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Category: Law as Amended

  • Sec. 20001. Enhancement of Department of Defense resources for improving the quality of life for military personnel | Law as Amended

    (a) Appropriations.—In addition to amounts otherwise available, there are appropriated to the Secretary of Defense for fiscal year 2025, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to remain available until September 30, 2029—

    (1) $230,480,000 for restoration and modernization costs under the Marine Corps Barracks 2030 initiative; [1] Need tracking source

    (2) $119,000,000 for base operating support costs under the Marine Corps;[2]Need tracking source

    (3) $1,000,000,000 for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force sustainment, restoration, and modernization of military unaccompanied housing; [3] Need tracking source

    (4) $2,000,000,000 for the Defense Health Program; [4] Need tracking source

    (5) $2,900,000,000 to supplement the basic allowance for housing payable to members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force , notwithstanding section 403 of title 37, United States Code; [5] Need source

    (6) $50,000,000 for bonuses, special pays, and incentive pays for members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force pursuant to titles 10 and 37, United States Code; [6] Need source

    (7) $10,000,000 for the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support’s Online Academic Skills Course program for members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force; [7] Need source

    (8) $100,000,000 for tuition assistance for members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force pursuant to title 10, United States Code; [8] Need source

    (9) $100,000,000 for child care fee assistance for members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force under part II of chapter 88 of title 10, United States Code; [9] Need source

    (10) $590,000,000 to increase the Temporary Lodging Expense Allowance under chapter 8 of title 37, United States Code, to 21 days; [10] Need source

    (11) $100,000,000 for Department of Defense Impact Aid payments to local educational agencies under section 2008 of title 10, United States Code; [11] Need source

    (12) $10,000,000 for military spouse professional licensure under section 1784 of title 10, United States Code; [12] Need source

    (13) $6,000,000 for Armed Forces Retirement Home facilities; [13] Need tracking source

    (14) $100,000,000 for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program; [14] Need tracking source

    (15) $100,000,000 for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) casualty care research; and [15] Need tracking source

    (16) $62,000,000 for modernization of Department of Defense childcare center staffing. [16] Need tracking source

    (b) Temporary increase in percentage of value of authorized investment in certain privatized military housing projects.—

    (1) IN GENERAL.—During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this section and ending on September 30, 2029, the Secretary concerned shall apply—

    (A) paragraph (1) of subsection (c) of section 2875 of title 10, United States Code, by substituting “60 percent” for “33 1/3 percent”; and [17] Need source

    (B) paragraph (2) of such subsection by substituting “60 percent” for “45 percent”.

    (2) SECRETARY CONCERNED DEFINED.—In this subsection, the term “Secretary concerned” has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.

    (c) Temporary authority for acquisition or construction of privatized military unaccompanied housing.—Section 2881a of title 10, United States Code, is amended— [18] Need source

    (1) by striking the heading and inserting “Temporary authority for acquisition or construction of privatized military unaccompanied housing”;

    (2) by striking “Secretary of the Navy” each place it appears and inserting “Secretary concerned”;

    (3) by striking “under the pilot projects” each place it appears and inserting “pursuant to this section”;

    (4) in subsection (a)—

    (A) by striking the heading and inserting “In general”; and

    (B) by striking “carry out not more than three pilot projects under the authority of this section or another provision of this subchapter to use the private sector” and inserting “use the authority under this subchapter to enter into contracts with appropriate private sector entities”;

    (5) in subsection (c), by striking “privatized housing” and inserting “privatized housing units”;

    (6) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e); and

    (7) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)—

    (A) by striking “under the pilot programs” and inserting “under this section”; and

    (B) by striking “September 30, 2009” and inserting “September 30, 2029

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  • Sec. 10607. Miscellaneous | Law as Amended

    §8308a. Animal disease prevention and management

    (a) National Animal Health Laboratory Network

    (1) Definition of eligible laboratory

    In this subsection, 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 1001 of title 20).

    (2) 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:

    (A) To enhance the capability of the Secretary to respond in a timely manner to emerging or existing bioterrorist threats to animal health.

    (B) To provide the capacity and capability for standardized-

    (i) test procedures, reference materials, and equipment;

    (ii) laboratory biosafety and biosecurity levels;

    (iii) quality management system requirements;

    (iv) interconnected electronic reporting and transmission of data; and

    (v) evaluation for emergency preparedness.

    (C) 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.

    (3) 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.

    (b) National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program

    (1) Program required

    The Secretary shall establish a program, to be known as the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (referred to in this section as “the Program”), to address the increasing risk of the introduction and spread within the United States of animal pests and diseases affecting the economic interests of the livestock and related industries of the United States, including the maintenance and expansion of export markets.

    (2) Program activities

    Activities under the Program shall include, to the extent practicable, the following:

    (A) Enhancing animal pest and disease analysis and surveillance.

    (B) Expanding outreach and education.

    (C) Targeting domestic inspection activities at vulnerable points in the safeguarding continuum.

    (D) Enhancing and strengthening threat identification technology.

    (E) Improving biosecurity.

    (F) Enhancing emergency preparedness and response capabilities, including training additional emergency response personnel.

    (G) Conducting technology development to enhance electronic sharing of animal health data for risk analysis between State and Federal animal health officials.

    (H) Enhancing the development and effectiveness of animal health technologies to treat and prevent animal disease, including-

    (i) veterinary biologics and diagnostics;

    (ii) animal drugs for minor uses and minor species;

    (iii) animal medical devices; and

    (iv) emerging veterinary countermeasures.

    (I) Such other activities as determined appropriate by the Secretary, in consultation with eligible entities specified in paragraph (3).

    (3) Eligible entities

    To carry out the Program, the Secretary shall offer to enter into cooperative agreements or other legal instruments, as authorized under section 8312 of this title (referred to in this section as “agreements”) with eligible entities, to be selected by the Secretary, which may include any of the following entities, either individually or in combination:

    (A) A State department of agriculture.

    (B) The office of the chief animal health official of a State.

    (C) An entity eligible to receive funds under a capacity and infrastructure program (as defined in section 6971(f)(1)(C) of this title).

    (D) A college of veterinary medicine, including a veterinary emergency team at such college.

    (E) A State or national livestock producer organization with direct and significant economic interest in livestock production.

    (F) A State emergency agency.

    (G) A State, national, allied, or regional veterinary organization or specialty board recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

    (H) An Indian Tribe.

    (I) A Federal agency.

    (4) Special funding considerations

    In entering into agreements under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to applications submitted by-

    (A) a State department of agriculture or an office of the chief animal health official of a State; or

    (B) an eligible entity that will carry out program activities in a State or region in which-

    (i) an animal pest or disease is a Federal concern; or

    (ii) the Secretary determines a potential exists for the spread of an animal pest or disease after taking into consideration-

    (I) the agricultural industries in the State or region;

    (II) factors contributing to animal pest or disease in the State or region, such as the climate, natural resources, and geography of, and native and exotic wildlife species and other disease vectors in, the State or region; and

    (III) the movement of animals in the State or region.

    (5) Consultation

    For purposes of setting priorities under this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with eligible entities specified in paragraph (3). The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) 1 shall not apply to consultation carried out under this paragraph.

    (6) Application

    (A) In general

    An eligible entity specified in paragraph (3) seeking to enter into an agreement under the Program shall submit to the Secretary an application containing such information as the Secretary may require.

    (B) Notification

    The Secretary shall notify each applicant of-

    (i) the requirements to be imposed on the eligible entity that is the recipient of funds under the Program for auditing of, and reporting on, the use of such funds; and

    (ii) the criteria to be used to ensure activities supported using such funds are based on sound scientific data or thorough risk assessments.

    (C) Non-Federal contributions

    When deciding whether to enter into an agreement under the Program with an eligible entity described in paragraph (3), the Secretary-

    (i) may take into consideration an eligible entity’s ability to contribute non-Federal funds to carry out such an agreement; and

    (ii) shall not require such an eligible entity to make such a contribution as a condition to enter into an agreement.

    (7) Use of funds

    (A) Use consistent with terms of cooperative agreement

    The recipient of funds under the Program shall use the funds for the purposes and in the manner provided in the agreement under which the funds are provided.

    (B) Sub-agreement

    Nothing in this section prevents an eligible entity from using funds received under the Program to enter into sub-agreements with another eligible entity or with a political subdivision of a State that has legal responsibilities relating to animal disease prevention, surveillance, or rapid response.

    (8) Reporting requirement

    Not later than 90 days after the date of completion of an activity conducted using funds provided under the Program, the recipient of such funds shall submit to the Secretary a report that describes the purposes and results of the activities.

    (c) National Animal Vaccine Bank

    (1) Establishment

    The Secretary shall establish a national animal vaccine and veterinary countermeasures bank (to be known as the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank and referred to in this subsection as the “Vaccine Bank”) to benefit the domestic interests of the United States.

    (2) Elements of Vaccine Bank

    Through the Vaccine Bank, the Secretary shall-

    (A) maintain sufficient quantities of veterinary countermeasures to appropriately and rapidly respond to the most damaging animal diseases affecting or with potential to affect human health or the economy of the United States; and

    (B) leverage, when appropriate, the mechanisms and infrastructure that have been developed for the management, storage, and distribution of the National Veterinary Stockpile.

    (3) Priority for response to foot and mouth disease

    The Secretary shall prioritize the acquisition and maintenance of sufficient quantities of foot and mouth disease vaccine and accompanying diagnostic products for the Vaccine Bank. As part of such prioritization, the Secretary may offer to enter into one or more contracts with one or more entities that are capable of producing foot and mouth disease vaccine and that have surge production capacity of the vaccine.

    (d) Funding

    (1) Mandatory funding

    (A) Fiscal years 2019 through 2022

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $120,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2022, of which not less than $5,000,000 shall be made available for each of those fiscal years to carry out subsection (b).

    (B) Fiscal years 2023 through 2025

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2025, of which not less than $18,000,000 shall be made available for each of those fiscal years to carry out subsection (b).

    (C) Fiscal years 2026 through 2030

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $233,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, of which-

    (i) not less than $10,000,000 shall be made available for each such fiscal year to carry out subsection (a);

    (ii) not less than $70,000,000 shall be made available for each such fiscal year to carry out subsection (b); and

    (iii) not less than $153,000,000 shall be made available for each such fiscal year to carry out subsection (c).

    (D) Subsequent fiscal years

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2031 and each fiscal year thereafter, of which not less than $45,000,000 shall be made available for each of those fiscal years to carry out subsection (b).

    (2) Authorization of appropriations

    (A) National animal health laboratory network

    In addition to the funds made available under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to carry out subsection (a).

    (B) National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program; National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank

    In addition to the funds made available under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to carry out subsections (b) and (c).

    (C) Additionality

    The funds authorized for appropriation under this paragraph are in addition to any funds authorized or otherwise made available under this section or section 8316 of this title.

    (3) Administrative costs

    (A) Secretary

    Of the funds made available under this section or section 8316 of this title to carry out the National Animal Health Laboratory Network under subsection (a) and the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program under subsection (b), not more than 4 percent may be retained by the Secretary to pay administrative costs incurred by the Secretary.

    (B) Eligible entities

    Of the funds made available under this section or section 8316 of this title to carry out the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program under subsection (b), not more than 10 percent may be retained by an eligible entity that receives funds under any agreement entered into under such subsection, including any sub-agreement under paragraph (7)(B) of such subsection to pay administrative costs incurred by the eligible entity to carry out activities under the Program.

    (4) Duration of availability

    Funds made available under this subsection, including any proceeds credited under paragraph (5), shall remain available until expended.

    (5) Proceeds from veterinary countermeasures sales

    Any proceeds of a sale of veterinary countermeasures from the Vaccine Bank shall be-

    (A) deposited into the Treasury of the United States; and

    (B) credited to the account for the operation of the Vaccine Bank to be made available for expenditure without further appropriation.

    (6) Limitations on use of funds for certain purposes

    Funds made available under the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and the Vaccine Bank shall not be used for the construction of a new building or facility or the acquisition or expansion of an existing building or facility, including site grading and improvement and architect fees.

    (e) Availability and purpose of funding

    (1) In general

    Using the funds made available under subsection (d), the Secretary of Agriculture shall offer to enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other legal instruments under subsections (a) through (c) during each of the fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

    (2) Effect

    Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to terminate a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other legal instrument entered into during the period specified in such paragraph.

    [1] 7 U.S.C. 8308a(d)(1)

    §1627a. 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 $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2019, $400,000 for fiscal year 2024, and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, to remain available until expended.

    [2] 7 U.S.C. 1627a(c)

    §2101. Congressional declaration of policy

    Cotton is the basic natural fiber of the Nation. It is produced by many individual cottongrowers throughout the various cotton-producing States of the Nation and also outside the United States. Cotton moves in the channels of interstate and foreign commerce and such cotton which does not move in such channels directly burdens or affects interstate commerce in cotton and cotton products. The efficient production of cotton and the maintenance and expansion of existing markets and the development of new or improved markets and uses is vital to the welfare of cottongrowers and those concerned with marketing, using, and processing cotton as well as the general economy of the Nation. The great inroads on the market and uses for cotton which have been made by manmade fibers have been largely the result of extensive research and promotion which have not been effectively matched by cotton research and promotion. The production and marketing of cotton by numerous individual farmers have prevented the development and carrying out of adequate and coordinated programs of research and promotion necessary to the maintenance and improvement of the competitive position of, and markets for, cotton. Without an effective and coordinated method for assuring cooperative and collective action in providing for, and financing such programs, individual cotton farmers are unable adequately to provide or obtain the research and promotion necessary to maintain and improve markets for cotton.

    It has long been found to be in the public interest to have, or endeavor to have, a reasonable balance between the supply of and demand for cotton grown in this country. To serve this public interest the Congress has provided for the comprehensive exercise of regulatory authority in regulating the handling of such cotton supplemented by price-support programs with the objective of adjusting supply to demand in the interest of benefiting producers and all others concerned with the production and handling of cotton as well as the general economy of the country. In order for the objective of such programs to be effectuated to the fullest degree, it is necessary that the existing regulation of marketing be supplemented by providing as part of the overall governmental program for effectuating this objective, means of increasing the demand for cotton with the view of eventually reducing or eliminating the need for limiting marketings and supporting the price of cotton.

    It is therefore declared to be the policy of the Congress and the purpose of this chapter that it is essential in the public interest through the exercise of the powers provided herein, to authorize and enable the establishment of an orderly procedure for the development, financing through adequate assessments on all cotton marketed in the United States and on imports of cotton, and carrying out an effective and continuous coordinated program of research and promotion designed to strengthen cotton’s competitive position and to maintain and expand domestic and foreign markets and uses for United States cotton.

    [3] 7 U.S.C. 2101 note: Public Law 113–79

    Pima Agriculture Cotton Trust Fund

    Pub. L. 113–79, title XII, §12314, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 993 , as amended by Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, §12602, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 5004 ; Pub. L. 118–22, div. B, title I, §102(d)(8)(A), Nov. 17, 2023, 137 Stat. 118 ; Pub. L. 119–21, title I, §10607(c), July 4, 2025, 139 Stat. 111 , provided that:

    “(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 [of Agriculture] shall make payments annually beginning in calendar year 2014 for calendar years 2014 through 2031 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)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 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-

    “(i) 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 prior calendar year (as evidenced by an affidavit provided by the spinner that meets the requirements of subsection (c)), bears to-

    “(ii) the production of the yarns described in clause (i) during the prior calendar year for all spinners who qualify under this paragraph.

    “(B)(i) A yarn spinner shall not receive an amount under subparagraph (A) that exceeds the cost of pima cotton that-

    “(I) was purchased during the prior calendar year; and

    “(II) was used in spinning any cotton yarns.

    “(ii) The Secretary shall reallocate any amounts reduced by reason of the limitation under clause (i) to spinners using the ratio described in subparagraph (A), disregarding production of any spinner subject to that limitation.

    “(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 the prior calendar year, 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 the prior calendar year (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 the prior calendar year by all manufacturers who qualify under this paragraph.

    “(c) Affidavit of Yarn Spinners.-The affidavit required by subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) 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 prior calendar year 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 the prior calendar year;

    “(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 the prior calendar year; and

    “(4) the dollar amount of pima cotton purchased during the prior calendar year-

    “(A) that was used in spinning any cotton yarns; and

    “(B) for which the producer maintains supporting documentation.

    “(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 the prior calendar year, 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 the prior calendar year;

    “(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 [of Agriculture] or as directed by the Secretary not later than March 15 of the applicable calendar year.

    “(f) Timing of Distributions.-The Secretary shall make a payment under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (b) 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 [of Agriculture] 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 [Feb. 7, 2014], 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 2031, to remain available until expended.”

    §7101. Findings and declaration of policy

    (a) Findings

    Congress finds that-

    (1) sheep and sheep products are important goods;

    (2) the production of sheep and sheep products play a significant role in the economy of the United States in that sheep and sheep products are produced throughout the United States and used by millions of people throughout the United States and foreign countries;

    (3) sheep and sheep products must be high quality, readily available, handled properly, and marketed efficiently to ensure that consumers have an adequate supply of sheep products;

    (4) the maintenance and expansion of existing markets and development of new markets for sheep and sheep products are vital to the welfare of sheep producers and persons concerned with marketing, using, and producing sheep and sheep products, as well as to the general economy of the United States, and necessary to ensure the ready availability and efficient marketing of sheep and sheep products;

    (5) there exist established State organizations conducting sheep and sheep product promotion, research, and industry and consumer education programs that are invaluable to the efforts of promoting the consumption of sheep and sheep products;

    (6) the cooperative development, financing, and implementation of a coordinated national program of sheep and sheep product promotion, research, consumer information, education, and industry information are necessary to maintain and expand existing markets and develop new markets for sheep and sheep products; and

    (7) sheep and sheep products move in interstate and foreign commerce, and sheep and sheep products that do not move in such channels of commerce directly burden or affect interstate commerce in sheep and sheep products.

    (b) Policy

    It is the policy of Congress that it is in the public interest to authorize the establishment, through the exercise of the powers provided in this chapter, of an orderly procedure for developing, financing (through adequate assessments on sheep and sheep products produced or imported into the United States), and carrying out an effective, continuous, coordinated program of promotion, research, consumer information, education, and industry information designed to-

    (1) strengthen the position of the sheep and sheep product industry in the marketplace;

    (2) maintain and expand existing domestic and foreign markets and uses for sheep and sheep products; and

    (3) develop new markets and uses for sheep and sheep products.

    (c) Construction

    Nothing in this chapter provides for the control of production, or otherwise limits, the right of any person to produce sheep or sheep products.

    [4] 7 U.S.C. 2101 note; Public Law 113–79

    Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund

    Pub. L. 113–79, title XII, §12315, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 995 , as amended by Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, §12603, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 5005 ; Pub. L. 118–22, div. B, title I, §102(d)(8)(B), Nov. 17, 2023, 137 Stat. 118 ; Pub. L. 119–21, title I, §10607(d), July 4, 2025, 139 Stat. 111 , provided that:

    “(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 [of Agriculture] may make payments annually beginning in calendar year 2014 for calendar years 2010 through 2031 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 [2603]), as amended by section 1633(c) [1633(b)(1)] 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) [118 Stat. 2603], that submits an affidavit in accordance with paragraph (2) for the year of the payment, payments in amounts authorized under that paragraph.

    “(B) To each eligible manufacturer under paragraph (6) of such section 4002(c) [118 Stat. 2603], payments in amounts authorized under that paragraph.

    “(2) Submission of affidavits.-An affidavit required by paragraph (1)(A) shall be submitted 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) not later than April 15 of the year of the payment.

    “(d) Memoranda of Understanding.-The Secretary [of Agriculture] shall, as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 7, 2014], 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 [of Agriculture], 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 2031 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.”

    Wool Research and Promotion

    Pub. L. 113–79, title XII, §12316, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 997 , as amended by Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, §12604, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 5006 ; Pub. L. 118–22, div. B, title I, §102(d)(8)(C), Nov. 17, 2023, 137 Stat. 118 ; ; Pub. L. 119–21, title I, §10607(e), July 4, 2025, 139 Stat. 111 , provided that:

    “(a) In General.-Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary [of Agriculture] shall use to provide grants described in section 506(d) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 7101 note) [section 506(d) of Pub. L. 106–200] $2,250,000 for each of calendar years 2019 through 2031, 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.”

    §7632. Specialty crop research initiative

    (a) Definitions

    In this section:

    (1) Citrus disease subcommittee

    The term “citrus disease subcommittee” means the subcommittee established under section 3123a(a)(2) of this title.

    (2) Initiative

    The term “Initiative” means the specialty crop research and extension initiative established by subsection (b).

    (3) Specialty crop

    The term “specialty crop” has the meaning given that term in section 3 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108–465).

    (4) Specialty crops committee

    The term “specialty crops committee” means the committee established under section 3123a of this title.

    (b) Establishment

    There is established within the Department a specialty crop research and extension initiative to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry by developing and disseminating science-based tools to address needs of specific crops and their regions, including-

    (1) research in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, and other methods to improve crop characteristics, such as-

    (A) product, taste, quality, and appearance;

    (B) size-controlling rootstock systems for perennial crops;

    (C) environmental responses and tolerances;

    (D) nutrient management, including plant nutrient uptake efficiency;

    (E) pest and disease management, including resistance to pests and diseases resulting in reduced application management strategies; and

    (F) enhanced phytonutrient content;

    (2) efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases, including-

    (A) threats to specialty crop pollinators;

    (B) emerging and invasive species; and

    (C) a more effective understanding and utilization of existing natural enemy complexes;

    (3) efforts-

    (A) to improve production efficiency, handling and processing, productivity, and profitability over the long term (including specialty crop policy and marketing); and

    (B) to achieve a better understanding of-

    (i) the soil rhizosphere microbiome;

    (ii) pesticide application systems and certified drift-reduction technologies; and

    (iii) systems to improve and extend the storage life of specialty crops;

    (4) new innovations and technology, including-

    (A) mechanization and automation of labor-intensive tasks in production and processing;

    (B) technologies that delay or inhibit ripening;

    (C) decision support systems driven by phenology and environmental factors;

    (D) improved monitoring systems for agricultural pests; and

    (E) effective systems for preharvest and postharvest management of quarantine pests; and

    (5) methods to prevent, detect, monitor, control, and respond to potential food safety hazards in the production and processing of specialty crops, including fresh produce.

    (c) Eligible entities

    The Secretary may carry out this section through-

    (1) Federal agencies;

    (2) national laboratories;

    (3) colleges and universities;

    (4) research institutions and organizations;

    (5) private organizations or corporations;

    (6) State agricultural experiment stations;

    (7) individuals; or

    (8) groups consisting of 2 or more entities described in paragraphs (1) through (7).

    (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.

    (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 3123a of this title;

    (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.

    (g) Administration

    (1) In general

    With respect to grants awarded under this section, the Secretary shall seek and accept proposals for grants.

    (2) Term

    The term of a grant under this section may not exceed 10 years.

    (3) Matching requirement

    (A) In general

    An entity receiving a grant under this section shall provide non-Federal matching funds (including funds from an agricultural commodity promotion, research, and information program) equal to not less than the amount of the grant.

    (B) In-kind support

    Non-Federal matching funds described in subparagraph (A) may include in-kind support.

    (4) Other conditions

    The Secretary may set such other conditions on the award of a grant under the Initiative as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

    (h) Priorities

    In making grants under the Initiative, the Secretary shall provide a higher priority to projects that-

    (1) are multistate, multi-institutional, or multidisciplinary; and

    (2) include explicit mechanisms to communicate results to producers and the public.

    (i) Buildings and facilities

    Funds made available under this section 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).

    (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 3123a of this title.

    (3) Coordination

    When developing the proposed research and extension agenda and budget under subsection (g)(2) of section 3123a of this title 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.

    (k) Funding

    (1) Mandatory funding

    (A) Fiscal years 2008 through 2012

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012, from which activities under each of paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (b) shall be allocated not less than 10 percent.

    (B) Subsequent funding

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section-

    (i) $80,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2025; and

    (ii) $175,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 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.

    (2) Authorization of appropriations for fiscal years 2014 through 2023

    In addition to funds made available under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023.

    (3) Fiscal year 2013

    There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.

    (4) Transfer

    Of the funds made available to the Secretary under paragraph (1) for fiscal year 2008 and authorized for use for payment of administrative expenses under section 3315(a)(3) of this title, the Secretary shall transfer, upon the date of enactment of this section, $200,000 to the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances of the Environmental Protection Agency for use in conducting a meta-analysis relating to methyl bromide.

    (5) Availability

    Funds made available pursuant to this subsection for a fiscal year shall remain available until expended to pay for obligations incurred in that fiscal year.

    [5] 7 U.S.C. 7632 note; Public Law 115–334

    Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund

    Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, §12605, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 5006 , as amended by Pub. L. 118–22, div. B, title I, §102(d)(8)(D), Nov. 17, 2023, 137 Stat. 118 ; Pub. L. 119–21, title I, §10607(f), July 4, 2025, 139 Stat. 111 , provided that:

    “(a) Definition of Citrus.-In this section, the term ‘citrus’ means edible fruit of the family Rutaceae, including any hybrid of that fruit and any product of that hybrid that is produced for commercial purposes in the United States.

    “(b) Establishment of Trust Fund.-There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund, to be known as the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund (referred to in this section as the ‘Citrus Trust Fund’), consisting of such amounts as shall be transferred to the Citrus Trust Fund pursuant to subsection (d).

    “(c) Use of Fund.-From amounts in the Citrus Trust Fund, the Secretary shall, beginning in fiscal year 2019, carry out the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program in section 412(j) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632(j)).

    “(d) Funding.-Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall transfer to the Citrus Trust Fund $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2031, to remain available until expended.”

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  • Sec. 10606. Horticulture | Law as Amended

    §7721. Plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention

    (a) Definitions

    In this section:

    (1) Early plant pest detection and surveillance

    The term “early plant pest detection and surveillance” means the full range of activities undertaken to find newly introduced plant pests, whether the plant pests are new to the United States or new to certain areas of the United States, before-

    (A) the plant pests become established; or

    (B) the plant pest infestations become too large and costly to eradicate or control.

    (2) Specialty crop

    The term “specialty crop” has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108–465).

    (3) State department of agriculture

    The term “State department of agriculture” means an agency of a State that has a legal responsibility to perform early plant pest detection and surveillance activities.

    (b) Early plant pest detection and surveillance improvement program

    (1) Cooperative agreements

    The Secretary shall enter into a cooperative agreement with each State department of agriculture that agrees to conduct early plant pest detection and surveillance activities.

    (2) Consultation

    In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with-

    (A) the National Plant Board; and

    (B) other interested parties.

    (3) Chapter 10 of title 5

    Chapter 10 of title 5 shall not apply to consultations under this subsection.

    (4) Application

    (A) In general

    A State department of agriculture seeking to enter into a cooperative agreement under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application containing such information as the Secretary may require.

    (B) Notification

    The Secretary shall notify applicants of-

    (i) the requirements to be imposed on a State department of agriculture for auditing of, and reporting on, the use of any funds provided by the Secretary under the cooperative agreement;

    (ii) the criteria to be used to ensure that early pest detection and surveillance activities supported under the cooperative agreement are based on sound scientific data or thorough risk assessments; and

    (iii) the means of identifying pathways of pest introductions.

    (5) Use of funds

    (A) Plant pest detection and surveillance activities

    A State department of agriculture that receives funds under this subsection shall use the funds to carry out early plant pest detection and surveillance activities approved by the Secretary to prevent the introduction or spread of a plant pest.

    (B) Subagreements

    Nothing in this subsection prevents a State department of agriculture from using funds received under paragraph (4) to enter into subagreements with political subdivisions of the State that have legal responsibilities relating to agricultural plant pest and disease surveillance.

    (C) Non-Federal share

    The non-Federal share of the cost of carrying out a cooperative agreement under this section may be provided in-kind, including through provision of such indirect costs of the cooperative agreement as the Secretary considers to be appropriate.

    (D) Ability to provide funds

    The Secretary shall not take the ability to provide non-Federal costs to carry out a cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (A) into consideration when deciding whether to enter into a cooperative agreement with a State department of agriculture.

    (6) Special funding considerations

    The Secretary shall provide funds to a State department of agriculture if the Secretary determines that-

    (A) the State department of agriculture is in a State that has a high risk of being affected by 1 or more plant pests or diseases, taking into consideration-

    (i) the number of international ports of entry in the State;

    (ii) the volume of international passenger and cargo entry into the State;

    (iii) the geographic location of the State and if the location or types of agricultural commodities produced in the State are conducive to agricultural pest and disease establishment due to the climate, crop diversity, or natural resources (including unique plant species) of the State; and

    (iv) whether the Secretary has determined that an agricultural pest or disease in the State is a Federal concern; and

    (B) the early plant pest detection and surveillance activities supported with the funds will likely-

    (i) prevent the introduction and establishment of plant pests; and

    (ii) provide a comprehensive approach to compliment Federal detection efforts.

    (7) Reporting requirement

    Not later than 90 days after the date of completion of an early plant pest detection and surveillance activity conducted by a State department of agriculture using funds provided under this section, the State department of agriculture shall submit to the Secretary a report that describes the purposes and results of the activities.

    (c) Threat identification and mitigation program

    (1) Establishment

    The Secretary shall establish a threat identification and mitigation program to determine and address threats to the domestic production of crops.

    (2) Requirements

    In conducting the program established under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall-

    (A) develop risk assessments of the potential threat to the agricultural industry of the United States from foreign sources;

    (B) collaborate with the National Plant Board; and

    (C) implement action plans for high consequence plant pest and diseases to assist in preventing the introduction and widespread dissemination of new plant pest and disease threats in the United States.

    (3) Reports

    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, 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 on the action plans described in paragraph (2), including an accounting of funds expended on the action plans.

    (d) Specialty crop certification and risk management systems

    The Secretary shall provide funds and technical assistance to specialty crop growers, organizations representing specialty crop growers, and State and local agencies working with specialty crop growers and organizations for the development and implementation of-

    (1) audit-based certification systems, such as best management practices-

    (A) to address plant pests; and

    (B) to mitigate the risk of plant pests in the movement of plants and plant products; and

    (2) nursery plant pest risk management systems, in collaboration with the nursery industry, research institutions, and other appropriate entities-

    (A) to enable growers to identify and prioritize nursery plant pests and diseases of regulatory significance;

    (B) to prevent the introduction, establishment, and spread of those plant pests and diseases; and

    (C) to reduce the risk of and mitigate those plant pests and diseases.

    (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 3103 of this title); 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.

    (f) Funding

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section-

    (1) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;

    (2) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;

    (3) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;

    (4) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2012;

    (5) $62,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2017;

    (6) $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2025; and

    (7) $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter.

    (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.

    [1] 7 U.S.C. 7721(f)

    §1621. Congressional declaration of purpose; use of existing facilities; cooperation with States

    The Congress declares that a sound, efficient, and privately operated system for distributing and marketing agricultural products is essential to a prosperous agriculture and is indispensable to the maintenance of full employment and to the welfare, prosperity, and health of the Nation. It is further declared to be the policy of Congress to promote through research, study, experimentation, and through cooperation among Federal and State agencies, farm organizations, and private industry a scientific approach to the problems of marketing, transportation, and distribution of agricultural products similar to the scientific methods which have been utilized so successfully during the past eighty-four years in connection with the production of agricultural products so that such products capable of being produced in abundance may be marketed in an orderly manner and efficiently distributed. In order to attain these objectives, it is the intent of Congress to provide for (1) continuous research to improve the marketing, handling, storage, processing, transportation, and distribution of agricultural products; (2) cooperation among Federal and State agencies, producers, industry organizations, and others in the development and effectuation of research and marketing programs to improve the distribution processes; (3) an integrated administration of all laws enacted by Congress to aid the distribution of agricultural products through research, market aids and services, and regulatory activities, to the end that marketing methods and facilities may be improved, that distribution costs may be reduced and the price spread between the producer and consumer may be narrowed, that dietary and nutritional standards may be improved, that new and wider markets for American agricultural products may be developed, both in the United States and in other countries, with a view to making it possible for the full production of American farms to be disposed of usefully, economically, profitably, and in an orderly manner. In effectuating the purposes of this chapter, maximum use shall be made of existing research facilities owned or controlled by the Federal Government or by State agricultural experiment stations and of the facilities of the Federal and State extension services. To the maximum extent practicable marketing research work done under this chapter in cooperation with the States shall be done in cooperation with the State agricultural experiment stations; marketing educational and demonstrational work done under this chapter in cooperation with the States shall be done in cooperation with the State agricultural extension service; market information, inspection, regulatory work and other marketing service done under this chapter in cooperation with the State agencies shall be done in cooperation with the State departments of agriculture, and State bureaus and departments of markets.

    [2] 7 U.S.C. 1621

    Specialty Crops Competitiveness

    Pub. L. 108–465, §§2, 3, title I, §101, Dec. 21, 2004, 118 Stat. 3882 , 3883, as amended by Pub. L. 110–234, title X, §10109, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1338 ; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title X, §10109, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664 , 2100; Pub. L. 113–79, title X, §10010, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 949 ; Pub. L. 115–334, title X, §10107, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4905 ; Pub. L. 119–21, title I, §10606(b), July 4, 2025, 139 Stat. 110 , provided that:

    “SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

    “(a) Findings.-Congress finds the following:

    “(1) A secure domestic food supply is a national security imperative for the United States.

    “(2) A competitive specialty crop industry in the United States is necessary for the production of an abundant, affordable supply of highly nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops, which are vital to the health and well-being of all Americans.

    “(3) Increased consumption of specialty crops will provide tremendous health and economic benefits to both consumers and specialty crop growers.

    “(4) Specialty crop growers believe that there are numerous areas of Federal agriculture policy that could be improved to promote increased consumption of specialty crops and increase the competitiveness of producers in the efficient production of affordable specialty crops in the United States.

    “(5) As the globalization of markets continues, it is becoming increasingly difficult for United States producers to compete against heavily subsidized foreign producers in both the domestic and foreign markets.

    “(6) United States specialty crop producers also continue to face serious tariff and non-tariff trade barriers in many export markets.

    “(b) Purpose.-It is the purpose of this Act [see Short Title of 2004 Amendment note set out under section 3101 of this title] to make necessary changes in Federal agriculture policy to accomplish the goals of increasing fruit, vegetable, and nut consumption and improving the competitiveness of United States specialty crop producers.

    “SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    “In this Act:

    “(1) The term ‘specialty crop’ means fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).

    “(2) The term ‘State’ means the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

    “(3) The term ‘State department of agriculture’ means the agency, commission, or department of a State government responsible for agriculture within the State.

    “TITLE I-STATE ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY CROPS

    “SEC. 101. SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANTS.

    “(a) Availability and Purpose of Grants.-Using the funds made available under subsection (l), the Secretary of Agriculture shall make grants to States for each of the fiscal years 2005 through 2023 to be used by State departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including-

    “(1) by leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops;

    “(2) by assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops;

    “(3) by expanding availability and access to specialty crops;

    “(4) by addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers; and

    “(5) for such other purposes determined to be appropriate by the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with specialty crop stakeholders and relevant State departments of agriculture.

    “(b) Grants Based on Value and Acreage.-Subject to subsection (c), for each State whose application for a grant for a fiscal year that [sic] 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.

    “(c) Minimum Grant Amount.-Notwithstanding subsection (b), each State shall receive a grant under this section for each fiscal year in an amount that is at least equal to the higher of-

    “(1) $100,000; or

    “(2) 1/3 of 1 percent of the total amount of funding made available to carry out this section for the fiscal year.

    “(d) Eligibility.-To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State department of agriculture shall prepare and submit, for approval by the Secretary of Agriculture, an application at such time, in such a manner, and containing such information as the Secretary shall require by regulation, including-

    “(1) a State plan that meets the requirements of subsection (e);

    “(2) an assurance that the State will comply with the requirements of the plan; and

    “(3) an assurance that grant funds received under this section shall supplement the expenditure of State funds in support of specialty crops grown in that State, rather than replace State funds.

    “(e) Plan Requirements.-The State plan shall identify the lead agency charged with the responsibility of carrying out the plan and indicate how the grant funds will be utilized to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.

    “(f) Review of Application.-In reviewing the application of a State submitted under subsection (d), the Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that the State plan would carry out the purpose of grant program, as specified in subsection (a). The Secretary may accept or reject applications for a grant under this section.

    “(g) Effect of Noncompliance.-If the Secretary of Agriculture, after reasonable notice to a State, finds that there has been a failure by the State to comply substantially with any provision or requirement of the State plan, the Secretary may disqualify, for one or more years, the State from receipt of future grants under this section.

    “(h) Audit Requirements.-For each year that a State receives a grant under this section, the State shall conduct an audit of the expenditures of grant funds by the State. Not later than 30 days after the completion of the audit, the State shall submit a copy of the audit to the Secretary of Agriculture.

    “(i) Reallocation.-

    “(1) In general.-The Secretary shall reallocate to other States in accordance with paragraph (2) any amounts made available for a fiscal year under this section that are not obligated or expended by a date during that fiscal year determined by the Secretary.

    “(2) Pro rata allocation.-The Secretary shall allocate funds described in paragraph (1) pro rata to the remaining States that applied during the specified grant application period.

    “(3) Use of reallocated funds.-Funds allocated to a State under this subsection shall be used by the State only to carry out projects that were previously approved in the State plan of the State.

    “(j) Multistate Projects.-

    “(1) In general.-Not later than 180 days after the effective date of the Agricultural Act of 2014 [Feb. 7, 2014], 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) research;

    “(D) crop-specific projects addressing common issues; and

    “(E) any other area that furthers the purposes of this section, as determined by the Secretary.

    “(2) Administration of multistate projects from nonparticipating states.-The Secretary of Agriculture may directly administer all aspects of multistate projects under this subsection for applicants in a nonparticipating State.

    “(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.

    “(3) Evaluation.-

    “(A) Performance measures and review.-

    “(i) Development.-The Secretary of Agriculture and the State departments of agriculture, in consultation with specialty crop stakeholders, shall develop performance measures to be used as the sole means of performing any evaluation of the grant program established under this section.

    “(ii) Review.-The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the State departments of agriculture, shall periodically evaluate the performance of the grant program established under this section.

    “(B) Cooperative agreements.-The Secretary of Agriculture may enter into cooperative agreements-

    “(i) to develop the performance measures under subparagraph (A)(i); or

    “(ii) to evaluate the overall performance of the grant program established under this section.

    “(l) Funding.-

    “(1) In general.-Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary of Agriculture shall make grants under this section, using-

    “(A) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

    “(B) $49,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;

    “(C) $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2012;

    “(D) $72,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2017;

    “(E) $85,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2025; and

    “(F) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter.

    “(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 and each fiscal year thereafter.”

    §5925c. Organic production and market data initiatives

    (a) In general

    The Secretary shall collect and report data on the production and marketing of organic agricultural products.

    (b) Requirements

    In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall, at a minimum-

    (1) collect and distribute comprehensive reporting of prices relating to organically produced agricultural products;

    (2) conduct surveys and analysis and publish reports relating to organic production, handling, distribution, retail, and trend studies (including consumer purchasing patterns); and

    (3) develop surveys and report statistical analysis on organically produced agricultural products.

    (c) Report

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection 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 that-

    (1) describes the progress that has been made in implementing this section;

    (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

    (3) identifies any additional production and marketing data needs.

    (d) Funding

    (1) Mandatory funding

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section, to remain available until expended-

    (A) $5,000,000 for each of the periods of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and 2014 through 2018;

    (B) $5,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023;

    (C) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and

    (D) $10,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2026 through 2031.

    (2) Discretionary funding

    In addition to funds made available under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section not more than $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2023, to remain available until expended.

    [3] 7 U.S.C. 5925c(d)(1)

    §6522. Funding

    (a) In general

    There are authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year such sums as may be necessary to carry out this chapter.

    (b) National organic program

    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in order to carry out activities under the national organic program established under this chapter, there are authorized to be appropriated-

    (1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2018;

    (2) $16,500,000 for fiscal year 2019;

    (3) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;

    (4) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;

    (5) $22,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and

    (6) $24,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.

    (c) Modernization and improvement of international trade technology systems and data collection

    (1) In general

    The Secretary shall establish a new system or modify an existing data collection and organization system to collect and organize in a single system quantitative data on imports of each organically produced agricultural product accepted into the United States.

    (2) Activities

    In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall modernize trade and transaction certificates to ensure full traceability to the port of entry without unduly hindering trade or commerce, such as through an electronic trade document exchange system.

    (3) Access

    The single system established under paragraph (1) shall be accessible by any agency with the direct authority to engage in-

    (A) inspection of imports of agricultural products;

    (B) trade data collection and organization; or

    (C) enforcement of trade requirements for organically produced agricultural products.

    (4) Funding

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2019, $1,000,000 for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 for the purposes of-

    (A) carrying out this subsection; and

    (B) maintaining the database and technology upgrades previously carried out under this subsection, as in effect on the day before December 20, 2018.

    (5) Availability

    The amounts made available under paragraph (4) are in addition to any other funds made available for the purposes described in that paragraph and shall remain available until expended.

    [4] 7 U.S.C. 6522(c)(4)

    §6523. National organic certification cost-share program

    (a) In general

    The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a national organic certification cost-share program to assist producers and handlers of agricultural products in obtaining certification under the national organic production program established under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.).

    (b) Federal share

    (1) In general

    Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall pay under this section not more than 75 percent of the costs incurred by a producer or handler in obtaining certification under the national organic production program, as certified to and approved by the Secretary.

    (2) Maximum amount

    The maximum amount of a payment made to a producer or handler under this section shall be $750.

    (c) Reporting

    Not later than March 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 describes the requests by, disbursements to, and expenditures for each State under the program during the current and previous fiscal year, including the number of producers and handlers served by the program in the previous fiscal year.

    (d) Mandatory funding

    (1) In general

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section-

    (A) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 and 2020;

    (B) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2021; and

    (C) $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2031.

    (2) Availability

    Amounts made available under paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.

    [5] 7 U.S.C. 6523(d)(1)(C)

    Section 10109(c) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018

    US Code needed

    (f) Multiple crop and pesticide use survey.—Section 10109(c) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–334; 132 Stat. 4907) is amended by adding at the end the following:

    “(3) FURTHER MANDATORY FUNDING.—Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, to remain available until expended.”.

    [6]Code source needed

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  • Sec. 10605. Energy | Law as Amended

    §8105. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels

    (a) Definition of eligible producer

    In this section, the term “eligible producer” means a producer of advanced biofuels.

    (b) Payments

    The Secretary shall make payments to eligible producers to support and ensure an expanding production of advanced biofuels.

    (c) Contracts

    To receive a payment, an eligible producer shall-

    (1) enter into a contract with the Secretary for production of advanced biofuels; and

    (2) submit to the Secretary such records as the Secretary may require as evidence of the production of advanced biofuels.

    (d) Basis for payments

    The Secretary shall make payments under this section to eligible producers based on-

    (1) the quantity and duration of production by the eligible producer of an advanced biofuel;

    (2) the net nonrenewable energy content of the advanced biofuel, if sufficient data is available, as determined by the Secretary; and

    (3) other appropriate factors, as determined by the Secretary.

    (e) Equitable distribution

    (1) Amount

    The Secretary shall limit the amount of payments that may be received by a single eligible producer under this section in order to distribute the total amount of funding available in an equitable manner.

    (2) Feedstock

    The total amount of payments made in a fiscal year under this section to one or more eligible producers for the production of advanced biofuels derived from a single eligible commodity, including intermediate ingredients of that single commodity or use of that single commodity and its intermediate ingredients in combination with another commodity, shall not exceed one-third of the total amount of funds made available under subsection (g).

    (f) Other requirements

    To receive a payment under this section, an eligible producer shall meet any other requirements of Federal and State law (including regulations) applicable to the production of advanced biofuels.

    (g) Funding

    (1) Mandatory funding

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section, to remain available until expended-

    (A) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;

    (B) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;

    (C) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;

    (D) $105,000,000 for fiscal year 2012;

    (E) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018; and

    (F) $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2031.

    (2) Discretionary funding

    In addition to any other funds made available to carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

    (3) Limitation

    Of the funds provided for each fiscal year, not more than 5 percent of the funds shall be made available to eligible producers for production at facilities with a total refining capacity exceeding 150,000,000 gallons per year.

    [1] 7 U.S.C. 8105(g)(1)(F)

    1. Footnotes ↩︎

  • Sec. 10604. Research | Law as Amended

    §5925g. Urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production research, education, and extension initiative

    (a) Competitive research and extension grants authorized

    In consultation with the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee established under section 6923(b) of this title, the Secretary may make competitive grants to support research, education, and extension activities for the purposes of facilitating the development of urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production, harvesting, transportation, aggregation, packaging, distribution, and markets, including by-

    (1) assessing and developing strategies to remediate contaminated sites;

    (2) determining and developing the best production management and integrated pest management practices;

    (3) identifying and promoting the horticultural, social, and economic factors that contribute to successful urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production;

    (4) analyzing the means by which new agricultural sites are determined, including an evaluation of soil quality, condition of a building, or local community needs;

    (5) exploring new technologies that minimize energy, lighting systems, water, and other inputs for increased food production;

    (6) examining building material efficiencies and structural upgrades for the purpose of optimizing growth of agricultural products;

    (7) developing new crop varieties and agricultural products to connect to new markets; or

    (8) examining the impacts of crop exposure to urban elements on environmental quality and food safety.

    (b) Grant types and process

    Subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (4), paragraph (7), and paragraph (11)(B) of subsection (b) of section 3157 of this title shall apply with respect to the making of grants under this section.

    (c) Priority

    The Secretary may give priority to grant proposals that involve-

    (1) the cooperation of multiple entities; or

    (2) States or regions with a high concentration of or significant interest in urban farms, rooftop farms, and indoor production facilities.

    (d) Funding

    (1) Mandatory funding

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section-

    (A) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2019, to remain available until expended; and

    (B) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2031.

    (2) Authorization of appropriations

    In addition to amounts made available under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

    [1] 7 U.S.C. 5925g(d)(1)(B)

    §5939. 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 3103 of this title) governments, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20), 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, specifically at the Department of Agriculture; and

    (iii) document the consultation process and include a summary of the results in the annual report required in subsection (f)(3)(B) 1

    (C) identify unmet and emerging agricultural research needs after reviewing the roadmap for agricultural research, education, and extension authorized by section 7614a of this title;

    (D) facilitate technology transfer and release of information and data gathered from the activities of the Foundation to the agricultural research community and agriculture stakeholders;

    (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 agriculture or 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 February 7, 2014, 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;

    (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;

    (iv) actively solicit and accept funds, gifts, grants, devises, or bequests of real or personal property made to the Foundation, including from private entities; and

    (v) 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 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) 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 and post online a report for the preceding fiscal year that includes-

    (aa) a description of Foundation activities, including accomplishments and how those activities align to the challenges identified in the strategic plan under clause (iv);

    (bb) a comprehensive statement of the operations and financial condition of the Foundation; and

    (cc) a description of available agricultural research programs and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.

    (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.

    (iii) Stakeholder notice

    The Foundation shall publish an annual notice with a description of agricultural research priorities under this section for the upcoming fiscal year, including-

    (I) a schedule for funding competitions;

    (II) a discussion of how applications for funding will be evaluated; and

    (III) how the Foundation will communicate information about funded awards to the public to ensure that grantees and partners understand the objectives of the Foundation.

    (iv) Strategic plan

    Not later than 1 year after December 20, 2018, the Foundation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a strategic plan describing a path for the Foundation to become self-sustaining, including-

    (I) a forecast of major agricultural challenge opportunities identified by the scientific advisory councils of the Foundation and approved by the Board, including short- and long-term objectives;

    (II) an overview of the efforts that the Foundation will take to be transparent in each of the processes of the Foundation, including-

    (aa) processes relating to grant awards, including the selection, review, and notification processes;

    (bb) communication of past, current, and future research priorities; and

    (cc) plans to solicit and respond to public input on the opportunities identified in the strategic plan;

    (III) a description of financial goals and benchmarks for the next 10 years, including a detailed plan for-

    (aa) raising funds in amounts greater than the amounts required under subsection (g)(1)(B);

    (bb) soliciting additional resources pursuant to subsections (e)(4)(A)(iv) and (f)(2)(A)(iii); and

    (cc) managing and leveraging such resources pursuant to subsection (f)(2)(A)(vii); and

    (IV) other related issues, as determined by the Board.

    (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 13101 of title 5) 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) Funding

    (A) In general

    (i) Establishment funding

    On February 7, 2014, 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).

    (ii) Enhanced funding

    On the date on which the strategic plan described in subsection (f)(3)(B)(iv) is submitted, of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall transfer to the Foundation to carry out this section $185,000,000, to remain available until expended.

    (iii) Additional funding

    Not later than 30 days after November 17, 2023, of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall transfer to the Foundation to carry out this section $37,000,000, to remain available until expended.

    (iv) Further funding

    Not later than 30 days after July 4, 2025, of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall transfer to the Foundation to carry out this section $37,000,000, to remain available until expended.

    (B) Conditions on expenditure

    (i) In general

    The Foundation may use the funds made available under subparagraph (A) to carry out the purposes, duties, and powers of the Foundation only to the extent that the Foundation secures an equal amount of matching funds from a non-Federal source, including an agricultural commodity promotion, research, and information program.

    (ii) Effect

    Nothing in this section requires the Foundation to require a matching contribution from an individual grantee as a condition of receiving a grant under this section.

    (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).

    [2] 7 U.S.C. 5939(g)(1)(A)

    §3222a. Scholarships for students at 1890 Institutions

    (a) In general

    (1) Scholarship grant program established

    The Secretary shall make grants to each college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 (commonly known as the Second Morrill Act; 7 U.S.C. 322 [321] et seq.), including Tuskegee University, for purposes of awarding scholarships to individuals who-

    (A) have been accepted for admission at such college or university;

    (B) will be enrolled at such college or university not later than one year after the date of such acceptance; and

    (C) intend to pursue a career in the food and agricultural sciences, including a career in-

    (i) agribusiness;

    (ii) energy and renewable fuels; or

    (iii) financial management.

    (2) Condition

    The Secretary may only award a grant under this subsection to a college or university described in paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that such college or university has established a competitive scholarship awards process for the award of scholarships to individuals described in such paragraph.

    (3) Annual limitation

    Of the funds made available under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary may use not more than $10,000,000 to award grants under this subsection for the academic year beginning on July 1, 2020, and each of the 4 succeeding academic years.

    (4) Amount of grant

    Each grant made under this section shall be in an amount of not less than $500,000.

    (b) Funding

    (1) Mandatory funding

    (A) Funding

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $40,000,000 not later than October 1, 2019, to remain available until expended.

    (B) Additional funding

    Not later than 30 days after November 17, 2023, of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $10,000,000, to remain available until expended.

    (C) Further funding

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, to remain available until expended.

    (2) Discretionary funding

    In addition to amounts made available under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2023.

    (3) Administrative expenses

    Of the funds made available under paragraphs (1) and (2) to carry out this section for a fiscal year, not more than 4 percent may be used for expenses related to administering the program under this section.

    (c) Report

    Beginning on the date that is two years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under subsection (a), 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 detailing-

    (1) the amount of funds provided to each eligible college or university under this section;

    (2) the number of scholarships awarded under each grant each fiscal year; and

    (3) the amount of each such scholarship.

    [3] 7 U.S.C. 3222a(b)(1)

    §5933. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities

    (a) Special demonstration grants

    (1) In general

    The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, shall make demonstration grants to support cooperative programs between State Cooperative Extension Service agencies and private nonprofit disability organizations to provide on-the-farm agricultural education and assistance directed at accommodating disability in farm operations for individuals with disabilities who are engaged in farming and farm-related occupations and their families.

    (2) Eligible services

    Grants awarded under paragraph (1) may be used to support programs serving individuals with disabilities, and their families, who are engaged in farming and farm-related occupations.

    (3) Eligible programs

    Grants awarded under paragraph (1) may be used to initiate, expand, or sustain programs that-

    (A) provide direct education and assistance to accommodate disability in farming to individuals with disabilities who engage in farming and farm-related occupations;

    (B) provide on-the-farm technical advice concerning the design, fabrication, and use of agricultural and related equipment, machinery, and tools, and assist in the modification of farm worksites, operations, and living arrangements to accommodate individuals with disabilities who engage in farming, farm living and farm-related tasks;

    (C) involve community and health care professionals, including Extension Service agents and others, in the early identification of farm and rural families that are in need of services related to the disability of an individual;

    (D) provide specialized education programs to enhance the professional competencies of rural agricultural professionals, rehabilitation and health care providers, vocational counselors, and other providers of service to individuals with disabilities, and their families, who engage in farming or farm-related occupations; and

    (E) mobilize rural volunteer resources, including peer counseling among farmers with disabilities and rural ingenuity networks promoting cost effective methods or accommodating disabilities in farming and farm-related activities.

    (4) Extension Service agencies

    Grants shall be awarded under this subsection directly to State Extension Service agencies to enable them to enter into contracts, on a multiyear basis, with private nonprofit community-based direct service organizations to initiate, expand, or sustain cooperative programs described under paragraphs (2) and (3).

    (5) Minimum amount

    A grant awarded under this subsection may not be less than $150,000.

    (6) Consideration for grants for new programs

    For each fiscal year that amounts are made available for grants under this subsection, the Secretary may make grants in a manner that ensures that eligible entities who apply for grants, but have not previously received a grant under this subsection, are given full consideration.

    (7) Clarification of application of provisions to veterans with disabilities

    This subsection shall apply with respect to veterans with disabilities, and their families, who-

    (A) are engaged in farming or farm-related occupations; or

    (B) are pursuing new farming opportunities.

    (b) National grant for technical assistance, training, and dissemination

    The Secretary of Agriculture shall award a competitive grant to a national private nonprofit disability organization to enable such organization to provide technical assistance, training, information dissemination and other activities to support community-based direct service programs of on-site rural rehabilitation and assistive technology for individuals (including veterans) with disabilities, and their families, who are engaged in farming or farm-related occupations or, in the case of veterans with disabilities, who are pursuing new farming opportunities.

    (c) Authorization of appropriations

    (1) In general

    Subject to paragraph (2), there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 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 2023.

    (2) National grant

    Not more than 15 percent of the amounts made available under paragraph (1) and subsection (d) for a fiscal year shall be used to carry out subsection (b).

    (d) Mandatory funding

    Subject to subsection (c)(2), of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, to remain available until expended.

    [4] 7 U.S.C. 5933

    §7632. Specialty crop research initiative

    (a) Definitions

    In this section:

    (1) Citrus disease subcommittee

    The term “citrus disease subcommittee” means the subcommittee established under section 3123a(a)(2) of this title.

    (2) Initiative

    The term “Initiative” means the specialty crop research and extension initiative established by subsection (b).

    (3) Specialty crop

    The term “specialty crop” has the meaning given that term in section 3 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108–465).

    (4) Specialty crops committee

    The term “specialty crops committee” means the committee established under section 3123a of this title.

    (b) Establishment

    There is established within the Department a specialty crop research and extension initiative to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry by developing and disseminating science-based tools to address needs of specific crops and their regions, including-

    (1) research in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, and other methods to improve crop characteristics, such as-

    (A) product, taste, quality, and appearance;

    (B) size-controlling rootstock systems for perennial crops;

    (C) environmental responses and tolerances;

    (D) nutrient management, including plant nutrient uptake efficiency;

    (E) pest and disease management, including resistance to pests and diseases resulting in reduced application management strategies; and

    (F) enhanced phytonutrient content;

    (2) efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases, including-

    (A) threats to specialty crop pollinators;

    (B) emerging and invasive species; and

    (C) a more effective understanding and utilization of existing natural enemy complexes;

    (3) efforts-

    (A) to improve production efficiency, handling and processing, productivity, and profitability over the long term (including specialty crop policy and marketing); and

    (B) to achieve a better understanding of-

    (i) the soil rhizosphere microbiome;

    (ii) pesticide application systems and certified drift-reduction technologies; and

    (iii) systems to improve and extend the storage life of specialty crops;

    (4) new innovations and technology, including-

    (A) mechanization and automation of labor-intensive tasks in production and processing;

    (B) technologies that delay or inhibit ripening;

    (C) decision support systems driven by phenology and environmental factors;

    (D) improved monitoring systems for agricultural pests; and

    (E) effective systems for preharvest and postharvest management of quarantine pests; and

    (5) methods to prevent, detect, monitor, control, and respond to potential food safety hazards in the production and processing of specialty crops, including fresh produce.

    (c) Eligible entities

    The Secretary may carry out this section through-

    (1) Federal agencies;

    (2) national laboratories;

    (3) colleges and universities;

    (4) research institutions and organizations;

    (5) private organizations or corporations;

    (6) State agricultural experiment stations;

    (7) individuals; or

    (8) groups consisting of 2 or more entities described in paragraphs (1) through (7).

    (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.

    (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 3123a of this title;

    (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.

    (g) Administration

    (1) In general

    With respect to grants awarded under this section, the Secretary shall seek and accept proposals for grants.

    (2) Term

    The term of a grant under this section may not exceed 10 years.

    (3) Matching requirement

    (A) In general

    An entity receiving a grant under this section shall provide non-Federal matching funds (including funds from an agricultural commodity promotion, research, and information program) equal to not less than the amount of the grant.

    (B) In-kind support

    Non-Federal matching funds described in subparagraph (A) may include in-kind support.

    (4) Other conditions

    The Secretary may set such other conditions on the award of a grant under the Initiative as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

    (h) Priorities

    In making grants under the Initiative, the Secretary shall provide a higher priority to projects that-

    (1) are multistate, multi-institutional, or multidisciplinary; and

    (2) include explicit mechanisms to communicate results to producers and the public.

    (i) Buildings and facilities

    Funds made available under this section 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).

    (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 3123a of this title.

    (3) Coordination

    When developing the proposed research and extension agenda and budget under subsection (g)(2) of section 3123a of this title 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.

    (k) Funding

    (1) Mandatory funding

    (A) Fiscal years 2008 through 2012

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012, from which activities under each of paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (b) shall be allocated not less than 10 percent.

    (B) Subsequent funding

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section-

    (i) $80,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2025; and

    (ii) $175,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 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.

    (2) Authorization of appropriations for fiscal years 2014 through 2023

    In addition to funds made available under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023.

    (3) Fiscal year 2013

    There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.

    (4) Transfer

    Of the funds made available to the Secretary under paragraph (1) for fiscal year 2008 and authorized for use for payment of administrative expenses under section 3315(a)(3) of this title, the Secretary shall transfer, upon the date of enactment of this section, $200,000 to the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances of the Environmental Protection Agency for use in conducting a meta-analysis relating to methyl bromide.

    (5) Availability

    Funds made available pursuant to this subsection for a fiscal year shall remain available until expended to pay for obligations incurred in that fiscal year.

    [5] 7 U.S.C. 7632(k)(1)(B)

    §390d. Authorization of appropriations

    (a) In general

    Subject to subsections (b), (c), and (d), there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2023 for the study, plan, design, structure, and related costs of agricultural research facilities under this subchapter. Funds appropriated pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be available until expended.

    (b) Allowable administrative costs

    Not more than 3 percent of the funds made available for any project for an agricultural research facility shall be available for administration of the project.

    (c) Maximum amount

    Not more than 25 percent of the funds made available pursuant to subsections (a) and (e) for any fiscal year shall be used for any single agricultural research facility project.

    (d) Project limitation

    An entity eligible to receive funds under this subchapter may receive funds for only one project at a time.

    (e) Mandatory funding

    Subject to subsections (b), (c), and (d), of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out the competitive grant program under section 390b of this title $125,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter.

    [6] 7 U.S.C. 390d

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  • Sec. 10603. Nutrition | Law as Amended

    §7507. State and local supplementation of commodities

    (a) Authorization

    The Secretary shall establish procedures under which State and local agencies, charitable institutions, or any other persons may supplement the commodities distributed under the program authorized by this chapter for use by emergency feeding organizations with nutritious and wholesome commodities that such entities or persons donate to State agencies and emergency feeding organizations for distribution, in all or part of the State, in addition to the commodities otherwise made available under this chapter.

    (b) Use of funds and facilities

    States and emergency feeding organizations may use the funds appropriated under this chapter and equipment, structures, vehicles, and all other facilities involved in the storage, handling, or distribution of commodities made available under this chapter, and the personnel, both paid or volunteer, involved in such storage, handling, or distribution, to store, handle or distribute commodities donated for the use of emergency feeding organizations under subsection (a).

    (c) Volunteer workers

    State and emergency feeding organizations shall continue, to the maximum extent practicable, to use volunteer workers and commodities and other foodstuffs donated by charitable and other organizations in the operation of the program authorized by this section.

    (d) Projects to harvest, process, package, or transport donated commodities

    (1) Definition of project

    In this subsection, the term “project” means the harvesting, processing, packaging, or transportation of unharvested, unprocessed, or unpackaged commodities donated by agricultural producers, processors, or distributors for use by emergency feeding organizations under subsection (a).

    (2) Federal funding for projects

    (A) In general

    Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C) and paragraph (3), using funds made available under paragraph (5), the Secretary may provide funding to States to pay for the costs of carrying out a project.

    (B) Federal share

    The Federal share of the cost of a project under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the project.

    (C) Allocation

    (i) In general

    Each fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate the funds made available under subparagraph (A), based on a formula determined by the Secretary, to States that have submitted a State plan describing a plan of operation for a project under section 7503(b)(5) of this title.

    (ii) Reallocation

    If the Secretary determines that a State will not expend all of the funds allocated to the State for a fiscal year under clause (i), the Secretary shall reallocate the unexpended funds to other States that have submitted under section 7503(b)(5) of this title a State plan describing a plan of operation for a project during that fiscal year or the subsequent fiscal year, as the Secretary determines appropriate.

    (iii) Reports

    Each State to which funds are allocated for a fiscal year under this subparagraph shall, on a regular basis, submit to the Secretary financial reports describing the use of the funds.

    (3) Project purposes

    A State may only use Federal funds received under paragraph (2) for a project the purposes of which are-

    (A) to reduce food waste at the agricultural production, processing, or distribution level through the donation of food;

    (B) to provide food to individuals in need; and

    (C) to build relationships between agricultural producers, processors, and distributors and emergency feeding organizations through the donation of food.

    (4) Cooperative agreements

    The Secretary may encourage a State agency that carries out a project using Federal funds received under paragraph (2) to enter into cooperative agreements with State agencies of other States under section 7505(d) of this title to maximize the use of commodities donated under the project.

    (5) Funding

    Out of funds not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out this subsection $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2031, to remain available until the end of the subsequent fiscal year.

    (e) Food waste

    The Secretary shall issue guidance outlining best practices to minimize the food waste of the commodities donated under subsection (a).

    (f) Food donation standards

    (1) Definitions

    In this subsection:

    (A) Apparently wholesome food

    The term “apparently wholesome food” has the meaning given the term in section 1791(b) of title 42.

    (B) Institution of higher education

    The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given the term in section 1002 of title 20.

    (C) Qualified direct donor

    The term “qualified direct donor” means a retail food store, wholesaler, agricultural producer, restaurant, caterer, school food authority, or institution of higher education.

    (2) Guidance

    (A) In general

    Not later than 180 days after December 20, 2018, the Secretary shall issue guidance to promote awareness of donations of apparently wholesome food protected under section 1791(c) of title 42 by qualified direct donors in compliance with applicable State and local health, food safety, and food handling laws (including regulations).

    (B) Issuance

    The Secretary shall encourage State agencies and emergency feeding organizations to share the guidance issued under subparagraph (A) with qualified direct donors.

    [1] 7 U.S.C. 7507(d)(5)

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  • Sec. 10602. Supplemental agricultural trade promotion program | Law as Amended

    Instructions to the Secretary

    (a) In general.—The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out a program to encourage the accessibility, development, maintenance, and expansion of commercial export markets for United States agricultural commodities.

    (b) Funding.—Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary of Agriculture shall make available to carry out this section $285,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter.

    [1]Need tracking source

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  • Sec. 10507. Poultry insurance pilot program | Law as Amended

    §1523. Pilot programs

    (a) General provisions

    (1) Authority

    Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Corporation may, at the sole discretion of the Corporation, conduct a pilot program submitted to and approved by the Board under section 1508(h) of this title, or that is developed under subsection (b) or section 1522 of this title, to evaluate whether a proposal or new risk management tool tested by the pilot program is suitable for the marketplace and addresses the needs of producers of agricultural commodities.

    (2) Private coverage

    Under this section, the Corporation shall not conduct any pilot program that provides insurance protection against a risk if insurance protection against the risk is generally available from private companies.

    (3) Covered activities

    The pilot programs described in paragraph (1) may include pilot programs providing insurance protection against losses involving-

    (A) reduced forage on rangeland caused by drought or insect infestation;

    (B) livestock poisoning and disease;

    (C) destruction of bees due to the use of pesticides;

    (D) unique special risks related to fruits, nuts, vegetables, and specialty crops in general, aquacultural species, and forest industry needs (including appreciation);

    (E) after October 1, 2001, wild salmon, except that-

    (i) any pilot program with regard to wild salmon may be carried out without regard to the limitations of this subchapter; and

    (ii) the Corporation shall conduct all wild salmon programs under this subchapter so that, to the maximum extent practicable, all costs associated with conducting the programs are not expected to exceed $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2002 and each subsequent fiscal year.

    (4) Scope of pilot programs

    The Corporation may-

    (A) approve a pilot program under this section to be conducted on a regional, State, or national basis after considering the interests of affected producers and the interests of, and risks to, the Corporation;

    (B) operate the pilot program, including any modifications of the pilot program, for a period of up to 4 years;

    (C) extend the time period for the pilot program for additional periods, as determined appropriate by the Corporation; and

    (D) provide pilot programs that would allow producers-

    (i) to receive a reduced premium for using whole farm units or single crop units of insurance; and

    (ii) to cross State and county boundaries to form insurable units.

    (b) Livestock pilot programs

    (1) Definition of livestock

    In this subsection, the term “livestock” includes, but is not limited to, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and poultry.

    (2) Programs required

    Subject to paragraph (7), the Corporation shall conduct two or more pilot programs to evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools for livestock producers, including the use of futures and options contracts and policies and plans of insurance that protect the interests of livestock producers and that provide-

    (A) livestock producers with reasonable protection from the financial risks of price or income fluctuations inherent in the production and marketing of livestock; or

    (B) protection for production losses.

    (3) Purpose of programs

    To the maximum extent practicable, the Corporation shall evaluate the greatest number and variety of pilot programs described in paragraph (2) to determine which of the offered risk management tools are best suited to protect livestock producers from the financial risks associated with the production and marketing of livestock.

    (4) Timing

    The Corporation shall begin conducting livestock pilot programs under this subsection during fiscal year 2001.

    (5) Relation to other limitations

    Any policy or plan of insurance offered under this subsection may be prepared without regard to the limitations of this subchapter.

    (6) Assistance

    As part of a pilot program under this subsection, the Corporation may provide reinsurance for policies or plans of insurance and subsidize the purchase of futures and options contracts or policies and plans of insurance offered under the pilot program.

    (7) Private insurance

    No action may be undertaken with respect to a risk under this subsection if the Corporation determines that insurance protection for livestock producers against the risk is generally available from private companies.

    (8) Location

    The Corporation shall conduct the livestock pilot programs under this subsection in a number of counties that is determined by the Corporation to be adequate to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the feasibility, effectiveness, and demand among producers for the risk management tools evaluated in the pilot programs.

    (9) Eligible producers

    Any producer of a type of livestock covered by a pilot program under this subsection that owns or operates a farm or ranch in a county selected as a location for that pilot program shall be eligible to participate in that pilot program.

    (c) Revenue insurance pilot program

    (1) In general

    Subject to section 1522(e)(4) of this title,1 the Secretary shall carry out a pilot program in a limited number of counties, as determined by the Secretary, for crop years 1997 through 2001, under which a producer of wheat, feed grains, soybeans, or such other commodity as the Secretary considers appropriate may elect to receive insurance against loss of revenue, as determined by the Secretary.

    (2) Administration

    Revenue insurance under this subsection shall-

    (A) be offered through reinsurance arrangements with private insurance companies;

    (B) offer at least a minimum level of coverage that is an alternative to catastrophic crop insurance;

    (C) be actuarially sound; and

    (D) require the payment of premiums and administrative fees by an insured producer.

    (d) Premium rate reduction pilot program

    (1) Purpose

    The purpose of the pilot program established under this subsection is to determine whether approved insurance providers will compete to market policies or plans of insurance with reduced rates of premium, in a manner that maintains the financial soundness of approved insurance providers and is consistent with the integrity of the Federal crop insurance program.

    (2) Establishment

    (A) In general

    Beginning with the 2002 crop year, the Corporation shall establish a pilot program under which approved insurance providers may propose for approval by the Board policies or plans of insurance with reduced rates of premium-

    (i) for one or more agricultural commodities; and

    (ii) within a limited geographic area, as proposed by the approved insurance provider and approved by the Board.

    (B) Determination by Board

    The Board shall approve a policy or plan of insurance proposed under this subsection that involves a premium reduction if the Board determines that-

    (i) the interests of producers are adequately protected within the pilot area;

    (ii) rates of premium are actuarially appropriate, as determined by the Board;

    (iii) the size of the proposed pilot area is adequate;

    (iv) the proposed policy or plan of insurance would not unfairly discriminate among producers within the proposed pilot area;

    (v) if the proposed policy or plan of insurance were available in a geographic area larger than the proposed pilot area, the proposed policy or plan of insurance would-

    (I) not have a significant adverse impact on the crop insurance delivery system;

    (II) not result in a reduction of program integrity;

    (III) be actuarially appropriate; and

    (IV) not place an additional financial burden on the Federal Government; and

    (vi) the proposed policy or plan of insurance meets other requirements of this subchapter determined appropriate by the Board.

    (C) Time limitations and procedures

    The time limitations and procedures of the Board established under section 1508(h) of this title shall apply to a proposal submitted under this subsection.

    (e) Adjusted gross revenue insurance pilot program

    (1) In general

    The Corporation shall carry out, through at least the 2004 reinsurance year, the adjusted gross revenue insurance pilot program in effect for the 2002 reinsurance year.

    (2) Additional counties

    (A) In general

    In addition to counties otherwise included in the pilot program, the Corporation shall include in the pilot program for the 2003 reinsurance year at least 8 counties in the State of California and at least 8 counties in the State of Pennsylvania.

    (B) Selection criteria

    In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Corporation shall work with the respective State Departments of Agriculture to establish criteria to determine which counties to include in the pilot program.

    (f) Camelina pilot program

    (1) In general

    The Corporation shall establish a pilot program under which producers or processors of camelina may propose for approval by the Board policies or plans of insurance for camelina, in accordance with section 1508(h) of this title.

    (2) Determination by Board

    The Board shall approve a policy or plan of insurance proposed under paragraph (1) if, as determined by the Board, the policy or plan of insurance-

    (A) protects the interests of producers;

    (B) is actuarially sound; and

    (C) meets the requirements of this subchapter.

    (3) Timeframe

    The Corporation shall commence the camelina insurance pilot program as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this subsection.

    (g) Sesame insurance pilot program

    (1) In general

    In addition to any other authority of the Corporation, the Corporation shall establish and carry out a pilot program under which a producer of nondehiscent sesame under contract may elect to obtain multiperil crop insurance, as determined by the Corporation.

    (2) Terms and conditions

    The multiperil crop insurance offered under the sesame insurance pilot program shall-

    (A) be offered through reinsurance arrangements with private insurance companies;

    (B) be actuarially sound; and

    (C) require the payment of premiums and administrative fees by a producer obtaining the insurance.

    (3) Location

    The sesame insurance pilot program shall be carried out only in the State of Texas.

    (4) Duration

    The Corporation shall commence the sesame insurance pilot program as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this subsection.

    (h) Grass seed insurance pilot program

    (1) In general

    In addition to any other authority of the Corporation, the Corporation shall establish and carry out a grass seed pilot program under which a producer of Kentucky bluegrass or perennial rye grass under contract may elect to obtain multiperil crop insurance, as determined by the Corporation.

    (2) Terms and conditions

    The multiperil crop insurance offered under the grass seed insurance pilot program shall-

    (A) be offered through reinsurance arrangements with private insurance companies;

    (B) be actuarially sound; and

    (C) require the payment of premiums and administrative fees by a producer obtaining the insurance.

    (3) Location

    The grass seed insurance pilot program shall be carried out only in each of the States of Minnesota and North Dakota.

    (4) Duration

    The Corporation shall commence the grass seed insurance pilot program as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this subsection.

    (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 1508(h) of this title and the actuarial soundness requirements applied to other policies and plans of insurance made available under this subchapter.

    (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 subchapter, 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 subchapter, 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.

    (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, 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 subchapter, including amounts made available under subsection (b).

    (j) Poultry Insurance Pilot Program

    (1) In general

    Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), the Corporation shall establish a pilot program under which contract poultry growers, including growers of broilers and laying hens, may elect to receive index-based insurance from extreme weather-related risk resulting in increased utility costs (including costs of natural gas, propane, electricity, water, and other appropriate costs, as determined by the Corporation) associated with poultry production.

    (2) Stakeholder engagement

    The Corporation shall engage with poultry industry stakeholders in establishing the pilot program under paragraph (1).

    (3) Location

    The pilot program established under paragraph (1) shall be conducted in a sufficient number of counties to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the feasibility, effectiveness, and demand among producers in the top poultry producing States, as determined by the Corporation.

    (4) Approval of policy or plan

    Notwithstanding section 1508(l) of this title, the Board shall approve a policy or plan of insurance based on the pilot program under paragraph (1)-

    (A) in accordance with section 1508(h) of this title; and

    (B) not later than 2 years after July 4, 2025.

    [1] 7 U.S.C. 1523

    1. Footnotes ↩︎

  • Sec. 10601. Conservation | Law as Amended

    §3841. Commodity Credit Corporation

    (a) Annual funding

    For each of fiscal years 2014 through 2031, the Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the following programs under this chapter (including the provision of technical assistance):

    (1) The conservation reserve program under subpart B of part I of subchapter IV, including, to the maximum extent practicable-

    (A) $12,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to provide payments under section 3834(c) of this title; and

    (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.

    (2) The agricultural conservation easement program under subchapter VII using to the maximum extent practicable-

    (A) $625,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;

    (B) $650,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;

    (C) $675,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;

    (D) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;

    (E) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and

    (F) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.

    (3) The programs under part IV of subchapter IV, using, to the maximum extent practicable-

    (A) for the environmental quality incentives program under subpart A of part IV of subchapter IV-

    (i) $2,655,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;

    (ii) $2,855,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;

    (iii) $3,255,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;

    (iv) $3,255,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;

    (v) $3,255,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and

    (vi) $3,255,000,000 for fiscal year 2031; and

    (B) for the conservation stewardship program under subpart B of part IV of subchapter IV-

    (i) $1,300,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;

    (ii) $1,325,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;

    (iii) $1,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;

    (iv) $1,375,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;

    (v) $1,375,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and

    (vi) $1,375,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.

    (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.

    (b) Availability of funds

    Amounts made available by subsection (a) for fiscal years 2014 through 2031 shall be used by the Secretary to carry out the programs specified in such subsection and shall remain available until expended.

    (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 subpart B of part I of subchapter IV, 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 subchapter II and subchapter III of this chapter as a result of the amendments made by section 2611 of the Agricultural Act of 2014.

    (B) Report

    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.

    (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.

    (d) Relationship to other law

    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.

    (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 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.

    (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.

    (f) Acceptance and use of contributions for public-private partnerships

    (1) Establishment of public-private partnership contributions accounts

    The Secretary shall establish the necessary accounts and process to accept contributions of private funds for the purposes of addressing the changing climate, sequestering carbon, improving wildlife habitat, protecting sources of drinking water, and addressing other natural resource priorities identified by the Secretary.

    (2) Deposit and use of contributions

    Contributions of non-Federal funds received for a covered program shall be deposited into the 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.

    (3) Secretarial authority

    (A) In general

    The Secretary may accept under this subsection contributions of such funds as the Secretary determines appropriate, taking into consideration-

    (i) the source of the funds to be contributed;

    (ii) the natural resource concerns to be addressed through the use of the funds;

    (iii) the amount of funds to be contributed;

    (iv) whether the activities proposed to be carried out using the funds are consistent with the priorities of the Secretary; and

    (v) any other factors the Secretary determines to be relevant.

    (B) Determination

    A determination of whether to accept private funds under this subsection shall be at the sole discretion of the Secretary.

    (4) Match of contributed funds

    (A) In general

    Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may provide matching Federal funds, and determine the level of such match, which shall not exceed 75 percent, for the private funds contributed under this subsection, subject to the availability of funding for the applicable covered program.

    (B) Distribution of Federal funding for States

    The Secretary may not provide any matching Federal funds pursuant to subparagraph (A) in a manner that would result in a substantial reduction in the historical distribution of Federal funding to any State for any covered program.

    (C) Limitation

    No funds made available pursuant to Public Law 117–169 may be used to provide matching Federal funds pursuant to subparagraph (A).

    (5) Role of contributing entity

    An entity contributing funds under this subsection may-

    (A) designate the covered program for which the contributed funds are intended to be used;

    (B) specify the geographic area in which the contributed funds are intended to be used;

    (C) identify a natural resource concern the contributed funds are intended to be used to address;

    (D) with respect to an activity funded pursuant to this subsection that may result in environmental services benefits to be sold through an environmental services market, subject to the approval of the Secretary, prescribe the terms for ownership of the entity’s share of such environmental services benefits resulting from such activity; and

    (E) work with the Secretary to promote the activities funded pursuant to this subsection.

    (6) Producer participation

    (A) Notification

    The Secretary shall establish a process to provide notice to producers-

    (i) of activities that may be carried out, through a covered program, pursuant to this section; and

    (ii) any 1 terms prescribed by the contributing entity under paragraph (5)(D) with respect to such activities.

    (B) Retention of environmental services benefits

    The Secretary shall not claim or impede any action of a producer with respect to the environmental services benefits they accrue through activities funded pursuant to this subsection.

    (7) Consistency with program requirements

    (A) In general

    Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall ensure that the terms and conditions of activities carried out using funds contributed under this subsection are consistent with the requirements of the applicable covered program.

    (B) Adjustments

    (i) In general

    The Secretary may, if the Secretary determines necessary, adjust a regulatory requirement of a covered program, or related guidance, as it applies to an activity carried out using funds contributed under this subsection-

    (I) to provide a simplified process; or

    (II) to better reflect unique local circumstances and to address a specific priority of the contributing entity.

    (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.

    (8) Report

    Not later than December 31, 2024, and each year thereafter through December 31, 2031, 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 name and a description of each entity contributing private funds under this subsection that took an action under paragraph (5), and a description of each such action;

    (B) the name and a description of each entity contributing private funds under this subsection for which the Secretary has provided matching Federal funds, and the level of that match, including the amount of such matching Federal funds; and

    (C) the total amounts of-

    (i) private funds contributed under this subsection; and

    (ii) matching Federal funds provided by the Secretary under paragraph (4).

    (9) Covered program defined

    In this subsection, the term “covered program” means a program carried out by the Secretary under-

    (A) subchapter IV (except for subpart B of such subchapter),2 subchapter VII, or subchapter VIII;

    (B) section 2203 of this title;

    (C) title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.); or

    (D) the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), except for any program established by the Secretary to carry out section 14 of such Act (16 U.S.C. 1012).

    (10) Duration of authority

    The authority of the Secretary under this subsection shall expire, with respect to each covered program, on the date on which the authority of the covered program expires.

    (g) Allocations review and update

    (1) Review

    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.

    (2) Update

    The Secretary shall improve conservation program allocation formulas as necessary to ensure that-

    (A) the formulas adequately reflect the costs of carrying out the conservation programs;

    (B) to the maximum extent practicable, local natural resource concerns are considered a leading factor in determining annual funding allocation to States;

    (C) the process used at the national level to evaluate State budget proposals and to allocate funds is reviewed annually to assess the effect of allocations in addressing identified natural resource priorities and objectives; and

    (D) the allocation of funds to States addresses priority natural resource concerns and objectives.

    (h) Assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access

    (1) Assistance

    (A) Fiscal years 2009 through 2018

    Of the funds made available for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018 to carry out the environmental quality incentives program and the acres made available for each of such fiscal years to carry out the conservation stewardship program, the Secretary shall use, to the maximum extent practicable-

    (i) 5 percent to assist beginning farmers or ranchers; and

    (ii) 5 percent to assist socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.

    (B) Fiscal years 2019 through 2031

    Of the funds made available for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2031 to carry out the environmental quality incentives program under subpart A of part IV of subchapter IV and the conservation stewardship program under subpart B of part IV of subchapter IV, the Secretary shall use, to the maximum extent practicable-

    (i) 5 percent to assist beginning farmers or ranchers; and

    (ii) 5 percent to assist socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.

    (2) Repooling of funds

    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 2031, under the conservation stewardship program under subpart B of part IV of subchapter IV.

    (3) Repooling of acres

    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.

    (4) Preference

    In providing assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2279(e) 2 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).

    (i) Report on program enrollments and assistance

    Not later than December 15 of each of calendar years 2019 through 2023, 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 containing statistics by State related to enrollments in conservation programs under this chapter, as follows:

    (1) The annual and current cumulative activity reflecting active agreement and contract enrollment statistics.

    (2) Secretarial exceptions, waivers, and significant payments, including-

    (A) payments made under the agricultural conservation easement program for easements valued at $250,000 or greater;

    (B) payments made under the regional conservation partnership program subject to the waiver of adjusted gross income limitations pursuant to section 3871c(c)(3) of this title;

    (C) waivers granted by the Secretary under section 1308–3a(b)(3) of title 7;

    (D) exceptions and activity associated with section 3839aa–2(h)(2) of this title; and

    (E) exceptions provided by the Secretary under section 3865b(b)(2)(B)(ii) of this title.

    (j) Conservation standards and requirements

    (1) In general

    Subject to the requirements of this chapter, the Natural Resources Conservation Service shall serve as the lead agency in developing and establishing technical standards and requirements for conservation programs carried out under this chapter, including-

    (A) standards for conservation practices under this chapter;

    (B) technical guidelines for implementing conservation practices under this chapter, including the location of the conservation practices; and

    (C) standards for conservation plans.

    (2) Consistency of farm service agency technical standards and payment rates

    The Administrator of the Farm Service Agency shall ensure that-

    (A) technical standards of programs administered by the Farm Service Agency are consistent with the technical standards established by the Natural Resources Conservation Service under paragraph (1); and

    (B) payment rates, to the extent practicable, are consistent between the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

    [1] 16 U.S.C. 3841(a)

    §3871d. Funding

    (a) Availability of funding

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out the program, to the maximum extent practicable-

    (1) $425,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;

    (2) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;

    (3) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;

    (4) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;

    (5) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and

    (6) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.

    (b) Duration of availability

    Funds made available under subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.

    (c) Allocation of funding

    Of the funds made available for the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall allocate-

    (1) 50 percent of the funds to projects based on a State or multistate competitive process administered by the Secretary at the local level with the advice of the applicable State technical committees established under subchapter VI; and

    (2) 50 percent of the funds to projects for critical conservation areas designated under section 3871f of this title.

    (d) Limitation on administrative expenses

    (1) In general

    Except as provided in paragraph (2), none of the funds made available for the program, including for a partnership agreement funded through an alternative funding arrangement or grant agreement under section 3871c(d) of this title, may be used to pay for the administrative expenses of eligible partners.

    (2) Project development and outreach

    Under a partnership agreement that is not funded through an alternative funding arrangement or grant agreement under section 3871c(d) of this title, the Secretary may advance reasonable amounts of funding for not longer than 90 days for technical assistance to eligible partners to conduct project development and outreach activities in a project area, including-

    (A) providing outreach and education to producers for potential participation in the project;

    (B) establishing baseline metrics to support the development of the assessment required under section 3871b(c)(1)(E) of this title; or

    (C) providing technical assistance to producers.

    (e) Technical assistance

    (1) In general

    At the time of project selection, the Secretary shall identify and make publicly available the amount that the Secretary shall use to provide technical assistance under the terms of the partnership agreement.

    (2) Limitation

    The Secretary shall limit costs of the Secretary for technical assistance to costs specific and necessary to carry out the objectives of the program.

    (3) Third-party providers

    The Secretary shall develop and implement strategies to encourage third-party technical service providers to provide technical assistance to eligible partners pursuant to a partnership agreement.

    [2] 16 U.S.C. 3871d

    §3839bb–2. Grassroots source water protection program

    (a) In general

    The Secretary shall establish a national grassroots water protection program to more effectively use onsite technical assistance capabilities of each State rural water association that, as of May 13, 2002, operates a wellhead or groundwater protection program in the State.

    (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 2031.

    (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.

    (3) Additional funding

    In addition to any other funds made available under this subsection, of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use-

    (A) $5,000,000 beginning in fiscal year 2019, to remain available until expended;

    (B) $1,000,000 beginning in fiscal year 2024, to remain available until expended; and

    (C) $1,000,000 beginning in fiscal year 2026, to remain available until expended.

    [3] 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–2(b)

    §3839bb–5. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program

    (a) Establishment

    The Secretary shall establish a voluntary public access program under which States and tribal governments may apply for funding to encourage owners and operators of privately-held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily make that land available for access by the public for wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting or fishing under programs administered by the States and tribal governments.

    (b) Applications

    In submitting applications for funding under the program, a State or tribal government shall describe-

    (1) the benefits that the State or tribal government intends to achieve by encouraging public access to private farm and ranch land for-

    (A) hunting and fishing; and

    (B) to the maximum extent practicable, other recreational purposes; and

    (2) the methods that will be used to achieve those benefits.

    (c) Priority

    In approving applications and awarding funding under the program, the Secretary shall give priority to States and tribal governments that propose-

    (1) to maximize participation by offering a program the terms of which are likely to meet with widespread acceptance among landowners;

    (2) to ensure that land enrolled under the State or tribal government program has appropriate wildlife habitat;

    (3) to strengthen wildlife habitat improvement efforts on land enrolled in a conservation reserve enhancement program under section 3831a of this title or on land covered by a wetland reserve easement under section 3865c of this title by providing incentives to increase public hunting and other recreational access on that land;

    (4) to use additional Federal, State, tribal government, or private resources in carrying out the program; and

    (5) to make available to the public the location of land enrolled.

    (d) Relationship to other laws

    (1) No preemption

    Nothing in this section preempts a State or tribal government law, including any State or tribal government liability law.

    (2) Effect of inconsistent opening dates for migratory bird hunting

    The Secretary shall reduce by 25 percent the amount of funding otherwise determined for a State under the program if the opening dates for migratory bird hunting in the State are not consistent for residents and non-residents.

    (e) Regulations

    The Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.

    (f) Funding

    (1) Mandatory funding

    Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section, to the maximum extent practicable, $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2012, $40,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, and $70,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2025 through 2031.

    (2) Enhanced public access to wetland reserve easements

    To the maximum extent practicable, of the funds made available under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use $3,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to encourage public access to land covered by wetland reserve easements under section 3865c of this title through agreements with States and tribal governments under this section.

    (3) Authorization of appropriations

    There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.

    [4] 16 U.S.C. 3839bb–5(f)(1)

    §1012a. Funding

    In addition to any other funds made available by this chapter, of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this chapter $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended.

    [5] 16 U.S.C. 1012a

    §8351. Predatory and other wild animals

    (a) In general

    The Secretary of Agriculture may conduct a program of wildlife services with respect to injurious animal species and take any action the Secretary considers necessary in conducting the program.

    (b) Administration

    The Secretary shall administer the program in a manner consistent with all of the wildlife services authorities in effect on the day before October 28, 2000.

    (c) Action by FWS

    The Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service shall use the most expeditious procedure practicable to process and administer permits for take of-

    (1) a depredating eagle under the Act of June 8, 1940 (commonly known as the “Bald Eagle Protection Act”) (54 Stat. 250, chapter 278; 16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.), or sections 22.11 through 22.32 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations) (including depredation of livestock, wildlife, and species protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) or any other Federal management program); or

    (2) a migratory bird included on the list under section 10.13 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations) that is posing a conflict.

    [6] 7 U.S.C. 8351

    Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program

    Pub. L. 115–334, title II, §2408, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4574 , as amended by Pub. L. 118–22, div. B, title I, §102(d)(1)(C), Nov. 17, 2023, 137 Stat. 116 ; Pub. L. 119–21, title I, §10601(f), July 4, 2025, 139 Stat. 108 , provided that:

    “(a) In General.-The Secretary [of Agriculture] shall establish a feral swine eradication and control pilot program to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health.

    “(b) Duties of the Secretary.-In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall-

    “(1) study and assess the nature and extent of damage to the pilot areas caused by feral swine;

    “(2) develop methods to eradicate or control feral swine in the pilot areas;

    “(3) develop methods to restore damage caused by feral swine; and

    “(4) provide financial assistance to agricultural producers in pilot areas.

    “(c) Assistance.-The Secretary may provide financial assistance to agricultural producers under the pilot program to implement methods to-

    “(1) eradicate or control feral swine in the pilot areas; and

    “(2) restore damage caused by feral swine.

    “(d) Coordination.-The Secretary shall ensure that the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service coordinate for purposes of this section through State technical committees established under section 1261(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3861(a)).

    “(e) Pilot Areas.-The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program in areas of States in which feral swine have been identified as a threat to agriculture, native ecosystems, or human or animal health, as determined by the Secretary.

    “(f) Cost Sharing.-

    “(1) Federal share.-The Federal share of the costs of activities under the pilot program may not exceed 75 percent of the total costs of such activities.

    “(2) In-kind contributions.-The non-Federal share of the costs of activities under the pilot program may be provided in the form of in-kind contributions of materials or services.

    “(g) Funding.-

    “(1) Mandatory funding.-Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $75,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, and $105,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2025 through 2031.

    “(2) Distribution of funds.-Of the funds made available under paragraph (1)-

    “(A) 50 percent shall be allocated to the Natural Resources Conservation Service to carry out the pilot program, including the provision of financial assistance to producers for on-farm trapping and technology related to capturing and confining feral swine; and

    “(B) 50 percent shall be allocated to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to carry out the pilot program, including the use of established, and testing of innovative, population reduction methods.

    “(3) Limitation on administrative expenses.-Not more than 10 percent of funds made available under this section may be used for administrative expenses of the pilot program.”

    (g) Rescission.—The unobligated balances of amounts…

    (g) Rescission.—The unobligated balances of amounts appropriated by section 21001(a) of Public Law 117–169 (136 Stat. 2015) are rescinded.
    [7]Funding reduction

    [8]Sec. 10601. Conservation – #2 by editor

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  • Sec. 10506. Reviews, compliance, and integrity | Law as Amended

    §1516. Funding

    (a) Authorization of appropriations

    (1) Discretionary expenses

    There are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1999 and each subsequent fiscal year such sums as are necessary to cover the salaries and expenses of the Corporation.

    (2) Mandatory expenses

    There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to cover for each of the 1999 and subsequent reinsurance years the following:

    (A) The administrative and operating expenses of the Corporation for the sales commissions of agents.

    (B) Premium subsidies, including the administrative and operating expenses of an approved insurance provider for the delivery of policies with additional coverage.

    (C) Costs associated with the conduct of livestock and wild salmon pilot programs carried out under section 1523 of this title, subject to the limitations in subsection (a)(3)(E)(ii) of that section.

    (D) Costs associated with the reimbursement, contracting, and partnerships for research and development under section 1522 of this title.

    (b) Payment of Corporation expenses from insurance fund

    (1) Expenses generally

    For each of the 1999 and subsequent reinsurance years, the Corporation may pay from the insurance fund established under subsection (c) all expenses of the Corporation (other than expenses covered by subsection (a)(1) and expenses covered by paragraph (2)(A)), including the following:

    (A) Premium subsidies and indemnities.

    (B) Administrative and operating expenses of the Corporation necessary to pay the sales commissions of agents.

    (C) All administrative and operating expense reimbursements due under a reinsurance agreement with an approved insurance provider.

    (D) Costs associated with the conduct of livestock and wild salmon pilot programs carried out under section 1523 of this title, subject to the limitations in subsection (a)(3)(E)(ii) of that section.

    (E) Costs associated with the reimbursement, contracting, and partnerships for research and development under section 1522 of this title.

    (2) Policy consideration and implementation

    (A) In general

    For each of the 1999 and subsequent reinsurance years, the Corporation may use the insurance fund established under subsection (c), but not to exceed $3,500,000 for each fiscal year, to pay the following:

    (i) Costs associated with the consideration and implementation of policies, plans of insurance, and related materials submitted under section 1508(h) of this title or developed under section 1522 or 1523 of this title.

    (ii) Costs to contract for the review of policies, plans of insurance, and related materials under section 1505(e) of this title and to contract for other assistance in considering policies, plans of insurance, and related materials.

    (B) Dairy options pilot program

    Amounts necessary to carry out the dairy options pilot program shall not be counted toward the limitation on expenses specified in subparagraph (A).

    (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 $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2025 and $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, 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.

    (c) Insurance fund

    (1) In general

    There is established an insurance fund, for the deposit of premium income, amounts made available under subsection (a)(2), and civil fines collected under section 1515(h) of this title, to be available without fiscal year limitation.

    (2) Commodity Credit Corporation funds

    If at any time the amounts in the insurance fund are insufficient to enable the Corporation to carry out subsection (b), to the extent the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation are available-

    (A) the Corporation may request the Secretary to use the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out subsection (b); and

    (B) the Secretary may use the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out subsection (b).

    [1] 7 U.S.C. 1516(b)(2)(C)(i)

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