Source: http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title16-chapter58-subchapter5&edition=prelim
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 08:21:08+00:00

Document:
Subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act, comprising this subchapter, was originally enacted by Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1514, and amended by Pub. L. 101–624, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3359; Pub. L. 102–237, Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1818; Pub. L. 102–552, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4102; and Pub. L. 104–66, Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 707. Subtitle E was shown herein, however, as having been added by Pub. L. 104–127, title III, §341, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1007, without reference to the intervening amendments because of the extensive revision of the subtitle's provisions by Pub. L. 104–127. Subsequent amendments to subtitle E have enacted or repealed and reenacted sections throughout the subtitle.
(B) $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, including not more than $5,000,000 to provide outreach and technical assistance, to carry out section 3835(f) of this title to facilitate the transfer of land subject to contracts from contract holders to covered farmers or ranchers, as defined in section 3835(f)(1) of this title.
(F) $450,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
(v) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.
(4) The conservation stewardship program under subpart B of part II of subchapter IV (as in effect on the day before December 20, 2018), using such sums as are necessary to administer contracts entered into before December 20, 2018.
Amounts made available by subsection (a) for fiscal years 2014 through 2023 shall be used by the Secretary to carry out the programs specified in such subsection and shall remain available until expended.
(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.
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 subchapter II and subchapter III of this chapter as a result of the amendments made by section 2611 of the Agricultural Act of 2014.
Not later than 270 days after February 7, 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.
(B) any other data relating to this provision that would be helpful to such Committees.
(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.
The use of Commodity Credit Corporation funds under subsection (c) 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 714i of title 15.
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 subchapter IV (excluding the conservation reserve program under subpart B of part I), subchapter VII, and subchapter VIII to ensure equitable program participation proportional to historical funding allocations and usage by all States.
(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.
Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may establish a sub-account for each conservation program administered by the Secretary under subchapter IV to accept contributions of non-Federal funds to support the purposes of the program.
Contributions of non-Federal funds received for a conservation program administered by the Secretary under subchapter IV shall be deposited into the sub-account established under this subsection for the program and shall be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation and until expended, to carry out the program.
Not later than 1 year after December 20, 2018, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency, shall conduct a review of conservation programs and authorities under this chapter that utilize annual allocation formulas to determine the sufficiency of the formulas in accounting for relevant data on local natural resource concerns, resource inventories, evaluations and reports, recommendations from State technical committees established under section 3861(a) of this title, State-level economic factors, level of agricultural infrastructure, or related factors that affect conservation program costs.
(D) the allocation of funds to States addresses priority natural resource concerns and objectives.
(ii) 5 percent to assist socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
In any fiscal year, amounts not obligated under paragraph (1) by a date determined by the Secretary shall be available for payments and technical assistance to all persons eligible for payments or technical assistance in that fiscal year under the environmental quality incentives program and, in the case of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, under the conservation stewardship program under subpart B of part IV of subchapter IV.
In any fiscal year through fiscal year 2018, acres not obligated under paragraph (1)(A) by a date determined by the Secretary shall be available for use in that fiscal year under the conservation stewardship program.
In providing assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2279(e) 1 of title 7) that qualifies under, as applicable, clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(A) or clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(B).
(1) The annual and current cumulative activity reflecting active agreement and contract enrollment statistics.
(E) exceptions provided by the Secretary under section 3865b(b)(2)(B)(ii) of this title.
(C) standards for conservation plans.
(B) payment rates, to the extent practicable, are consistent between the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a), (c)(2)(A), (g)(1), (i), and (j)(1), was in the original "this title", meaning title XII of Pub. L. 99–198, which enacted this chapter and former section 2005a of this title and amended sections 590g, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2009 of this title, sections 4207 and 4209 of Title 7, Agriculture, and provisions set out as a note under section 1981 of Title 7.
Part IV of subchapter IV, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), was in the original "chapter 4" or "that chapter", and was translated as meaning "chapter 4 of subtitle D", meaning chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of Pub. L. 99–198, which is classified generally to part IV (§3839aa et seq.) of subchapter IV of this chapter, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Section 2611 of the Agricultural Act of 2014, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), is section 2611 of Pub. L. 113–79, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 762, which amended sections 3811, 3812, 3812a, and 3821 of this title.
The Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A), is act Apr. 27, 1935, ch. 85, 49 Stat. 163, which is classified generally to chapter 3B (§590a et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 590q of this title and Tables.
Section 2279(e) of title 7, referred to in subsec. (h)(4), was redesignated section 2279(a) of Title 7, Agriculture, by Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, §12301(b)(3), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4951.
Section 2701 of Pub. L. 107–171, which directed that subtitle E of the Food Security Act of 1985 be amended by striking section 1241 and adding a new section 1241 (this section), was executed by striking section 1241 of subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 and adding the new section 1241 in lieu thereof, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
A prior section 3841, Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1241, as added Pub. L. 104–127, title III, §341, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1007, related to funding for the Commodity Credit Corporation, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 107–171, title II, §2701, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 278. See Codification note above.
Another prior section 3841, Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1241, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1514, related to use of Commodity Credit Corporation, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 104–127.
2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(a)(1), substituted "2023" for "2018 (and fiscal year 2019 in the case of the program specified in paragraph (5))" in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 115–123, §60102(b)(1)(A), substituted "2018 (and fiscal year 2019 in the case of the program specified in paragraph (5))" for "2018" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(a)(2)(A), substituted "$12,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023" for "$10,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018".
Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–334, §12306(g), substituted "covered farmers or ranchers, as defined in section 3835(f)(1) of this title" for "beginning farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers".
Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(a)(2)(B), substituted "$50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, including not more than $5,000,000 to provide outreach and technical assistance," for "$33,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018" and "contract holders" for "retired or retiring owners and operators".
Subsec. (a)(2)(F). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(a)(3), added subpar. (F).
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(a)(4), added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "The conservation security program under subpart A of part II of subchapter IV, using such sums as are necessary to administer contracts entered into before September 30, 2008."
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(a)(5), inserted before period at end "(as in effect on the day before December 20, 2018), using such sums as are necessary to administer contracts entered into before December 20, 2018".
"(E) $1,750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2019."
Subsec. (a)(5)(E). Pub. L. 115–123, §60102(b)(1)(B), substituted "each of fiscal years 2018 through 2019" for "fiscal year 2018".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(b), substituted "2023" for "2018 (and fiscal year 2019 in the case of the program specified in subsection (a)(5))".
Pub. L. 115–123, §60102(b)(2), substituted "2018 (and fiscal year 2019 in the case of the program specified in subsection (a)(5))" for "2018".
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(d)(1), substituted "1 year after December 20, 2018, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency, shall" for "January 1, 2012, the Secretary shall" and inserted "annual" after "utilize" and "relevant data on local natural resource concerns, resource inventories, evaluations and reports, recommendations from State technical committees established under section 3861(a) of this title," after "accounting for".
Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(d)(2), substituted "that—" for "that", inserted subpar. (A) designation before "the formulas" and substituted semicolon for period at end, and added subpars. (B) to (D).
Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(e)(1), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and inserted heading, redesignated former subpars. (A) and (B) as cls. (i) and (ii), respectively, of subpar. (A), added subpar. (B), and realigned margins.
Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(e)(2), inserted before period at end "and, in the case of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, under the conservation stewardship program under subpart B of part IV of subchapter IV".
Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(e)(3), substituted "year through fiscal year 2018, acres not obligated under paragraph (1)(A)" for "year, acres not obligated under paragraph (1)".
Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(e)(4), substituted ", as applicable, clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(A) or clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(B)" for "subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1)".
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(c), amended subsec. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (i) related to semiannual report on program enrollments and assistance under this subchapter, beginning in calendar year 2009 and each year thereafter.
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 115–334, §2501(f), added subsec. (j).
2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–79, §2601(a), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which authorized the Secretary to use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out programs under subchapter IV for fiscal years 2002 through 2012 generally, and fiscal years 2014 and 2015 in the case of certain programs.
Pub. L. 113–76, §750(b)(1), substituted "and (7) and each of fiscal years 2014 and 2015 in the case of the program specified in paragraph (6))," for "(6), and (7))," in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (a)(6)(F). Pub. L. 113–76, §750(b)(2), added subpar. (F).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–79, §2601(b)(2), added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b) redesignated (c).
"(2) shall not be available for the provision of technical assistance for conservation programs specified in subsection (a) of this section other than the program for which the funds were made available."
Pub. L. 113–79, §2601(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (b) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–79, §2601(b)(3), substituted "subsection (c)" for "subsection (b)".
Pub. L. 113–79, §2601(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).
"(1) Priority funding to promote equity.—Before April 1 of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall give priority for funding under the conservation programs under subchapter IV (excluding the conservation reserve program under subpart B of part I, the wetlands reserve program under subpart C of part I, and the conservation security program under subpart A of part II) to approved applications in any State that has not received, for the fiscal year, an aggregate amount of at least $15,000,000 for those conservation programs.
"(2) Specific funding allocations.—In determining the specific funding allocations for States under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the respective demand in each State for each program covered by such paragraph."
Pub. L. 113–79, §2601(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).
Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 113–79, §2601(b)(1), redesignated subsecs. (e) to (g) as (f) to (h), respectively. Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).
Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 113–79, §2604(1), substituted "2018" for "2012" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 113–79, §2604(2), added par. (4).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 113–79, §2601(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (h) as (i).
Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 113–79, §2605(1), substituted "agricultural conservation easement program" for "wetlands reserve program".
Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 113–79, §2605(2), redesignated par. (4) as (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "Payments made under the farmland protection program for easements in which the Federal share is $250,000 or greater."
Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 113–79, §2605(2), (3), redesignated par. (5) as (3), substituted "regional conservation partnership program" for "agricultural water enhancement program" and "3871c(c)(3)" for "3839aa–9(g)", and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "Payments made under the grassland reserve program valued at $250,000 or greater."
Subsec. (i)(4). Pub. L. 113–79, §2605(2), redesignated par. (6) as (4).
Subsec. (i)(5), (6). Pub. L. 113–79, §2605(4), added pars. (5) and (6).
2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–55, §716(e)(1), substituted "2012 (and fiscal year 2014 in the case of the programs specified in paragraphs (3)(B), (4), (6), and (7))," for "2012," in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (a)(4)(E). Pub. L. 112–55, §716(e)(2), substituted "each of fiscal years 2012 through 2014" for "fiscal year 2012".
Subsec. (a)(6)(E). Pub. L. 112–55, §716(d), substituted "each of fiscal years 2012 through 2014" for "fiscal year 2012".
Subsec. (a)(7)(D). Pub. L. 112–55, §716(f), substituted "2014" for "2012".
2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–246, §2701(a), substituted "2012" for "2007" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, §2701(b), inserted ", including to the maximum extent practicable—" after "part I" and added subpars. (A) and (B).
"(B) $5,650,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2006 through 2015."
"(E) $97,000,000 in fiscal year 2007."
Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 110–246, §2701(e), amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as follows: "The grassland reserve program under subpart C of part II, using, to the maximum extent practicable $254,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2003 through 2007."
"(F) $1,300,000,000 in fiscal year 2010."
Subsec. (a)(7)(D). Pub. L. 110–246, §2701(g), substituted "2012" for "2007".
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–246, §2703(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, substituted "$15,000,000" for "$12,000,000", and added par. (2).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–246, §2702, added subsec. (e).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–246, §2703(b), added subsec. (f).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–246, §2704, added subsec. (g).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 110–246, §2705, added subsec. (h).
2006—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 109–171, §1202(b), substituted a dash for "$6,037,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2005 through 2014." and added subpars. (A) and (B).
Subsec. (a)(6)(E), (F). Pub. L. 109–171, §1203(c), added subpars. (E) and (F) and struck out former subpar. (E) which read as follows: "$1,300,000,000 in fiscal year 2007."
2004—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 108–324 inserted ", using not more than $6,037,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2005 through 2014" before period at end.
Pub. L. 108–199 struck out ", using not more than $3,773,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2003 through 2013" before period at end.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–498 added subsec. (b) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (b), which related to availability of certain Commodity Credit Corporation funds under subsec. (a) for the provision of technical assistance for conservation and conservation security programs.
2003—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 108–7, §216(c), inserted ", using not more than $3,773,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2003 through 2013" before period at end.
"(1) February 20, 2003, through september 30, 2003.—During the period beginning on February 20, 2003, and ending on September 30, 2003, Commodity Credit Corporation funds made available under paragraphs (4) through (7) of subsection (a) of this section shall be available for the provision of technical assistance (subject to section 3842 of this title) for the conservation programs specified in subsection (a) of this section.
"(2) Subsequent fiscal years.—Effective beginning on October 1, 2003, Commodity Credit Corporation funds made available under paragraphs (3) through (7) of subsection (a) of this section shall be available for the provision of technical assistance (subject to section 3842 of this title) for the conservation programs specified in subsection (a) of this section."
Pub. L. 108–7, §213(1), added subsec. (b) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (b). Text read as follows: "Nothing in this section affects the limit on expenditures for technical assistance imposed by section 714i of title 15."
Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 108–7, §213(2), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).
Pub. L. 108–498, §1(b), Dec. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 4020, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] takes effect on October 1, 2004."
Pub. L. 108–11, title II, §2106(b), Apr. 16, 2003, 117 Stat. 590, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] takes effect on February 20, 2003."
The term "eligible participant" means a producer, landowner, or entity that is participating in, or seeking to participate in, programs in which the producer, landowner, or entity is otherwise eligible to participate under this chapter or the agricultural management assistance program under section 1524(b) of title 7.
The term "third-party provider" means a commercial entity (including a farmer cooperative, agriculture retailer, or other commercial entity (as defined by the Secretary)), a nonprofit entity, a State or local government (including a conservation district), or a Federal agency, that has expertise in the technical aspect of conservation planning, including nutrient management planning, watershed planning, or environmental engineering.
The purpose of technical assistance authorized by this section is to provide eligible participants with consistent, science-based, site-specific practices designed to achieve conservation objectives on land active in agricultural, forestry, or related uses.
(3) at the option of the eligible participant, through a payment, as determined by the Secretary, to the eligible participant for an approved third-party provider, if available.
The Secretary may request the services of, and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, other agencies within the Department or non-Federal entities to assist the Secretary in providing technical assistance necessary to assist in implementing conservation programs under this chapter.
The purpose of the third-party provider program is to increase the availability and range of technical expertise available to eligible participants to plan and implement conservation measures.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.
(B) a non-Federal entity approved by the Secretary to perform the certification.
The Secretary shall provide a streamlined certification process for a third-party provider that has an appropriate specialty certification, including a sustainability certification.
Effective for fiscal year 2008 and each subsequent fiscal year, funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation made available to carry out technical assistance for each of the programs specified in section 3841 of this title shall be available for the provision of technical assistance from third-party providers under this section.
(C) can be renewed, as determined by the Secretary.
(B) make any adjustments considered necessary by the Secretary to improve participation.
(ii) related technical assistance services that accelerate conservation program delivery.
The Secretary shall not designate as an activity eligible for payments to a third-party provider any service that is provided by a business, or equivalent, in connection with conducting business and that is customarily provided at no cost.
The Secretary shall establish fair and reasonable amounts of payments for technical services provided by third-party providers.
In carrying out the programs under this chapter and the agricultural management assistance program under section 1524 of title 7, the Secretary shall make technical services available to all eligible participants who are installing an eligible practice.
In any case in which financial assistance is not provided under a program referred to in paragraph (1), the Secretary may enter into a technical service contract with the eligible participant for the purposes of assisting in the planning, design, or installation of an eligible practice.
(D) evaluate opportunities to increase flexibility in conservation practice standards in a manner that ensures equivalent natural resource benefits.
In conducting the review under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with eligible participants, State technical committees established under section 3861(a) of this title, crop consultants, cooperative extension and land grant universities, nongovernmental organizations, and other qualified entities.
(D) soliciting regular input from State technical committees established under section 3861(a) of this title for recommendations that identify innovations or advancements described in subparagraph (B).
(C) conservation innovations that were considered under that process.
(B) provide for the appropriate range of conservation practices and resource mitigation measures available to producers involved with organic or specialty crop production or precision agriculture.
The Secretary shall ensure that adequate technical assistance is available for the implementation of conservation practices by producers involved with organic, specialty crop production, or precision agriculture through Federal conservation programs.
(ii) program specifications that allow for innovative approaches to engage local resources in providing technical assistance for planning and implementation of conservation practices.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (c), (d), (g)(1), and (h)(3), was in the original "this title", meaning title XII of Pub. L. 99–198, which enacted this chapter and former section 2005a of this title and amended sections 590g, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2009 of this title, sections 4207 and 4209 of Title 7, Agriculture, and provisions set out as a note under section 1981 of Title 7.
The date of the enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, referred to in subsecs. (e)(2) and (f)(3), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–246, which was approved June 18, 2008.
Section 2701 of Pub. L. 107–171, which directed that subtitle E of the Food Security Act of 1985 be amended by striking section 1242 and adding a new section 1242 (this section), was executed by striking section 1242 of subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 and adding the new section 1242 in lieu thereof, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
A prior section 3842, Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1242, as added Pub. L. 104–127, title III, §341, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1008, related to use of other agencies, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 107–171, title II, §2701, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 278. See Codification note above.
Another prior section 3842, Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1242, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1515, related to use of other agencies, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 104–127.
2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–334, §2502(a), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In this section, the term &apos;eligible participant&apos; means a producer, landowner, or entity that is participating in, or seeking to participate in, programs for which the producer, landowner, or entity is otherwise eligible to participate in under this chapter or the agricultural management assistance program under section 1524 of title 7."
Subsec. (e)(3)(B). Pub. L. 115–334, §2821(e), substituted "third-party" for "third party".
Subsec. (e)(4), (5). Pub. L. 115–334, §2502(b), added pars. (4) and (5).
Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 115–334, §2821(e), substituted "third-party" for "third party" in subpars. (A) and (B).
Subsec. (h)(1)(A). Pub. L. 115–334, §2502(c)(1)(A), added subpar. (A) and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: "review conservation practice standards, including engineering design specifications, in effect on the date of the enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008;".
Subsec. (h)(1)(D). Pub. L. 115–334, §2502(c)(1)(B)–(D), added subpar. (D).
Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 115–334, §2502(c)(2), inserted "State technical committees established under section 3861(a) of this title," before "crop consultants,".
Subsec. (h)(3), (4). Pub. L. 115–334, §2502(c)(3), added pars. (3) and (4) and struck out former par. (3). Prior to amendment, text of par. (3) read as follows: "If the Secretary determines under paragraph (1) that revisions to the conservation practice standards, including engineering design specifications, are necessary, the Secretary shall establish an administrative process for expediting the revisions."
2014—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 113–79 substituted "specialty" for "speciality" in heading.
2008—Pub. L. 110–246, §2706, amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to: in subsec. (a), provision of technical assistance to an eligible producer directly or through an approved third party; and, in subsec. (b), establishment of a system to certify third-party providers, transition provisions for persons that had provided assistance before May 13, 2002, and cooperative agreements or contracts with non-Federal entities.
Section, Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1243, as added Pub. L. 104–127, title III, §341, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1008; amended Pub. L. 107–171, title II, §§2003, 2006(d), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 233, 237; Pub. L. 110–234, title II, §2707, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1077; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title II, §2707, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1805, related to cooperative conservation partnership initiative.
A prior section 3843, Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1243, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1515; Pub. L. 101–624, title XIV, §1442, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3602, which related to administration of this chapter, was omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 104–127.
"(a) Repeal.—Except as provided in subsection (b), section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3843) is repealed.
"(1) Effect on existing contracts and agreements.—The amendment made by this section [repealing section 3843 of this title] 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 ([former] 16 U.S.C. 3843) before the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 [Feb. 7, 2014], or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract or agreement.
"(A) Use of prior year funds.—Notwithstanding the repeal of section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ([former] 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 [of Agriculture] 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 [16 U.S.C. 3871 et seq.], 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."
(B) to enhance long-term environmental goals.
(A) Beginning farmers or ranchers.
(B) Socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
(C) Limited resource farmers or ranchers.
(E) Veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2279(e) 1 of title 7).
(ii) shall not be released to any person or Federal, State, local agency or Indian tribe (as defined by the Secretary) outside the Department of Agriculture.
(ii) that is proprietary (within the meaning of section 552(b)(4) of title 5) to the agricultural operation or land that is a part of an agricultural operation of the owner, operator, or producer.
Nothing in this section affects the availability of payment information (including payment amounts and the names and addresses of recipients of payments) under section 552 of title 5.
The Secretary may release or disclose to the Attorney General information covered by paragraph (1) to the extent necessary to enforce the natural resources conservation programs referred to in paragraph (1)(B)(i).
The Secretary may release or disclose information covered by paragraph (1) to a person or Federal, State, local, or tribal agency working in cooperation with the Secretary in providing technical and financial assistance described in paragraph (1)(B)(i) or collecting information from data gathering sites.
(II) in collecting information from data gathering sites.
(ii) specific data gathering site.
An owner, operator, or producer may consent to the disclosure of information described in paragraph (1).
The participation of the owner, operator, or producer in, and the receipt of any benefit by the owner, operator, or producer under, this chapter or any other program administered by the Secretary may not be conditioned on the owner, operator, or producer providing consent under this paragraph.
Section 2276(c) of title 7 shall apply with respect to the release of information collected in any manner or for any purpose prohibited by this subsection.
(B) limits the authority of Congress or the Government Accountability Office to review information collected or disclosed under this subsection.
(3) the environmental quality incentives program established under subpart A of part IV of subchapter IV.
Except for a person who is a tenant on land that is subject to a conservation reserve contract that has been extended by the Secretary, the Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers, including provision for sharing, on a fair and equitable basis, in payments under the programs established under subchapters II through IV, VII, and VIII.
In the preparation and application of a conservation compliance plan under subchapter II or similar plan required as a condition for assistance from the Department of Agriculture, the Secretary shall permit persons to secure technical assistance from approved sources, as determined by the Secretary, other than the Natural Resources Conservation Service. If the Secretary rejects a technical determination made by such a source, the basis of the Secretary's determination must be supported by documented evidence.
The Secretary shall not enroll more than 25 percent of the cropland in any county in the conservation reserve program established under subpart B of part I of subchapter IV and wetland reserve easements under section 3865c of this title.
Not more than 15 percent of the cropland in a county may be subject to a wetland reserve easement under section 3865c of this title.
(B) operators in the county are having difficulties complying with conservation plans implemented under section 3812 of this title.
The Secretary may grant a waiver to exclude acreage enrolled under section 3831a of this title from the limitations in paragraph (1)(A) with the concurrence of the county government of the county involved.
The limitations established under paragraph (1) shall not apply to cropland that is subject to an easement under subpart B of part I of subchapter IV that is used for the establishment of shelterbelts and windbreaks.
For the purposes of enrolling land in a wetland reserve easement under section 3865c of this title, 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.
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 December 20, 2018, and that remains enrolled when the calculation is made after that date under paragraph (1).
(5) to coordinate activities described in this subsection with the national conservation program authorized under section 2004 of this title.
(2) the use of conservation practices that benefit native and managed pollinators, including, to the extent practicable, practices that maximize benefits for honey bees.
In carrying out each conservation program under this chapter, the Secretary shall ensure that the application process used by producers and landowners is streamlined to minimize complexity and eliminate redundancy.
The Secretary shall carry out a review of the application forms and processes for each conservation program covered by this subsection.
(iv) information technology is used effectively to minimize data and information input requirements.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a written notification of completion of the requirements of this subsection.
(iii) accounts for regional, State, and local variability relating to the complexity, implementation, and adoption of practices on eligible land.
(ii) consulting with the State technical committee established under section 3861(a) of this title in that State.
(2) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
(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).
(3) statutory limitations regarding contracts with individual producers will not be exceeded by any tribal member, except that the Secretary may approve a waiver if the Secretary is authorized to approve a waiver under the statutory authority of the applicable program.
In carrying out any conservation program administered by the Secretary, the Secretary shall encourage practices that relate to water quality and water quantity that protect source water for drinking water (including protecting against public health threats) while also benefitting agricultural producers.
(ii) subject to subparagraph (B), for practices described in paragraph (1), offer to producers increased incentives and higher payment rates than are otherwise statutorily authorized by the applicable conservation program administered by the Secretary.
An increased payment under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall not exceed 90 percent of practice costs associated with planning, design, materials, equipment, installation, labor, management, maintenance, or training.
In each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, the Secretary shall use to carry out this subsection not less than 10 percent of any funds available for conservation programs administered by the Secretary under this chapter (other than the conservation reserve program established under subpart B of part I of subchapter IV).
Funds available for a specific conservation program shall not be transferred to fund a different conservation program under this chapter.
The Secretary may not prohibit, through a contract, easement, or agreement under this chapter, a participant in a conservation program administered by the Secretary under this chapter from participating in, and receiving compensation from, an environmental services market if 1 of the purposes of the market is the facilitation of additional conservation benefits that are consistent with the purposes of the conservation program administered by the Secretary.
(B) relating to conservation practices or activities that could be implemented by a farmer, rancher, or private nonindustrial forest landowner to address a targeted soil, water, or wildlife resource concern that is the direct subject of a regulatory requirement enforced by that Federal agency, State, Indian tribe, or unit of local government, as applicable.
(D) notification to a farmer, rancher, or private nonindustrial forest landowner of, and an opportunity to correct, any noncompliance with a requirement to obtain regulatory certainty, regulatory predictability, safe harbor protection, or other similar regulatory assurance.
(ii) United States Fish and Wildlife Service Director's Order No. 217, dated August 9, 2016, as in effect on August 9, 2016.
(C) applies to a case in which the Department of Agriculture is the originating agency requesting a consultation or other technical and programmatic information or assistance from another Federal agency in assisting farmers, ranchers, or nonindustrial private forest landowners participating in a conservation program administered by the Secretary.
Section 2279(e) of title 7, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(E), was redesignated section 2279(a) of title 7 by Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, §12301(b)(3), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4951.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (b)(2)(D)(ii), (i)(1), (j)(1)(A), (k), (l), (n)(3), and (o), was in the original "this title", meaning title XII of Pub. L. 99–198, which enacted this chapter and former section 2005a of this title and amended sections 590g, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2009 of this title, sections 4207 and 4209 of Title 7, Agriculture, and provisions set out as a note under section 1981 of Title 7.
The date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, referred to in subsec. (i)(3), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–246, which was approved June 18, 2008.
This Act, referred to in subsec. (l)(1), is Pub. L. 99–198, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1354, known as the Food Security Act of 1985. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1985 Amendment note set out under section 1281 of Title 7, Agriculture, and Tables.
The Agricultural Act of 1949, referred to in subsec. (l)(2), is act Oct. 31, 1949, ch. 792, 63 Stat. 1051, which is classified principally to chapter 35A (§1421 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1421 of Title 7 and Tables.
The Agricultural Act of 2014, referred to in subsec. (l)(3), is Pub. L. 113–79, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 649. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
The text of section 3843(a), (c), and (d) of this title, which was transferred to this section and redesignated as subsecs. (c), (d), and (e), respectively, by Pub. L. 110–246, §2707(a), was based on Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1243(a), (c), (d), as added Pub. L. 104–127, title III, §341, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1008, 1009.
A prior section 3844, Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1244, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1515, related to issuance of regulations to carry out subchapters I to V of this chapter, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 104–127.
2018—Subsec. (b)(4)(B). Pub. L. 115–334, §2821(f), substituted "Government Accountability Office" for "General Accounting Office".
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 115–334, §2301(d)(1)(K), inserted "subpart A of" before "part IV".
Subsec. (f)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–334, §2503(a)(1), substituted "15 percent" for "10 percent".
Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 115–334, §2202(b)(2), substituted "section 3831a" for "subsection (d)(2)(A)(ii) or (g)(2) of section 3834".
Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 115–334, §2503(a)(2), substituted "December 20, 2018," for "February 7, 2014,".
Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 115–334, §2503(b)(2), (3), added subsec. (j) and redesignated former subsec. (j) as (k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (l).
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 115–334, §2503(b)(2), redesignated subsec. (k) as (l). Former subsec. (l) redesignated (m).
Pub. L. 115–334, §2301(d)(1)(L), substituted "subpart B of part IV of subchapter IV" for "subpart B of part II of subchapter IV" and "subpart A of part IV of subchapter IV" for "part IV of subchapter IV".
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 115–334, §2503(c), designated existing provisions as introductory provisions and pars. (1) and (3) and added par. (2), substituted "shall" for "may" in introductory provisions and "arrangements;" for "arrangements, and that" in par. (1), and inserted ", except that the Secretary may approve a waiver if the Secretary is authorized to approve a waiver under the statutory authority of the applicable program" before period at end of par. (3).
Pub. L. 115–334, §2503(b)(2), redesignated subsec. (l) as (m).
Pub. L. 115–334, §2503(b)(1), struck out subsec. (m) which related to exemption from certain reporting requirements.
Pub. L. 115–141 added subsec. (m).
Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 115–334, §2503(d), added subsec. (n).
Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 115–334, §2503(e), added subsec. (o).
Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 115–334, §2503(f), added subsec. (p).
2014—Subsec. (a)(2)(E). Pub. L. 113–79, §2606(1), added subpar. (E).
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 113–79, §2301(b)(1)(A), inserted "and" after semicolon in subpar. (A), struck out "and" after semicolon in subpar. (B), and struck out subpar. (C) which read as follows: "the wetlands reserve program established under subpart C of part I of subchapter IV; and".
Subsec. (c)(2), (3). Pub. L. 113–79, §2301(b)(1)(B), (C), added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–79, §2606(2), inserted ", VII, and VIII" before period at end.
Subsec. (f)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–79, §2301(b)(2)(A)(i), substituted "conservation reserve program established under subpart B of part I of subchapter IV and wetland reserve easements under section 3865c of this title" for "programs administered under subparts B and C of part I of subchapter IV".
Subsec. (f)(1)(B). Pub. L. 113–79, §2606(3)(A), substituted "county" for "country".
Pub. L. 113–79, §2301(b)(2)(A)(ii), substituted "a wetland reserve easement under section 3865c of this title" for "an easement acquired under subpart C of part I of subchapter IV".
Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 113–79, §2606(3)(B), substituted "subsection (d)(2)(A)(ii) or (g)(2)" for "subsection (c)(2)(B) or (f)(4)".
Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 113–79, §2301(b)(2)(B), added par. (4) and struck out former par. (4). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The limitations established under paragraph (1) shall not apply to cropland that is subject to an easement under subpart C of part I of subchapter IV that is used for the establishment of shelterbelts and windbreaks."
Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 113–79, §2301(b)(2)(C), added par. (5).
Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 113–79, §2606(4), inserted ", including, to the extent practicable, practices that maximize benefits for honey bees" before period at end.
Subsecs. (j) to (l). Pub. L. 113–79, §2606(5), added subsecs. (j) to (l).
"(2) enhance environmental stewardship over the long term."
Subsecs. (c) to (e). Pub. L. 110–246, §2707(a), transferred subsecs. (a), (c), and (d) of section 3843 of this title and redesignated them as subsecs. (c) to (e), respectively, of this section. See Codification note above.
Subsecs. (f) to (i). Pub. L. 110–246, §2708(2), added subsecs. (f) to (i).
A prior section 3845, Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1245, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1516; Pub. L. 101–624, title XIV, §1443, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3602; Pub. L. 102–552, title V, §516(b)(1), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4137, related to authorization of appropriations, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 104–127.
The Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement programs under this chapter, including such regulations as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application of the limitations established under section 3844(f) of this title.
(2) shall be made as an interim rule effective on publication with an opportunity for notice and comment.
In promulgating regulations under this section, the Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 5.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), was in the original "this title", meaning title XII of Pub. L. 99–198, which enacted this chapter and former section 2005a of this title and amended sections 590g, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2009 of this title, sections 4207 and 4209 of Title 7, Agriculture, and provisions set out as a note under section 1981 of Title 7.
A prior section 3846, Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1246, as added Pub. L. 101–624, title XIV, §1444, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3602, directed Secretary to report to Congress on erodible land and wetland conservation program, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–66, title I, §1011(a), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 709.
The Secretary shall identify available data sets within the Department of Agriculture regarding the use of conservation practices and the effect of such practices on farm and ranch profitability (including such effects relating to crop yields, soil health, and other risk-related factors).
A prior section 3847, Pub. L. 99–198, title XII, §1247, as added Pub. L. 101–624, title XIV, §1445, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3603; amended Pub. L. 102–237, title II, §204(8), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1855, which related to assistance for control of spread of weeds and pests, was omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 104–127.

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