistency with plans Applications involving State, county, municipal, or tribal governments shall include an indication of consistency with an adopted regional economic or community development plan. (d) Funds (1) In general Subject to paragraph (3) and subsection (e), the Secretary may reserve for projects that support multijurisdictional strategic community and economic development plans described in subsection (a) an amount that does not exceed 10 percent of the funds made available for a fiscal year for a functional category described in paragraph (2). (2) Functional categories The functional categories described in this subsection are the following: (A) Rural community facilities category The rural community facilities category consists of all amounts made available for community facility grants and direct and guaranteed loans under paragraph (1), (19), (20), (21), (24), or (25) of section 306(a). (B) Rural utilities category The rural utilities category consists of all amounts made available for— (i) water or waste disposal grants or direct or guaranteed loans under paragraph (1), (2), or (24) of section 306(a); (ii) rural water or wastewater technical assistance and training grants under section 306(a)(14); (iii) emergency community water assistance grants under section 306A; or (iv) solid waste management grants under section 310B(b). (C) Rural business and cooperative development category The rural business and cooperative development category consists of all amounts made available for— (i) business and industry direct and guaranteed loans under section 310B(a)(2)(A); or (ii) rural business development grants under section 310B(c). (3) Period The reservation of funds described in paragraph (2) may only extend through June 30 of the fiscal year in which the funds were first made available. (e) Approved applications (1) In general Any applicant who submitted a rural development application that was approved before the date of enactment of this section may amend the application to qualify for the funds reserved under subsection (d)(1). (2) Rural utilities Any rural development application authorized under section 306(a)(2), 306(a)(14), 306(a)(24), 306A, or 310B(b) and approved by the Secretary before the date of enactment of this section shall be eligible for the funds reserved under subsection (d)(1) on the same basis as the applications submitted under this section until September 30, 2016. . 6026. Delta Regional Authority (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 382M(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009aa–12(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Termination of authority Section 382N of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009aa–13 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6027. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority (a) Audit Section 383L(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Ac ( 7 U.S.C. 2009bb-10(c) ) is amended by inserting for any fiscal year for which funds are appropriated after annual basis . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 383N(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009bb–12(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (c) Termination of authority Section 383O of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009bb–13 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6028. Rural business investment program Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2009cc–18 ) is amended by striking $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . B Rural Electrification Act of 1936 6101. Fees for certain loan guarantees The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 is amended by inserting after section 4 ( 7 U.S.C. 904 ) the following: 5. Fees for certain loan guarantees (a) In general For electrification baseload generation loan guarantees, the Secretary shall, at the request of the borrower, charge an upfront fee to cover the costs of the loan guarantee. (b) Fee The fee described in subsection (a) for a loan guarantee shall be equal to the costs of the loan guarantee (within the meaning of section 502(5)(C) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 ( 2 U.S.C. 661a(5)(C) )). (c) Limitation Funds received from a borrower to pay the fee described in this section shall not be derived from a loan or other debt obligation that is made or guaranteed by the Federal Government. . 6102. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes Section 313A(f) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c–1(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6103. Expansion of 911 access Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940e(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6104. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas (a) In general Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 950bb ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Priority In making loans or loan guarantees under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) establish not less than 2 evaluation periods for each fiscal year to compare loan and loan guarantee applications and to prioritize loans and loan guarantees to all or part of rural communities that do not have residential broadband service that meets the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e); (B) give the highest priority to applicants that offer to provide broadband service to the greatest proportion of unserved households or households that do not have residential broadband service that meets the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e), as— (i) certified by the affected community, city, county, or designee; or (ii) demonstrated on— (I) the broadband map of the affected State if the map contains address-level data; or (II) the National Broadband Map if address-level data is unavailable; and (C) provide equal consideration to all qualified applicants, including applicants that have not previously received loans or loan guarantees under paragraph (1); and (D) give priority to applicants that offer in the applications of the applicants to provide broadband service not predominantly for business service, if at least 25 percent of the customers in the proposed service territory are commercial interests. ; (2) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking clause (i) and inserting the following: (i) demonstrate the ability to furnish, improve in order to meet the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e), or extend broadband service to all or part of an unserved rural area or an area below the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e); ; (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking clause (i) and inserting the following: (i) not less than 15 percent of the households in the proposed service territory are unserved or have service levels below the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e); and ; (ii) in the heading of subparagraph (B), by striking 25 ; and (iii) in subparagraph (C)— (I) in the subparagraph heading, by striking 3 or more ; and (II) by striking clause (i) and inserting the following: (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), subparagraph (A)(ii) shall not apply to an incumbent service provider in the portion of a proposed service territory in which the provider is upgrading broadband service to meet the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e) for the existing territory of the incumbent service provider. ; (C) in paragraph (3)(B), by adding at the end the following: (iii) Information Information submitted under this subparagraph shall be— (I) certified by the affected community, city, county, or designee; or (II) demonstrated on— (aa) the broadband map of the affected State if the map contains address-level data; or (bb) the National Broadband Map if address-level data is unavailable. ; (D) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following: (5) Notice requirements The Secretary shall promptly provide a fully searchable database on the website of the Rural Utilities Service that contains, at a minimum— (A) notice of each application for a loan or loan guarantee under this section describing the application, including— (i) the identity of the applicant; (ii) a description of each application, including— (I) each area proposed to be served by the applicant; and (II) the amount and type of support requested by each applicant; (iii) the status of each application; (iv) the estimated number and proportion relative to the service territory of households without terrestrial-based broadband service in those areas; and (v) a list of the census block groups or proposed service territory, in a manner specified by the Secretary, that the applicant proposes to service; (B) notice of each entity receiving assistance under this section, including— (i) the name of the entity; (ii) the type of assistance being received; (iii) the purpose for which the entity is receiving the assistance; (iv) each semiannual report submitted under paragraph (8)(A) (redacted to protect any proprietary information in the report); and (C) such other information as is sufficient to allow the public to understand assistance provided under this section. ; (E) by adding at the end the following: (8) Reporting (A) In general The Secretary shall require any entity receiving assistance under this section to submit a semiannual report for 3 years after completion of the project, in a format specified by the Secretary, that describes— (i) the use by the entity of the assistance, including new equipment and capacity enhancements that support high-speed broadband access for educational institutions, health care providers, and public safety service providers (including the estimated number of end users who are currently using or forecasted to use the new or upgraded infrastructure); and (ii) the progress towards fulfilling the objectives for which the assistance was granted, including— (I) the number and location of residences and businesses that will receive new broadband service, existing network service improvements, and facility upgrades resulting from the Federal assistance; (II) the speed of broadband service; (III) the average price of broadband service in a proposed service area; (IV) any changes in broadband service adoption rates, including new subscribers generated from demand-side projects; and (V) any metrics the Secretary determines to be appropriate; (B) Additional reporting The Secretary may require any additional reporting and information by any recipient of any assistance under this section so as to ensure compliance with this section. (9) Default and deobligation In addition to other authority under applicable law, the Secretary shall establish written procedures for all broadband programs administered by the Rural Utilities Service under this or any other Act that, to the maximum extent practicable— (A) recover funds from loan defaults; (B) deobligate any awards, less allowable costs that demonstrate an insufficient level of performance (including metrics determined by the Secretary) or fraudulent spending, to the extent funds with respect to the award are available in the account relating to the program established by this section; (C) award those funds, on a competitive basis, to new or existing applicants consistent with this section; and (D) minimize overlap among the programs. (10) Service area assessment The Secretary shall, with respect to an application for assistance under this section— (A) provide not less than 15 days for broadband service providers to voluntarily submit information concerning the broadband services that the providers offer in the census block groups or tracts described in paragraph (5)(A)(v) so that the Secretary may assess whether the applications submitted meet the eligibility requirements under this section; and (B) if no broadband service provider submits information under subparagraph (A), consider the number of providers in the census block group or tract to be established by using— (i) the most current National Broadband Map of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; or (ii) any other data regarding the availability of broadband service that the Secretary may collect or obtain through reasonable efforts. ; (3) in subsection (e)— (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), for purposes of this section, the minimum acceptable level of broadband service for a rural area shall be at least— (A) a 4-Mbps downstream transmission capacity; and (B) a 1-Mbps upstream transmission capacity. (2) Adjustments (A) In general At least once every 2 years, the Secretary shall review, and may adjust through notice published in the Federal Register, the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under paragraph (1) to ensure that high quality, cost-effective broadband service is provided to rural areas over time. (B) Considerations In making an adjustment to the minimum acceptable level of broadband service under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may consider establishing different transmission rates for fixed broadband service and mobile broadband service. ; (4) in subsection (g), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Terms In determining the term and conditions of a loan or loan guarantee, the Secretary may— (A) consider whether the recipient is or would be serving an area that is unserved or has service levels below the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under subsection (e); and (B) if the Secretary makes a determination in the affirmative under subparagraph (A), establish a limited initial deferral period or comparable terms necessary to achieve the financial feasibility and long-term sustainability of the project. ; (5) in subsection (j)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting , including any loan terms or conditions for which the Secretary provided additional assistance to unserved areas before the semicolon at the end; (B) in paragraph (5), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (C) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (7) the overall progress towards fulfilling the goal of improving the quality of rural life by expanding rural broadband access, as demonstrated by metrics, including— (A) the number of residences and businesses receiving new broadband services; (B) network improvements, including facility upgrades and equipment purchases; (C) average broadband speeds and prices on a local and statewide basis; (D) any changes in broadband adoption rates; and (E) any specific activities that increased high speed broadband access for educational institutions, health care providers, and public safety service providers. ; and (6) in subsections (k)(1) and (l), by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . (b) Study on providing effective data for National Broadband Map . (1) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, shall conduct a study of the ways that data collected under the broadband programs of the Secretary of Agriculture could be most effectively shared with the Commission to support the development and maintenance of the National Broadband Map by the Commission. (2) Inclusions The study shall include a consideration of the circumstances under which address-level data could be collected by the Secretary and appropriately shared with the Commission. (3) Completion Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete the study required under this subsection. (4) Report Not later than 60 days after the date of completion of the study, the Secretary shall submit a report describing the results of the study to— (A) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; (B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; (C) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; and (D) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. 6105. Rural Gigabit Network Pilot Program Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 950bb et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 603. Rural Gigabit Network Pilot Program (a) Definition of ultra-High speed service In this section, the term ultra-high speed service means broadband service operating at a 1 gigabit per second downstream transmission capacity. (b) Pilot program The Secretary shall establish a pilot program to be known as the Rural Gigabit Network Pilot Program , under which the Secretary may, at the discretion of the Secretary, provide grants, loans, or loan guarantees to eligible entities. (c) Eligibility (1) In general To be eligible to obtain assistance under this section, an entity shall— (A) demonstrate to the Secretary the ability to furnish or extend ultra-high speed service to a rural area; (B) submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require; (C) not already provide ultra-high speed service to a rural area within any State in the proposed service territory; and (D) agree to complete buildout of ultra-high speed service by not later than 3 years after the initial date on which assistance under this section is made available. (2) Eligible projects Assistance under this section may only be used to carry out a project in a proposed service territory if— (A) the proposed service territory is a rural area; and (B) ultra-high speed service is not provided in any part of the proposed service territory. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . C Miscellaneous 6201. Distance learning and telemedicine (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 2335A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa–5 ) is amended by striking $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2012 and inserting $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . (b) Conforming amendment Section 1(b) of Public Law 102–551 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa note) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6202. Agricultural transportation Section 203(j) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622(j) ) is amended by striking the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Maritime Commission,, and inserting the Surface Transportation Board, the Federal Maritime Commission, . 6203. Value-added agricultural product market development grants Section 231(b) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 1632a(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting the following: (6) Priority (A) Eligible independent producers of value-added agricultural products In awarding grants under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall give priority to— (i) operators of small- and medium-sized farms and ranches that are structured as family farms; (ii) beginning farmers or ranchers; (iii) socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers; and (iv) veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )). (B) Eligible agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business venture In awarding grants under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall give priority to projects (including farmer or rancher cooperative projects) that best contribute to creating or increasing marketing opportunities for operators, farmers, and ranchers described in subparagraph (A). ; and (2) in paragraph (7)— (A) in subparagraph (A)— (i) by striking On October 1, 2008, and inserting On the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , ; and (ii) by striking $15,000,000 and inserting $63,000,000 ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 6204. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program Section 6402(i) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 1632b(i) ) is amended by striking $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 6205. Rural energy savings program Subtitle E of title VI of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( Public Law 107–171 ; 116 Stat. 424) is amended by adding at the end the following: 6407. Rural energy savings program (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to help rural families and small businesses achieve cost savings by providing loans to qualified consumers to implement durable cost-effective energy efficiency measures. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) any public power district, public utility district, or similar entity, or any electric cooperative described in section 501(c)(12) or 1381(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, that borrowed and repaid, prepaid, or is paying an electric loan made or guaranteed by the Rural Utilities Service (or any predecessor agency); (B) any entity primarily owned or controlled by 1 or more entities described in subparagraph (A); or (C) any other entity that is an eligible borrower of the Rural Utilities Service, as determined under section 1710.101 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (2) Energy efficiency measures The term energy efficiency measures means, for or at property served by an eligible entity, structural improvements and investments in cost-effective, commercial technologies to increase energy efficiency. (3) Qualified consumer The term qualified consumer means a consumer served by an eligible entity that has the ability to repay a loan made under subsection (d), as determined by the eligible entity. (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service. (c) Loans to Eligible Entities (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall make loans to eligible entities that agree to use the loan funds to make loans to qualified consumers for the purpose of implementing energy efficiency measures. (2) Requirements (A) In general As a condition of receiving a loan under this subsection, an eligible entity shall— (i) establish a list of energy efficiency measures that is expected to decrease energy use or costs of qualified consumers; (ii) prepare an implementation plan for use of the loan funds, including use of any interest to be received pursuant to subsection (d)(1)(A); (iii) provide for appropriate measurement and verification to ensure— (I) the effectiveness of the energy efficiency loans made by the eligible entity; and (II) that there is no conflict of interest in carrying out this section; and (iv) demonstrate expertise in effective use of energy efficiency measures at an appropriate scale. (B) Revision of list of energy efficiency measures Subject to the approval of the Secretary, an eligible entity may update the list required under subparagraph (A)(i) to account for newly available efficiency technologies. (C) Existing energy efficiency programs An eligible entity that, at any time before the date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, has established an energy efficiency program for qualified consumers may use an existing list of energy efficiency measures, implementation plan, or measurement and verification system of that program to satisfy the requirements of subparagraph (A) if the Secretary determines the list, plan, or systems are consistent with the purposes of this section. (3) No interest A loan under this subsection shall bear no interest. (4) Repayment With respect to a loan under paragraph (1)— (A) the term shall not exceed 20 years from the date on which the loan is closed; and (B) except as provided in paragraph (6), the repayment of each advance shall be amortized for a period not to exceed 10 years. (5) Amount of advances Any advance of loan funds to an eligible entity in any single year shall not exceed 50 percent of the approved loan amount. (6) Special advance for start-up activities (A) In general In order to assist an eligible entity in defraying the appropriate start-up costs (as determined by the Secretary) of establishing new programs or modifying existing programs to carry out subsection (d), the Secretary shall allow an eligible entity to request a special advance. (B) Amount No eligible entity may receive a special advance under this paragraph for an amount that is greater than 4 percent of the loan amount received by the eligible entity under paragraph (1). (C) Repayment Repayment of the special advance— (i) shall be required during the 10-year period beginning on the date on which the special advance is made; and (ii) at the election of the eligible entity, may be deferred to the end of the 10-year period. (7) Limitation All special advances shall be made under a loan described in paragraph (1) during the first 10 years of the term of the loan. (d) Loans to qualified consumers (1) Terms of loans Loans made by an eligible entity to qualified consumers using loan funds provided by the Secretary under subsection (c)— (A) may bear interest, not to exceed 3 percent, to be used for purposes that include— (i) to establish a loan loss reserve; and (ii) to offset personnel and program costs of eligible entities to provide the loans; (B) shall finance energy efficiency measures for the purpose of decreasing energy usage or costs of the qualified consumer by an amount that ensures, to the maximum extent practicable, that a loan term of not more than 10 years will not pose an undue financial burden on the qualified consumer, as determined by the eligible entity; (C) shall not be used to fund purchases of, or modifications to, personal property unless the personal property is or becomes attached to real property (including a manufactured home) as a fixture; (D) shall be repaid through charges added to the electric bill for the property for, or at which, energy efficiency measures are or will be implemented, on the condition that this requirement does not prohibit— (i) the voluntary prepayment of a loan by the owner of the property; or (ii) the use of any additional repayment mechanisms that are— (I) demonstrated to have appropriate risk mitigation features, as determined by the eligible entity; or (II) required if the qualified consumer is no longer a customer of the eligible entity; and (E) shall require an energy audit by an eligible entity to determine the impact of proposed energy efficiency measures on the energy costs and consumption of the qualified consumer. (2) Contractors In addition to any other qualified general contractor, eligible entities may serve as general contractors. (e) Contract for measurement and verification, training, and technical assistance (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary— (A) shall establish a plan for measurement and verification, training, and technical assistance of the program; and (B) may enter into 1 or more contracts with a qualified entity for the purposes of— (i) providing measurement and verification activities; and (ii) developing a program to provide technical assistance and training to the employees of eligible entities to carry out this section. (2) Use of subcontractors authorized A qualified entity that enters into a contract under paragraph (1) may use subcontractors to assist the qualified entity in carrying out the contract. (f) Additional authority The authority provided in this section is in addition to any other authority of the Secretary to offer loans under any other law. (g) Effective Period Subject to the availability of funds and except as otherwise provided in this section, the loans and other expenditures required to be made under this section shall be available until expended, with the Secretary authorized to make new loans as loans are repaid. (h) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 6206. Study of rural transportation issues (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation shall publish an updated version of the study described in section 6206 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (as amended by subsection (b)). (b) Addition to study Section 6206(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1971) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (5) the sufficiency of infrastructure along waterways in the United States and the impact of the infrastructure on the movement of agricultural goods in terms of safety, efficiency and speed, as well as the benefits derived through upgrades and repairs to locks and dams. . (c) Report to Congress Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to Congress the updated version of the study required by subsection (a). 6207. Regional economic and infrastructure development Section 15751 of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking Not more than and inserting the following: (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), not more than ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (2) Limited funding In a case in which less than $10,000,000 is made available to a Commission for a fiscal year under this section, paragraph (1) shall not apply. . 6208. Definition of rural area for purposes of the Housing Act of 1949 The second sentence of section 520 of the Housing Act of 1949 ( 42 U.S.C. 1490 ) is amended— (1) by striking 1990 or 2000 decennial census shall continue to be so classified until the receipt of data from the decennial census in the year 2010 and inserting 1990, 2000, or 2010 decennial census, and any area deemed to be a rural area for purposes of this title under any other provision of law at any time during the period beginning January 1, 2000, and ending December 31, 2010, shall continue to be so classified until the receipt of data from the decennial census in the year 2020 ; and (2) by striking 25,000 and inserting 35,000 . 6209. Program metrics (a) In general The Secretary shall collect data regarding economic activities created through grants and loans, including any technical assistance provided as a component of the grant or loan program, and measure the short- and long-term viability of award recipients and any entities to whom those recipients provide assistance using award funds, under— (1) section 231 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 1632a ); (2) section 313(b)(2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 ( 7 U.S.C. 940c(b)(2) ); or (3) section 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(g), 310H, or 379E, or subtitle E, of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1932(c) , 1932(e), 1932(g), 2008s, 2009 et seq.). (b) Data The data collected under subsection (a) shall include information collected from recipients both during the award period and for a period of time, as determined by the Secretary, which is not less than 2 years after the award period ends. (c) Report (1) In general Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years 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 report that contains the data described in subsection (a). (2) Detailed information The report shall include detailed information regarding— (A) actions taken by the Secretary to use the data; (B) the percentage increase of employees; (C) the number of business starts and clients served; (D) any benefit, such as an increase in revenue or customer base; and (E) such other information as the Secretary considers appropriate. 6210. Funding of pending rural development loan and grant applications (a) In general The Secretary shall use funds made available under subsection (b) to provide funds for applications that are pending on the date of enactment of this Act in accordance with the terms and conditions of section 6029 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1955). (b) Funding Notwithstanding any other provision of law, beginning in fiscal year 2014, of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $150,000,000, to remain available until expended. VII Research, Extension, and Related Matters A National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 7101. Option to be included as non-land-grant college of agriculture Section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraph: (5) Cooperating forestry school (A) In general The term cooperating forestry school means an institution— (i) that is eligible to receive funds under Public Law 87–788 (commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; 16 U.S.C. 582a et seq. ); and (ii) with respect to which the Secretary has not received a declaration of the intent of that institution to not be considered a cooperating forestry school. (B) Termination of declaration A declaration of the intent of an institution to not be considered a cooperating forestry school submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect until September 30, 2018. ; (2) in paragraph (10)— (A) in subparagraph (A)— (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking that ; (ii) in clause (i)— (I) by inserting that before qualify ; and (II) by striking and at the end; (iii) in clause (ii)— (I) by inserting that before offer ; and (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) with respect to which the Secretary has not received a declaration of the intent of a college or university to not be considered a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university. ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Termination of declaration of intent A declaration of the intent of a college or university to not be considered a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect until September 30, 2018. ; and (3) in paragraph (14)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking agriculture or forestry and inserting food and agricultural sciences ; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: (B) Designation Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, the Secretary shall establish an ongoing process through which public colleges or universities may apply for designation as an NLGCA Institution. . 7102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (a) Extension of termination date Section 1408(h) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123(h) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Duties of National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board Section 1408(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by striking Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and all that follows through the semi-colon and inserting Committee on Appropriations of the Senate on— ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: (A) long-term and short-term national policies and priorities consistent with the purposes specified in section 1402 for agricultural research, extension, education, and economics; and (B) the annual establishment of priorities that— (i) are in accordance with the purposes specified in a provision of a covered law (as defined in subsection (d) of section 1492) under which competitive grants (described in subsection (c) of such section) are awarded; and (ii) the Board determines are national priorities. ; (2) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (3) in paragraph (4)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking the national research policies and priorities set forth in inserting national research policies and priorities that are consistent with the purposes specified in ; and (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) consult with industry groups on agricultural research, extension, education, and economics, and make recommendations to the Secretary based on that consultation. . 7103. Specialty crop committee (a) Establishment of subcommittee Section 1408A(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking Not later than and inserting the following: (1) In general Not later than ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Citrus disease subcommittee (A) In general Not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , the Secretary shall establish within the speciality crops committee, and appoint the initial members of, a citrus disease subcommittee to carry out the responsibilities of the subcommittee described in subsection (g) in accordance with subsection (j)(3) of section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632 ). (B) Composition The citrus disease subcommittee shall be composed of 9 members, each of whom is a domestic producer of citrus in a State, represented as follows: (i) Three of such members shall represent Arizona or California. (ii) Five of such members shall represent Florida. (iii) One of such members shall represent Texas. (C) Membership The Secretary may appoint individuals who are not members of the specialty crops committee or the Advisory Board established under section 1408 as members of the citrus disease subcommittee (D) Termination The subcommittee established under subparagraph (A) shall terminate on September 30, 2018. (E) Federal Advisory Committee Act The subcommittee established under subparagraph (A) shall be covered by the exemption to section 9(c) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) applicable to the Advisory Board under section 1408(f). . (b) Members Section 1408A(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking Individuals and inserting the following: (1) Eligibility Individuals ; (2) by striking Members and inserting the following: (2) Service Members ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Diversity Membership of the specialty crops committee shall reflect diversity in the specialty crops represented. . (c) Annual committee report Section 1408A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking Measures and inserting Programs ; (2) by striking paragraph (2); (3) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; (4) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Programs that would and inserting Research, extension, and teaching programs designed to improve competitiveness in the specialty crop industry, including programs that would ; (B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting , including improving the quality and taste of processed specialty crops before the semicolon; and (C) in subparagraph (G), by inserting the remote sensing and the before mechanization ; and (5) by adding at the end the following: (5) Analysis of the alignment of specialty crops committee recommendations with grants awarded through the specialty crop research initiative established under section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632 ). . (d) Consultation with specialty crop industry Section 1408A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (e) and (f), respectively; (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following: (d) Consultation with specialty crop industry In studying the scope and effectiveness of programs under subsection (a), the specialty crops committee shall consult on an ongoing basis with diverse sectors of the specialty crop industry. ; and (3) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)), by striking subsection (d) and inserting subsection (e) . (e) Duties of citrus disease subcommittee Section 1408A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a ), as amended by subsection (d), is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (g) Citrus Disease subcommittee duties For the purposes of subsection (j) of section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632 ), the citrus disease subcommittee shall— (1) advise the Secretary on citrus research, extension, and development needs; (2) propose, by a favorable vote of two-thirds of the members of the subcommittee, a research and extension agenda and annual budgets for the funds made available to carry out such subsection; (3) evaluate and review ongoing research and extension funded under the emergency citrus disease research and extension program (as defined in such subsection); (4) establish, by a favorable vote of two-thirds of the members of the subcommittee, annual priorities for the award of grants under such subsection; (5) provide the Secretary any comments on grants awarded under such subsection during the previous fiscal year; and (6) engage in regular consultation and collaboration with the Department and other institutional, governmental, and private persons conducting scientific research on, and extension activities related to, the causes or treatments of citrus diseases and pests, both domestic and invasive, for purposes of— (A) maximizing the effectiveness of research and extension projects funded under the citrus disease research and extension program; (B) hastening the development of useful treatments; (C) avoiding duplicative and wasteful expenditures; and (D) providing the Secretary with such information and advice as the Secretary may request. . 7104. Veterinary services grant program The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1415A ( 7 U.S.C. 3151a ) the following new section: 1415B. Veterinary services grant program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Qualified entity The term qualified entity means— (A) a for-profit or nonprofit entity located in the United States that, or an individual who, operates a veterinary clinic providing veterinary services— (i) in a rural area, as defined in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a) ); and (ii) in a veterinarian shortage situation; (B) a State, national, allied, or regional veterinary organization or specialty board recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association; (C) a college or school of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association; (D) a university research foundation or veterinary medical foundation; (E) a department of veterinary science or department of comparative medicine accredited by the Department of Education; (F) a State agricultural experiment station; or (G) a State, local, or tribal government agency. (2) Veterinarian shortage situation The term veterinarian shortage situation means a veterinarian shortage situation as determined by the Secretary under section 1415A. (b) Establishment (1) Competitive grants The Secretary shall carry out a program to make competitive grants to qualified entities that carry out programs or activities described in paragraph (2) for the purpose of developing, implementing, and sustaining veterinary services. (2) Eligibility requirements A qualified entity shall be eligible to receive a grant described in paragraph (1) if the entity carries out programs or activities that the Secretary determines will— (A) substantially relieve veterinarian shortage situations; (B) support or facilitate private veterinary practices engaged in public health activities; or (C) support or facilitate the practices of veterinarians who are providing or have completed providing services under an agreement entered into with the Secretary under section 1415A(a)(2). (c) Award processes and preferences (1) Application, evaluation, and input processes In administering the grant program established under this section, the Secretary shall— (A) use an appropriate application and evaluation process, as determined by the Secretary; and (B) seek the input of interested persons. (2) Coordination preference In selecting recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes described in subsection (d)(1), the Secretary shall give a preference to qualified entities that provide documentation of coordination with other qualified entities, with respect to any such purpose. (3) Consideration of available funds In selecting recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes described in subsection (d), the Secretary shall take into consideration the amount of funds available for grants and the purposes for which the grant funds will be used. (4) Nature of grants A grant awarded under this section shall be considered to be a competitive research, extension, or education grant. (d) Use of grants To relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), a qualified entity may use funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services for any of the following purposes: (A) To promote recruitment (including for programs in secondary schools), placement, and retention of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students of veterinary medicine, and students of veterinary technology. (B) To allow veterinary students, veterinary interns, externs, fellows, and residents, and veterinary technician students to cover expenses (other than the types of expenses described in section 1415A(c)(5)) to attend training programs in food safety or food animal medicine. (C) To establish or expand accredited veterinary education programs (including faculty recruitment and retention), veterinary residency and fellowship programs, or veterinary internship and externship programs carried out in coordination with accredited colleges of veterinary medicine. (D) To provide continuing education and extension, including veterinary telemedicine and other distance-based education, for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other health professionals needed to strengthen veterinary programs and enhance food safety. (E) To provide technical assistance for the preparation of applications submitted to the Secretary for designation as a veterinarian shortage situation under this section or section 1415A. (2) Qualified entities operating veterinary clinics A qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) may only use funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to establish or expand veterinary practices, including— (A) equipping veterinary offices; (B) sharing in the reasonable overhead costs of such veterinary practices, as determined by the Secretary; or (C) establishing mobile veterinary facilities in which a portion of the facilities will address education or extension needs. (e) Special requirements for certain grants (1) Terms of service requirements (A) In general Funds provided through a grant made under this section to a qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) and used by such entity under subsection (d)(2) shall be subject to an agreement between the Secretary and such entity that includes a required term of service for such entity (including a qualified entity operating as an individual), as established by the Secretary. (B) Considerations In establishing a term of service under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider only— (i) the amount of the grant awarded; and (ii) the specific purpose of the grant. (2) Breach remedies (A) In general An agreement under paragraph (1) shall provide remedies for any breach of the agreement by the qualified entity referred to in paragraph (1)(A), including repayment or partial repayment of the grant funds, with interest. (B) Waiver The Secretary may grant a waiver of the repayment obligation for breach of contract if the Secretary determines that such qualified entity demonstrates extreme hardship or extreme need. (C) Treatment of amounts recovered Funds recovered under this paragraph shall— (i) be credited to the account available to carry out this section; and (ii) remain available until expended without further appropriation. (f) Prohibition on use of grant funds for construction Except as provided in subsection (d)(2), funds made available for grants under this section may not be used— (1) to construct a new building or facility; or (2) to acquire, expand, remodel, or alter an existing building or facility, including site grading and improvement and architect fees. (g) Regulations Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this section. (h) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended. . 7105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education Section 1417(m) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3152(m) ) is amended by striking section $60,000,000 and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1990 through 2013; and (2) $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7106. Agricultural and food policy research centers Section 1419A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3155 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting Agricultural and food before policy ; (2) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1)— (A) by striking Secretary may and inserting Secretary shall, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, ; and (B) by striking make grants, competitive grants, and special research grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements and other contracting instruments with, and inserting make competitive grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, ; (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Eligible recipients An entity eligible to apply for funding under subsection (a) is a State agricultural experiment station, college or university, or other public research institution or organization that has a history of providing— (1) unbiased, nonpartisan economic analysis to Congress on the areas specified in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (a); or (2) objective, scientific information to Federal agencies and the public to support and enhance efficient, accurate implementation of Federal drought preparedness and drought response programs, including interagency thresholds used to determine eligibility for mitigation or emergency assistance. ; (4) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; (5) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection: (c) Preference In making awards under this section, the Secretary shall give a preference to policy research centers that have— (1) extensive databases, models, and demonstrated experience in providing Congress with agricultural market projections, rural development analysis, agricultural policy analysis, and baseline projections at the farm, multiregional, national, and international levels; or (2) information, analysis, and research relating to drought mitigation. ; (6) in subsection (d)(2) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by inserting applied after theoretical and ; and (7) by striking subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)) and inserting the following new subsection: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7107. Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and Native Hawaiian serving institutions Section 1419B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3156 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking (or grants without regard to any requirement for competition) ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking (or grants without regard to any requirement for competition) ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7108. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program Section 1424 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3174 ) is repealed. 7109. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research Section 1424A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3174a ) is repealed. 7110. Nutrition education program Section 1425(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3175(f) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7111. Continuing animal health and disease research programs (a) In general Section 1433 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3195 ) is amended to read as follows: 1433. Continuing animal health and disease, food security, and stewardship research, education, and extension programs (a) Capacity and infrastructure program (1) In general In each State with one or more accredited colleges of veterinary medicine, the deans of the accredited college or colleges and the director of the State agricultural experiment station shall develop a comprehensive animal health and disease research program for the State based on the animal health research capacity of each eligible institution in the State, which shall be submitted to the Secretary for approval and shall be used for the allocation of funds available to the State under this section. (2) Use of funds An eligible institution allocated funds to carry out animal health and disease research under this section may only use such funds— (A) to meet the expenses of conducting animal health and disease research, publishing and disseminating the results of such research, and contributing to the retirement of employees subject to the Act of March 4, 1940 ( 7 U.S.C. 331 ); (B) for administrative planning and direction; and (C) to purchase equipment and supplies necessary for conducting research described in subparagraph (A). (3) Cooperation among eligible institutions The Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, shall encourage eligible institutions to cooperate in setting research priorities under this section through conducting regular regional and national meetings. (b) Competitive grant program (1) In general The Secretary, for purposes of addressing the critical needs of animal agriculture, shall award competitive grants to eligible entities under which such eligible entities— (A) conduct research— (i) to promote food security, such as by— (I) improving feed efficiency; (II) improving energetic efficiency; (III) connecting genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and related phenomena to animal production; (IV) improving reproductive efficiency; and (V) enhancing pre- and post-harvest food safety systems; and (ii) on the relationship between animal and human health, such as by— (I) exploring new approaches for vaccine development; (II) understanding and controlling zoonosis, including its impact on food safety; (III) improving animal health through feed; and (IV) enhancing product quality and nutritive value; and (B) develop and disseminate to the public tools and information based on the research conducted under subparagraph (A) and sound science. (2) Eligible entities An entity eligible to receive a grant under this subsection is any of the following: (A) A State cooperative institution. (B) An NLGCA Institution. (3) Administration In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall establish procedures— (A) to seek and accept proposals for grants; (B) to review and determine the relevance and merit of proposals, in consultation with representatives of the animal agriculture industry; (C) to provide a scientific peer review of each proposal conducted by a panel of subject matter experts from Federal agencies, academic institutions, State animal health agencies, and the animal agriculture industry; and (D) to award competitive grants on the basis of merit, quality, and relevance. (c) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Reservation of funds The Secretary shall reserve not less than $5,000,000 of the funds made available under paragraph (1) to carry out the capacity and infrastructure program under subsection (a). (3) Initial Apportionment The amounts made available under paragraph (1) that are remaining after the reservation of funds under paragraph (2), shall be apportioned as follows: (A) 15 percent of such amounts shall be used to carry out the capacity and infrastructure program under subsection (a). (B) 85 percent of such funds shall be used to carry out the competitive grant program under subsection (b). (4) Additional apportionment The funds reserved under paragraph (2) and apportioned under paragraph (3)(A) to carry out the capacity and infrastructure program under subsection (a) shall be apportioned as follows: (A) Four percent shall be retained by the Department of Agriculture for administration, program assistance to the eligible institutions, and program coordination. (B) 48 percent shall be distributed among the several States in the proportion that the value of and income to producers from domestic livestock, poultry, and commercial aquaculture species in each State bears to the total value of and income to producers from domestic livestock, poultry, and commercial aquaculture species in all the States. The Secretary shall determine the total value of and income from domestic livestock, poultry, and commercial aquaculture species in all the States and the proportionate value of and income from domestic livestock, poultry, and commercial aquaculture species for each State, based on the most current inventory of all cattle, sheep, swine, horses, poultry, and commercial aquaculture species published by the Department of Agriculture. (C) 48 percent shall be distributed among the several States in the proportion that the animal health research capacity of the eligible institutions in each State bears to the total animal health research capacity in all the States. The Secretary shall determine the animal health research capacity of the eligible institutions. (5) Special rules for apportionment of certain funds With respect to funds reserved under paragraph (2) and apportioned under paragraph (3)(A) to carry out the capacity and infrastructure program under subsection (a), the following shall apply: (A) When the amount available under this section for allotment to any State on the basis of domestic livestock, poultry, and commercial aquaculture species values and incomes exceeds the amount for which the eligible institution or institutions in the State are eligible on the basis of animal health research capacity, the excess may be used, at the discretion of the Secretary, for remodeling of facilities, construction of new facilities, or increase in staffing, proportionate to the need for added research capacity. (B) Whenever a new college of veterinary medicine is established in a State and is accredited, the Secretary, after consultation with the dean of such college and the director of the State agricultural experiment station and where applicable, deans of other accredited colleges in the State, shall provide for the reallocation of funds available to the State pursuant to paragraph (4) between the new college and other eligible institutions in the State, based on the animal health research capacity of each eligible institution. (C) Whenever two or more States jointly establish an accredited regional college of veterinary medicine or jointly support an accredited college of veterinary medicine serving the States involved, the Secretary is authorized to make funds which are available to such States pursuant to paragraph (4) available for such college in such amount that reflects the combined relative value of, and income from, domestic livestock, poultry, and commercial aquaculture species in the cooperating States, such amount to be adjusted, as necessary, pursuant to subsection (a)(1) and subparagraph (B). . (b) Conforming amendments (1) Definition of State cooperative institution Section 1404(18) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103(18) ) is amended— (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (F), by striking subtitles E, G, and inserting subtitles G, ; (C) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G); and (D) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new subparagraph: (F) section 1430; and . (2) Definition of capacity and infrastructure program Section 251(f)(1)(C)(vi) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C)(vi) ) is amended by inserting except for the competitive grant program under section 1433(b) before the period at the end. (3) Subtitle E of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 Subtitle E of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended— (A) in section 1431(a) ( 7 U.S.C. 3193(a) ), by inserting under sections 1433(a) and 1434 after eligible institutions ; (B) in section 1435 ( 7 U.S.C. 3197 ), by striking for allocation under the terms of this subtitle and inserting to carry out sections 1433(a) and 1434 ; (C) in section 1436 ( 7 U.S.C. 3198 ), in the first sentence, by striking section 1433 of this title and inserting subsection (c) of section 1433 to carry out subsection (a) of such section ; (D) in section 1437 ( 7 U.S.C. 3199 ), in the first sentence, by striking States under section 1433 of this title and inserting States under subsection (c) of section 1433 to carry out subsection (a) of such section ; (E) in section 1438 ( 7 U.S.C. 3200 ), in the first sentence by striking under this subtitle and inserting under subsection (c) of section 1433 to carry out subsection (a) of such section ; and (F) in section 1439 ( 7 U.S.C. 3201 ), by striking under this subtitle and inserting under subsection (c) of section 1433 to carry out subsection (a) of such section or section 1434, as applicable, . (4) Authorization for appropriations for existing and certain new agricultural research programs Section 1463(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3311(c) ) is amended by striking sections 1433 and 1434 and inserting sections 1433(a) and 1434 . 7112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions (a) Supporting tropical and subtropical agricultural research (1) In general Section 1447B(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(a) ) is amended to read as follows: (a) Purpose It is the intent of Congress to assist the land-grant colleges and universities in the insular areas in efforts to— (1) acquire, alter, or repair facilities or relevant equipment necessary for conducting agricultural research; and (2) support tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research. . (2) Conforming amendment Section 1447B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2 ) is amended in the heading— (A) by inserting and support tropical and subtropical agricultural research after equipment ; and (B) by striking institutions and inserting colleges and universities . (b) Extension Section 1447B(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers Section 1448 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3222c ) is repealed. 7115. Hispanic-serving institutions Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3241(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7116. Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth Section 1456(e)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3243(e)(1) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a competitive grants program— (A) to fund fundamental and applied research and extension at Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities in agriculture, human nutrition, food science, bioenergy, and environmental science; and (B) to award competitive grants to Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities to provide for training in the food and agricultural sciences of Hispanic agricultural workers and Hispanic youth working in the food and agricultural sciences. . 7117. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs Section 1459A(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3292b(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7118. Repeal of research equipment grants Section 1462A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3310a ) is repealed. 7119. University research Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3311 ) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears in subsections (a) and (b) and inserting 2018 . 7120. Extension service Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3312 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7121. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements Section 1469 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3315 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: (b) Agreements with former agricultural research facilities of the Department To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary, for purposes of supporting ongoing research and information dissemination activities, including supporting research and those activities through co-locating scientists and other technical personnel, sharing of laboratory and field equipment, and providing financial support, shall enter into grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with former Department of Agriculture agricultural research facilities. . 7122. Supplemental and alternative crops (a) Authorization of appropriations and termination Section 1473D of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319d ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Competitive grants Section 1473D(c)(1) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319d(c)(1) ) is amended by striking use such research funding, special or competitive grants, or other means, as the Secretary determines, and inserting make competitive grants . 7123. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions Section 1473F(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319i(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7124. Aquaculture assistance programs (a) Competitive grants Section 1475(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3322(b) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting competitive before grants . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 1477 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3324 ) is amended to read as follows: 1477. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle— (1) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (b) Prohibition on use Funds made available under this section may not be used to acquire or construct a building. . 7125. Rangeland research programs Section 1483(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3336(a) ) is amended by striking subtitle and all that follows and inserting the following: subtitle— (1) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7126. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response Section 1484(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3351(a) ) is amended by striking response such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: response— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7127. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education (a) Distance education grants for insular areas (1) Competitive grants Section 1490(a) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3362(a) ) is amended by striking or noncompetitive . (2) Authorization of appropriations Section 1490(f) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3362(f) ) is amended by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . (b) Resident instruction grants for insular areas Section 1491(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3363(c) ) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7128. Matching funds requirement (a) In general The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle: P General Provisions 1492. Matching funds requirement (a) In general The recipient of a competitive grant that is awarded by the Secretary under a covered law shall provide funds, in-kind contributions, or a combination of both, from sources other than funds provided through such grant in an amount that is at least equal to the amount of such grant. (b) Exception The matching funds requirement under subsection (a) shall not apply to grants awarded— (1) to a research agency of the Department of Agriculture; or (2) to an entity eligible to receive funds under a capacity and infrastructure program (as defined in section 251(f)(1)(C) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C) )), including a partner of such entity. (c) Waiver The Secretary may waive the matching funds requirement under subsection (a) for a year with respect to a competitive grant that involves research or extension activities that are consistent with the priorities established by the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board under section 1408(c)(1)(B) for the year involved. (d) Covered law In this section, the term covered law means each of the following provisions of law: (1) This title. (2) Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5801 et seq. ). (3) The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7601 et seq. ). (4) Part III of subtitle E of title VII of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. (5) The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i ). . (b) Conforming amendments (1) National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended— (A) in section 1415(a) ( 7 U.S.C. 3151(a) ), by striking the second sentence; (B) in section 1475(b) ( 7 U.S.C. 3322(b) ), in the matter following paragraph (4), by striking Except in the case of and all that follows; and (C) in section 1480 ( 7 U.S.C. 3333 )— (i) by striking subsection (b); and (ii) by striking (a) In general.— The Secretary and inserting The Secretary . (2) Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended— (A) in section 1623(d)(2) ( 7 U.S.C. 5813(d)(2) ), by adding at the end the following: The matching funds requirement under section 1492 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 shall not apply to grants awarded under this section. ; (B) in section 1671 ( 7 U.S.C. 5924 )— (i) by striking subsection (e); and (ii) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e); (C) in section 1672 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925 )— (i) by striking subsection (c); and (ii) by redesignating subsections (d) through (j) as subsections (c) through (i), respectively; and (D) in section 1672B ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b )— (i) by striking subsection (c); and (ii) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively. (3) Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 is amended— (A) in section 406 ( 7 U.S.C. 7626 )— (i) by striking subsection (d); and (ii) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and (B) in section 412(e) ( 7 U.S.C. 7632(e) )— (i) by striking paragraph (3); and (ii) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3). (4) Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act Subsection (b)(9) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(9) ) is amended— (A) in subparagraph (A), by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) Exemption The matching funds requirement under section 1492 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 shall not apply in the case of a grant made under paragraph (6)(A). ; and (B) by striking subparagraph (B). (5) Sun grant program Section 7526(c)(1)(D)(iv) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8114(c)(1)(D)(iv) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subclause: (IV) Relation to other matching fund requirement The matching funds requirement under section 1492 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 shall not apply in the case of a grant provided by a sun grant center or subcenter under this paragraph. . (c) Application to amendments (1) New grants Section 1492 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to grants described in such section awarded after October 1, 2014, unless the provision of a covered law under which such grants are awarded specifically exempts such grants from the matching funds requirement under such section. (2) Grants awarded on or before october 1, 2014 Notwithstanding the amendments made by subsection (b), a matching funds requirement in effect on or before the date of the enactment of this section under a provision of a covered law shall continue to apply to a grant awarded under such provision on or before October 1, 2014. 7129. Designation of Central State University as 1890 institution (a) Designation Any provision of a Federal law relating to colleges and universities eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 ( 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq. ), including Tuskegee University, shall apply to Central State University. (b) Funding restriction Notwithstanding the designation under subsection (a), for fiscal years 2014 and 2015, Central State University shall not be eligible to receive formula funds under— (1) section 1444 or 1445 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221 and 3222); (2) section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act ( 7 U.S.C. 343(d) ) to carry out the national education program established under section 1425 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3175 ); (3) the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1671 et seq. ); or (4) Public Law 87–788 (commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; 16 U.S.C. 582a et seq. ). B Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 7201. Best utilization of biological applications Section 1624 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5814 ) is amended in the first sentence— (1) by striking $40,000,000 for each fiscal year ; and (2) by inserting $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018 after chapter . 7202. Integrated management systems Section 1627(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5821(d) ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018. . 7203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program Section 1628(f) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5831(f) ) is amended to read as follows: (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7204. National training program Section 1629(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5832(i) ) is amended to read as follows: (i) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the National Training Program $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018. . 7205. National Genetics Resources Program Section 1635(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5844(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking such funds as may be necessary ; and (2) by striking subtitle and all that follows and inserting the following: subtitle— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7206. National Agricultural Weather Information System Section 1641(c) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5855(c) ) is amended— (1) by striking $5,000,000 to carry out this subtitle and inserting to carry out this subtitle $5,000,000 ; and (2) by inserting and $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 before the period at the end. 7207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program Section 1670 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5923 ) is repealed. 7208. Agricultural Genome Initiative Section 1671(c) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5924(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Consortia The Secretary shall encourage awards under this section to consortia of eligible entities . . 7209. High-priority research and extension initiatives Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925 ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking subsections (e) through (i) and inserting subsections (d) through (g) ; (2) in subsection (b)(2), in the first sentence, by striking subsections (e) through (i) and inserting subsections (d) through (g) ; (3) by striking subsection (h) (as redesignated by section 7128(b)(2)(C)(ii)); (4) by redesignating subsection (i) (as redesignated by such section) as subsection (h); (5) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by such section)— (A) by striking paragraphs (1) through (5), (7), (8), (11) through (43), (47), (48), (51), and (52); (B) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (9), (10), (44), (45), (46), (49), and (50) as paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8), respectively; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (9) Coffee plant health initiative Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purposes of— (A) developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei); and (B) establishing an areawide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of, being affected by the coffee berry borer. (10) Corn, soybean meal, cereal grains, and grain byproducts research and extension Research and extension grants may be made under this section for the purpose of carrying out or enhancing research to improve the digestibility, nutritional value, and efficiency of the use of corn, soybean meal, cereal grains, and grain byproducts for the poultry and food animal production industries. ; (6) by striking subsection (e) (as redesignated by such section) and inserting the following new subsection: (e) Pulse crop health initiative (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Initiative The term Initiative means the pulse crop health initiative established by paragraph (2). (B) Pulse crop The term pulse crop means dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas. (2) Establishment The Secretary shall carry out a pulse crop health competitive research and extension initiative to address the critical needs of the pulse crop industry by developing and disseminating science-based tools and information, including— (A) research conducted with respect to pulse crops in the areas of health and nutrition, such as— (i) pulse crop diets and the ability of such diets to reduce obesity and associated chronic disease; and (ii) the underlying mechanisms of the health benefits of pulse crop consumption; (B) research related to the functionality of pulse crops, such as— (i) improving the functional properties of pulse crops and pulse crop fractions; and (ii) developing new and innovative technologies to improve pulse crops as an ingredient in food products; (C) research conducted with respect to pulse crops for purposes of enhancing sustainability and global food security, such as— (i) improving pulse crop productivity, nutrient density, and phytonutrient content using plant breeding, genetics, and genomics; (ii) improving pest and disease management, including resistance to pests and diseases; and (iii) improving nitrogen fixation and water use efficiency to reduce the carbon and energy footprint of agriculture; (D) the optimization of systems used in producing pulse crops to reduce water usage; and (E) education and technical assistance programs with respect to pulse crops, such as programs— (i) providing technical expertise to help food companies include pulse crops in innovative and healthy food; and (ii) establishing an educational program to encourage pulse crop consumption in the United States. (3) Administration Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b) ) shall apply with respect to the making of a competitive grant under this subsection. (4) Priorities In making competitive grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide a higher priority to projects that— (A) are multistate, multiinstitutional, and multidisciplinary; and (B) include explicit mechanisms to communicate results to the pulse crop industry and the public. (5) Authorization of Appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (7) by striking subsection (f) (as redesignated by such section) and inserting the following new subsection: (f) Training coordination for food and agriculture protection (1) In general The Secretary shall make a competitive grant to, or enter into a contract or a cooperative agreement with, an eligible entity (described in paragraph (2)) for purposes of establishing an internationally integrated training system to enhance the protection of the food supply in the United States, to be known as the Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network (referred to in this subsection as the Network ). (2) Eligibility (A) In general For purposes of this subsection, an eligible entity is a multiinstitutional consortium that includes— (i) a nonprofit institution that provides food safety protection training; and (ii) one or more training centers in institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )) that have demonstrated expertise in developing and delivering community-based training in food supply and agricultural safety and defense. (B) Collective consideration The Secretary may consider such consortium collectively and not on an institution-by-institution basis. (3) Duties of eligible entity As a condition of receiving a competitive grant or entering into a contract or a cooperative agreement with the Secretary under this subsection, the eligible entity, in cooperation with the Secretary, shall establish and maintain the Network, including by— (A) providing basic, technical, management, and leadership training (including by developing curricula) to regulatory and public health officials, producers, processors, and other agribusinesses; (B) serving as the hub for the administration of the Network; (C) implementing a standardized national curriculum to ensure the consistent delivery of quality training throughout the United States; (D) building and overseeing a nationally recognized instructor cadre to ensure the availability of highly qualified instructors; (E) reviewing training proposed through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and other relevant Federal agencies that report to the Secretary on the quality and content of proposed and existing courses; (F) assisting Federal agencies in the implementation of food safety protection training requirements including requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ), the Agricultural Act of 2014 , and any provision of law amended by such Act; and (G) performing evaluation and outcome-based studies to provide to the Secretary information on the effectiveness and impact of training and metrics on jurisdictions and sectors within the food safety system. (4) Membership An eligible entity may alter the consortium membership to meet specific training expertise needs. (5) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. ; (8) in subsection (g) (as redesignated by such section)— (A) by striking 2012 each place it appears in paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3) and inserting 2018 ; (B) in paragraph (3)— (i) in the heading, by striking pest and pathogen ; and (ii) by striking pest and pathogen surveillance and inserting pest, pathogen, health, and population status surveillance ; (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); (D) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph: (4) Consultation The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall publish guidance on enhancing pollinator health and the long-term viability of populations of pollinators, including recommendations related to— (A) allowing for managed honey bees to forage on National Forest System lands where compatible with other natural resource management priorities; and (B) planting and maintaining managed honey bee and native pollinator foraging on National Forest System lands where compatible with other natural resource management priorities. ; and (E) in paragraph (5) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C))— (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and moving the margins of such subparagraphs two ems to the right; (ii) by striking annual report describing and inserting the following: annual report— (A) describing ; (iii) in clause (i) (as redesignated by clause (i) of this subparagraph)— (I) by inserting and honey bee health disorders after collapse ; and (II) by striking and at the end; (iv) in clause (ii) (as redesignated by clause (i) of this subparagraph)— (I) by inserting , including best management practices after strategies ; and (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; (v) by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) addressing the decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators; ; and (vi) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: (B) assessing Federal efforts to mitigate pollinator losses and threats to the United States commercial beekeeping industry; and (C) providing recommendations to Congress regarding how to better coordinate Federal agency efforts to address the decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators. ; and (9) in subsection (h) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension initiative Section 1672A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925a ) is repealed. 7211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , education, after support research ; (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting and improvement after development ; (C) in paragraph (2), by striking to producers and processors who use organic methods and inserting of organic agricultural production and methods to producers, processors, and rural communities ; and (D) in paragraph (6), by striking and marketing and to socioeconomic conditions and inserting , marketing, food safety, socioeconomic conditions, and farm business management ; and (2) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by section 7128(b)(2)(D)(ii))— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the heading, by striking for fiscal years 2009 through 2012 ; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: (C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the heading, by striking 2009 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (ii) by striking 2009 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 7212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative (a) Repeal Section 1672C of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925e ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D) ) is amended— (1) by striking clause (xi); and (2) by redesignating clauses (xii) and (xiii) as clauses (xi) and (xii), respectively. 7213. Farm business management Section 1672D(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925f(d) ) is amended by striking such sums as are necessary to carry out this section. and inserting the following: to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7214. Centers of excellence (a) In general The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 1672D ( 7 U.S.C. 5925f ) the following new section: 1673. Centers of excellence (a) Funding priorities The Secretary shall prioritize centers of excellence established for purposes of carrying out research, extension, and education activities relating to the food and agricultural sciences (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 )) for the receipt of funding for any competitive research or extension program administered by the Secretary. (b) Composition A center of excellence is composed of 1 or more of the eligible entities specified in subsection (b)(7) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7) ) that provide financial or in-kind support to the center of excellence. (c) Criteria for centers of excellence (1) Required efforts The criteria for recognition as a center of excellence shall include efforts— (A) to ensure coordination and cost effectiveness by reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts regarding research, teaching, and extension; (B) to leverage available resources by using public-private partnerships among agricultural industry groups, institutions of higher education, and the Federal Government; (C) to implement teaching initiatives to increase awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to target audiences through extension activities; and (D) to increase the economic returns to rural communities by identifying, attracting, and directing funds to high-priority agricultural issues. (2) Additional efforts Where practicable, the criteria for recognition as a center of excellence shall include efforts to improve teaching capacity and infrastructure at colleges and universities (including land-grant colleges and universities, cooperating forestry schools, NLGCA Institutions (as those terms are defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 )), and schools of veterinary medicine). . (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2014. 7215. Repeal of red meat safety research center Section 1676 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5929 ) is repealed. 7216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities Section 1680(c)(1) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5933(c)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking is and inserting are ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (A) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (B) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7217. National rural information center clearinghouse Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125b(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 7301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department Section 103(a)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7613(a)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading by striking Merit review of extension and inserting Relevance and merit review of research, extension, ; (2) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by inserting relevance and before merit ; and (B) by striking extension or education and inserting research, extension, or education ; and (3) in subparagraph (B), by inserting on a continuous basis after procedures . 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program Subsection (e) of section 406 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7626 ) (as redesignated by section 7128(b)(3)(A)(ii)) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7303. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale, and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum or by Tilletia indica Section 408(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7628(e) ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7304. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program Section 409 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7629 ) is repealed. 7305. Grants for youth organizations Section 410(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7630(d) ) is amended by striking section such sums as are necessary and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7306. Specialty crop research initiative Section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (1) Citrus disease subcommittee The term citrus disease subcommittee means the subcommittee established under section 1408A(a)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977. ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) Specialty crops committee The term specialty crops committee means the committee established under section 1408A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a ). ; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking and genomics and inserting genomics, and other methods ; and (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting handling and processing, after production efficiency, ; (3) in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking the Initiative and inserting this section ; (4) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following new subsection: (d) Review of proposals In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall award competitive grants on the basis of— (1) a scientific peer review conducted by a panel of subject matter experts from Federal agencies, non-Federal entities, and the specialty crop industry; and (2) a review and ranking for merit, relevance, and impact conducted by a panel of specialty crop industry representatives for the specific specialty crop. ; (5) by redesignating subsections (e) (as amended by section 7128(b)(3)(B)), (f), (g), and (h) as subsections (g), (h), (i), and (k), respectively; (6) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsections: (e) Consultation Each fiscal year, before conducting the scientific peer review described in paragraph (1) of subsection (d) and the merit and relevancy review described in paragraph (2) of such subsection, the Secretary shall consult with the specialty crops committee regarding such reviews. The committee shall provide the Secretary— (1) in the first fiscal year in which that consultation occurs, any recommendations for conducting such reviews in such fiscal year; and (2) in any subsequent fiscal year in which such consultation occurs— (A) an assessment of the procedures and objectives used by the Secretary for such reviews in the previous fiscal year; (B) any recommendations for such reviews for the current fiscal year; and (C) any comments on grants awarded under subsection (d) during the previous fiscal year. (f) Report 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 report on— (1) the results of the consultations with the specialty crops committee (and subcommittees thereof) conducted under subsection (e) of this section and subsection (g) of section 1408A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a ); (2) the specialty crops committee’s (and subcommittees thereof) recommendations, if any, provided to the Secretary during such consultations; and (3) the specialty crops committee’s (and subcommittees thereof) review of the grants awarded under subsection (d) and (j), as applicable, in the previous fiscal year. ; (7) in subsection (g) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) In general With respect to grants awarded under this section, the Secretary shall seek and accept proposals for grants. ; and (B) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by section 7128(b)(3)(B)), by striking this section and inserting the Initiative ; (8) in subsection (h) (as so redesignated), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking this section and inserting the Initiative ; (9) in subsection (k) (as so redesignated)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking (1) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2008 through 2012.— Of the funds and inserting the following: (1) Mandatory funding (A) Fiscal years 2008 through 2012 Of the funds ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Subsequent funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. (C) Reservation For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall reserve not less than $25,000,000 of the funds made available under subparagraph (B) to carry out the program established under subsection (j). (D) Availability of funds Funds reserved under subparagraph (C) shall remain available and reserved for the purpose described in such subparagraph until expended. ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the heading, by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (ii) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (10) by inserting after subsection (i) the following new subsection: (j) Emergency citrus disease research and extension program (1) Establishment and purpose The Secretary shall establish a competitive research and extension grant program to combat diseases of citrus under which the Secretary awards competitive grants to eligible entities— (A) to conduct scientific research and extension activities, technical assistance, and development activities to combat citrus diseases and pests, both domestic and invasive, which pose imminent harm to the United States citrus production and threaten the future viability of the citrus industry, including huanglongbing and the Asian Citrus Psyllid; and (B) to provide support for the dissemination and commercialization of relevant information, techniques, and technologies discovered pursuant to research and extension activities funded through— (i) the emergency citrus disease research and extension program; or (ii) other research and extension projects intended to solve problems caused by citrus production diseases and invasive pests. (2) Priority In awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to grants that address the research and extension priorities established pursuant to subsection (g)(4) of section 1408A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a ). (3) Coordination When developing the proposed research and extension agenda and budget under subsection (g)(2) of section 1408A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3123a ) for the funds made available under this subsection for a fiscal year, the citrus disease subcommittee shall— (A) seek input from Federal and State agencies and other entities involved in citrus disease response; and (B) take into account other public and private citrus-related research and extension projects and the funding for such projects. (4) Nonduplication The Secretary shall ensure that funds made available to carry out the emergency citrus disease research and extension activities under this subsection shall be in addition to and not supplant funds made available to carry out other citrus disease activities carried out by the Department of Agriculture in consultation with State agencies. (5) Authorization of appropriations In addition to the amounts reserved under subsection (k)(1)(C), there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection, $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (6) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Citrus The term citrus means edible fruit of the family Rutaceae, including any hybrid of such fruits and products of such hybrids that are produced for commercial purposes in the United States. (B) Citrus producer The term citrus producer means any person that is engaged in the domestic production and commercial sale of citrus in the United States. (C) Emergency citrus disease research and extension program The term emergency citrus disease research and extension program means the emergency citrus research and extension grant program established under this subsection. . 7307. [H7308] Food animal residue avoidance database program Section 604(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7642(e) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7308. Repeal of national swine research center Section 612 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( Public Law 105–185 ; 112 Stat. 605) is repealed. 7309. Office of pest management policy Section 614(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7653(f) ) is amended— (1) by striking such sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2013; and (2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7310. Forestry products advanced utilization research Subtitle B of title VI of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7651 et seq. ) is amended by inserting after section 616 ( 7 U.S.C. 7655 ) the following new section: 617. Forestry products advanced utilization research (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a forestry and forestry products research and extension initiative to develop and disseminate science-based tools that address the needs of the forestry sector and their respective regions, forest and timberland owners and managers, and forestry products engineering, manufacturing, and related interests. (b) Activities The initiative described in subsection (a) shall include the following activities: (1) Research conducted for purposes of— (A) wood quality improvement with respect to lumber strength and grade yield; (B) the development of novel engineered lumber products and renewable energy from wood; and (C) enhancing the longevity, sustainability, and profitability of timberland through sound management and utilization. (2) Demonstration activities and technology transfer to demonstrate the beneficial characteristics of wood as a green building material, including investments in life cycle assessment for wood products. (3) Projects designed to improve— (A) forestry products, lumber, and evaluation standards and valuation techniques; (B) lumber quality and value-based, on-forest management techniques; and (C) forestry products conversion and manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and profitability over the long term (including forestry product marketing). (c) Grants (1) In general The Secretary shall make competitive grants to carry out the activities described in subsection (b). (2) Priorities In making grants under this section, the Secretary shall give higher priority to activities that are carried out by entities that— (A) are multistate, multiinstitutional, or multidisciplinary; (B) have explicit mechanisms to communicate results to producers, forestry industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public; and (C) have— (i) extensive history and demonstrated experience in forestry and forestry products research; (ii) existing capacity in forestry products research and dissemination; and (iii) a demonstrated means of evaluating and responding to the needs of the related commercial sector. (3) Administration In making grants under this section, the Secretary shall follow the requirements of paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i ). (4) Term The term of a grant made under this section may not exceed 10 years. (d) Coordination The Secretary shall ensure that any activities carried out under this section are carried out in coordination with the Forest Service, including the Forest Products Laboratory, and other appropriate agencies of the Department. (e) Report The Secretary shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate describing, for the period covered by the report— (1) the research that has been conducted under paragraph (2) of subsection (b); (2) the number of buildings the Forest Service has built with wood as the primary structural material; and (3) the investments made by the Forest Service in green building and wood promotion. (f) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Matching funds To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall match any funds made available under paragraph (1) with funds made available under section 7 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C.1646). . 7311. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and education Subtitle C of title VI of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7671 et seq. ) is repealed. D Other Laws 7401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act Section 16(a) of the Critical Agricultural Materials Act ( 7 U.S.C. 178n(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking such sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking Act and all that follows and inserting the following: Act— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (a) Definition of 1994 Institution (1) In general Section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended to read as follows: 532. Definition of 1994 Institution In this part, the term 1994 Institution means any of the following colleges: (1) Aaniiih Nakoda College. (2) Bay Mills Community College. (3) Blackfeet Community College. (4) Cankdeska Cikana Community College. (5) Chief Dull Knife College. (6) College of Menominee Nation. (7) College of the Muscogee Nation. (8) D–Q University. (9) Dine College. (10) Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. (11) Fort Berthold Community College. (12) Fort Peck Community College. (13) Haskell Indian Nations University. (14) Ilisagvik College. (15) Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development. (16) Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College. (17) Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College. (18) Leech Lake Tribal College. (19) Little Big Horn College. (20) Little Priest Tribal College. (21) Navajo Technical College. (22) Nebraska Indian Community College. (23) Northwest Indian College. (24) Oglala Lakota College. (25) Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College. (26) Salish Kootenai College. (27) Sinte Gleska University. (28) Sisseton Wahpeton College. (29) Sitting Bull College. (30) Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. (31) Stone Child College. (32) Tohono O’odham Community College. (33) Turtle Mountain Community College. (34) United Tribes Technical College. (35) White Earth Tribal and Community College. . (2) Effective date The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on October 1, 2014. (b) Endowment for 1994 institutions Section 533(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (c) Institutional Capacity Building Grants Section 535 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c) and inserting 2018 . (d) Research grants (1) Authorization of appropriations Section 536(c) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (2) Research grant requirements Section 536(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382 ) is amended by striking with at least 1 other land-grant college or university and all that follows and inserting the following: with— (1) the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture; or (2) at least 1— (A) other land-grant college or university (exclusive of another 1994 Institution); (B) non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 )); or (C) cooperating forestry school (as defined in that section). . 7403. Research Facilities Act Section 6(a) of the Research Facilities Act ( 7 U.S.C. 390d(a) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7404. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (a) Extension Subsection (b)(11)(A) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(11)(A) ) is amended, in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Priority areas Subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in clause (vii), by striking and at the end; (B) in clause (viii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following new clauses: (ix) the research and development of surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, or diagnostic tests for pests and diseases, including— (I) epizootic diseases in domestic livestock (including deer, elk, bison, and other animals of the family Cervidae); and (II) zoonotic diseases (including bovine brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis) in domestic livestock or wildlife reservoirs that present a potential concern to public health; and (x) the identification of animal drug needs and the generation and dissemination of data for safe and effective therapeutic applications of animal drugs for minor species and minor uses of such drugs in major species. ; (2) in subparagraph (D)— (A) in the heading, by striking Renewable energy and inserting Bioenergy ; (B) by redesignating clauses (iv), (v), and (vi) as clauses (v), (vi), and (vii), respectively; and (C) by inserting after clause (iii) the following new clause: (iv) the effectiveness of conservation practices and technologies designed to address nutrient losses and improve water quality; ; and (3) in subparagraph (F)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting economics, after trade, ; (B) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi) as clauses (vi) and (vii), respectively; and (C) by inserting after clause (iv) the following new clause: (v) the economic costs, benefits, and viability of producers adopting conservation practices and technologies designed to improve water quality; . (c) General administration Subsection (b)(4) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(4) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) establish procedures, including timelines, under which an entity established under a commodity promotion law (as such term is defined under section 501(a) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401(a) )) or a State commodity board (or other equivalent State entity) may directly submit to the Secretary for consideration proposals for requests for applications that specifically address particular issues related to the priority areas specified in paragraph (2). . (d) Special considerations Subsection (b)(6) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(6) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) to eligible entities to carry out the specific proposals submitted under procedures established under paragraph (4)(F) only if such specific proposals are consistent with a priority area specified in paragraph (2). . (e) Eligible entities Subsection (b)(7)(G) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7)(G) ) is amended by striking or corporations and inserting , foundations, or corporations . (f) Special contribution requirement for certain grants Subsection (b)(9) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(9) ) (as amended by section 7128(b)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Contribution requirement for commodity promotion grants (i) In general Subject to clauses (ii) and (iii), as a condition of funding a grant under paragraph (6)(E), the Secretary shall require that the grant be matched with an equal contribution of funds from the entities described in paragraph (4)(F) submitting proposals under procedures established under such paragraph. (ii) Availability of funds (I) In general Contributions required by clause (i) shall be available to the Secretary for obligation and remain available until expended for the purpose of making grants under paragraph (6)(E). (II) Administration Of amounts contributed to the Secretary under clause (i), not more than 4 percent may be retained by the Secretary to pay administrative costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this subsection. (III) Restriction Funds contributed to the Secretary by an entity under clause (i) in connection with a proposal submitted by that entity under procedures established under paragraph (4)(F) may only be used to fund grants in connection with that proposal. (IV) Remaining funds Funds contributed to the Secretary by an entity under clause (i) that remain unobligated at the time of grant closeout shall be returned to that entity. (V) Indirect costs The indirect cost rate applicable to appropriated funds for a grant funded under paragraph (6)(E) shall apply to amounts contributed by an entity under clause (i). (iii) Other matching funds requirements The contribution requirement under clause (i) shall be in addition to any matching funds requirement for grant recipients required by section 1492 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977. . (g) Inter-Regional Research Project Number 4 Subsection (e) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking minor use pesticides and inserting pesticides for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops (as defined in section 3 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note)), ; and (2) in paragraph (4)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting and for use on specialty crops after minor agricultural use ; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (G); and (D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraphs: (C) prioritize potential pest management technology for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops; (D) conduct research to develop the data necessary to facilitate pesticide registrations, reregistrations, and associated tolerances; (E) assist in removing trade barriers caused by residues of pesticides registered for minor agricultural use and for use on domestically grown specialty crops; (F) assist in the registration and reregistration of pest management technologies for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops; and . 7405. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (a) Authorization of appropriations Section 6 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1675 ) is amended in the first sentence by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Termination date Section 8 of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1671 note; Public Law 95–306 ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 7406. National Aquaculture Act of 1980 Section 10 of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 ( 16 U.S.C. 2809 ) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . 7407. Repeal of use of remote sensing data Section 892 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 5935 ) is repealed. 7408. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (a) Repeal of report on producers and handlers for organic products Section 7409 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b note; Public Law 107–171 ) is repealed. (b) Repeal of report on genetically modified pest-Protected plants Section 7410 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( Public Law 107–171 ; 116 Stat. 462) is repealed. (c) Repeal of study on nutrient banking Section 7411 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925a note; Public Law 107–171 ) is repealed. 7409. Beginning farmer and rancher development program Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraphs (A) through (R) and inserting the following new subparagraphs: (A) basic livestock, forest management, and crop farming practices; (B) innovative farm, ranch, and private, nonindustrial forest land transfer strategies; (C) entrepreneurship and business training; (D) financial and risk management training (including the acquisition and management of agricultural credit); (E) natural resource management and planning; (F) diversification and marketing strategies; (G) curriculum development; (H) mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships; (I) resources and referral; (J) farm financial benchmarking; (K) assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring land from retiring farmers and ranchers; (L) agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training for veterans; (M) farm safety and awareness; and (N) other similar subject areas of use to beginning farmers or ranchers. ; (B) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking and nongovernmental organization and inserting or nongovernmental organization ; (C) in paragraph (7), by striking and community-based organizations and inserting , community-based organizations, and school-based agricultural educational organizations ; (D) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following new paragraph: (8) Set-asides (A) In general Not less than 5 percent of the funds used to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year shall be used to support programs and services that address the needs of— (i) limited resource beginning farmers or ranchers (as defined by the Secretary); (ii) socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2003(e) ) who are beginning farmers or ranchers; and (iii) farmworkers desiring to become farmers or ranchers. (B) Veteran farmers and ranchers Not less than 5 percent of the funds used to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year shall be used to support programs and services that address the needs of veteran farmers and ranchers (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) )). ; and (E) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (11) Limitation on indirect costs A recipient of a grant under this subsection may not use more than 10 percent of the funds provided by the grant for the indirect costs of carrying out the initiatives described in paragraph (1). (12) Coordination permitted A recipient of a grant under this subsection using the grant as described in paragraph (8)(B) may coordinate with a recipient of a grant under section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5933 ) in addressing the needs of veteran farmers and ranchers with disabilities. ; (2) in subsection (h)(1)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. ; and (3) in subsection (h)(2)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 ; and (B) by striking 2008 through 2012 and inserting 2014 through 2018 . 7410. National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 Section 1431 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 ( Public Law 99–198 ; 99 Stat. 1556) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . E Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 I Agricultural Security 7501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center Section 14112(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8912(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response Section 14113 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8913 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) by striking such sums as may be necessary ; and (B) by striking subsection and all that follows and inserting the following: subsection— (A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection and all that follows and inserting the following: are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection— (A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures Section 14121(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8921(b) ) is amended by striking is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section and all that follows and inserting the following: are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program Section 14122(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8922(e) ) is amended— (1) by striking sums as are necessary ; and (2) by striking section and all that follows and inserting the following: section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013, to remain available until expended; and (2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. . II Miscellaneous Provisions 7511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program Section 308 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(6)(A), by striking 5 years and inserting 10 years ; and (2) in subsection (d)(2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 1, 3, and 5 years and inserting 6, 8, and 10 years . 7512. Grazinglands research laboratory Section 7502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2019) is amended by striking 5-year period and inserting 10-year period . 7513. Budget submission and funding Section 7506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7614c ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection: (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered program The term covered program means— (A) each research program carried out by the Agricultural Research Service or the Economic Research Service for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President; and (B) each competitive program carried out by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture for which annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission of the President. (2) Request for applications The term request for applications means a funding announcement published by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture that provides detailed information on funding opportunities at the Institute, including the purpose, eligibility, restriction, focus areas, evaluation criteria, regulatory information, and instructions on how to apply for such opportunities. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (e) Additional Presidential budget submission requirement (1) In general Each year, the President shall submit to Congress for each funding request for a covered program— (A) in the case of the information described in paragraph (2), such information together with the annual budget submission of the President; and (B) in the case of any additional information described in paragraph (3), such additional information within a reasonable period that begins after the date of the annual budget submission of the President. (2) Information described The information described in this paragraph includes— (A) baseline information, including with respect to each covered program— (i) the funding level for the program for the fiscal year preceding the year for which the annual budget submission of the President is submitted; (ii) the funding level requested in the annual budget submission of the President, including any increase or decrease in the funding level; and (iii) an explanation justifying any change from the funding level specified in clause (i) to the level specified in clause (ii); (B) with respect to each covered program that is carried out by the Economic Research Service or the Agricultural Research Service, the location and staff years of the program; (C) the proposed funding levels to be allocated to, and the expected publication date, scope, and allocation level for, each request for applications to be published under or associated with— (i) each priority area specified in subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2) ); (ii) each research and extension project carried out under section 1621(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5811(a) ); (iii) each grant awarded under section 1672B(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b(a) ); (iv) each grant awarded under section 412(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632(d) ); and (v) each grant awarded under section 7405(c)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f(c)(1) ); and (D) any other information the Secretary determines will increase congressional oversight with respect to covered programs. (3) Additional information described The additional information described in this paragraph is information that the Secretary, after consulting with the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, and the Subcommittees on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate, determines is a necessary revision or clarification to the information described in paragraph (2). (4) Prohibition Unless the President submits the information described in paragraph (2)(C) for a fiscal year, the President may not carry out any program during that fiscal year that is authorized under— (A) subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 450i(b) ); (B) section 1621 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5811 ); (C) section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925b ); (D) section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 ( 7 U.S.C. 7632 ); or (E) section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 3319f ). (f) Report of the Secretary of Agriculture Each year on a date that is not later than the date on which the President submits the annual budget, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing a description of the agricultural research, extension, and education activities carried out by the Federal Government during the fiscal year that immediately precedes the year for which the report is submitted, including— (1) a review of the extent to which those activities— (A) are duplicative or overlap within the Department of Agriculture; or (B) are similar to activities carried out by— (i) other Federal agencies; (ii) the States (including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and other territories or possessions of the United States); (iii) institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )); or (iv) the private sector; and (2) for each report submitted under this section on or after January 1, 2014, a 5-year projection of national priorities with respect to agricultural research, extension, and education, taking into account domestic needs. (g) Interchangeability of funds Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to limit the authority of the Secretary under section 702(b) of the Department of Agriculture Organic Act of 1944 ( 7 U.S.C. 2257(b) ), with respect to the reprogramming or transfer of funds. . 7514. Repeal of seed distribution Section 7523 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 415–1 ) is repealed. 7515. Natural products research program Section 7525(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5937(e) ) is amended to read as follows: (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 7516. Sun grant program (a) In general Section 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8114 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(4)(B), by striking the Department of Energy and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies (as determined by the Secretary) ; (2) in subsection (b)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking at South Dakota State University ; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville ; (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking at Oklahoma State University ; (D) in subparagraph (D), by striking at Oregon State University ; (E) in subparagraph (E), by striking at Cornell University ; and (F) in subparagraph (F), by striking at the University of Hawaii ; (3) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking multistate and all that follows through technology implementation and inserting integrated, multistate research, extension, and education programs on technology development and technology implementation ; (B) by striking subparagraph (C); and (C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); (4) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking in accordance with paragraph (2) ; (ii) by striking gasification and inserting bioproducts ; and (iii) by striking the Department of Energy and inserting other appropriate Federal agencies ; (B) by striking paragraph (2); and (C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and (5) in subsection (g), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Conforming amendment Section 7526(f)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8114(f) ) is amended by striking subsection (c)(1)(D)(i) and inserting subsection (c)(1)(C)(i) . 7517. Repeal of study and report on food deserts Section 7527 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2039) is repealed. 7518. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and education Section 7529 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 5938 ) is repealed. F Miscellaneous provisions 7601. Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Board The term Board means the Board of Directors described in subsection (e). (2) Department The term Department means the Department of Agriculture. (3) Foundation The term Foundation means the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research established under subsection (b). (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (b) Establishment (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a nonprofit corporation to be known as the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research . (2) Status The Foundation shall not be an agency or instrumentality of the United States Government. (c) Purposes The purposes of the Foundation shall be— (1) to advance the research mission of the Department by supporting agricultural research activities focused on addressing key problems of national and international significance including— (A) plant health, production, and plant products; (B) animal health, production, and products; (C) food safety, nutrition, and health; (D) renewable energy, natural resources, and the environment; (E) agricultural and food security; (F) agriculture systems and technology; and (G) agriculture economics and rural communities; and (2) to foster collaboration with agricultural researchers from the Federal Government, State (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 )) governments, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )), industry, and nonprofit organizations. (d) Duties (1) In general The Foundation shall— (A) award grants to, or enter into contracts, memoranda of understanding, or cooperative agreements with, scientists and entities, which may include agricultural research agencies in the Department, university consortia, public-private partnerships, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and industry, to efficiently and effectively advance the goals and priorities of the Foundation; (B) in consultation with the Secretary— (i) identify existing and proposed Federal intramural and extramural research and development programs relating to the purposes of the Foundation described in subsection (c); and (ii) coordinate Foundation activities with those programs so as to minimize duplication of existing efforts and to avoid conflicts; (C) identify unmet and emerging agricultural research needs after reviewing the roadmap for agricultural research, education, and extension authorized by section 7504 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7614a ); (D) facilitate technology transfer and release of information and data gathered from the activities of the Foundation to the agricultural research community; (E) promote and encourage the development of the next generation of agricultural research scientists; and (F) carry out such other activities as the Board determines to be consistent with the purposes of the Foundation. (2) Relationship to other activities The activities described in paragraph (1) shall be supplemental to any other activities at the Department and shall not preempt any authority or responsibility of the Department under another provision of law. (e) Board of directors (1) Establishment The Foundation shall be governed by a Board of Directors. (2) Composition (A) In general The Board shall be composed of appointed and ex-officio, nonvoting members. (B) Ex-officio members The ex-officio members of the Board shall be the following individuals or designees of such individuals: (i) The Secretary. (ii) The Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics. (iii) The Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service. (iv) The Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (v) The Director of the National Science Foundation. (C) Appointed members (i) In general The ex-officio members of the Board (as specified in subparagraph (B)) shall, by majority vote, appoint to the Board 15 individuals, of whom— (I) 8 shall be selected from a list of candidates to be provided by the National Academy of Sciences; and (II) 7 shall be selected from lists of candidates provided by industry. (ii) Requirements (I) Expertise The ex-officio members shall ensure that a majority of the appointed members of the Board have actual experience in agricultural research and, to the extent practicable, represent diverse sectors of agriculture. (II) Limitation No employee of the Federal Government may serve as an appointed member of the Board under this subparagraph. (III) Not Federal employment Appointment to the Board under this subparagraph shall not constitute Federal employment. (iii) Authority All appointed members of the Board shall be voting members. (D) Chair The Board shall, from among the members of the Board, designate an individual to serve as Chair of the Board. (3) Initial meeting Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the ex-officio members of the Board— (A) to incorporate the Foundation; and (B) to appoint the members of the Board in accordance with paragraph (2)(C)(i). (4) Duties (A) In general The Board shall— (i) establish bylaws for the Foundation that, at a minimum, include— (I) policies for the selection of future Board members, officers, employees, agents, and contractors of the Foundation; (II) policies, including ethical standards, for— (aa) the acceptance, solicitation, and disposition of donations and grants to the Foundation; and (bb) the disposition of assets of the Foundation, including appropriate limits on the ability of donors to designate, by stipulation or restriction, the use or recipient of donated funds; (III) policies that would subject all employees, fellows, trainees, and other agents of the Foundation (including members of the Board) to conflict of interest standards in the same manner as Federal employees are subject to the conflict of interest standards under section 208 of title 18, United States Code; (IV) policies for writing, editing, printing, publishing, and vending of books and other materials; (V) policies for the conduct of the general operations of the Foundation, including a cap on administrative expenses for recipients of a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement from the Foundation; and (VI) specific duties for the Executive Director; (ii) prioritize and provide overall direction for the activities of the Foundation; (iii) evaluate the performance of the Executive Director; and (iv) carry out any other necessary activities regarding the Foundation. (B) Establishment of bylaws In establishing bylaws under subparagraph (A)(i), the Board shall ensure that the bylaws do not— (i) reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Foundation to carry out the duties of the Foundation in a fair and objective manner; or (ii) compromise, or appear to compromise, the integrity of any governmental agency or program, or any officer or employee employed by, or involved in, a governmental agency or program. (5) Terms and vacancies (A) Terms (i) In general The term of each member of the Board appointed under paragraph (2)(C) shall be 5 years, except that of the members initially appointed, 8 of the members shall each be appointed for a term of 3 years and 7 of the members shall each be appointed for a term of 2 years. (ii) Partial terms If a member of the Board does not serve the full term applicable under clause (i), the individual appointed to fill the resulting vacancy shall be appointed for the remainder of the term of the predecessor of the individual. (iii) Transition A member of the Board may continue to serve after the expiration of the term of the member until a successor is appointed. (B) Vacancies After the initial appointment of the members of the Board under paragraph (2)(C), any vacancy in the membership of the Board shall be filled as provided in the bylaws established under paragraph (4)(A)(i). (6) Compensation Members of the Board may not receive compensation for service on the Board but may be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred in carrying out the duties of the Board. (7) Meetings and quorum A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting the business of the Board. (f) Administration (1) Executive Director (A) In general The Board shall hire an Executive Director who shall carry out such duties and responsibilities as the Board may prescribe. (B) Service The Executive Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. (2) Administrative powers (A) In general In carrying out this section, the Board, acting through the Executive Director, may— (i) adopt, alter, and use a corporate seal, which shall be judicially noticed; (ii) hire, promote, compensate, and discharge 1 or more officers, employees, and agents, as may be necessary, and define the duties of the officers, employees, and agents; (iii) solicit and accept any funds, gifts, grants, devises, or bequests of real or personal property made to the Foundation, including such support from private entities; (iv) prescribe the manner in which— (I) real or personal property of the Foundation is acquired, held, and transferred; (II) general operations of the Foundation are to be conducted; and (III) the privileges granted to the Board by law are exercised and enjoyed; (v) with the consent of the applicable executive department or independent agency, use the information, services, and facilities of the department or agency in carrying out this section on a reimbursable basis; (vi) enter into contracts with public and private organizations for the writing, editing, printing, and publishing of books and other material; (vii) hold, administer, invest, and spend any funds, gifts, grant, devise, or bequest of real or personal property made to the Foundation; (viii) enter into such contracts, leases, cooperative agreements, and other transactions as the Board considers appropriate to conduct the activities of the Foundation; (ix) modify or consent to the modification of any contract or agreement to which the Foundation is a party or in which the Foundation has an interest; (x) take such action as may be necessary to obtain and maintain patents for and to license inventions (as defined in section 201 of title 35, United States Code) developed by the Foundation, employees of the Foundation, or derived from the collaborative efforts of the Foundation; (xi) sue and be sued in the corporate name of the Foundation, and complain and defend in courts of competent jurisdiction; (xii) appoint other groups of advisors as may be determined necessary to carry out the functions of the Foundation; and (xiii) exercise such other incidental powers as are necessary to carry out the duties and functions of the Foundation in accordance with this section. (B) Limitation No appointed member of the Board or officer or employee of the Foundation or of any program established by the Foundation (other than ex-officio members of the Board) shall exercise administrative control over any Federal employee. (3) Records (A) Audits The Foundation shall— (i) provide for annual audits of the financial condition of the Foundation; and (ii) make the audits, and all other records, documents, and other papers of the Foundation, available to the Secretary and the Comptroller General of the United States for examination or audit. (B) Reports (i) Annual report on foundation (I) In general Not later than 5 months following the end of each fiscal year, the Foundation shall publish a report for the preceding fiscal year that includes— (aa) a description of Foundation activities, including accomplishments; and (bb) a comprehensive statement of the operations and financial condition of the Foundation. (II) Financial condition Each report under subclause (I) shall include a description of all gifts, grants, devises, or bequests to the Foundation of real or personal property or money, which shall include— (aa) the source of the gifts, grants, devises, or bequests; and (bb) any restrictions on the purposes for which the gift, grant, devise, or bequest may be used. (III) Availability The Foundation shall— (aa) make copies of each report submitted under subclause (I) available for public inspection; and (bb) on request, provide a copy of the report to any individual. (IV) Public meeting The Board shall hold an annual public meeting to summarize the activities of the Foundation. (ii) Grant reporting Any recipient of a grant under subsection (d)(1)(A) shall provide the Foundation with a report at the conclusion of any research or studies conducted that describes the results of the research or studies, including any data generated. (4) Integrity (A) In general To ensure integrity in the operations of the Foundation, the Board shall develop and enforce procedures relating to standards of conduct, financial disclosure statements, conflicts of interest (including recusal and waiver rules), audits, and any other matters determined appropriate by the Board. (B) Financial conflicts of interest Any individual who is an officer, employee, or member of the Board is prohibited from any participation in deliberations by the Foundation of a matter that would directly or predictably affect any financial interest of— (i) the individual; (ii) a relative (as defined in section 109 of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.)) of that individual; or (iii) a business organization or other entity in which the individual has an interest, including an organization or other entity with which the individual is negotiating employment. (5) Intellectual property The Board shall adopt written standards to govern the ownership and licensing of any intellectual property rights derived from the collaborative efforts of the Foundation. (6) Liability The United States shall not be liable for any debts, defaults, acts, or omissions of the Foundation nor shall the full faith and credit of the United States extend to any obligations of the Foundation. (g) Funds (1) Mandatory funding (A) In general On the date of the enactment of this Act, of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall transfer to the Foundation to carry out this section $200,000,000, to remain available until expended under the conditions described in subparagraph (B). (B) Conditions on expenditure The Foundation may use the funds made available under subparagraph (A) to carry out the purposes of the Foundation only to the extent that the Foundation secures an equal amount of non-Federal matching funds for each expenditure. (C) Prohibition on construction None of the funds made available under subparagraph (A) may be used for construction. (2) Separation of funds The Executive Director shall ensure that any funds received under paragraph (1) are held in separate accounts from funds received from nongovernmental entities as described in subsection (f)(2)(A)(iii). 7602. Concessions and agreements with nonprofit organizations for National Arboretum Section 6 of the Act of March 4, 1927 ( 20 U.S.C. 196 ), is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: (1) negotiate concessions and agreements for the National Arboretum with nonprofit scientific or educational organizations, the interests of which are complementary to the mission of the National Arboretum, or nonprofit organizations that support the purpose of the National Arboretum, except that the net proceeds of the organizations from the concessions or agreements, as applicable, shall be used exclusively for— (A) the research and educational work for the benefit of the National Arboretum; and (B) the operation and maintenance of the facilities of the National Arboretum, including enhancements, upgrades, restoration, and conservation; ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (d) Recognition of donors A nonprofit organization that entered into a concession or agreement under subsection (a)(1) may recognize donors if that recognition is approved in advance by the Secretary of Agriculture. In considering whether to approve such recognition, the Secretary shall broadly exercise the discretion of the Secretary to the fullest extent allowed under Federal law. . 7603. Agricultural and food law research, legal tools, and information (a) Partnerships The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the National Agricultural Library, shall support the dissemination of objective, scholarly, and authoritative agricultural and food law research, legal tools, and information by entering into cooperative agreements with institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )) that on the date of enactment of this Act are carrying out objective programs for research, legal tools, and information in agricultural and food law. (b) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. 7604. Cotton Disease Research Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum race 4 (referred to in this section as FOV Race 4 ) and the impact of such fungus on cotton, including— (1) an overview of the threat FOV Race 4 poses to the cotton industry in the United States; (2) the status and progress of Federal research initiatives to detect, contain, or eradicate FOV Race 4, including current FOV Race 4-specific research projects; and (3) a comprehensive strategy to combat FOV Race 4 that establishes— (A) detection and identification goals; (B) containment goals; (C) eradication goals; and (D) a plan to partner with the cotton industry in the United States to maximize resources, information sharing, and research responsiveness and effectiveness. 7605. Miscellaneous technical corrections Sections 7408 and 7409 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2013) are both amended by striking Title III of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 and inserting Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 . 7606. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research (a) In general Notwithstanding the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq. ), the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act ( 20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq. ), chapter 81 of title 41, United States Code, or any other Federal law, an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )) or a State department of agriculture may grow or cultivate industrial hemp if— (1) the industrial hemp is grown or cultivated for purposes of research conducted under an agricultural pilot program or other agricultural or academic research; and (2) the growing or cultivating of industrial hemp is allowed under the laws of the State in which such institution of higher education or State department of agriculture is located and such research occurs. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Agricultural pilot program The term agricultural pilot program means a pilot program to study the growth, cultivation, or marketing of industrial hemp— (A) in States that permit the growth or cultivation of industrial hemp under the laws of the State; and (B) in a manner that— (i) ensures that only institutions of higher education and State departments of agriculture are used to grow or cultivate industrial hemp; (ii) requires that sites used for growing or cultivating industrial hemp in a State be certified by, and registered with, the State department of agriculture; and (iii) authorizes State departments of agriculture to promulgate regulations to carry out the pilot program in the States in accordance with the purposes of this section. (2) Industrial hemp The term industrial hemp means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. (3) State Department of Agriculture The term State department of agriculture means the agency, commission, or department of a State government responsible for agriculture within the State. VIII Forestry A Repeal of certain forestry programs 8001. Forest land enhancement program (a) Repeal Section 4 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendment Section 8002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( Public Law 107–171 ; 16 U.S.C. 2103 note) is amended by striking subsection (a). 8002. Watershed forestry assistance program Section 6 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103b ) is repealed. 8003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing program Section 18 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2112 ) is repealed. 8004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program Section 8402 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 16 U.S.C. 1649a ) is repealed. 8005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6542 ) is repealed. 8006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process (a) Repeal Section 322 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1612 note; Public Law 102–381 ) is repealed. (b) Forest service pre-Decisional objection process Section 428 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 ( 16 U.S.C. 6515 note; Public Law 112–74 ) shall not apply to any project or activity implementing a land and resource management plan developed under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1604 ) that is categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ). B Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 programs 8101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources Section 2A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2101a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (4), by striking and ; (B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: (5) as feasible, appropriate military installations where the voluntary participation and management of private or State-owned or other public forestland is able to support, promote, and contribute to the missions of such installations; and ; and (2) in subsection (f)(1), by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . C Reauthorization of other forestry-Related laws 8201. Rural revitalization technologies Section 2371(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6601(d)(2) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 8202. Office of International Forestry Section 2405(d) of the Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6704(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 8203. Healthy forests reserve program (a) Definition of acreage owned by Indian tribes Section 502(e)(3) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act ( 16 U.S.C. 6572(e)(3) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting clauses (i) and (ii) ; (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; and (3) by striking In the case of and inserting the following: (A) Definition of acreage owned by Indian tribes In this paragraph, the term acreage owned by Indian tribes includes— (i) land that is held in trust by the United States for Indian tribes or individual Indians; (ii) land, the title to which is held by Indian tribes or individual Indians subject to Federal restrictions against alienation or encumbrance; (iii) land that is subject to rights of use, occupancy, and benefit of certain Indian tribes; (iv) land that is held in fee title by an Indian tribe; or (v) land that is owned by a native corporation formed under section 17 of the Act of June 18, 1934 (commonly known as the Indian Reorganization Act ) ( 25 U.S.C. 477 ) or section 8 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1607 ); or (vi) a combination of 1 or more types of land described in clauses (i) through (v). (B) Enrollment of acreage In the case of . (b) Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve program Section 508 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6578 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking In general and inserting Fiscal years 2009 through 2013 ; (2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (d); and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: (b) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018 There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out this section $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (c) Additional source of funds In addition to funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use such amount of the funds appropriated for that fiscal year to carry out the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act ( 16 U.S.C. 590a et seq. ) as the Secretary determines necessary to cover the cost of technical assistance, management, and enforcement responsibilities for land enrolled in the healthy forests reserve program pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of section 504. . 8204. Insect and disease infestation Title VI of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6591 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 602. Designation of treatment areas (a) Definition of declining forest health In this section, the term declining forest health means a forest that is experiencing— (1) substantially increased tree mortality due to insect or disease infestation; or (2) dieback due to infestation or defoliation by insects or disease. (b) Designation of treatment areas (1) Initial areas Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014, the Secretary shall, if requested by the Governor of the State, designate as part of an insect and disease treatment program 1 or more landscape-scale areas, such as subwatersheds (sixth-level hydrologic units, according to the System of Hydrologic Unit Codes of the United States Geological Survey), in at least 1 national forest in each State that is experiencing an insect or disease epidemic. (2) Additional areas After the end of the 60-day period described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may designate additional landscape-scale areas under this section as needed to address insect or disease threats. (c) Requirements To be designated a landscape-scale area under subsection (b), the area shall be— (1) experiencing declining forest health, based on annual forest health surveys conducted by the Secretary; (2) at risk of experiencing substantially increased tree mortality over the next 15 years due to insect or disease infestation, based on the most recent National Insect and Disease Risk Map published by the Forest Service; or (3) in an area in which the risk of hazard trees poses an imminent risk to public infrastructure, health, or safety. (d) Treatment of areas (1) In general The Secretary may carry out priority projects on Federal land in the areas designated under subsection (b) to reduce the risk or extent of, or increase the resilience to, insect or disease infestation in the areas. (2) Authority Any project under paragraph (1) for which a public notice to initiate scoping is issued on or before September 30, 2018, may be carried out in accordance with subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 102, and sections 104, 105, and 106. (3) Effect Projects carried out under this subsection shall be considered authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects for purposes of the authorities described in paragraph (2). (4) Report (A) In general In accordance with the schedule described in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall issue 2 reports on actions taken to carry out this subsection, including— (i) an evaluation of the progress towards project goals; and (ii) recommendations for modifications to the projects and management treatments. (B) Schedule The Secretary shall— (i) not earlier than September 30, 2018, issue the initial report under subparagraph (A); and (ii) not earlier than September 30, 2024, issue the second report under that subparagraph. (e) Tree retention The Secretary shall carry out projects under subsection (d) in a manner that maximizes the retention of old-growth and large trees, as appropriate for the forest type, to the extent that the trees promote stands that are resilient to insects and disease. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2024. 603. Administrative review (a) In general Except as provided in subsection (d), a project described in subsection (b) that is conducted in accordance with section 602(d) may be— (1) considered an action categorically excluded from the requirements of Public Law 91–190 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ); and (2) exempt from the special administrative review process under section 105. (b) Collaborative restoration project (1) In general A project referred to in subsection (a) is a project to carry out forest restoration treatments that— (A) maximizes the retention of old-growth and large trees, as appropriate for the forest type, to the extent that the trees promote stands that are resilient to insects and disease; (B) considers the best available scientific information to maintain or restore the ecological integrity, including maintaining or restoring structure, function, composition, and connectivity; and (C) is developed and implemented through a collaborative process that— (i) includes multiple interested persons representing diverse interests; and (ii) (I) is transparent and nonexclusive; or (II) meets the requirements for a resource advisory committee under subsections (c) through (f) of section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 7125 ). (2) Inclusion A project under this subsection may carry out part of a proposal that complies with the eligibility requirements of the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program under section 4003(b) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 16 U.S.C. 7303(b) ). (c) Limitations (1) Project size A project under this section may not exceed 3000 acres. (2) Location A project under this section shall be limited to areas— (A) in the wildland-urban interface; or (B) Condition Classes 2 or 3 in Fire Regime Groups I, II, or III, outside the wildland-urban interface. (3) Roads (A) Permanent roads (i) Prohibition on establishment A project under this section shall not include the establishment of permanent roads. (ii) Existing roads The Secretary may carry out necessary maintenance and repairs on existing permanent roads for the purposes of this section. (B) Temporary roads The Secretary shall decommission any temporary road constructed under a project under this section not later than 3 years after the date on which the project is completed. (d) Exclusions This section does not apply to— (1) a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (2) any Federal land on which, by Act of Congress or Presidential proclamation, the removal of vegetation is restricted or prohibited; (3) a congressionally designated wilderness study area; or (4) an area in which activities under subsection (a) would be inconsistent with the applicable land and resource management plan. (e) Forest management plans All projects and activities carried out under this section shall be consistent with the land and resource management plan established under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1604 ) for the unit of the National Forest System containing the projects and activities. (f) Public notice and scoping The Secretary shall conduct public notice and scoping for any project or action proposed in accordance with this section. (g) Accountability (1) In general The Secretary shall prepare an annual report on the use of categorical exclusions under this section that includes a description of all acres (or other appropriate unit) treated through projects carried out under this section. (2) Submission Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and each year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit the reports required under paragraph (1) to— (A) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; (B) the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate; (C) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; (D) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and (E) the Government Accountability Office. . 8205. Stewardship end result contracting projects (a) In general Title VI of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6591 ) (as amended by section 8204) is amended by adding at the end the following: 604. Stewardship end result contracting projects (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Chief The term Chief means the Chief of the Forest Service. (2) Director The term Director means the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. (b) Projects The Chief and the Director, via agreement or contract as appropriate, may enter into stewardship contracting projects with private persons or other public or private entities to perform services to achieve land management goals for the national forests and the public lands that meet local and rural community needs. (c) Land management goals The land management goals of a project under subsection (b) may include any of the following: (1) Road and trail maintenance or obliteration to restore or maintain water quality. (2) Soil productivity, habitat for wildlife and fisheries, or other resource values. (3) Setting of prescribed fires to improve the composition, structure, condition, and health of stands or to improve wildlife habitat. (4) Removing vegetation or other activities to promote healthy forest stands, reduce fire hazards, or achieve other land management objectives. (5) Watershed restoration and maintenance. (6) Restoration and maintenance of wildlife and fish. (7) Control of noxious and exotic weeds and reestablishing native plant species. (d) Agreements or contracts (1) Procurement procedure A source for performance of an agreement or contract under subsection (b) shall be selected on a best-value basis, including consideration of source under other public and private agreements or contracts. (2) Contract for sale of property A contract entered into under this section may, at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture, be considered a contract for the sale of property under such terms as the Secretary may prescribe without regard to any other provision of law. (3) Term (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Chief and the Director may enter into a contract under subsection (b) in accordance with section 3903 of title 41, United States Code. (B) Maximum The period of the contract under subsection (b) may exceed 5 years but may not exceed 10 years. (4) Offsets (A) In general The Chief and the Director may apply the value of timber or other forest products removed as an offset against the cost of services received under the agreement or contract described in subsection (b). (B) Methods of appraisal The value of timber or other forest products used as an offset under subparagraph (A)— (i) shall be determined using appropriate methods of appraisal commensurate with the quantity of products to be removed; and (ii) may— (I) be determined using a unit of measure appropriate to the contracts; and (II) may include valuing products on a per-acre basis. (5) Relation to other laws Notwithstanding subsections (d) and (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ), the Chief may enter into an agreement or contract under subsection (b). (6) Contracting officer Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior may determine the appropriate contracting officer to enter into and administer an agreement or contract under subsection (b). (7) Fire liability provisions Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Chief and the Director shall issue for use in all contracts and agreements under this section fire liability provisions that are in substantially the same form as the fire liability provisions contained in— (A) integrated resource timber contracts, as described in the Forest Service contract numbered 2400–13, part H, section H.4; and (B) timber sale contracts conducted pursuant to section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ). (e) Receipts (1) In general The Chief and the Director may collect monies from an agreement or contract under subsection (b) if the collection is a secondary objective of negotiating the contract that will best achieve the purposes of this section. (2) Use Monies from an agreement or contract under subsection (b)— (A) may be retained by the Chief and the Director; and (B) shall be available for expenditure without further appropriation at the project site from which the monies are collected or at another project site. (3) Relation to other laws (A) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the value of services received by the Chief or the Director under a stewardship contract project conducted under this section, and any payments made or resources provided by the contractor, Chief, or Director shall not be considered monies received from the National Forest System or the public lands. (B) Knutson-Vanderberg Act The Act of June 9, 1930 (commonly known as the Knutson-Vanderberg Act ) ( 16 U.S.C. 576 et seq. ) shall not apply to any agreement or contract under subsection (b). (f) Costs of removal Notwithstanding the fact that a contractor did not harvest the timber, the Chief may collect deposits from a contractor covering the costs of removal of timber or other forest products under— (1) the Act of August 11, 1916 ( 16 U.S.C. 490 ); and (2) the Act of June 30, 1914 ( 16 U.S.C. 498 ). (g) Performance and payment guarantees (1) In general The Chief and the Director may require performance and payment bonds under sections 28.103–2 and 28.103–3 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, in an amount that the contracting officer considers sufficient to protect the investment in receipts by the Federal Government generated by the contractor from the estimated value of the forest products to be removed under a contract under subsection (b). (2) Excess offset value If the offset value of the forest products exceeds the value of the resource improvement treatments, the Chief and the Director may— (A) collect any residual receipts under the Act of June 9, 1930 (commonly known as the Knutson-Vanderberg Act ) ( 16 U.S.C. 576 et seq. ); and (B) apply the excess to other authorized stewardship projects. (h) Monitoring and evaluation (1) In general The Chief and the Director shall establish a multiparty monitoring and evaluation process that accesses the stewardship contracting projects conducted under this section. (2) Participants Other than the Chief and Director, participants in the process described in paragraph (1) may include— (A) any cooperating governmental agencies, including tribal governments; and (B) any other interested groups or individuals. (i) Reporting Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Chief and the Director shall report to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives on— (1) the status of development, execution, and administration of agreements or contracts under subsection (b); (2) the specific accomplishments that have resulted; and (3) the role of local communities in the development of agreements or contract plans. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 347 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 ( 16 U.S.C. 2104 note; Public Law 105–277 ) is repealed. 8206. Good neighbor authority (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Authorized restoration services The term authorized restoration services means similar and complementary forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services carried out— (A) on Federal land and non-Federal land; and (B) by either the Secretary or a Governor pursuant to a good neighbor agreement. (2) Federal land (A) In general The term Federal land means land that is— (i) National Forest System land; or (ii) public land (as defined in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1702 )). (B) Exclusions The term Federal land does not include— (i) a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (ii) Federal land on which the removal of vegetation is prohibited or restricted by Act of Congress or Presidential proclamation (including the applicable implementation plan); or (iii) a wilderness study area. (3) Forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services (A) In general The term forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services means— (i) activities to treat insect- and disease-infected trees; (ii) activities to reduce hazardous fuels; and (iii) any other activities to restore or improve forest, rangeland, and watershed health, including fish and wildlife habitat. (B) Exclusions The term forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services does not include— (i) construction, reconstruction, repair, or restoration of paved or permanent roads or parking areas; or (ii) construction, alteration, repair or replacement of public buildings or works. (4) Good neighbor agreement The term good neighbor agreement means a cooperative agreement or contract (including a sole source contract) entered into between the Secretary and a Governor to carry out authorized restoration services under this section. (5) Governor The term Governor means the Governor or any other appropriate executive official of an affected State or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (6) Road The term road has the meaning given the term in section 212.1 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). (7) Secretary The term Secretary means— (A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System land; and (B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to Bureau of Land Management land. (b) Good neighbor agreements (1) Good neighbor agreements (A) In general The Secretary may enter into a good neighbor agreement with a Governor to carry out authorized restoration services in accordance with this section. (B) Public availability The Secretary shall make each good neighbor agreement available to the public. (2) Timber sales (A) In general Subsections (d) and (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a(d) and (g)) shall not apply to services performed under a cooperative agreement or contract entered into under subsection (a). (B) Approval of silviculture prescriptions and marking guides The Secretary shall provide or approve all silviculture prescriptions and marking guides to be applied on Federal land in all timber sale projects conducted under this section. (3) Retention of NEPA responsibilities Any decision required to be made under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) with respect to any authorized restoration services to be provided under this section on Federal land shall not be delegated to a Governor. D Miscellaneous Provisions 8301. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis (a) Revision required Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall revise the strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis initially prepared pursuant to section 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1642(e) ) to address the requirements imposed by subsection (b). (b) Elements of revised strategic plan In revising the strategic plan, the Secretary shall describe in detail the organization, procedures, and funding needed to achieve each of the following: (1) Complete the transition to a fully annualized forest inventory program and include inventory and analysis of interior Alaska. (2) Implement an annualized inventory of trees in urban settings, including the status and trends of trees and forests, and assessments of their ecosystem services, values, health, and risk to pests and diseases. (3) Report information on renewable biomass supplies and carbon stocks at the local, State, regional, and national level, including by ownership type. (4) Engage State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis in reevaluating the list of core data variables collected on forest inventory and analysis plots with an emphasis on demonstrated need. (5) Improve the timeliness of the timber product output program and accessibility of the annualized information on that database. (6) Foster greater cooperation among the forest inventory and analysis program, research station leaders, and State foresters and other users of information from the forest inventory and analysis. (7) Promote availability of and access to non-Federal resources to improve information analysis and information management. (8) Collaborate with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and United States Geological Survey to integrate remote sensing, spatial analysis techniques, and other new technologies in the forest inventory and analysis program. (9) Understand and report on changes in land cover and use. (10) Expand existing programs to promote sustainable forest stewardship through increased understanding, in partnership with other Federal agencies, of the over 10,000,000 family forest owners, their demographics, and the barriers to forest stewardship. (11) Implement procedures to improve the statistical precision of estimates at the sub-State level. (c) Submission of revised strategic plan The Secretary shall submit the revised strategic plan to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. 8302. Forest service participation in ACES program The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may use funds derived from conservation-related programs executed on National Forest System land to utilize the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services Program established pursuant to section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3851 ) to provide technical services for conservation-related programs and authorities carried out by the Secretary on National Forest System land. 8303. Extension of stewardship contracts authority regarding use of designation by prescription to all thinning sales under National Forest Management Act of 1976 Section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a ) is amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following: (g) Designation and supervision of harvesting (1) In general Designation, including marking when necessary, designation by description, or designation by prescription, and supervision of harvesting of trees, portions of trees, or forest products shall be conducted by persons employed by the Secretary of Agriculture. (2) Requirement Persons employed by the Secretary of Agriculture under paragraph (1)— (A) shall have no personal interest in the purchase or harvest of the products; and (B) shall not be directly or indirectly in the employment of the purchaser of the products. (3) Methods for designation Designation by prescription and designation by description shall be considered valid methods for designation, and may be supervised by use of post-harvest cruise, sample weight scaling, or other methods determined by the Secretary of Agriculture to be appropriate. . 8304. Reimbursement of fire funds (a) Definition of state In this section, the term State means— (1) a State; and (2) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (b) In general If a State seeks reimbursement for amounts expended for resources and services provided to another State for the management and suppression of a wildfire, the Secretary, subject to subsections (c) and (d)— (1) may accept the reimbursement amounts from the other State; and (2) shall pay those amounts to the State seeking reimbursement. (c) Mutual assistance agreement As a condition of seeking and providing reimbursement under subsection (b), the State seeking reimbursement and the State providing reimbursement must each have a mutual assistance agreement with the Forest Service or another Federal agency for providing and receiving wildfire management and suppression resources and services. (d) Terms and conditions The Secretary may prescribe the terms and conditions determined to be necessary to carry out subsection (b). (e) Effect on prior reimbursements Any acceptance of funds or reimbursements made by the Secretary before the date of enactment of this Act that otherwise would have been authorized under this section shall be considered to have been made in accordance with this section. (f) Amendment Section 5(b) of the Act of May 27, 1955 ( 42 U.S.C. 1856d(b) ) is amended in the first sentence by inserting or Department of Agriculture after Department of Defense . 8305. Forest Service large airtanker and aerial asset firefighting recapitalization pilot program (a) In general Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may establish a large airtanker and aerial asset lease program in accordance with this section. (b) Aircraft requirements In carrying out the program described in subsection (a), the Secretary may enter into a multiyear lease contract for up to 5 aircraft that meet the criteria— (1) described in the Forest Service document entitled Large Airtanker Modernization Strategy and dated February 10, 2012, for large airtankers; and (2) determined by the Secretary, for other aerial assets. (c) Lease terms The term of any individual lease agreement into which the Secretary enters under this section shall be— (1) up to 5 years, inclusive of any options to renew or extend the initial lease term; and (2) in accordance with section 3903 of title 41, United States Code. (d) Prohibition No lease entered into under this section shall provide for the purchase of the aircraft by, or the transfer of ownership to, the Forest Service. 8306. Land conveyance, Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Association The term Association means the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery Association of Pound, Virginia. (2) Map The term map means the map titled Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery dated March 1, 2013. (b) Conveyance required Upon payment by the Association of the consideration under subsection (c) and the costs under subsection (e), the Secretary shall, subject to valid existing rights, convey to the Association all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of National Forest System land in the Jefferson National Forest in Wise County, Virginia, consisting of approximately 0.70 acres and containing the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery and an easement to provide access to the parcel, as generally depicted on the map. (c) Consideration (1) Fair market value As consideration for the land conveyed under subsection (b), the Association shall pay to the Secretary cash in an amount equal to the market value of the land, as determined by an appraisal approved by the Secretary and conducted in conformity with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and section 206 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1716 ). (2) Deposit The consideration received by the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall be deposited into the general fund of the Treasury of the United States for the purposes of deficit reduction. (d) Description of property The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be conveyed under subsection (b) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary. (e) Costs The Association shall pay to the Secretary at closing the reasonable costs of the survey, the appraisal, and any administrative and environmental analyses required by law. (f) Additional terms and conditions The Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance under subsection (b) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. IX Energy 9001. Definitions Section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8101 ) is amended by— (1) redesignating paragraphs (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), and (14) as paragraphs (10), (11), (12), (13), (15), and (17); (2) inserting after paragraph (8), the following new paragraph: (9) Forest product (A) In general The term forest product means a product made from materials derived from the practice of forestry or the management of growing timber. (B) Inclusions The term forest product includes— (i) pulp, paper, paperboard, pellets, lumber, and other wood products; and (ii) any recycled products derived from forest materials. ; (3) by inserting after paragraph (13) (as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this section) the following: (14) Renewable chemical The term renewable chemical means a monomer, polymer, plastic, formulated product, or chemical substance produced from renewable biomass. ; and (4) inserting after paragraph (15) (as so redesignated), the following new paragraph: (16) Renewable energy system (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the term renewable energy system means a system that— (i) produces usable energy from a renewable energy source; and (ii) may include distribution components necessary to move energy produced by such system to the initial point of sale. (B) Limitation A system described in subparagraph (A) may not include a mechanism for dispensing energy at retail. . 9002. Biobased markets program (a) In general Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8102 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2)(A)(i)— (i) in subclause (I), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subclause (II)(bb), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (III) establish a targeted biobased-only procurement requirement under which the procuring agency shall issue a certain number of biobased-only contracts when the procuring agency is purchasing products, or purchasing services that include the use of products, that are included in a biobased product category designated by the Secretary. ; and (B) in paragraph (3)— (i) in subparagraph (B)— (I) in clause (v), by inserting as determined to be necessary by the Secretary based on the availability of data, before provide information ; (II) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi) as clauses (vii) and (viii), respectively; and (III) by inserting after clause (iv) the following: (v) require reporting of quantities and types of biobased products purchased by procuring agencies; (vi) promote biobased products, including forest products, that apply an innovative approach to growing, harvesting, sourcing, procuring, processing, manufacturing, or application of biobased products regardless of the date of entry into the marketplace; ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: (F) Required designations Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the Secretary shall begin to designate intermediate ingredients or feedstocks and assembled and finished biobased products in the guidelines issued under this paragraph. ; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (3)— (i) by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (A) In general The Secretary ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: (B) Auditing and compliance The Secretary may carry out such auditing and compliance activities as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure compliance with subparagraph (A). ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (4) Assembled and finished products Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall begin issuing criteria for determining which assembled and finished products may qualify to receive the label under paragraph (1). ; (3) in subsection (g)— (A) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking The report and inserting Each report under paragraph (1) ; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) the progress made by other Federal agencies in compliance with the biobased procurement requirements, including the quantity of purchases made. ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (3) Economic impact study and report (A) In general The Secretary shall conduct a study to assess the economic impact of the biobased products industry, including— (i) the quantity of biobased products sold; (ii) the value of the biobased products; (iii) the quantity of jobs created; (iv) the quantity of petroleum displaced; (v) other environmental benefits; and (vi) areas in which the use or manufacturing of biobased products could be more effectively used, including identifying any technical and economic obstacles and recommending how those obstacles can be overcome. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). ; (4) by redesignating subsections (g) and (h) as subsections (h) and (i), respectively; (5) by inserting after subsection (f) the following new subsection: (g) Forest products laboratory coordination In determining whether products are eligible for the USDA Certified Biobased Product label, the Secretary (acting through the Forest Products Laboratory) shall provide appropriate technical and other assistance to the program and applicants for forest products. ; and (6) in subsection (i) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs: (1) Mandatory funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Discretionary funding There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (7) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (j) Biobased product inclusion In this section, the term biobased product (as defined in section 9001) includes, with respect to forestry materials, forest products that meet biobased content requirements, notwithstanding the market share the product holds, the age of the product, or whether the market for the product is new or emerging. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 944(c)(2)(A) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 16253(c)(2)(A) ) is amended by striking section 9002(h)(1) and inserting section 9002(b) . 9003. Biorefinery assistance (a) Program adjustments Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8103 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting , renewable chemical, and biobased product manufacturing after Biorefinery ; (2) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting renewable chemicals, and biobased product manufacturing after advanced biofuels, ; (3) in subsection (b)— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) the following: (1) Biobased product manufacturing The term biobased product manufacturing means development, construction, and retrofitting of technologically new commercial-scale processing and manufacturing equipment and required facilities that will be used to convert renewable chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries into end-user products on a commercial scale. ; (4) in subsection (c), by striking to eligible entities and all that follows through guarantees for loans and inserting to eligible entities guarantees for loans ; (5) by striking subsection (d); (6) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h) as subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively; and (7) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)— (A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) Project diversity In approving loan guarantee applications, the Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, there is diversity in the types of projects approved for loan guarantees to ensure that as wide a range as possible of technologies, products, and approaches are assisted. . (B) by striking subsection (c)(2) each place it appears and inserting subsection (c) ; and (C) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking subsection (h) and inserting subsection (g) . (b) Funding Subsection (g) of section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8103 ) (as redesignated by paragraph (6)) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Mandatory funding (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use for the cost of loan guarantees under this section, to remain available until expended— (i) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; and (ii) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 and 2016. (B) Biobased product manufacturing Of the total amount of funds made available for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may use for the cost of loan guarantees under this section not more than 15 percent of such funds to promote biobased product manufacturing. ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013 and inserting $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 9004. Repowering assistance program Section 9004(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8104(d) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and inserting $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013 and inserting $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 9005. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels Section 9005(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8105(g) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013 and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 9006. Biodiesel fuel education program Section 9006(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8106(d) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the heading, by striking Fiscal years 2009 through 2012 and inserting Mandatory funding ; and (B) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) in the heading, by striking Authorization of appropriations and inserting Discretionary funding ; and (B) by striking fiscal year 2013 and inserting each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 9007. Rural Energy for America Program (a) Program adjustments Section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: (D) a council (as defined in section 1528 of the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 ( 16 U.S.C. 3451 )); and ; and (2) in subsection (c)— (A) by striking paragraph (3); (B) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3); and (C) by adding at the end the following: (4) Tiered application process (A) In general In providing loan guarantees and grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall use a 3-tiered application process that reflects the size of proposed projects in accordance with this paragraph. (B) Tier 1 The Secretary shall establish a separate application process for projects for which the cost of the activity funded under this subsection is not more than $80,000. (C) Tier 2 The Secretary shall establish a separate application process for projects for which the cost of the activity funded under this subsection is greater than $80,000 but less than $200,000. (D) Tier 3 The Secretary shall establish a separate application process for projects for which the cost of the activity funded under this subsection is equal to or greater than $200,000. (E) Application process The Secretary shall establish an application, evaluation, and oversight process that is the most simplified for tier I projects and more comprehensive for each subsequent tier. . (b) Funding Section 9007(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8107(g) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. ; and (2) in paragraph (3), by striking $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013 and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 9008. Biomass research and development Section 9008(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8108(h) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2017. ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013 and inserting $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 . 9009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8110(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 ; and (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 . 9010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program Section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8111 ) is amended to read as follows: 9011. Biomass Crop Assistance Program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) BCAP The term BCAP means the Biomass Crop Assistance Program established under this section. (2) BCAP project area The term BCAP project area means an area that— (A) has specified boundaries that are submitted to the Secretary by the project sponsor and subsequently approved by the Secretary; (B) includes producers with contract acreage that will supply a portion of the renewable biomass needed by a biomass conversion facility; and (C) is physically located within an economically practicable distance from the biomass conversion facility. (3) Contract acreage The term contract acreage means eligible land that is covered by a BCAP contract entered into with the Secretary. (4) Eligible crop (A) In general The term eligible crop means a crop of renewable biomass. (B) Exclusions The term eligible crop does not include— (i) any crop that is eligible to receive payments under title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 or an amendment made by that title; or (ii) any plant that is invasive or noxious or species or varieties of plants that credible risk assessment tools or other credible sources determine are potentially invasive, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with other appropriate Federal or State departments and agencies. (5) Eligible land (A) In general The term eligible land includes— (i) agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands (as defined in section 5(c) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2103a(c) ); and (ii) land enrolled in the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter I of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ), or the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program established under subtitle H of title XII of that Act, under a contract that will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. (B) Exclusions The term eligible land does not include— (i) Federal- or State-owned land; (ii) land that is native sod, as of the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq. ); (iii) land enrolled in the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ), other than land described in subparagraph (A)(ii); or (iv) land enrolled in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program established under subtitle H of title XII of that Act, other than land described in subparagraph (A)(ii). (6) Eligible material (A) In general The term eligible material means renewable biomass harvested directly from the land, including crop residue from any crop that is eligible to receive payments under title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 or an amendment made by that title. (B) Inclusions The term eligible material shall only include— (i) eligible material that is collected or harvested by the eligible material owner— (I) directly from— (aa) National Forest System; (bb) Bureau of Land Management land; (cc) non-Federal land; or (dd) land owned by an individual Indian or Indian tribe that is held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the individual Indian or Indian tribe or subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by the United States; (II) in a manner that is consistent with— (aa) a conservation plan; (bb) a forest stewardship plan; or (cc) a plan that the Secretary determines is equivalent to a plan described in item (aa) or (bb) and consistent with Executive Order 13112 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 note; relating to invasive species); (ii) if woody eligible material, woody eligible material that is produced on land other than contract acreage that— (I) is a byproduct of a preventative treatment that is removed to reduce hazardous fuel or to reduce or contain disease or insect infestation; and (II) if harvested from Federal land, is harvested in accordance with section 102(e) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6512(e) ); and (iii) eligible material that is delivered to a qualified biomass conversion facility to be used for heat, power, biobased products, research, or advanced biofuels. (C) Exclusions The term eligible material does not include— (i) material that is whole grain from any crop that is eligible to receive payments under title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 or an amendment made by that title, including— (I) barley, corn, grain sorghum, oats, rice, or wheat; (II) honey; (III) mohair; (IV) oilseeds, including canola, crambe, flaxseed, mustard seed, rapeseed, safflower seed, soybeans, sesame seed, and sunflower seed; (V) peanuts; (VI) pulse; (VII) chickpeas, lentils, and dry peas; (VIII) dairy products; (IX) sugar; and (X) wool and cotton boll fiber; (ii) animal waste and byproducts, including fat, oil, grease, and manure; (iii) food waste and yard waste; (iv) algae; (v) woody eligible material that— (I) is removed outside contract acreage; and (II) is not a byproduct of a preventative treatment to reduce hazardous fuel or to reduce or contain disease or insect infestation; (vi) any woody eligible material collected or harvested outside contract acreage that would otherwise be used for existing market products; or (vii) bagasse. (7) Producer The term producer means an owner or operator of contract acreage that is physically located within a BCAP project area. (8) Project sponsor The term project sponsor means— (A) a group of producers; or (B) a biomass conversion facility. (9) Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher The term socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher has the meaning given the term in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ). (b) Establishment and purpose The Secretary shall establish and administer a Biomass Crop Assistance Program to— (1) support the establishment and production of eligible crops for conversion to bioenergy in selected BCAP project areas; and (2) assist agricultural and forest land owners and operators with the collection, harvest, storage, and transportation of eligible material for use in a biomass conversion facility. (c) BCAP project area (1) In general The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to a producer of an eligible crop in a BCAP project area. (2) Selection of project areas (A) In general To be considered for selection as a BCAP project area, a project sponsor shall submit to the Secretary a proposal that, at a minimum, includes— (i) a description of the eligible land and eligible crops of each producer that will participate in the proposed BCAP project area; (ii) a letter of commitment from a biomass conversion facility that the facility will use the eligible crops intended to be produced in the proposed BCAP project area; (iii) evidence that the biomass conversion facility has sufficient equity available, as determined by the Secretary, if the biomass conversion facility is not operational at the time the proposal is submitted to the Secretary; and (iv) any other information about the biomass conversion facility or proposed biomass conversion facility that the Secretary determines necessary for the Secretary to be reasonably assured that the plant will be in operation by the date on which the eligible crops are ready for harvest. (B) BCAP project area selection criteria In selecting BCAP project areas, the Secretary shall consider— (i) the volume of the eligible crops proposed to be produced in the proposed BCAP project area and the probability that those crops will be used for the purposes of the BCAP; (ii) the volume of renewable biomass projected to be available from sources other than the eligible crops grown on contract acres; (iii) the anticipated economic impact in the proposed BCAP project area; (iv) the opportunity for producers and local investors to participate in the ownership of the biomass conversion facility in the proposed BCAP project area; (v) the participation rate by— (I) beginning farmers or ranchers (as defined in accordance with section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a) )); or (II) socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers; (vi) the impact on soil, water, and related resources; (vii) the variety in biomass production approaches within a project area, including (as appropriate)— (I) agronomic conditions; (II) harvest and postharvest practices; and (III) monoculture and polyculture crop mixes; (viii) the range of eligible crops among project areas; (ix) existing project areas that have received funding under this section and the continuation of funding of such project areas to advance the maturity of such project areas; and (x) any additional information that the Secretary determines to be necessary. (3) Contract (A) In general On approval of a BCAP project area by the Secretary, each producer in the BCAP project area shall enter into a contract directly with the Secretary. (B) Minimum terms At a minimum, a contract under this subsection shall include terms that cover— (i) an agreement to make available to the Secretary, or to an institution of higher education or other entity designated by the Secretary, such information as the Secretary considers to be appropriate to promote the production of eligible crops and the development of biomass conversion technology; (ii) compliance with the highly erodible land conservation requirements of subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ) and the wetland conservation requirements of subtitle C of title XII of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ); (iii) the implementation of (as determined by the Secretary)— (I) a conservation plan; (II) a forest stewardship plan; or (III) a plan that is equivalent to a conservation or forest stewardship plan; and (iv) any additional requirements that Secretary determines to be necessary. (C) Duration A contract under this subsection shall have a term of not more than— (i) 5 years for annual and perennial crops; or (ii) 15 years for woody biomass. (4) Relationship to other programs In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall provide for the preservation of cropland base and yield history applicable to the land enrolled in a BCAP contract. (5) Payments (A) In general The Secretary shall make establishment and annual payments directly to producers to support the establishment and production of eligible crops on contract acreage. (B) Amount of establishment payments (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), the amount of an establishment payment under this subsection shall be not more than 50 percent of the costs of establishing an eligible perennial crop covered by the contract but not to exceed $500 per acre, including— (I) the cost of seeds and stock for perennials; (II) the cost of planting the perennial crop, as determined by the Secretary; and (III) in the case of nonindustrial private forestland, the costs of site preparation and tree planting. (ii) Socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers In the case of socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, the costs of establishment may not exceed $750 per acre. (C) Amount of annual payments (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), the amount of an annual payment under this subsection shall be determined by the Secretary. (ii) Reduction The Secretary shall reduce an annual payment by an amount determined to be appropriate by the Secretary, if— (I) an eligible crop is used for purposes other than the production of energy at the biomass conversion facility; (II) an eligible crop is delivered to the biomass conversion facility; (III) the producer receives a payment under subsection (d); (IV) the producer violates a term of the contract; or (V) the Secretary determines a reduction is necessary to carry out this section. (D) Exclusion The Secretary shall not make any BCAP payments on land for which payments are received under the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ) or the agricultural conservation easement program established under subtitle H of title XII of that Act. (d) Assistance with collection, harvest, storage, and transportation (1) In general The Secretary shall make a payment for the delivery of eligible material to a biomass conversion facility to— (A) a producer of an eligible crop that is produced on BCAP contract acreage; or (B) a person with the right to collect or harvest eligible material, regardless of whether the eligible material is produced on contract acreage. (2) Payments (A) Costs covered A payment under this subsection shall be in an amount described in subparagraph (B) for— (i) collection; (ii) harvest; (iii) storage; and (iv) transportation to a biomass conversion facility. (B) Amount Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary may provide matching payments at a rate of up to $1 for each $1 per ton provided by the biomass conversion facility, in an amount not to exceed $20 per dry ton for a period of 2 years. (3) Limitation on assistance for bcap contract acreage As a condition of the receipt of an annual payment under subsection (c), a producer receiving a payment under this subsection for collection, harvest, storage, or transportation of an eligible crop produced on BCAP acreage shall agree to a reduction in the annual payment. (e) Report Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014, 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 report on the dissemination by the Secretary of the best practice data and information gathered from participants receiving assistance under this section. (f) Funding (1) In general Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (2) Collection, harvest, storage, and transportation payments Of the amount made available under paragraph (1) for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not less than 10 percent, nor more than 50 percent, of the amount to make collection, harvest, transportation, and storage payments under subsection (d)(2). (3) Technical assistance (A) In general Effective for fiscal year 2014 and each subsequent fiscal year, funds made available under this subsection shall be available for the provision of technical assistance with respect to activities authorized under this section. (B) Relationship to other laws To the extent funds obligated or expended under subparagraph (A) include funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, such funds shall not be considered an allotment or fund transfer from the Commodity Credit Corporation for purposes of the limit on expenditures for technical assistance imposed by section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act ( 15 U.S.C. 714i ). . 9011. Repeal of forest biomass for energy Section 9012 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8112 ) is repealed. 9012. Community wood energy program (a) Definition of biomass consumer cooperative Section 9013(a) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8113(a) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and (2) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) the following: (1) Biomass consumer cooperative The term biomass consumer cooperative means a consumer membership organization the purpose of which is to provide members with services or discounts relating to the purchase of biomass heating products or biomass heating systems. . (b) Grant program Section 9013(b)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8113(b)(1) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (C) grants of up to $50,000 to biomass consumer cooperatives for the purpose of establishing or expanding biomass consumer cooperatives that will provide consumers with services or discounts relating to— (i) the purchase of biomass heating systems; (ii) biomass heating products, including wood chips, wood pellets, and advanced biofuels; or (iii) the delivery and storage of biomass of heating products. . (c) Matching funds Section 9013(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8113(d) ) is amended— (1) by striking A State or local government that receives a grant under subsection (b) and inserting the following: (1) State and local governments A State or local government that receives a grant under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (b)(1) ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (2) Biomass consumer cooperatives A biomass consumer cooperative that receives a grant under subsection (b)(1)(C) shall contribute an amount of non-Federal funds (which may include State, local, and nonprofit funds and membership dues) toward the establishment or expansion of a biomass consumer cooperative that is at least equal to 50 percent of the amount of Federal funds received for that purpose. . (d) Authorization of appropriations Section 9013(e) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 8113(e) ) is amended by striking 2013 and inserting 2018 . 9013. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study Section 9002 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2095) is repealed. 9014. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study Section 9003 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2096) is repealed. 9015. Energy efficiency report for USDA facilities (a) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture 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 on energy use and energy efficiency projects at the Washington, District of Columbia, headquarters and the major regional facilities of the Department of Agriculture. (b) Contents The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An analysis of energy use by the Department of Agriculture headquarters and major regional facilities. (2) A list of energy audits that have been conducted at such facilities. (3) A list of energy efficiency projects that have been conducted at such facilities. (4) A list of energy savings projects that could be achieved with enacting a consistent, timely, and proper mechanical insulation maintenance program and upgrading mechanical insulation at such facilities. X Horticulture 10001. Specialty crops market news allocation Section 10107(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622b(b) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 10002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops Effective October 1, 2013, section 10403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622c ) is repealed. 10003. Farmers’ market and local food promotion program Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 ( 7 U.S.C. 3005 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting and Local Food after Farmers’ Market ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting and Local Food after Farmers’ Market ; (B) by striking farmers’ markets and to promote ; and (C) by striking the period and inserting and assist in the development of local food business enterprises. ; (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following: (b) Program purposes The purposes of the Program are to increase domestic consumption of and access to locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets, by developing, improving, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to, or assisting in the development, improvement and expansion of— (1) domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities; and (2) local and regional food business enterprises (including those that are not direct producer-to-consumer markets) that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally produced food products. ; (4) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) by inserting or other agricultural business entity after cooperative ; and (B) by inserting , including a community supported agriculture network or association after association ; (5) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (g); (6) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: (e) Priorities In providing grants under the Program, priority shall be given to applications that include projects that benefit underserved communities, including communities that— (1) are located in areas of concentrated poverty with limited access to fresh locally or regionally grown foods; and (2) have not received benefits from the Program in the recent past. (f) Funds requirements for eligible entities (1) Matching funds An entity receiving a grant under this section for a project to carry out a purpose described in subsection (b)(2) shall provide matching funds in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. (2) Limitation on use of funds An eligible entity may not use a grant or other assistance provided under this section for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of a building or structure. ; and (7) in subsection (g) (as redesignated by paragraph (5))— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking Fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and inserting Mandatory funding ; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: (D) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (B) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5); (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6); and (D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. (4) Use of funds Of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year— (A) 50 percent of the funds shall be used for the purposes described in subsection (b)(1); and (B) 50 percent of the funds shall be used for the purposes described in subsection (b)(2). (5) Limitation on administrative expenses Not more than 4 percent of the total amount made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year may be used for administrative expenses. . 10004. Organic agriculture (a) Organic production and market data initiatives Section 7407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925c ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting and annually thereafter after this subsection ; (B) in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end; (C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) describes how data collection agencies (such as the Agricultural Marketing Service and the National Agricultural Statistics Service) are coordinating with data user agencies (such as the Risk Management Agency) to ensure that data collected under this section can be used by data user agencies, including by the Risk Management Agency to offer price elections for all organic crops; and ; and (2) in subsection (d)— (A) by striking paragraph (3); (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) Mandatory funding In addition to any funds made available under paragraph (1), of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $5,000,000, to remain available until expended. ; and (D) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by subparagraph (B))— (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 ; (ii) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting paragraphs (1) and (2) ; and (iii) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . (b) Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program Section 2123 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6522 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (5), by striking and at the end; (B) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following: (6) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018; and ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (c) Modernization and technology upgrade for national organic program (1) In general The Secretary shall modernize database and technology systems of the national organic program. (2) Funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation and in addition to any other funds made available for that purpose, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain available until expended. . (c) National organic certification cost-share program Section 10606(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( 7 U.S.C. 6523(d) ) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Mandatory funding for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $11,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. . (d) Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments Section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401 ) is amended by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following; (e) Exemption of certified organic products from promotion order assessments (1) In general Notwithstanding any provision of a commodity promotion law, a person that produces, handles, markets, or imports organic products may be exempt from the payment of an assessment under a commodity promotion law with respect to any agricultural commodity that is certified as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)). (2) Split operations The exemption described in paragraph (1) shall apply to the certified organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)) products of a producer, handler, or marketer regardless of whether the agricultural commodity subject to the exemption is produced, handled, or marketed by a person that also produces, handles, or markets conventional or nonorganic agricultural products, including conventional or nonorganic agricultural products of the same agricultural commodity as that for which the exemption is claimed. (3) Approval The Secretary shall approve the exemption of a person under this subsection if the person maintains a valid organic certificate issued under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ). (4) Termination of effectiveness This subsection shall be effective until the date on which the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order in accordance with subsection (f). (5) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1). . (e) Organic commodity promotion order Section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7401 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Organic commodity promotion order (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Certified organic farm The term certified organic farm has the meaning given the term in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 ). (B) Covered person The term covered person means a producer, handler, marketer, or importer of an organic agricultural commodity. (C) Dual-covered agricultural commodity The term dual-covered agricultural commodity means an agricultural commodity that— (i) is produced on a certified organic farm; and (ii) is covered under both— (I) an organic commodity promotion order issued pursuant to paragraph (2); and (II) any other agricultural commodity promotion order issued under section 514. (2) Authorization The Secretary may issue an organic commodity promotion order under section 514 that includes any agricultural commodity that— (A) is produced or handled (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 )) and that is certified to be sold or labeled as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)); or (B) is imported with a valid organic certificate (as defined in that part). (3) Election If the Secretary issues an organic commodity promotion order described in paragraph (2), a covered person may elect, for applicable dual-covered agricultural commodities and in the sole discretion of the covered person, whether to be assessed under the organic commodity promotion order or another applicable agricultural commodity promotion order. (4) Regulations The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an exemption under paragraph (1). . (f) Definition of agricultural commodity Section 513(1) of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7412(1) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following: (E) products, as a class, that are— (i) produced on a certified organic farm (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6502 )); and (ii) certified to be sold or labeled as organic or 100 percent organic (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)); . 10005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (a) Recordkeeping by certified operations Section 2112 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6511 ) is amended by striking subsection (d). (b) Recordkeeping by certifying agents (1) In general Section 2116 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6515 ) is amended— (A) by striking subsection (c); (B) by redesignating subsections (d) through (j) as subsections (c) through (i), respectively; and (C) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking subsection (d) and inserting subsection (c) . (2) Conforming amendment Section 2107(a)(8) of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6506(a)(8) ) is amended by striking section 2116(h) and inserting section 2116(g) . (c) Recordkeeping, investigations, and enforcement Section 2120 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6519 ) is amended to read as follows: 2120. Recordkeeping, investigations, and enforcement (a) Recordkeeping (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this title, each person who sells, labels, or represents any agricultural product as having been produced or handled using organic methods shall make available to the Secretary or the applicable governing State official, on request by the Secretary or official, all records associated with the agricultural product. (2) Certified operations Each producer that operates a certified organic farm or certified organic handling operation under this title shall maintain, for a period of not less than 5 years, all records concerning the production or handling of any agricultural product sold or labeled as organically produced under this title, including— (A) a detailed history of substances applied to fields or agricultural products; (B) the name and address of each person who applied such a substance; and (C) the date, rate, and method of application of each such substance. (3) Certifying agents (A) Maintenance of records A certifying agent shall maintain all records concerning the activities of the certifying agent under this title for a period of not less than 10 years. (B) Access for Secretary A certifying agent shall provide to the Secretary and the applicable governing State official (or a representative) access to all records concerning the activities of the certifying agent under this title. (C) Transference of records If a private person that was certified under this title is dissolved or loses accreditation, all records and copies of records concerning the activities of the person under this title shall be— (i) transferred to the Secretary; and (ii) made available to the applicable governing State official. (4) Unlawful act It shall be unlawful and a violation of this title for any person covered by this title to fail or refuse to provide accurate information (including a delay in the timely delivery of such information) required by the Secretary under this title. (5) Confidentiality Except as provided in section 2107(a)(9), or as otherwise directed by the Secretary or the Attorney General for enforcement purposes, no officer, employee, or agent of the United States shall make available to the public any information, statistic, or document obtained from, or made available by, any person under this title, other than in a manner that ensures that confidentiality is preserved regarding— (A) the identity of all relevant persons (including parties to a contract); and (B) proprietary business information. (b) Investigations (1) In general The Secretary may take such investigative actions as the Secretary considers to be necessary— (A) to verify the accuracy of any information reported or made available under this title; and (B) to determine whether a person covered by this title has committed a violation of any provision of this title, including an order or regulation promulgated by the Secretary pursuant to this title. (2) Specific investigative powers In carrying out this title, the Secretary may— (A) administer oaths and affirmations; (B) subpoena witnesses; (C) compel attendance of witnesses; (D) take evidence; and (E) require the production of any records required to be maintained under this title that are relevant to an investigation. (c) Violations of title (1) Misuse of label Any person who knowingly sells or labels a product as organic, except in accordance with this title, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000. (2) False statement Any person who makes a false statement under this title to the Secretary, a governing State official, or a certifying agent shall be punished in accordance with section 1001 of title 18, United States Code. (3) Ineligibility (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (C), any person that carries out an activity described in subparagraph (B), after notice and an opportunity to be heard, shall not be eligible, for the 5-year period beginning on the date of the occurrence, to receive a certification under this title with respect to any farm or handling operation in which the person has an interest. (B) Description of activities An activity referred to in subparagraph (A) is— (i) making a false statement; (ii) attempting to have a label indicating that an agricultural product is organically produced affixed to an agricultural product that a person knows, or should have reason to know, to have been produced or handled in a manner that is not in accordance with this title; or (iii) otherwise violating the purposes of the applicable organic certification program, as determined by the Secretary. (C) Waiver Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Secretary may modify or waive a period of ineligibility under this paragraph if the Secretary determines that the modification or waiver is in the best interests of the applicable organic certification program established under this title. (4) Reporting of violations A certifying agent shall immediately report any violation of this title to the Secretary or the applicable governing State official. (5) Violations by certifying agent A certifying agent that is a private person that violates the provisions of this title or falsely or negligently certifies any farming or handling operation that does not meet the terms and conditions of the applicable organic certification program as an organic operation, as determined by the Secretary or the applicable governing State official shall, after notice and an opportunity to be heard— (A) lose accreditation as a certifying agent under this title; and (B) be ineligible to be accredited as a certifying agent under this title for a period of not less than 3 years, beginning on the date of the determination. (6) Effect on other law Nothing in this title alters— (A) the authority of the Secretary concerning meat, poultry and egg products under— (i) the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ); (ii) the Poultry Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 451 et seq. ); or (iii) the Egg Products Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq. ); (B) the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ); or (C) the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. ). . 10006. Food safety education initiatives Section 10105(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7655a(c) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 10007. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs (a) Relocation of legislative language relating to national clean plant network Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: (e) National clean plant network (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a program to be known as the National Clean Plant Network (referred to in this subsection as the Program ). (2) Requirements Under the Program, the Secretary shall establish a network of clean plant centers for diagnostic and pathogen elimination services— (A) to produce clean propagative plant material; and (B) to maintain blocks of pathogen-tested plant material in sites located throughout the United States. (3) Availability of clean plant source material Clean plant source material may be made available to— (A) a State for a certified plant program of the State; and (B) private nurseries and producers. (4) Consultation and collaboration In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall— (A) consult with— (i) State departments of agriculture; and (ii) land-grant colleges and universities and NLGCA Institutions (as those terms are defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ( 7 U.S.C. 3103 )); and (B) to the extent practicable and with input from the appropriate State officials and industry representatives, use existing Federal or State facilities to serve as clean plant centers. (5) Funding for fiscal year 2013 There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2013. . (b) Funding Subsection (f) of section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ) (as so redesignated) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking and each fiscal year thereafter. and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (5) $62,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (6) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter. . (c) Repeal of existing provision Section 10202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7761 ) is repealed. (d) Use of funds for clean plant network Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7721 ) (as amended by subsection (a)), is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Use of funds for clean plant network Of the funds made available under subsection (f) to carry out this section for a fiscal year, not less than $5,000,000 shall be available to carry out the National Clean Plant Network under subsection (e). (h) Limitation on indirect costs for the consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs Indirect costs charged against a cooperative agreement under this section shall not exceed the lesser of— (1) 15 percent of the total Federal funds provided under the cooperative agreement, as determined by the Secretary; and (2) the indirect cost rate applicable to the recipient as otherwise established by law. . 10008. Importation of seed Section 17(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136o(c) ) is amended— (1) by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (2) Importation of seed Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to notify the Administrator of the arrival of a plant-incorporated protectant (as defined in section 174.3 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation)) that is contained in a seed, if— (A) that plant-incorporated protectant is registered under section 3; (B) the Administrator has issued an experimental use permit for that plant-incorporated protectant under section 5; or (C) the seed is covered by a permit (as defined in part 340 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation)) or a notification. (3) Cooperation (A) In general In response to a request from the Administrator, the Secretary of Agriculture shall provide to the Administrator a list of seed containing plant-incorporated protectants (as defined in section 174.3 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation)) if the importation of that seed into the United States has been approved under a permit or notification referred to in paragraph (2). (B) Contents The list under subparagraph (A) shall be provided in a form and at such intervals as may be agreed to by the Secretary and the Administrator. (4) Applicability Nothing in this subsection precludes or limits the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to the importation or movement of plants, plant products, or seeds under— (A) the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq. ); and (B) the Federal Seed Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1551 et seq. ). . 10009. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada (a) Bulk shipment of apples to Canada Section 4 of the Export Apple Act ( 7 U.S.C. 584 ) is amended— (1) by striking Sec. 4. Apples in and inserting the following: 4. Exemptions (a) In general Apples in ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) Bulk containers Apples may be shipped to Canada in bulk containers without complying with the provisions of this Act. . (b) Definition of bulk container Section 9 of the Export Apple Act ( 7 U.S.C. 589 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) The term bulk container means a container that contains a quantity of apples weighing more than 100 pounds. . (c) Regulations Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section. 10010. Specialty crop block grants Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108–465 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking subsection (j) and inserting subsection (l) ; and (B) by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following: (b) Grants based on value and acreage Subject to subsection (c), for each State whose application for a grant for a fiscal year that is accepted by the Secretary under subsection (f), the amount of the grant for that fiscal year to the State under this section shall bear the same ratio to the total amount made available under subsection (l)(1) for that fiscal year as— (1) the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in the State and the acreage of specialty crop production in the State, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data; bears to (2) the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop production in all States and the acreage of specialty crop production in all States, as demonstrated in the most recent Census of Agriculture data. ; (3) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (l); (4) by inserting after subsection (i) the following: (j) Multistate projects Not later than 180 days after the effective date of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue guidance for the purpose of making grants to multistate projects under this section for projects involving— (1) food safety; (2) plant pests and disease; (3) research; (4) crop-specific projects addressing common issues; and (5) any other area that furthers the purposes of this section, as determined by the Secretary. (k) Administration (1) Department The Secretary of Agriculture may not use more than 3 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year for administrative expenses. (2) States A State receiving a grant under this section may not use more than 8 percent of the funds received under the grant for a fiscal year for administrative expenses. ; and (5) in subsection (l) (as redesignated by paragraph (3))— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (B) by striking Of the funds and inserting the following: (1) In general Of the funds ; (C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)— (i) in subparagraph (B) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (D) $72,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and (E) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter. ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (2) Multistate projects Of the funds made available under paragraph (1), the Secretary may use to carry out subsection (j), to remain available until expended— (A) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; (B) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; (C) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; (D) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and (E) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. . 10011. Department of Agriculture consultation regarding enforcement of certain labor law provisions (a) In general Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Labor regarding the restraining of shipments of agricultural commodities, or the confiscation of agricultural commodities, by the Department of Labor for actual or suspected labor law violations in order to consider— (1) the perishable nature of the commodities; (2) the impact of the restraining or confiscation on the economic viability of farming operations; and (3) the competitiveness of specialty crops through grants awarded to States under section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108–465 ). (b) Report The Secretary of Labor shall submit to the Committees on Agriculture and Education and Workforce of the House of Representative and the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report that describes the number of instances during the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2013 that the Department of Labor has contacted a purchaser of perishable agricultural commodities to notify that purchaser of an investigation or pending enforcement action against a producer from whom the purchaser has purchased perishable agricultural commodities. 10012. Report on honey (a) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with persons affected by the potential establishment of a Federal standard for the identity of honey, shall submit to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs a report describing how an appropriate Federal standard for the identity of honey would be in the interest of consumers, the honey industry, and United States agriculture. (b) Considerations In preparing the report required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall take into consideration the March 2006, Standard of Identity citizens petition filed with the Food and Drug Administration, including any current industry amendments or clarifications necessary to update that petition. 10013. Reports to Congress (a) In general Not later than 180 days and 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture and the Interior shall submit to the Committees on Agriculture and Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Environment and Public Works of the Senate, 2 reports that describe approaches and actions taken by the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Marine Fisheries Service— (1) to implement recommendations, including an analysis of how any identified delays to implementation will be overcome, of the 2013 Expert Report authored by the National Research Council of the National Academies entitled Assessing Risks to Endangered and Threatened Species from Pesticides ; (2) to otherwise minimize delays in integrating— (A) the pesticide registration and registration review requirements of sections 3 and 33 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 U.S.C. 136a , 136w–8); and (B) the species and habitat protection processes described in sections 7 and 10 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1536 , 1539); and (3) to ensure public participation and transparency during the development, implementation, and evaluation of the approaches to implement the recommendations contained in the report described in paragraph (1). (b) Requirement for final report In addition to the requirements of subsection (a), the final report submitted to Congress under that subsection shall— (1) inform Congress of specific actions that have been and will be taken to address the recommendations identified in subsection (a)(1), including an evaluation to establish that— (A) the approaches utilize the best available science; (B) reasonable and prudent alternatives within biological opinions are technologically and economically feasible; (C) reasonable and prudent measures are necessary and appropriate; and (D) the agencies ensure public participation and transparency in the development of reasonable and prudent alternatives and reasonable and prudent measures; and (2) update the study and report required by subsections (b) and (c) of section 1010 of Public Law 100–478 ( 7 U.S.C. 136a note). 10014. Stay of regulations Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall lift the administrative stay imposed under the rule of the Secretary entitled Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Stay of Regulations and published by the Department of Agriculture on November 17, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 71241), on the regulations in subpart A of part 1214 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, establishing an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for fresh-cut Christmas trees. 10015. Regulation of sulfuryl fluoride Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall exclude nonpesticideal sources of fluoride from any aggregate exposure assessment required under section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 346a ) when assessing tolerances associated with residues from the pesticide. 10016. Local food production and program evaluation (a) In General The Secretary shall— (1) collect data on— (A) the production and marketing of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; and (B) direct and indirect regulatory compliance costs affecting the production and marketing of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (2) facilitate interagency collaboration and data sharing on programs relating to local and regional food systems; (3) monitor— (A) the effectiveness of programs designed to expand or facilitate local food systems; and (B) barriers to local and regional market access due to Federal regulation of small-scale production; and (4) evaluate the manner in which local food systems— (A) contribute to improving community food security; and (B) assist populations with limited access to healthy food. (b) Requirements In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall, at a minimum— (1) collect and distribute comprehensive reporting of prices and volume of locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (2) conduct surveys and analysis and publish reports relating to the production, handling, distribution, retail sales, and trend studies (including consumer purchasing patterns) of or on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs in growing local and regional food systems, including— (A) the impact of local food systems on job creation and economic development; (B) the level of participation in the Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program established under section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 ( 7 U.S.C. 3005 ), including the percentage of projects funded in comparison to applicants and the types of eligible entities receiving funds; (C) the ability of participants to leverage private capital and a synopsis of the places from which non-Federal funds are derived; and (D) any additional resources required to aid in the development or expansion of local and regional food systems; (4) evaluate the impact that Federal regulation of small commercial producers of agricultural food products intended for local and regional consumption may have on— (A) local job creation and economic development; (B) access to local and regional fruit and vegetable markets, including for new and beginning small commercial producers; and (C) participation in— (i) supplier networks; (ii) high volume distribution systems; and (iii) retail sales outlets; (5) expand the Agricultural Resource Management Survey of the Department to include questions on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products; and (6) seek to establish or expand private-public partnerships to facilitate, to the maximum extent practicable, the collection of data on locally or regionally produced agricultural food products, including the development of a nationally coordinated and regionally balanced evaluation of the redevelopment of locally or regionally produced food systems. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act 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 report describing the progress that has been made in implementing this section and identifying any additional needs and barriers related to developing local and regional food systems. 10017. Clarification of use of funds for technical assistance In the case of each program established or amended by this title that is authorized or required to be carried out using funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the use of those funds to provide technical assistance shall not be considered an allotment or fund transfer from the Commodity Credit Corporation for purposes of the limit on expenditures for technical assistance imposed by section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act ( 15 U.S.C. 714i ). XI Crop Insurance 11001. Information sharing Section 502(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (4) Information (A) Request Subject to subparagraph (B), the Farm Service Agency shall, in a timely manner, provide to an agent or an approved insurance provider authorized by the producer any information (including Farm Service Agency Form 578s (or any successor form)) or maps (or any corrections to those forms or maps) that may assist the agent or approved insurance provider in insuring the producer under a policy or plan of insurance under this subtitle. (B) Privacy Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an agent or approved insurance provider that receives the information of a producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall treat the information in accordance with paragraph (1). (C) Sharing Nothing in this section prohibits the sharing of the information of a producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) between the agent and the approved insurance provider of the producer. . 11002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium adjustments Section 508(a)(9) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C) Publication of violations (i) Publication required Subject to clause (ii), the Corporation shall publish in a timely manner on the website of the Risk Management Agency information regarding each violation of this paragraph, including any sanctions imposed in response to the violation, in sufficient detail so that the information may serve as effective guidance to approved insurance providers, agents, and producers. (ii) Protection of privacy In providing information under clause (i) regarding violations of this paragraph, the Corporation shall redact the identity of the persons and entities committing the violations in order to protect the privacy of those persons and entities. . 11003. Supplemental coverage option (a) Availability of supplemental coverage option Section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c) ) is amended by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Yield and loss basis options A producer shall have the option of purchasing additional coverage based on— (A) (i) an individual yield and loss basis; or (ii) an area yield and loss basis; or (B) an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis to cover a part of the deductible under the individual yield and loss policy, as described in paragraph (4)(C). . (b) Level of coverage Section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c) ) is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) Level of coverage (A) Dollar denomination and percentage of yield Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the level of coverage— (i) shall be dollar denominated; and (ii) may be purchased at any level not to exceed 85 percent of the individual yield or 95 percent of the area yield (as determined by the Corporation). (B) Information The Corporation shall provide producers with information on catastrophic risk and additional coverage in terms of dollar coverage (within the allowable limits of coverage provided in this paragraph). (C) Supplemental coverage option (i) In general Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of the supplemental coverage option described in paragraph (3)(B), the Corporation shall offer producers the opportunity to purchase coverage in combination with a policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle that would allow indemnities to be paid to a producer equal to a part of the deductible under the policy or plan of insurance— (I) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent practicable; or (II) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis of such larger geographical area as the Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of providing the coverage. (ii) Trigger Coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall be triggered only if the losses in the area exceed 14 percent of normal levels (as determined by the Corporation). (iii) Coverage Subject to the trigger described in clause (ii), coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall not exceed the difference between— (I) 86 percent; and (II) the coverage level selected by the producer for the underlying policy or plan of insurance. (iv) Ineligible crops and acres Crops for which the producer has elected under section 1116 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 to receive agriculture risk coverage and acres that are enrolled in the stacked income protection plan under section 508B shall not be eligible for supplemental coverage under this subparagraph. (v) Calculation of premium Notwithstanding subsection (d), the premium for coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and clause (i) shall— (I) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and (II) include an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with subsection (k)(4)(F). . (c) Payment of portion of premium by Corporation Section 508(e)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (H) In the case of the supplemental coverage option authorized in subsection (c)(4)(C), the amount shall be equal to the sum of— (i) 65 percent of the additional premium associated with the coverage; and (ii) the amount determined under subsection (c)(4)(C)(v)(II), subject to subsection (k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover operating and administrative expenses. . (d) Application date The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation shall begin to provide additional coverage based on an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis, as described in the amendments made by this section, not later than for the 2015 crop year. 11004. Crop margin coverage option Section 508(c)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c)(3) ) (as amended by section 11003) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking or at the end; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (C) a margin basis alone or in combination with the coverages available under subparagraph (A) or (B). . 11005. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection Section 508(d)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(d)(2) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) In the case of catastrophic risk protection, the amount of the premium established by the Corporation for each crop for which catastrophic risk protection is available shall be reduced by the percentage equal to the difference between the average loss ratio for the crop and 100 percent, plus a reasonable reserve, as determined by the Corporation. . 11006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy Section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) In general The Corporation may pay a portion of the premiums for plans or policies of insurance for which the insurable unit is defined on a whole farm or enterprise unit basis that is higher than would otherwise be paid in accordance with paragraph (2). . 11007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops Section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (D) Nonirrigated crops Beginning with the 2015 crop year, the Corporation shall make available separate enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated acreage of crops in counties. . 11008. Data collection Section 508(g)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (E) Sources of yield data To determine yields under this paragraph, the Corporation— (i) shall use county data collected by the Risk Management Agency, the National Agricultural Statistics Service, or both; or (ii) if sufficient county data is not available, may use other data considered appropriate by the Secretary. . 11009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields Section 508(g) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(g) ) (as amended by section 11008) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting and paragraph (4)(C) after (B) ; and (2) in paragraph (4)— (A) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); (B) in subparagraph (D) (as so redesignated), by inserting or (C) after (B) ; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: (C) Election to exclude certain history (i) In general Notwithstanding paragraph (2), with respect to 1 or more of the crop years used to establish the actual production history of an agricultural commodity of the producer, the producer may elect to exclude any recorded or appraised yield for any crop year in which the per planted acre yield of the agricultural commodity in the county of the producer was at least 50 percent below the simple average of the per planted acre yield of the agricultural commodity in the county during the previous 10 consecutive crop years. (ii) Contiguous counties In any crop year that a producer in a county is eligible to make an election to exclude a yield under clause (i), a producer in a contiguous county is eligible to make such an election. (iii) Irrigation practice For purposes of determining whether the per planted acre yield of the agricultural commodity in the county of the producer was at least 50 percent below the simple average of the per planted acre yield of the agricultural commodity in the county during the previous 10 consecutive crop years, the Corporation shall make a separate determination for irrigated and nonirrigated acreage. . 11010. Submission of policies and Board review and approval (a) In general Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(h) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (B) by striking (1) In general .—In addition and inserting the following: (1) Authority to submit (A) In general In addition ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (B) Review and submission by corporation The Corporation shall review any policy developed under section 522(c) or any pilot program developed under section 523 and submit the policy or program to the Board under this subsection if the Corporation, at the sole discretion of the Corporation, finds that the policy or program— (i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection; (ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form; and (iii) adequately protects the interests of producers. ; and (2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Review and approval by the Board (A) In general A policy, plan of insurance, or other material submitted to the Board under this subsection shall be reviewed by the Board and shall be approved by the Board for reinsurance and for sale by approved insurance providers to producers at actuarially appropriate rates and under appropriate terms and conditions if the Board determines that— (i) the interests of producers are adequately protected; (ii) the proposed policy or plan of insurance will— (I) provide a new kind of coverage that is likely to be viable and marketable; (II) provide crop insurance coverage in a manner that addresses a clear and identifiable flaw or problem in an existing policy; or (III) provide a new kind of coverage for a commodity that previously had no available crop insurance, or has demonstrated a low level of participation or coverage level under existing coverage; and (iii) the proposed policy or plan of insurance will not have a significant adverse impact on the crop insurance delivery system. (B) Consideration In approving policies or plans of insurance, the Board shall in a timely manner— (i) first, consider policies or plans of insurance that address underserved commodities, including commodities for which there is no insurance; (ii) second, consider existing policies or plans of insurance for which there is inadequate coverage or there exists low levels of participation; and (iii) last, consider all policies or plans of insurance submitted to the Board that do not meet the criteria described in clause (i) or (ii). (C) Specified review and approval priorities In reviewing policies and other materials submitted to the Board under this subsection for approval, the Board— (i) shall make the development and approval of a revenue policy for peanut producers a priority so that a revenue policy is available to peanut producers in time for the 2015 crop year; (ii) shall make the development and approval of a margin coverage policy for rice producers a priority so that a margin coverage policy is available to rice producers in time for the 2015 crop year; and (iii) may approve a submission that is made pursuant to this subsection that would, beginning with the 2015 crop year, allow producers that purchase policies in accordance with subsection (e)(5)(A) to separate enterprise units by risk rating for acreage of crops in counties. . (b) Approval of costs for research and development Section 522(b)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(b)(2) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting the following: (E) Approval (i) In general The Board may approve up to 50 percent of the projected total research and development costs to be paid in advance to an applicant, in accordance with the procedures developed by the Board for the making of the payments, if, after consideration of the reviewer reports described in subparagraph (D) and such other information as the Board determines appropriate, the Board determines that— (I) the concept, in good faith, will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with section 508(h); (II) at the sole discretion of the Board, the concept, if developed into a policy and approved by the Board, would provide crop insurance coverage— (aa) in a significantly improved form; (bb) to a crop or region not traditionally served by the Federal crop insurance program; or (cc) in a form that addresses a recognized flaw or problem in the program; (III) the applicant agrees to provide such reports as the Corporation determines are necessary to monitor the development effort; (IV) the proposed budget and timetable are reasonable, as determined by the Board; and (V) the concept proposal meets any other requirements that the Board determines appropriate. (ii) Waiver The Board may waive the 50-percent limitation and, upon request of the submitter after the submitter has begun research and development activities, the Board may approve an additional 25 percent advance payment to the submitter for research and development costs, if, at the sole discretion of the Board, the Board determines that— (I) the intended policy or plan of insurance developed by the submitter will provide coverage for a region or crop that is underserved by the Federal crop insurance program, including specialty crops; and (II) the submitter is making satisfactory progress towards developing a viable and marketable policy or plan of insurance consistent with section 508(h). . 11011. Consultation Section 508(h)(4) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(h)(4) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (E) Consultation (i) Requirement As part of the feasibility and research associated with the development of a policy or other material for fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture), the submitter prior to making a submission under this subsection shall consult with groups representing producers of those agricultural commodities in all major producing areas for the commodities to be served or potentially impacted, either directly or indirectly. (ii) Submission to the board Any submission made to the Board under this subsection shall contain a summary and analysis of the feasibility and research findings from the impacted groups described in clause (i), including a summary assessment of the support for or against development of the policy and an assessment on the impact of the proposed policy to the general marketing and production of the crop from both a regional and national perspective. (iii) Evaluation by the board In evaluating whether the interests of producers are adequately protected pursuant to paragraph (3) with respect to a submission made under this subsection, the Board shall review the information provided pursuant to clause (ii) to determine if the submission will create adverse market distortions with respect to the production of commodities that are the subject of the submission. . 11012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance agreement Section 508(k)(8) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (F) Budget (i) In general The Board shall ensure that any Standard Reinsurance Agreement negotiated under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall— (I) to the maximum extent practicable, be estimated as budget neutral with respect to the total amount of payments described in paragraph (9) as compared to the total amount of such payments estimated to be made under the immediately preceding Standard Reinsurance Agreement if that Agreement were extended over the same period of time; (II) comply with the applicable provisions of this Act establishing the rates of reimbursement for administrative and operating costs for approved insurance providers and agents, except that, to the maximum extent practicable, the estimated total amount of reimbursement for those costs shall not be less than the total amount of the payments to be made under the immediately preceding Standard Reinsurance Agreement if that Agreement were extended over the same period of time, as estimated on the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 ; and (III) in no event significantly depart from budget neutrality unless otherwise required by this Act. (ii) Use of savings To the extent that any budget savings are realized in the renegotiation of a Standard Reinsurance Agreement under subparagraph (A)(ii), and the savings are determined not to be a significant departure from budget neutrality under clause (i), the savings shall be used to increase reimbursements or payments described under paragraphs (4) and (9). . 11013. Test weight for corn Section 508(m) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(m) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (6) Test weight for corn (A) In general The Corporation shall establish procedures to allow insured producers not more than 120 days to settle claims, in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary, involving corn that is determined to have low test weight. (B) Implementation As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall implement subparagraph (A) on a regional basis based on market conditions and the interests of producers. (C) Termination of effectiveness The authority provided by this paragraph terminates effective on the date that is 5 years after the date on which subparagraph (A) is implemented. . 11014. Crop production on native sod (a) Federal crop insurance Section 508(o) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(o) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled, after tilled ; (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking Ineligibility for and inserting Reduction in ; (B) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) In general During the first 4 crop years of planting, as determined by the Secretary, native sod acreage that has been tilled for the production of an annual crop after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 shall be subject to a reduction in benefits under this subtitle as described in this paragraph. ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (C) Administration (i) Reduction For purposes of the reduction in benefits for the acreage described in subparagraph (A)— (I) the crop insurance guarantee shall be determined by using a yield equal to 65 percent of the transitional yield of the producer; and (II) the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the producer under this subtitle, except for coverage authorized pursuant to subsection (b)(1), shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply. (ii) Yield substitution During the period native sod acreage is covered by this subsection, a producer may not substitute yields for the native sod. ; (3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Application This subsection shall only apply to native sod acreage in the States of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Nebraska. . (b) Noninsured crop disaster assistance Section 196(a)(4) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333(a)(4) ) is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ineligibility and inserting reduction in benefits ; (2) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting , or the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled, after tilled ; (3) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in the subparagraph heading, by striking Ineligibility for and inserting Reduction in ; (B) by striking clause (i) and inserting the following: (i) In general During the first 4 crop years of planting, as determined by the Secretary, native sod acreage that has been tilled for the production of an annual crop after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 shall be subject to a reduction in benefits under this section as described in this subparagraph. ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (iii) Reduction For purposes of the reduction in benefits for the acreage described in clause (i)— (I) the approved yield shall be determined by using a yield equal to 65 percent of the transitional yield of the producer; and (II) the service fees or premiums for crops planted on native sod shall be equal to 200 percent of the amount determined in subsections ( l )(2) or (k), as applicable, but in no case shall exceed the amount determined in subsection ( l )(2)(B)(ii). ; and (4) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following: (C) Application This paragraph shall only apply to native sod acreage in the States of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Nebraska. . (c) Cropland report (1) Baseline Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 report that describes the cropland acreage in each applicable county and State, and the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each applicable county and State, beginning with calendar year 2000 and including that information for the most recent year for which that information is available. (2) Annual updates Not later than January 1, 2015, and each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 2018, 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 report that describes— (A) the cropland acreage in each applicable county and State as of the date of submission of the report; and (B) the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each applicable county and State. 11015. Coverage levels by practice Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (p) Coverage levels by practice Beginning with the 2015 crop year, a producer that produces an agricultural commodity on both dry land and irrigated land may elect a different coverage level for each production practice. . 11016. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions (a) Definition Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (9) as paragraphs (4) through (10), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Beginning farmer or rancher The term beginning farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who has not actively operated and managed a farm or ranch with a bona fide insurable interest in a crop or livestock as an owner-operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper for more than 5 crop years, as determined by the Secretary. . (b) Premium adjustments Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(5)(E), by inserting and beginning farmers or ranchers after limited resource farmers ; (2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following: (8) Premium for beginning farmers or ranchers Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection regarding payment of a portion of premiums, a beginning farmer or rancher shall receive premium assistance that is 10 percentage points greater than premium assistance that would otherwise be available under paragraphs (2) (except for subparagraph (A) of that paragraph), (5), (6), and (7) for the applicable policy, plan of insurance, and coverage level selected by the beginning farmer or rancher. ; and (3) in subsection (g)— (A) in paragraph (2)(B)— (i) in clause (i), by striking or at the end; (ii) in clause (ii)(III), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (iii) if the producer is a beginning farmer or rancher who was previously involved in a farming or ranching operation, including involvement in the decisionmaking or physical involvement in the production of the crop or livestock on the farm, for any acreage obtained by the beginning farmer or rancher, a yield that is the higher of— (I) the actual production history of the previous producer of the crop or livestock on the acreage determined under subparagraph (A); or (II) a yield of the producer, as determined in clause (i). ; and (B) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii)— (i) by inserting (I) after (ii) ; (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (II) in the case of beginning farmers or ranchers, replace each excluded yield with a yield equal to 80 percent of the applicable transitional yield. . 11017. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton (a) Availability of Stacked Income Protection Plan for Producers of Upland Cotton The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508A ( 7 U.S.C. 1508a ) the following: 508B. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton (a) Availability Beginning not later than the 2015 crop of upland cotton, the Corporation shall make available to producers of upland cotton an additional policy (to be known as the Stacked Income Protection Plan ), which shall provide coverage consistent with the Group Risk Income Protection Plan (and the associated Harvest Revenue Option Endorsement) offered by the Corporation for the 2011 crop year. (b) Required terms The Corporation may modify the Stacked Income Protection Plan on a program-wide basis, except that the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall comply with the following requirements: (1) Provide coverage for revenue loss of not less than 10 percent and not more than 30 percent of expected county revenue, specified in increments of 5 percent. The deductible shall be the minimum percent of revenue loss at which indemnities are triggered under the plan, not to be less than 10 percent of the expected county revenue. (2) Be offered to producers of upland cotton in all counties with upland cotton production— (A) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent practicable; or (B) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis of such larger geographical area as the Corporation determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of providing the coverage. (3) Be purchased in addition to any other individual or area coverage in effect on the producer’s acreage or as a stand-alone policy, except that if a producer has an individual or area coverage for the same acreage, the maximum coverage available under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not exceed the deductible for the individual or area coverage. (4) Establish coverage based on— (A) the expected price established under existing Group Risk Income Protection or area wide policy offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year; and (B) an expected county yield that is the higher of— (i) the expected county yield established for the existing area-wide plans offered by the Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop year (or, in geographic areas where area-wide plans are not offered, an expected yield determined in a manner consistent with those of area-wide plans); or (ii) the average of the applicable yield data for the county (or area) for the most recent 5 years, excluding the highest and lowest observations, from the Risk Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics Service (or both) or, if sufficient county data is not available, such other data considered appropriate by the Secretary. (5) Use a multiplier factor to establish maximum protection per acre (referred to as a protection factor ) of not less than the higher of the level established on a program wide basis or 120 percent. (6) Pay an indemnity based on the amount that the expected county revenue exceeds the actual county revenue, as applied to the individual coverage of the producer. Indemnities under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall not include or overlap the amount of the deductible selected under paragraph (1). (7) In all counties for which data are available, establish separate coverage levels for irrigated and nonirrigated practices. (c) Premium Notwithstanding section 508(d), the premium for the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall— (1) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a reasonable reserve; and (2) include an amount for operating and administrative expenses established in accordance with section 508(k)(4)(F). (d) Payment of portion of premium by Corporation Subject to section 508(e)(4), the amount of premium paid by the Corporation for all qualifying coverage levels of the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall be— (1) 80 percent of the amount of the premium established under subsection (c) for the coverage level selected; and (2) the amount determined under subsection (c)(2), subject to section 508(k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover administrative and operating expenses. (e) Relation to other coverages The Stacked Income Protection Plan is in addition to all other coverages available to producers of upland cotton. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 508(k)(4)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)(F) ) is amended by inserting or authorized under subsection (c)(4)(C) or section 508B after of this subparagraph . 11018. Peanut revenue crop insurance The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508B (as added by section 11017), the following: 508C. Peanut revenue crop insurance (a) In general Effective beginning with the 2015 crop year, the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall make available to producers of peanuts a revenue crop insurance program for peanuts. (b) Effective price Subject to subsection (c), for purposes of the revenue crop insurance program and the multiperil crop insurance program under this Act, the effective price for peanuts shall be equal to the Rotterdam price index for peanuts or other appropriate price as determined by the Secretary, as adjusted to reflect the farmer stock price of peanuts in the United States. (c) Adjustments (1) In general The effective price for peanuts established under subsection (b) may be adjusted by the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation to correct distortions. (2) Administration If an adjustment is made under paragraph (1), the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall— (A) make the adjustment in an open and transparent manner; and (B) 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 describes the reasons for the adjustment. . 11019. Authority to correct errors Section 515(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1515(c) ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; (2) in the second sentence, by striking Beginning with and inserting the following: (2) Frequency Beginning with ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) Corrections (A) In general In addition to the corrections permitted by the Corporation as of the day before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 , the Corporation shall establish procedures that allow an agent or an approved insurance provider, subject to subparagraph (B)— (i) within a reasonable amount of time following the applicable sales closing date, to correct errors in information that is provided by a producer for the purpose of obtaining coverage under any policy or plan of insurance made available under this subtitle to ensure that the eligibility information is correct and consistent with information reported by the producer for other programs administered by the Secretary; (ii) within a reasonable amount of time following— (I) the acreage reporting date, to reconcile errors in the information reported by the producer with correct information determined from any other program administered by the Secretary; or (II) the date of any subsequent correction of data by the Farm Service Agency made as a result of the verification of information, to make conforming corrections; and (iii) at any time, to correct electronic transmission errors that were made by an agent or approved insurance provider, or such errors made by the Farm Service Agency or any other agency of the Department of Agriculture in transmitting the information provided by the producer for purposes of other programs of the Department to the extent an agent or approved insurance provider relied upon the erroneous information for crop insurance purposes. (B) Limitation In accordance with the procedures of the Corporation, correction to the information described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) may only be made if the corrections do not allow the producer— (i) to avoid ineligibility requirements for insurance or obtain a disproportionate benefit under the crop insurance program or any related program administered by the Secretary; (ii) to obtain, enhance, or increase an insurance guarantee or indemnity if a cause of loss exists or has occurred before any correction has been made, or avoid premium owed if no loss is likely to occur; or (iii) to avoid an obligation or requirement under any Federal or State law. (C) Exception to late filing sanctions Any corrections made within a reasonable amount of time, in accordance with established procedures, pursuant to this paragraph shall not be subject to any late filing sanctions authorized in the reinsurance agreement with the Corporation. (D) Late payment of debt In the case of a producer that has inadvertently failed to pay a debt due as specified by regulations of the Corporation and has been determined to be ineligible for crop insurance pursuant to the terms of the policy as a result of that failure, the Corporation may determine to allow the producer to pay the debt and purchase the crop insurance after the sales closing date, in accordance with procedures and limitations established by the Corporation. . 11020. Implementation Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1515 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (j), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Systems maintenance and upgrades (A) In general The Secretary shall maintain and upgrade the information management systems of the Corporation used in the administration and enforcement of this subtitle. (B) Requirement (i) In general In maintaining and upgrading the systems, the Secretary shall ensure that new hardware and software are compatible with the hardware and software used by other agencies of the Department to maximize data sharing and promote the purposes of this section. (ii) Acreage report streamlining initiative project As soon as practicable, the Secretary shall develop and implement an acreage report streamlining initiative project to allow producers to report acreage and other information directly to the Department. ; and (2) in subsection (k), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Information technology (A) In general For purposes of subsection (j)(1), the Corporation may use, from amounts made available from the insurance fund established under section 516(c), not more than— (i) (I) for fiscal year 2014, $14,000,000; and (II) for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, $9,000,000; or (ii) if the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project is substantially completed by September 30, 2015, not more than $14,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2018. (B) Notification The Secretary shall notify the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate of the substantial completion of the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project not later than July 1, 2015. . 11021. Crop insurance fraud Section 516(b)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1516(b)(2) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C) Reviews, compliance, and integrity (i) In general For each of the 2014 and subsequent reinsurance years, the Corporation may use the insurance fund established under subsection (c), but not to exceed $9,000,000 for each fiscal year, to pay costs— (I) to reimburse expenses incurred for the operations and review of policies, plans of insurance, and related materials (including actuarial and related information); and (II) to assist the Corporation in maintaining program actuarial soundness and financial integrity. (ii) Secretarial action For the purposes described in clause (i), the Secretary may, without further appropriation— (I) merge some or all of the funds made available under this subparagraph into the accounts of the Risk Management Agency; and (II) obligate those funds. (iii) Maintenance of funding Funds made available under this subparagraph shall be in addition to other funds made available for costs incurred by the Corporation or the Risk Management Agency. . 11022. Research and development priorities (a) Authority to conduct research and development, priorities Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by striking contracting ; (2) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking may enter into contracts to carry out research and development to and inserting may conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to maintain or improve existing policies or develop new policies to ; (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting conduct research and development or after The Corporation may ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting conducting research and development or after Before ; (4) in paragraph (5), by inserting after expert review in accordance with section 505(e) after approved by the Board ; (5) in paragraph (6), by striking a pasture, range, and forage program and inserting policies that increase participation by producers of underserved agricultural commodities, including sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, rice, peanuts, sugarcane, alfalfa, pennycress, dedicated energy crops, and specialty crops ; (6) by redesignating paragraph (17) as paragraph (25); and (7) by inserting after paragraph (16), the following: (17) Margin coverage for catfish (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with a qualified entity to conduct research and development regarding a policy to insure producers against reduction in the margin between the market value of catfish and selected costs incurred in the production of catfish. (B) Eligibility Eligibility for the policy described in subparagraph (A) shall be limited to freshwater species of catfish that are propagated and reared in controlled or selected environments. (C) Implementation The Board shall review the policy described in subparagraph (B) under section 508(h) and approve the policy if the Board finds that the policy— (i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy consistent with this subsection; (ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a significantly improved form; (iii) adequately protects the interests of producers; and (iv) meets other requirements of this subtitle determined appropriate by the Board. (18) Biomass and sweet sorghum energy crop insurance policies (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with qualified entities to carry out research and development regarding— (i) a policy to insure biomass sorghum that is grown expressly for the purpose of producing a feedstock for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity, or biobased products; and (ii) a policy to insure sweet sorghum that is grown for a purpose described in clause (i). (B) Research and development Research and development with respect to each of the policies required in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools for the production of biomass sorghum or sweet sorghum, including policies and plans of insurance that— (i) are based on market prices and yields; (ii) to the extent that insufficient data exist to develop a policy based on market prices and yields, evaluate the policies and plans of insurance based on the use of weather indices, including excessive or inadequate rainfall, to protect the interest of crop producers; and (iii) provide protection for production or revenue losses, or both. (19) Study on swine catastrophic disease program (A) In general The Corporation shall contract with 1 or more qualified entities to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of insuring swine producers for a catastrophic event. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). (20) Whole farm diversified risk management insurance plan (A) In general Unless the Corporation approves a whole farm insurance plan, similar to the plan described in this paragraph, to be available to producers for the 2016 reinsurance year, the Corporation shall conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development to develop a whole farm risk management insurance plan, with a liability limitation of $1,500,000, that allows a diversified crop or livestock producer the option to qualify for an indemnity if actual gross farm revenue is below 85 percent of the average gross farm revenue or the expected gross farm revenue that can reasonably be expected of the producer, as determined by the Corporation. (B) Eligible producers The Corporation shall permit producers (including direct-to-consumer marketers and producers servicing local and regional and farm identity-preserved markets) who produce multiple agricultural commodities, including specialty crops, industrial crops, livestock, and aquaculture products, to participate in the plan developed under subparagraph (A) in lieu of any other plan under this subtitle. (C) Diversification The Corporation may provide diversification-based additional coverage payment rates, premium discounts, or other enhanced benefits in recognition of the risk management benefits of crop and livestock diversification strategies for producers that— (i) grow multiple crops; or (ii) may have income from the production of livestock that uses a crop grown on the farm. (D) Market readiness The Corporation may include coverage for the value of any packing, packaging, or any other similar on-farm activity the Corporation determines to be the minimum required in order to remove the commodity from the field. (21) Study on poultry catastrophic disease program (A) In general The Corporation shall contract with a qualified person to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of insuring poultry producers for a catastrophic event. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). (22) Poultry business interruption insurance policy (A) Definitions In this paragraph, the terms poultry and poultry grower have the meanings given those terms in section 2(a) of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 ( 7 U.S.C. 182(a) ). (B) Authority The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with an institution of higher education or other legal entity to carry out research and development regarding a policy to insure the commercial production of poultry against business interruptions caused by integrator bankruptcy. (C) Research and development As part of the research and development conducted pursuant to a contract or cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (B), the entity shall— (i) evaluate the market place for business interruption insurance that is available to poultry growers; (ii) determine what statutory authority would be necessary to implement a business interruption insurance through the Corporation; (iii) assess the feasibility of a policy or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle to insure against a portion of losses due to business interruption or to the bankruptcy of an business integrator; and (iv) analyze the costs to the Federal Government of a Federal business interruption insurance program for poultry growers or producers. (D) Deadline for contract or cooperative agreement Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall offer to enter into the contract or cooperative agreement required by subparagraph (B). (E) Deadline for completion of research and development Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the research and development conducted pursuant to the contract or cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (B).] (23) Study of food safety insurance (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into a contract with 1 or more qualified entities to conduct a study to determine whether offering policies that provide coverage for specialty crops from food safety and contamination issues would benefit agricultural producers. (B) Subject The study described in subparagraph (A) shall evaluate policies and plans of insurance coverage that provide protection for production or revenue impacted by food safety concerns including, at a minimum, government, retail, or national consumer group announcements of a health advisory, removal, or recall related to a contamination concern. (C) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). . (24) Alfalfa crop insurance policy (A) In general The Corporation shall offer to enter into 1 or more contracts with qualified entities to carry out research and development regarding a policy to insure alfalfa. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation 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 describes the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). . (b) Funding Section 522(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)— (A) in subparagraph (A)— (i) in the subparagraph heading, by striking Authority .— and inserting Conducting and contracting for research and development .— ; and (ii) by inserting conduct research and development and after the Corporation may use to ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting conduct research and development and after for the fiscal year to ; (2) in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking to provide either reimbursement payments or contract payments ; and (3) by striking paragraph (4). 11023. Crop insurance for organic crops (a) In general Section 508(c)(6) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(c)(6) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (D) Organic crops (i) In general As soon as possible, but not later than the 2015 reinsurance year, the Corporation shall offer producers of organic crops price elections for all organic crops produced in compliance with standards issued by the Department of Agriculture under the national organic program established under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq. ) that reflect the actual retail or wholesale prices, as appropriate, received by producers for organic crops, as determined by the Secretary using all relevant sources of information. (ii) Annual report The Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate an annual report on progress made in developing and improving Federal crop insurance for organic crops, including— (I) the numbers and varieties of organic crops insured; (II) the progress of implementing the price elections required under this subparagraph, including the rate at which additional price elections are adopted for organic crops; (III) the development of new insurance approaches relevant to organic producers; and (IV) any recommendations the Corporation considers appropriate to improve Federal crop insurance coverage for organic crops. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(c) ) (as amended by section 11022) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (10); and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (11) through (25) as paragraphs (10) through (24), respectively. 11024. Program compliance partnerships (a) In general Section 522(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(d) ) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Purpose The purpose of this subsection is to authorize the Corporation to enter into partnerships with public and private entities for the purpose of either— (A) increasing the availability of loss mitigation, financial, and other risk management tools for producers, with a priority given to risk management tools for producers of agricultural commodities covered by section 196 of the Agricultural Market Transition Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ), specialty crops, and underserved agricultural commodities; or (B) improving analysis tools and technology regarding compliance or identifying and using innovative compliance strategies. . (b) Objectives Section 522(d)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(d)(3) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (F), by striking and at the end; (2) by redesignating subparagraph (G) as subparagraph (H); and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following: (G) to improve analysis tools and technology regarding compliance or identifying and using innovative compliance strategies; and . 11025. Pilot programs Section 523(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1523(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting , at the sole discretion of the Corporation, after may ; and (2) by striking paragraph (5). 11026. Index-based weather insurance pilot program Section 523 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1523 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (i) Underserved crops and regions pilot programs (1) Definition of livestock commodity In this subsection, the term livestock commodity includes cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and poultry, including pasture, rangeland, and forage as a source of feed for that livestock. (2) Authorization Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), the Corporation may conduct 2 or more pilot programs to provide producers of underserved specialty crops and livestock commodities with index-based weather insurance, subject to the requirements of this section. (3) Review and approval of submissions (A) In general The Board shall approve 2 or more proposed policies or plans of insurance from approved insurance providers if the Board determines that the policies or plans provide coverage as specified in paragraph (2), and meet the conditions described in this paragraph (B) Requirements To be eligible for approval under this subsection, the approved insurance provider shall have— (i) adequate experience underwriting and administering policies or plans of insurance that are comparable to the proposed policy or plan of insurance; (ii) sufficient assets or reinsurance to satisfy the underwriting obligations of the approved insurance provider, and possess a sufficient insurance credit rating from an appropriate credit rating bureau, in accordance with Board procedures; and (iii) applicable authority and approval from each State in which the approved insurance provider intends to sell the insurance product. (C) Review requirements In reviewing applications under this subsection, the Board shall conduct the review in a manner consistent with the standards, rules, and procedures for policies or plans of insurance submitted under section 508(h) and the actuarial soundness requirements applied to other policies and plans of insurance made available under this subtitle. (D) Prioritization The Board shall prioritize applications that provide a new kind of coverage for specialty crops and livestock commodities that previously had no available crop insurance, or has demonstrated a low level of participation under existing coverage. (4) Payment of premium support (A) In general The Corporation shall pay a portion of the premium for producers that purchase a policy or plan of insurance approved pursuant to this subsection. (B) Amount The premium subsidy shall provide a similar dollar amount of premium subsidy per acre that the Corporation pays for comparable policies or plans of insurance reinsured under this subtitle, except that in no case shall the premium subsidy exceed 60 percent of total premium, as determined by the Corporation. (C) Calculation The premium subsidy, as determined by the Corporation, shall be calculated as— (i) a percentage of premium; (ii) a percentage of expected loss determined pursuant to a reasonable actuarial methodology; or (iii) a fixed dollar amount per acre. (D) Payment Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), the premium subsidy under this subsection shall be paid by the Corporation in the same manner and under the same terms and conditions as premium subsidy for other policies and plans of insurance. (E) Operating and administrative expense payments (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), operating and administrative expense payments may be made for policies and plans of insurance approved under this subsection in an amount that is commensurate with similar policies and plans of insurance reinsured under this subtitle, on the condition that the operating and administrative expenses are not included in premiums. (ii) Limitation Subject to subparagraph (F)(i), Federal reinsurance, research and development costs, other reimbursements, or maintenance fees shall not be provided or collected for policies and plans of insurance approved under this subsection. (F) Approved insurance providers Any policy or plan of insurance approved under this subsection may be sold only by the approved insurance provider that submits the application and by any additional approved insurance provider that— (i) agrees to pay maintenance fees or other payments to the approved insurance provider that submitted the application in an amount agreed to by the applicant and the additional approved insurance provider, on the condition that the fees or payments shall be reasonable and appropriate to ensure that the policies or plans of insurance may be made available by additional approved insurance providers; and (ii) meets the eligibility criteria of paragraph (3)(B), as determined by the Board. (G) Relationship to other provisions The requirements of this paragraph shall apply notwithstanding paragraph (6). (5) Oversight The Corporation shall develop and publish procedures to administer policies or plans of insurance approved under this subsection that— (A) require each approved insurance provider to report sales, acreage and claim data, and any other data that the Corporation determines to be appropriate, to allow the Corporation to evaluate sales and performance of the product; and (B) contain such other requirements as the Corporation determines necessary to ensure that the products— (i) do not have a significant adverse impact on the crop insurance delivery system; (ii) are in the best interests of producers; and (iii) do not result in a reduction of program integrity. (6) Confidentiality (A) In general All reports required under paragraph (5) and all other proprietary information and data generated or derived from applicants under this subsection shall be considered to be confidential commercial or financial information for the purposes of section 552(b)(4) of title 5, United States Code. (B) Standard If information concerning a proposal could be withheld by the Secretary under the standard for privileged or confidential information pertaining to trade secrets and commercial or financial information under section 552(b)(4) of title 5, United States Code, the information shall not be released to the public. (7) Ineligible purposes In no case shall a policy or plan of insurance made available under this subsection provide coverage substantially similar to privately available hail insurance. (8) Funding (A) Limitation on expenditures Notwithstanding any other provision in this subsection, of the funds of the Corporation, the Corporation shall use to carry out this section not more than $12,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, to remain available until expended. (B) Relation to other programs The amount of funds made available under this section shall be in addition to amounts made available under other provisions of this subtitle, including amounts made available under subsection (b). . 11027. Enhancing producer self-help through farm financial benchmarking (a) Definition Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ) (as amended by section 11016(a)(1)) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (10) as paragraphs (8) through (11), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following: (7) Farm financial benchmarking The term farm financial benchmarking means— (A) the process of comparing the performance of an agricultural enterprise against the performance of other similar enterprises, through the use of comparable and reliable data, in order to identify business management strengths, weaknesses, and steps necessary to improve management performance and business profitability; and (B) benchmarking of the type conducted by farm management and producer associations consistent with the activities described in or funded pursuant to section 1672D of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925f ). . (b) Partnerships for risk management for producers of specialty crops and underserved agricultural commodities Section 522(d)(3)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522(d)(3)(F) ) is amended by inserting farm financial benchmarking, after management, . (c) Crop insurance education and risk management assistance Section 524(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1524(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting farm financial benchmarking, after risk reduction, ; and (2) in paragraph (4), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting (including farm financial benchmarking) after management strategies . 11028. Technical amendments (a) Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking paragraph (7); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (11) as paragraphs (7) through (10), respectively; (2) in subsection (e)(2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting paragraphs (3), (6), and (7) ; and (3) in subsection (k)(8)(C), by striking subparagraph (A)(iii) and inserting subparagraph (A)(ii) . (b) Section 522 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1522 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(4)(A), by striking paragraphs (1) and inserting paragraph (1) ; and (2) in subsection (e)(1), by adding a period at the end. (c) Section 531(d)(3)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1531(d)(3)(A) ) is amended— (1) by striking (A) Eligible losses .— and all that follows through An eligible in clause (i) and inserting the following: (A) Eligible losses An eligible ; (2) by striking clause (ii); and (3) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately. (d) Section 901(d)(3)(A) of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2497(d)(3)(A) ) is amended— (1) by striking (A) Eligible losses .— and all that follows through An eligible in clause (i) and inserting the following: (A) Eligible losses An eligible ; (2) by striking clause (ii); and (3) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately. XII Miscellaneous A Livestock 12101. Trichinae certification program (a) Alternative certification process The Secretary of Agriculture shall amend the rule made under paragraph (2) of section 11010(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8304(a) ) to implement the voluntary trichinae certification program established under paragraph (1) of such section, to include a requirement to establish an alternative trichinae certification process based on surveillance or other methods consistent with international standards for categorizing compartments as having negligible risk for trichinae. (b) Final regulations Not later than one year after the date on which the international standards referred to in subsection (a) are adopted, the Secretary shall finalize the rule amended under such subsection. (c) Reauthorization Section 10405(d)(1) of the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8304(d)(1) ) is amended in subparagraphs (A) and (B) by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2018 . 12102. Sheep production and marketing grant program (a) In general Subtitle A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 209. Sheep production and marketing grant program (a) Establishment The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service, shall establish a competitive grant program for the purposes of strengthening and enhancing the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the United States, including through— (1) the improvement of— (A) infrastructure; (B) business; and (C) resource development; and (2) the development of innovative approaches to solve long-term needs. (b) Eligibility The Secretary shall make grants under this section to at least one national entity, the mission of which is consistent with the purpose of the grant program. (c) Funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain available until expended. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 375 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2008j ) (as in existence on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act) is— (1) amended in subsection (e)— (A) in paragraph (3)(D), by striking 3 percent and inserting 10 percent ; and (B) by striking paragraph (6); (2) redesignated as section 210 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946; and (3) moved so as to appear at the end of subtitle A of that Act (as amended by subsection (a)). 12103. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan Section 11013(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8322(d) ) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 . 12104. Country of origin labeling (a) Economic analysis (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall conduct an economic analysis of the final rule entitled Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Goat Meat, Wild and Farm-raised Fish and Shellfish, Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts, Pecans, Ginseng and Macadamia Nuts published by the Department of Agriculture on May 24, 2013 (78 Fed. Reg. 31367) that makes certain amendments to parts 60 and 65 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations. (2) Contents The economic analysis described in subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the labeling of beef, pork, and chicken, an analysis of the impact on consumers, producers, and packers in the United States of— (A) the implementation of subtitle D of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1638 et seq. ); and (B) the final rule referred to in subsection (a). (b) Applying country of origin labeling requirements to venison (1) Definition of covered commodity Section 281(2)(A) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1638(2)(A) ) is amended— (A) in clause (i), by striking and pork and inserting pork, and venison ; and (B) in clause (ii), by striking and ground pork and inserting ground pork, and ground venison . (2) Notice of country of origin Section 282(a)(2) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1638a(a)(2) ) is amended— (A) in the heading, by striking and goat and inserting goat, and venison ; (B) by striking or goat and inserting goat, or venison each place it appears in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D); and (C) in subparagraph (E)— (i) in the heading, by striking and goat and inserting goat, and venison ; and (ii) by striking or ground goat each place it appears and inserting ground goat, or ground venison . 12105. National animal health laboratory network The Animal Health Protection Act is amended by inserting after section 10409 ( 7 U.S.C. 8308 ) the following new section: 10409A. National animal health laboratory network (a) Definition of eligible laboratory In this section, the term eligible laboratory means a diagnostic laboratory that meets specific criteria developed by the Secretary, in consultation with State animal health officials, State veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and veterinary diagnostic laboratories at institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )). (b) In general The Secretary, in consultation with State veterinarians, shall offer to enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments with eligible laboratories for any of the following purposes: (1) To enhance the capability of the Secretary to respond in a timely manner to emerging or existing bioterrorist threats to animal health. (2) To provide the capacity and capability for standardized— (A) test procedures, reference materials, and equipment; (B) laboratory biosafety and biosecurity levels; (C) quality management system requirements; (D) interconnected electronic reporting and transmission of data; and (E) evaluation for emergency preparedness. (3) To coordinate the development, implementation, and enhancement of national veterinary diagnostic laboratory capabilities, with special emphasis on surveillance planning and vulnerability analysis, technology development and validation, training, and outreach. (c) Priority To the extent practicable and to the extent capacity and specialized expertise may be necessary, the Secretary shall give priority to existing Federal facilities, State facilities, and facilities at institutions of higher education. (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 12106. Food safety inspection (a) Inspections (1) In general Section 1(w) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 601(w) ) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) all fish of the order Siluriformes; and . (2) Conditions Section 6 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 606 ) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following: (b) Certain fish In the case of an examination and inspection under subsection (a) of a meat food product derived from any fish described in section 1(w)(2), the Secretary shall take into account the conditions under which the fish is raised and transported to a processing establishment. . (3) Inapplicability Section 25 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act ( 21 U.S.C. 625 ) is amended by striking not apply and all that follows and inserting not apply to any fish described in section 1(w)(2). . (4) Conforming amendment Section 203(n) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1622(n) ) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) all fish of the order Siluriformes; and . (b) Implementation (1) In general The Secretary shall— (A) not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, issue final regulations to carry out the amendments made by section 11016(b)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2130), as further clarified by the amendments made by this section; and (B) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, implement the amendments described in subparagraph (A). (2) Notification Beginning 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act and every 30 days thereafter until the date of full implementation of the amendments described in paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall submit a report describing the status of implementation to— (A) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; (B) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry of the Senate; (C) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and (D) the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate. (3) Procedure Section 1601(c)(2) applies to the promulgation of the regulations and administration of this section and the amendments made by this section. (4) Conforming amendment Section 11016(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2130) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Implementation (A) Regulations Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014, the Secretary, in consultation with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall issue final regulations to carry out the amendments made by paragraph (1) and section 12106 of that Act in a manner that ensures that there is no duplication in inspection activities. (B) Interagency coordination Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014, the Secretary shall execute a memorandum of understanding with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs for the following purposes: (i) To improve interagency cooperation on food safety and fraud prevention, building upon any other prior agreements, including provisions, performance metrics, and timelines as appropriate. (ii) To maximize the effectiveness of limited personnel and resources by ensuring that— (I) inspections conducted by the Department satisfy requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ); (II) inspections of shipments and processing facilities for fish of the order Siluriformes by the Department and the Food and Drug Administration are not duplicative; and (III) any information resulting from examination, testing, and inspections conducted is considered in making risk-based determinations, including the establishment of inspection priorities. . (c) Effective date This section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect as if enacted as part of section 11016(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 2130). 12107. National Poultry Improvement Plan The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that the Department of Agriculture continues to administer the diagnostic surveillance program for H5/H7 low pathogenic avian influenza with respect to commercial poultry under section 146.14 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), without amending the regulations in section 147.43 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act), with respect to the governance of the General Conference Committee established under such section. The Secretary of Agriculture shall maintain— (1) the operations of the General Conference Committee— (A) in the physical location at which the Committee was located on the date of the enactment of this Act; and (B) with the organizational structure within the Department of Agriculture in effect as of such date; and (2) the funding levels for the National Poultry Improvement Plan for Commercial Poultry (established under part 146 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, or a successor regulation) at the fiscal year 2013 funding levels for the Plan. 12108. Sense of Congress regarding feral swine eradication It is the sense of the Congress that— (1) the Secretary of Agriculture should recognize the threat feral swine pose to the domestic swine population and the entire agriculture industry; and (2) feral swine eradication is a high priority that the Secretary should carry out under the authorities of the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq. ). B Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers 12201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers (a) Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by inserting and veteran farmers and ranchers after ranchers ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; (B) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; and (C) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in the subparagraph heading, by striking 2012 and inserting 2018 ; (II) in clause (i), by striking and at the end; (III) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (IV) by adding at the end the following new clause: (iii) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (E) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. ; (3) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting or veteran farmers and ranchers after socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers ; (4) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting veteran farmers or ranchers and before members ; and (5) in subsection (e)(5)(A)— (A) in clause (i), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers ; and (B) in clause (ii), by inserting and veteran farmers or ranchers after ranchers . (b) Definition of veteran farmer or rancher Section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (7) Veteran farmer or rancher The term veteran farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who has served in the Armed Forces (as defined in section 101(10) of title 38 United States Code) and who— (A) has not operated a farm or ranch; or (B) has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 years. . 12202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach Paragraph (3) of section 226B(f) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 ( 7 U.S.C. 6934(f) ) is amended to read as follows: (3) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection— (A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013; and (B) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 12203. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279 ), as amended by section 12201, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (i) Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers policy research center The Secretary shall award a grant to a college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 ( 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq. ), including Tuskegee University, to establish a policy research center to be known as the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center for the purpose of developing policy recommendations for the protection and promotion of the interests of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. . 12204. Receipt for service or denial of service from certain department of agriculture agencies Section 2501A(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 2279–1(e) ) is amended by striking and, at the time of the request, also requests a receipt . C Other miscellaneous provisions 12301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force Subsection (d) of section 14204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2008q–1 ) is amended to read as follows: (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section— (1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013; and (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. . 12302. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high plains water study Section 2901 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–246 ; 122 Stat. 1818) is amended by striking this Act or an amendment made by this Act and inserting this Act, an amendment made by this Act, the Agricultural Act of 2014 , or an amendment made by the Agricultural Act of 2014 . 12303. Office of Tribal Relations Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by adding after section 308 ( 7 U.S.C. 3125a note; Public Law 103–354 ) the following new section: 309. Office of Tribal Relations The Secretary shall maintain in the Office of the Secretary an Office of Tribal Relations, which shall advise the Secretary on policies related to Indian tribes and carry out such other functions as the Secretary considers appropriate. . 12304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 218 ( 7 U.S.C. 6918 ) the following new section: 219. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (a) Authorization The Secretary shall establish in the Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. (b) Duties The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall— (1) provide information to returning veterans about, and connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate to the needs and interests of returning veterans, including assisting veterans in using Federal veterans educational benefits for purposes relating to beginning a farming or ranching career; (2) provide information to veterans concerning the availability of, and eligibility requirements for, participation in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs; (3) serve as a resource for assisting veteran farmers and ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying for participation in agricultural programs; and (4) advocate on behalf of veterans in interactions with employees of the Department. (c) Contracts and cooperative agreements For purposes of carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with the research centers of the Agricultural Research Service, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )), or nonprofit organizations for— (1) the conduct of regional research on the profitability of small farms; (2) the development of educational materials; (3) the conduct of workshops, courses, and certified vocational training; (4) the conduct of mentoring activities; or (5) the provision of internship opportunities. . 12305. Noninsured crop assistance program (a) In general Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 ( 7 U.S.C. 7333 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) In general (A) Coverages In the case of an eligible crop described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Agriculture shall operate a noninsured crop disaster assistance program to provide coverages based on individual yields (other than for value-loss crops) equivalent to— (i) catastrophic risk protection available under section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(b) ); or (ii) except in the case of crops and grasses used for grazing, additional coverage available under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) that does not exceed 65 percent, as described in subsection (l). (B) Administration The Secretary shall carry out this section through the Farm Service Agency (referred to in this section as the Agency ). ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in clause (i), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (II) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and (III) by inserting after clause (i) the following: (ii) for which additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of that Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) is not available; and ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking and industrial crops and inserting sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, and industrial crops (including those grown expressly for the purpose of producing a feedstock for renewable biofuel, renewable electricity, or biobased products) ; (2) in subsection (i)(2), by striking $100,000 and inserting $125,000 ; (3) in subsection (k)(2), by striking limited resource farmer and inserting limited resource, beginning, or socially disadvantaged farmer ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (l) Payment equivalent to additional coverage (1) In general The Secretary shall make available noninsured assistance under this subsection (other than for crops and grasses used for grazing) at a payment amount that is equivalent to an indemnity for additional coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508 ) and equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (A) the amount that— (i) the additional coverage yield, which shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (I) an amount not less than 50 percent nor more than 65 percent, as elected by the producer and specified in 5-percent increments; and (II) the approved yield for the crop, as determined by the Secretary; exceeds (ii) the actual yield; (B) 100 percent of the average market price for the crop, as determined by the Secretary; and (C) a payment rate for the type of crop, as determined by the Secretary, that reflects— (i) in the case of a crop that is produced with a significant and variable harvesting expense, the decreasing cost incurred in the production cycle for the crop that is, as applicable— (I) harvested; (II) planted but not harvested; or (III) prevented from being planted because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary; or (ii) in the case of a crop that is produced without a significant and variable harvesting expense, such rate as shall be determined by the Secretary. (2) Service fee and premium To be eligible to receive a payment under this subsection, a producer shall pay— (A) the service fee required by subsection (k); and (B) the lesser of— (i) the sum of the premiums for each eligible crop, with the premium for each eligible crop obtained by multiplying— (I) the number of acres devoted to the eligible crop; (II) the yield, as determined by the Secretary under subsection (e); (III) the coverage level elected by the producer; (IV) the average market price, as determined by the Secretary; and (V) a 5.25-percent premium fee; or (ii) the product obtained by multiplying— (I) a 5.25-percent premium fee; and (II) the applicable payment limit. (3) Additional availability (A) In general As soon as practicable after October 1, 2013, the Secretary shall make assistance available to producers of an otherwise eligible crop described in subsection (a)(2) that suffered losses— (i) to a 2012 annual fruit crop grown on a bush or tree; and (ii) in a county covered by a declaration by the Secretary of a natural disaster for production losses due to a freeze or frost. (B) Assistance The Secretary shall make assistance available under subparagraph (A) in an amount equivalent to assistance available under paragraph (1), less any fees not previously paid under paragraph (2). (4) Limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers The coverage made available under this subsection shall be available to limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers, as determined by the Secretary, in exchange for a premium that is 50 percent of the premium determined under paragraph (2). (5) Effective date Except as provided in paragraph (3)(A), additional coverage under this subsection shall be available for each of the 2015 through 2018 crop years. . (b) Prohibition on catastrophic risk protection Section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1508(b) ) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Coverage availability (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Corporation shall offer a catastrophic risk protection plan to indemnify producers for crop loss due to loss of yield or prevented planting, if provided by the Corporation, when the producer is unable, because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster (as determined by the Secretary), to plant other crops for harvest on the acreage for the crop year. (B) Exception Coverage described in subparagraph (A) shall not be available for crops and grasses used for grazing. . 12306. Acer access and development program (a) Grants authorized The Secretary of Agriculture may make competitive grants to States, tribal governments, and research institutions to support the efforts of such States, tribal governments, and research institutions to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through the following activities: (1) Promotion of research and education related to maple syrup production. (2) Promotion of natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry. (3) Market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap products. (4) Encouragement of owners and operators of privately held land containing species of trees in the genus Acer— (A) to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the land; or (B) to voluntarily make the land available, including by lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-sugaring activities. (b) Application In submitting an application for a competitive grant under this section, a State, tribal government, or research institution shall include— (1) a description of the activities to be supported using the grant funds; (2) a description of the benefits that the State, tribal government, or research institution intends to achieve as a result of engaging in such activities; and (3) an estimate of the increase in maple-sugaring activities or maple syrup production that the State, tribal government, or research institution anticipates will occur as a result of engaging in such activities. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to preempt a State or tribal government law, including a State or tribal government liability law. (d) Definition of maple-Sugaring In this section, the term maple-sugaring means the collection of sap from any species of tree in the genus Acer for the purpose of boiling to produce food. (e) Regulations The Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section. (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. 12307. Science Advisory Board Section 8 of the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 ( 42 U.S.C. 4365 ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following: (e) Committees (1) Member committees (A) In general The Board is authorized to establish such member committees and investigative panels as the Administrator and the Board determine to be necessary to carry out this section. (B) Chairmanship Each member committee or investigative panel established under this subsection shall be chaired by a member of the Board. (2) Agriculture-related committees (A) In general The Administrator and the Board— (i) shall establish a standing agriculture-related committee; and (ii) may establish such additional agriculture-related committees and investigative panels as the Administrator and the Board determines to be necessary to carry out the duties under subparagraph (C). (B) Membership The standing committee and each agriculture-related committee or investigative panel established under subparagraph (A) shall be— (i) composed of— (I) such quantity of members as the Administrator and the Board determines to be necessary; and (II) individuals who are not members of the Board on the date of appointment to the committee or investigative panel; and (ii) appointed by the Administrator and the Board, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture. (C) Duties The agriculture-related standing committee and each additional committee and investigative panel established under subparagraph (A) shall provide scientific and technical advice to the Board relating to matters referred to the Board that the Administrator and the Board determines, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to have a significant direct impact on enterprises that are engaged in the business of the production of food and fiber, ranching and raising livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming- and agriculture-related industries. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (h) Public participation and transparency The Board shall make every effort, consistent with applicable law, including section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act ) and section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Privacy Act ), to maximize public participation and transparency, including making the scientific and technical advice of the Board and any committees or investigative panels of the Board publically available in electronic form on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency. (i) Report to Congress The Administrator shall annually report to the Committees on Environment and Public Works and Agriculture of the Senate and the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, and Agriculture of the House of Representatives regarding the membership and activities of the standing agriculture-related committee established pursuant to subsection (e)(2)(A)(i). . 12308. Amendments to Animal Welfare Act (a) Licensing of dealers and exhibitors (1) Definition Section 2 of the Animal Welfare Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2132 ) is amended— (A) in the matter preceding subsection (a), by striking When used in this Act— and inserting In this Act: ; (B) in subsection (f), by striking (2) any dog for hunting, security, or breeding purposes and all that follows through the semicolon at the end and inserting (2) any dog for hunting, security, or breeding purposes. Such term does not include a retail pet store (other than a retail pet store which sells any animals to a research facility, an exhibitor, or another dealer). ; (C) in each of subsections (a), (b), (d), (e), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), and (m), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period; and (D) in subsection (n), by striking ; and at the end and inserting a period. (2) Licensing Section 3 of the Animal Welfare Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2133 ) is amended by striking : Provided, however, That any retail pet store and all that follows through under this Act. and inserting the following : Provided, however, That a dealer or exhibitor shall not be required to obtain a license as a dealer or exhibitor under this Act if the size of the business is determined by the Secretary to be de minimis. . (b) Prohibition on attending an animal fight or causing an individual who has not attained the age of 16 to attend an animal fight; enforcement of animal fighting provisions (1) Prohibition on attending an animal fight or causing an individual who has not attained the age of 16 To attend an animal fight Section 26(a) of the Animal Welfare Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2156(a) ) is amended— (A) in the heading, by striking Sponsoring or Exhibiting an Animal in and inserting Sponsoring or Exhibiting an Animal in, Attending, or Causing an Individual who has not attained the age of 16 To Attend, ; and (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the heading, by striking In general and inserting Sponsoring or Exhibiting ; and (ii) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting paragraph (3) ; (iii) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (iv) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) Attending or causing an individual who has not attained the age of 16 to attend It shall be unlawful for any person to— (A) knowingly attend an animal fighting venture; or (B) knowingly cause an individual who has not attained the age of 16 to attend an animal fighting venture. . (2) Enforcement of animal fighting prohibitions Section 49 of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (A) by striking Whoever and inserting (a) In general.— Whoever ; (B) in subsection (a), as designated by subparagraph (A), by striking subsection (a), and inserting subsection (a)(1), ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (b) Attending an animal fighting venture Whoever violates subsection (a)(2)(A) of section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2156 ) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both, for each violation. (c) Causing an individual who has not attained the age of 16 To attend an animal fighting venture Whoever violates subsection (a)(2)(B) of section 26 ( 7 U.S.C. 2156 ) of the Animal Welfare Act shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 3 years, or both, for each violation. . 12309. Produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States (a) Technical assistance to CBP The Secretary of Agriculture shall make available to U.S. Customs and Border Protection technical assistance related to the identification of produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. (b) Report to Congress 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 report on produce represented as grown in the United States when it is not in fact grown in the United States. 12310. Report on water sharing Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report on efforts by Mexico to meet its treaty deliveries of water to the Rio Grande in accordance with the Treaty between the United States and Mexico Respecting Utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande (done at Washington, February 3, 1944). 12311. Scientific and economic analysis of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (a) In general When publishing a final rule with respect to Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption published by the Department of Health and Human Services on January 16, 2013 (78 Fed. Reg. 3504), the Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary ) shall ensure that the final rule (referred to in this section as the final rule ) includes the following information: (1) An analysis of the scientific information used to promulgate the final rule, taking into consideration any information about farming and ranching operations of a variety of sizes, with regional differences, and that have a diversity of production practices and methods. (2) An analysis of the economic impact of the final rule. (3) A plan to systematically— (A) evaluate the impact of the final rule on farming and ranching operations; and (B) develop an ongoing process to evaluate and respond to business concerns. (b) Report Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary promulgates the final rule referred to in subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on Health, Education, and Labor of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the effectiveness of the ongoing evaluation and response process referred to in subsection (a)(3)(B). Not later than one year after the date on which such report is submitted, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to such committees an updated report on such process. 12312. Payment in lieu of taxes Section 6906 of title 31, United States Code, is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 2013 and inserting 2014 . 12313. Silvicultural activities Section 402(l) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1342(l) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Silvicultural activities (A) NPDES permit requirements for silvicultural activities The Administrator shall not require a permit under this section nor directly or indirectly require any State to require a permit under this section for a discharge from runoff resulting from the conduct of the following silviculture activities conducted in accordance with standard industry practice: nursery operations, site preparation, reforestation and subsequent cultural treatment, thinning, prescribed burning, pest and fire control, harvesting operations, surface drainage, or road construction and maintenance. (B) Other requirements Nothing in this paragraph exempts a discharge from silvicultural activity from any permitting requirement under section 404, existing permitting requirements under section 402, or from any other federal law. (C) The authorization provided in Section 505(a) does not apply to any non-permitting program established under 402(p)(6) for the silviculture activities listed in 402(l)(3)(A), or to any other limitations that might be deemed to apply to the silviculture activities listed in 402(l)(3)(A). . 12314. Pima agriculture cotton trust fund (a) Establishment of Trust Fund There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Pima Agriculture Cotton Trust Fund (in this section referred to as the Trust Fund ), consisting of such amounts as may be transferred to the Trust Fund pursuant to subsection (h), and to be used for the purpose of reducing the injury to domestic manufacturers resulting from tariffs on cotton fabric that are higher than tariffs on certain apparel articles made of cotton fabric. (b) Distribution of funds From amounts in the Trust Fund, the Secretary shall make payments annually beginning in calendar year 2014 for calendar years 2014 through 2018 as follows: (1) Twenty-five percent of the amounts in the Trust Fund shall be paid to one or more nationally recognized associations established for the promotion of pima cotton for use in textile and apparel goods. (2) Twenty-five percent of the amounts in the Trust Fund shall be paid to yarn spinners of pima cotton that produce ring spun cotton yarns in the United States, to be allocated to each spinner in an amount that bears the same ratio as— (A) the spinner’s production of ring spun cotton yarns, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number) from pima cotton in single and plied form during calendar year 2013 (as evidenced by an affidavit provided by the spinner that meets the requirements of subsection (c)), bears to— (B) the production of the yarns described in subparagraph (A) during calendar year 2013 for all spinners who qualify under this paragraph. (3) Fifty percent of the amounts in the Trust Fund shall be paid to manufacturers who cut and sew cotton shirts in the United States who certify that they used imported cotton fabric during calendar year 2013, to be allocated to each such manufacturer in an amount that bears the same ratio as— (A) the dollar value (excluding duty, shipping, and related costs) of imported woven cotton shirting fabric of 80s or higher count and 2-ply in warp purchased by the manufacturer during calendar year 2013 (as evidenced by an affidavit provided by the manufacturer that meets the requirements of subsection (d)) used in the manufacturing of men’s and boys’ cotton shirts, bears to— (B) the dollar value (excluding duty, shipping, and related costs) of the fabric described in subparagraph (A) purchased during calendar year 2013 by all manufacturers who qualify under this paragraph. (c) Affidavit of yarn spinners The affidavit required by subsection (b)(2)(A) is a notarized affidavit provided annually by an officer of a producer of ring spun yarns that affirms— (1) that the producer used pima cotton during the year in which the affidavit is filed and during calendar year 2013 to produce ring spun cotton yarns in the United States, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number), in single and plied form; (2) the quantity, measured in pounds, of ring spun cotton yarns, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number), in single and plied form during calendar year 2013; and (3) that the producer maintains supporting documentation showing the quantity of such yarns produced, and evidencing the yarns as ring spun cotton yarns, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number), in single and plied form during calendar year 2013. (d) Affidavit of shirting manufacturers (1) In general The affidavit required by subsection (b)(3)(A) is a notarized affidavit provided annually by an officer of a manufacturer of men’s and boys’ shirts that affirms— (A) that the manufacturer used imported cotton fabric during the year in which the affidavit is filed and during calendar year 2013, to cut and sew men’s and boys’ woven cotton shirts in the United States; (B) the dollar value of imported woven cotton shirting fabric of 80s or higher count and 2-ply in warp purchased by the manufacturer during calendar year 2013; (C) that the manufacturer maintains invoices along with other supporting documentation (such as price lists and other technical descriptions of the fabric qualities) showing the dollar value of such fabric purchased, the date of purchase, and evidencing the fabric as woven cotton fabric of 80s or higher count and 2-ply in warp; and (D) that the fabric was suitable for use in the manufacturing of men’s and boys’ cotton shirts. (2) Date of purchase For purposes of the affidavit under paragraph (1), the date of purchase shall be the invoice date, and the dollar value shall be determined excluding duty, shipping, and related costs. (e) Filing Deadline for Affidavits Any person required to provide an affidavit under this section shall file the affidavit with the Secretary or as directed by the Secretary— (1) in the case of an affidavit required for calendar year 2014, not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) in the case of an affidavit required for any of calendar years 2015 through 2018, not later than March 15 of that calendar year. (f) Timing of distributions The Secretary shall make a payment under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (b)— (1) for calendar year 2014— (A) not later than the date that is 30 days after the filing of the affidavit required with respect to that payment; or (B) if the Secretary is unable to make the payment by the date described in subparagraph (A), as soon as practicable thereafter; and (2) for calendar years 2015 through 2018, not later than the date that is 30 days after the filing of the affidavit required with respect to that payment. (g) Memorandum of Understanding The Secretary and the Commissioner responsible for U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall, as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, negotiate a memorandum of understanding to establish procedures pursuant to which the Commissioner will assist the Secretary in carrying out the provisions of this section. (h) Funding Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall transfer to the Trust Fund $16,000,000 for each of calendar years 2014 through 2018, to remain available until expended. 12315. Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund (a) Establishment of trust fund There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund (in this section referred to as the Trust Fund ), consisting of such amounts as may be transferred to the Trust Fund pursuant to subsection (f), and to be used for the purpose of reducing the injury to domestic manufacturers resulting from tariffs on wool fabric that are higher than tariffs on certain apparel articles made of wool fabric. (b) Distribution of funds (1) In general From amounts in the Trust Fund, the Secretary may make payments annually beginning in calendar year 2014 for calendar years 2010 through 2019 as follows: (A) To each eligible manufacturer under paragraph (3) of section 4002(c) of the Wool Suit and Textile Trade Extension Act of 2004 ( Public Law 108–429 ; 118 Stat. 2600), as amended by section 1633(c) of the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2006 ( Public Law 109–280 ; 120 Stat. 1166) and section 325(b) of the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 (division C of Public Law 110–343 ; 122 Stat. 3875), and any successor-in-interest to such a manufacturer as provided for under paragraph (4) of such section 4002(c), that submits an affidavit in accordance with paragraph (2) for the year of the payment— (i) for calendar years 2010 through 2015, payments that, when added to any other payments made to the manufacturer or successor-in-interest under paragraph (3) of such section 4002(c) in such calendar years, equal the total amount of payments authorized to be provided to the manufacturer or successor-in-interest under that paragraph, or the provisions of this section, in such calendar years; and (ii) for calendar years 2016 through 2019, payments in amounts authorized under that paragraph. (B) To each eligible manufacturer under paragraph (6) of such section 4002(c)— (i) for calendar years 2010 through 2014, payments that, when added to any other payments made to eligible manufacturers under that paragraph in such calendar years, equal the total amount of payments authorized to be provided to the manufacturer under that paragraph, or the provisions of this section, in such calendar years; and (ii) for calendar years 2015 through 2019, payments in amounts authorized under that paragraph. (2) Submission of affidavits An affidavit required by paragraph (1)(A) shall be submitted— (A) in each of calendar years 2010 through 2015, to the Commissioner responsible for U.S. Customs and Border Protection not later than April 15; and (B) in each of calendar years 2016 through 2019, to the Secretary, or as directed by the Secretary, and not later than March 1. (c) Payment of amounts The Secretary shall make payments to eligible manufacturers and successors-in-interest described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b)— (1) for calendar years 2010 through 2014, not later than 30 days after the transfer of amounts from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Trust Fund under subsection (f); and (2) for calendar years 2015 through 2019, not later than April 15 of the year of the payment. (d) Memoranda of Understanding The Secretary shall, as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, negotiate memoranda of understanding with the Commissioner responsible for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Secretary of Commerce to establish procedures pursuant to which the Commissioner and the Secretary of Commerce will assist in carrying out the provisions of this section. (e) Increase in Payments in the Event of Expiration of Duty Suspensions (1) In general In any calendar year in which the suspension of duty on wool fabrics provided for under headings 9902.51.11, 9902.51.13, 9902.51.14, 9902.51.15, and 9902.51.16 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States are not in effect, the amount of any payment described in subsection (b)(1) to a manufacturer or successor-in-interest shall be increased by an amount the Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, determines is equal to the amount the manufacturer or successor-in-interest would have saved during the calendar year of the payment if the suspension of duty on wool fabrics were in effect. (2) No appeal of determinations A determination of the Secretary under this subsection shall be final and not subject to appeal or protest. (f) Funding (1) In general Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall transfer to the Trust Fund for each of calendar years 2014 through 2019 an amount equal to the lesser of— (A) the amount the Secretary determines to be necessary to make payments required by this section in that calendar year; or (B) $30,000,000. (2) Availability Amounts transferred to the Trust Fund under paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended. 12316. Wool research and promotion (a) In general Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to provide grants described in section 506(d) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 7101 note) $2,250,000 for each of calendar years 2015 through 2019, to remain available until expended. (b) Authorization to Distribute Unexpended Balance In addition to funds made available under subsection (a) and notwithstanding subsection (f) of section 506 of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 ( 7 U.S.C. 7101 note), the Secretary may use any unexpended balances remaining in the Wool Research, Development, and Promotion Trust Fund established under that section as of December 31, 2014, to provide grants described in subsection (d) of that section. D Oilheat Efficiency, Renewable Fuel Research and Jobs Training 12401. Short title This subtitle may be cited as the Oilheat Efficiency, Renewable Fuel Research and Jobs Training Act of 2014 . 12402. Findings and purposes Section 702 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (4), by striking and after the semicolon at the end; (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (6) consumers of oilheat fuel are provided service by thousands of small businesses that are unable to individually develop training programs to facilitate the entry of new and qualified workers into the oilheat fuel industry; (7) small businesses and trained employees are in an ideal position— (A) to provide information to consumers about the benefits of improved efficiency; and (B) to encourage consumers to value efficiency in energy choices and assist individuals in conserving energy; (8) additional research is necessary— (A) to improve oilheat fuel equipment; and (B) to develop domestic renewable resources that can be used to safely and affordably heat homes; (9) since there are no Federal resources available to assist the oilheat fuel industry, it is necessary and appropriate to develop a self-funded program dedicated— (A) to improving efficiency in customer homes; (B) to assist individuals to gain employment in the oilheat fuel industry; and (C) to develop domestic renewable resources; (10) both consumers of oilheat fuel and retailers would benefit from the self-funded program; and (11) the oilheat fuel industry is committed to providing appropriate funding necessary to carry out the purposes of this title without passing additional costs on to residential consumers. . 12403. Definitions (a) In general Section 703 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (15) as paragraphs (4) through (16), respectively; (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Cost-effective The term cost-effective , with respect to a program or activity carried out under section 707(f)(4), means that the program or activity meets a total resource cost test under which— (A) the net present value of economic benefits over the life of the program or activity, including avoided supply and delivery costs and deferred or avoided investments; is greater than (B) the net present value of the economic costs over the life of the program or activity, including program costs and incremental costs borne by the energy consumer. ; and (3) by striking paragraph (8) (as redesignated in paragraph (1)) and inserting the following: (8) Oilheat fuel The term oilheat fuel means fuel that— (A) is— (i) No. 1 distillate; (ii) No. 2 dyed distillate; (iii) a liquid blended with No. 1 distillate or No. 2 dyed distillate; or (iv) a biobased liquid; and (B) is used as a fuel for nonindustrial commercial or residential space or hot water heating. . (b) Conforming amendments (1) The National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended by striking oilheat each place it appears and inserting oilheat fuel . (2) Section 704(d) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended in the subsection heading by striking oilheat and inserting oilheat fuel . (3) Section 706(c)(2) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended in the paragraph heading by striking oilheat and inserting oilheat fuel . (4) Section 707(c) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended in the subsection heading by striking oilheat and inserting oilheat fuel . 12404. Membership (a) Selection Section 705 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following: (a) Selection (1) List (A) In general The Alliance shall provide to the Secretary a list of qualified nominees for membership in the Alliance. (B) Requirement Except as provided in subsection (c)(1)(C), members of the Alliance shall be representatives of the oilheat fuel industry in a State, selected from a list of nominees submitted by the qualified State association in the State. (2) Vacancies A vacancy in the Alliance shall be filled in the same manner as the original selection. (3) Secretarial action (A) In general The Secretary shall have 60 days to review nominees provided under paragraph (1). (B) Failure to Act If the Secretary takes no action during the 60-day period described in subparagraph (A), the nominees shall be considered to be members of the Alliance. . (b) Representation Section 705(b) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking qualified industry organization and inserting Alliance . (c) Number of members Section 705(c) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) In general The Alliance shall be composed of the following members: (A) 1 member representing each State participating in the Alliance. (B) 5 representatives of retail marketers, of whom 1 shall be selected by each of the qualified State associations of the 5 States with the highest volume of annual oilheat fuel sales. (C) 5 additional representatives of retail marketers. (D) 21 representatives of wholesale distributors. (E) 6 public members, who shall be representatives of significant users of oilheat fuel, the oilheat fuel research community, State energy officials, or other groups with expertise in oilheat fuel, including consumer and low-income advocacy groups. ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the qualified industry organization or . 12405. Functions (a) Renewable fuel research Section 706(a)(3)(B)(i)(I) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: , including research to develop renewable fuels and to examine the compatibility of different renewable fuels with oilheat fuel utilization equipment, with priority given to research on the development and use of advanced biofuels . (b) Biennial budgets Section 706(e) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Publication of proposed budget Not later than August 1, 2014, and every 2 years thereafter, the Alliance shall, in consultation with the Secretary, develop and publish for public review and comment a proposed biennial budget for the next 2 calendar years, including the probable operating and planning costs of all programs, projects, and contracts and other agreements. ; and (2) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) Implementation (A) In general The Alliance shall not implement a proposed budget until the expiration of 60 days after submitting the proposed budget to the Secretary. (B) Recommendations for changes by Secretary (i) In general The Secretary may recommend to the Alliance changes to the budget programs and activities of the Alliance that the Secretary considers appropriate. (ii) Response by alliance Not later than 30 days after the receipt of any recommendations made under clause (i), the Alliance shall submit to the Secretary a final budget for the next 2 calendar years that incorporates or includes a description of the response of the Alliance to any changes recommended under clause (i). . 12406. Assessments (a) In general Section 707 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following: (a) Rate The assessment rate shall be equal to 2/10 of 1 cent per gallon of oilheat fuel. ; and (2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following: (8) Prohibition on pass through None of the assessments collected under this title may be passed through or otherwise required to be paid by residential consumers of oilheat fuel. . (b) Funds made available to qualified State associations Section 707(e)(2) of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (B) Separate accounts As a condition of receipt of funds made available to a qualified State association under this title, the qualified State association shall deposit the funds in an account that is separate from other funds of the qualified State association. . (c) Administration Section 707 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Use of Assessments (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Secretary and the Alliance shall ensure that assessments collected for each calendar year under this title are allocated and used in accordance with this subsection. (2) Research, development, and demonstration (A) In general The Alliance shall ensure that not less than 30 percent of the assessments collected for each calendar year under this title are used by qualified State associations or the Alliance to conduct research, development, and demonstration activities relating to oilheat fuel, including the development of energy-efficient heating and the transition and facilitation of the entry of energy efficient heating systems into the marketplace. (B) Coordination The Alliance shall coordinate with the Secretary to develop priorities for the use of assessments under this paragraph. (C) Plan The Alliance shall develop a coordinated research plan to carry out research programs and activities under this section. (D) Report (i) In general No later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Alliance shall prepare a report on the use of biofuels in oilheat fuel utilization equipment. (ii) Contents The report required under clause (i) shall— (I) provide information on the environmental benefits, economic benefits, and any technical limitations on the use of biofuels in oilheat fuel utilization equipment; and (II) describe market acceptance of the fuel, and information on State and local governments that are encouraging the use of biofuels in oilheat fuel utilization equipment. (iii) Copies The Alliance shall submit a copy of the report required under clause (i) to— (I) Congress; (II) the Governor of each State, and other appropriate State leaders, in which the Alliance is operating; and (III) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (E) Consumer education materials The Alliance, in conjunction with an institution or organization engaged in biofuels research, shall develop consumer education materials describing the benefits of using biofuels as or in oilheat fuel based on the technical information developed in the report required under subparagraph (D) and other information generally available. (3) Cost sharing (A) In general In carrying out a research, development, demonstration, or commercial application program or activity that is commenced after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Alliance shall require cost-sharing in accordance with this section. (B) Research and development (i) In general Except as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii), the Alliance shall require that not less than 20 percent of the cost of a research or development program or activity described in subparagraph (A) to be provided by a source other than the Alliance. (ii) Exclusion Clause (i) shall not apply to a research or development program or activity described in subparagraph (A) that is of a basic or fundamental nature, as determined by the Alliance. (iii) Reduction The Alliance may reduce or eliminate the requirement of clause (i) for a research and development program or activity of an applied nature if the Alliance determines that the reduction is necessary and appropriate. (C) Demonstration and commercial application The Alliance shall require that not less than 50 percent of the cost of a demonstration or commercial application program or activity described in subparagraph (A) to be provided by a source other than the Alliance. (4) Heating oil efficiency and upgrade program (A) In general The Alliance shall ensure that not less than 15 percent of the assessments collected for each calendar year under this title are used by qualified State associations or the Alliance to carry out programs to assist consumers— (i) to make cost-effective upgrades to more fuel efficient heating oil systems or otherwise make cost-effective modifications to an existing heating system to improve the efficiency of the system; (ii) to improve energy efficiency or reduce energy consumption through cost-effective energy efficiency programs for consumers; or (iii) to improve the safe operation of a heating system. (B) Plan The Alliance shall, to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate, develop, and implement the programs and activities of the Alliance in conjunction with existing State energy efficiency program administrators. (C) Administration (i) In general In carrying out this paragraph, the Alliance shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that heating system conversion assistance is coordinated with, and developed after consultation with, persons or organizations responsible for administering— (I) the low-income home energy assistance program established under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 ( 42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq. ); (II) the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons established under part A of title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act ( 42 U.S.C. 6861 et seq. ); or (III) other energy efficiency programs administered by the State or other parties in the State. (ii) Distribution of funds The Alliance shall ensure that funds distributed to carry out this paragraph are— (I) distributed equitably to States based on the proportional contributions of the States through collected assessments; (II) used to supplement (and not supplant) State or alternative sources of funding for energy efficiency programs; and (III) used only to carry out this paragraph. (5) Consumer education, safety, and training The Alliance shall ensure that not more than 30 percent of the assessments collected for each calendar year under this title are used— (A) to conduct consumer education activities relating to oilheat fuel, including providing information to consumers on— (i) energy conservation strategies; (ii) safety; (iii) new technologies that reduce consumption or improve safety and comfort; (iv) the use of biofuels blends; and (v) Federal, State, and local programs designed to assist oilheat fuel consumers; (B) to conduct worker safety and training activities relating to oilheat fuel, including energy efficiency training (including classes to obtain Building Performance Institute or Residential Energy Services Network certification); (C) to carry out other activities recommended by the Secretary; or (D) to the maximum extent practicable, a data collection process established, in collaboration with the Secretary or other appropriate Federal agencies, to track equipment, service, and related safety issues and to develop measures to improve safety. (6) Administrative costs (A) In general The Alliance shall ensure that not more than 5 percent of the assessments collected for each calendar year under this title are used for— (i) administrative costs; or (ii) indirect costs incurred in carrying out paragraphs (1) through (5). (B) Administration Activities under this section shall be documented pursuant to a transparent process and procedures developed in coordination with the Secretary. (7) Reports (A) Annual reports (i) In general Each qualified State association or the Alliance shall prepare an annual report describing he development and administration of this section, and yearly expenditures under this section. (ii) Contents Each report required under clause (i) shall include a description of the use of proceeds under this section, including a description of— (I) advancements made in energy-efficient heating systems and biofuel heating oil blends; and (II) heating system upgrades and modifications and energy efficiency programs funded under this section. (iii) Verification (I) In general The Alliance shall ensure that an independent third-party reviews each report described in clause (i) and verifies the accuracy of the report. (II) Councils If a State has a stakeholder efficiency oversight council, the council shall be the entity that reviews and verifies the report of the State association or Alliance for the State under clause (i). (B) Reports on heating oil efficiency and upgrade program At least once every 3 years, the Alliance shall prepare a detailed report describing the consumer savings, cost-effectiveness of, and the lifetime and annual energy savings achieved by heating system upgrades and modifications and energy efficiency programs funded under paragraph (4). (C) Availability Each report, and any subsequent changes to the report, described in this paragraph shall be made publically available, with notice of availability provided to the Secretary, and posted on the website of the Alliance. . 12407. Market survey and consumer protection Section 708 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is repealed. 12408. Lobbying restrictions Section 710 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended— (1) by striking No funds and inserting the following: (a) In general No funds ; (2) by inserting or to lobby after elections ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (b) Assessments (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), no funds derived from assessments collected by the Alliance under section 707 shall be used, directly or indirectly, to influence Federal, State, or local legislation or elections, or the manner of administering of a law. (2) Information The Alliance may use funds described in paragraph (1) to provide information requested by a Member of Congress, or an official of any Federal, State, or local agency, in the course of the official business of the Member or official. . 12409. Noncompliance Section 712 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Noncompliance If the Alliance, a qualified State association, or any other entity or person violates this title, the Secretary shall— (1) notify Congress of the noncompliance; and (2) provide notice of the noncompliance on the Alliance website. . 12410. Sunset Section 713 of the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public Law 106–469 ) is amended by striking 9 years and inserting 18 years .

Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.