Budget Background for the Farm Bill

Budget enforcement in Congress for mandatory spending uses baseline and scoring procedures that are followed by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The goal is to determine whether proposed changes in a bill would increase or decrease government spending. The baseline is a projection of what outlays would be under current law if it were continued; it is the benchmark against which proposed changes in a bill are compared. The baseline incorporates current assumptions about economic conditions, including expectations about prices, acreage, trade, inflation, poverty, program participation, and eligibility. The score is the effect that each provision, or the bill in total, is expected to have compared with the baseline (CRS In Focus IF13124, Distinguishing Between Discretionary and Mandatory Spending; and CRS Report 98-560, Baselines and Scorekeeping in the Federal Budget Process).

The total score of a bill determines whether the bill meets budget enforcement requirements, such as pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) or cut-as-you-go (CUTGO) (CRS In Focus IF11032, Budgetary Decisionmaking in Congress). A bill may add or subtract funds from programs, or transfer funds among programs and titles using reductions to offset increases. PAYGO refers to both a law and House and Senate rules that bills should not increase the deficit, essentially, that budgetary increases are fully offset by spending reductions or additional revenue, so that the net score of a bill is zero (CRS Report R41157, The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010: Summary and Legislative History; CRS Report R47413, Points of Order in the Congressional Budget Process; and CRS Report RL31943, Budget Enforcement Procedures: The Senate Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Rule). CUTGO is a protocol in the House during the 119^th Congress prohibiting offsets from having revenue-raising provisions (CRS Report R41510, House Rule XXI, Clause 10: The CUTGO Rule).

Budget laws require CBO to score proposed changes over an 11-year budget window regardless of the length of the new authorization period. The current 11-year scoring period is FY2026-FY2036 for authorizations in H.R. 7567 that generally would expire in FY2031 (Table 1).

Four titles of the 2018 farm bill account for 99% of the baseline projection (nutrition, crop insurance, farm commodities, and conservation). The total 10-year baseline is $1.374 trillion over FY2027-FY2036 (Table 2) (CRS In Focus IF12233, Farm Bill Primer: Budget Dynamics).

Title and program

FY2026-FY2031

FY2026-FY2036

Title I. Commodities

Tree Assistance Program

5

0

Title I Subtotal

5

0

Title II. Conservation

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

-593

-786

Conservation Stewardship Program

47

49

Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program

56

56

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act

50

54

Emergency Conservation Program

43

0

Emergency Watershed Program

16

15

Farm Management Incentive Payments

11

11

Transition Option for Certain Farmers

47

47

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, including Adjusted Gross Income provision

173

216

Forest Conservation Easement Program

198

227

Regional Conservation Partnership Program

53

110

Title II Subtotal

101

-1

Title III. Trade

Agricultural Trade Promotion and Facilitation

-35

-70

Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act

70

70

Title III Subtotal

35

0

Title VI. Rural Development

2

0

Title VII. Research, Extension, and Related Matters

1

1

Title VIII. Forestry

20

0

Title IX. Energy

Biobased Markets Program

16

18

Biorefinery Assistance

-18

-18

Title IX Subtotal

-2

0

Total Changes in Mandatory Spending

162

0

Farm Bill Title

FY2027-FY2036 (February 2026)

Title I. Commodities

142,625

Title II. Conservation

73,004

Title III. Trade

8,280

Title IV. Nutrition

985,379

Title VII. Research

3,510

Title IX. Energy

535

Title X. Horticulture

2,440

Title XI. Crop Insurance

155,539

Title XII. Miscellaneous

2,248

Total

1,373,560

Title and program

FY2027-FY2031

FY2027-FY2036

Title II. Conservation

Authorization of appropriations

Estimated outlays

Title III. Trade

Authorization of appropriations

Estimated outlays

Title IV. Nutrition

Authorization of appropriations

Estimated outlays

Title V. Credit

Authorization of appropriations

Estimated outlays

Title VI. Rural Development

Authorization of appropriations

Estimated outlays

Title VII. Research, Extension, and Related Matters

Authorization of appropriations

Estimated outlays

Title VIII. Forestry

Authorization of appropriations

Estimated outlays

Title IX. Energy

Authorization of appropriations

Estimated outlays

Title X. Horticulture, Marketing and Regulatory Reform

Authorization of appropriations

Estimated outlays

Title XII. Miscellaneous

Authorization of appropriations

Estimated outlays

Total

Authorization of appropriations

Estimated outlays

Current Law/Policy

House-Passed H.R. 7567

Suspension of permanent price support authority. Suspends the permanent price support authority of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (P.L. 75-430) and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1949 (P.L. 89-439) for certain commodities for the 2014-2026 crop years and for milk through December 31, 2026. (7 U.S.C. §9092; P.L. 119-37)

Suspension of permanent price support authority. Extends the suspension of permanent price authority through crop year 2031 for commodities other than dairy. Extends the suspension for dairy through December 31, 2031. (§1001)

Tree Assistance Program (TAP). Provides payments to eligible orchardists and nursery growers to replant or rehabilitate trees, bushes, and vines damaged by natural disasters. Eligible losses must exceed normal mortality. Payments reimburse eligible orchardists and nursery growers for 65% of the cost of replanting trees or nursery stock and 50% of the cost of rehabilitation (e.g., pruning and removal). (7 U.S.C. §9081(e))

Tree assistance programprogram. Expands coverage to include biennial tree crops and losses due to pest infestations. Clarifies that trees that are no longer producing an economically viable crop as a result of a natural disaster are eligible for TAP payments. Adds requirements for TAP recipients to replant or rehabilitate trees within two years after the application approval or at a time necessary to ensure tree survival. Provides recipients flexibilities in the alternative planting activities that can be reimbursed, which include replanting alternative varieties, replanting alternative stand densities, and replanting in alternative locations. Additional payments are not provided for these alternative activities. Requires USDA to notify applicants of application receipt and approve or deny the application within 120 days of submission. Adds the authority for USDA to administer an initial payment before incurring eligible covered costs. Adds required payment calculation components, such as estimates for initial partial payments for the cost of replanting or rehabilitating the eligible tree, bush, or vine; subsequent payments; and potential overpayments. The payments provisions sunset in September 2035. (§1002)

No comparable provision.

Specialty crop emergency assistance framework. Requires USDA to establish a framework to provide payments to specialty crop producers impacted by adverse events, such as economic crises and market disruptions. Requires USDA to calculate payments on the basis ofbased on the producer's previous sales history and availability of funds. Authorizes USDA to create special rules that take into account crop value, production costs, and the legal and organizational structure of producers. Applies payment limits used for other USDA direct payment programs and excepts entities that derive 75% of their average gross income from farming and other related activities. Authorizes USDA to establish a separate payment limit of not less than $900,000 for each excepted entity for any crop year. Applies producer reporting and payment limits as used in other USDA direct payment programs. Does not specify a funding mechanism for this framework. (§1003)

No comparable provision.

Assistance in the form of block grants. Authorizes USDA to use block grants when administering additional funds for agricultural disaster assistance to address losses for which other federal assistance is unavailable. (§1004)

Dairy Forward Pricing Program. Authorizes a USDA dairy forward pricing program that applies to milk purchased for manufactured products and excludes milk purchased for fluid consumption. Expires September 30, 2026. (7 U.S.C. §8772; P.L. 119-37)

Dairy-related extensions. Removes the program termination date. (§1005(a))

Dairy Indemnity Program. Authorizes payments to dairy farmers when a public regulatory agency directs removal of raw milk from the market because of contamination by pesticides, nuclear radiation or fallout, or toxic substances and other chemical residues. Authority expires September 30, 2026. (7 U.S.C. §4553; P.L. 119-37)

Dairy-related extensions. Extends authority through September 30, 2031. (§1005(b))

Dairy Promotion and Research Program. Authorizes the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board to oversee a generic dairy product promotion and a research and nutrition education program (i.e., "dairy checkoff") and to spend funds to develop foreign markets for U.S. dairy products. Authority expires September 30, 2026. (7 U.S.C. §4504(e)(2); P.L. 119-37)

Dairy-related extensions. Extends authority through September 30, 2031. (§1005(c))

Mandatory reporting for dairy products. Requires USDA to establish a mandatory program for dairy product manufacturers to report to USDA price, quantity, and moisture content of sold products. (7 U.S.C. §1637b)

Mandatory reporting of dairy product processing costs. Requires manufacturers to reportAmends the manufacturers reporting requirements to include production costs and product yield information to USDA, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Requires USDA to publish a report with cost and yield information not more than two years after enactment and every two years thereafter. (§1006)

Dairy reports. Requires USDA to submit annual reports for the dairy checkoff and Dairy Products Promotion and Research order (i.e., "fluid milk checkoff") to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction.^a (7 U.S.C. §4514)

Dairy reports. Clarifies USDA's dairy reporting requirements. USDA is requiredRequires USDA to submit dairy reports to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a for each calendar year after enactment and requiresfor each report to be submitted not more than 18 months after the last day of the calendar year. (§1007)

Repayment of loans during a government shutdown. Provides forDairy Reports. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§1203) Repayment of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans. Provides terms for the repayment of marketing assistance loans. (7 U.S.C. §9034; 7 U.S.C. §7272(d)) Establishes Limitation on voluntary services. Sets limits on government employment and services during a lapse in appropriations (during a government shutdown). (31 U.S.C. §1342)

Processing of certain loans. Authorizes USDA to allow producers to repay marketing assistance loans during a lapse in appropriations (a government shutdown) when USDA employees may be furloughed. This activity is consideredDesignates this activity as excepted from furlough for the safety of human life or protection of property. (§1008) Servicing of loans. Identical to House provision. (§1102)

Farm storage facility loans. Authorizes USDA to provide loans to producers of grains, oilseeds, pulse crops, hay, renewable biomass, and other storable commodities (other than sugar) to construct or upgrade storage and handling facilities for various commodities. (7 U.S.C. §8789(a))

Storage facility loans. Adds the authority for USDA to provide loans for producers to construct or upgrade storage facilities for propane that is primarily used for agricultural production. (§1009)

Rulemaking. When amending the Code of Federal Regulations to allow loans for fertilizer storage, the bill requires USDA to include various types of infrastructure and equipment necessary to receive, store, and remove fertilizer products. (§1105(b))

No comparable provision.

Strengthening domestic food production supply chains. Requires the President to prioritize preserving and strengthening domestic production of sugar for domestic food use when administering federal policies. (§1010)

Administration Generally. Provides for expedited rulemaking for amendments made under Title 1 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79), Title I of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334), and certain crop insurance and horticultural provisions. (7 U.S.C. §9091(c))

Regulations. ExtendsProvides for expedited rulemaking for amendments made by this title. (§1011(a))

Loan implementation. Requires USDA to use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to ensure that the Marketing Assistance Loan program benefits are provided in full in any year that discretionary spending limits are enforced via sequestration or other means. (7 U.S.C. §9097(d))

Regulations. Makes minor conforming amendments and clarifies the applicability for sugar loans. (§1011(b))

The Secretary of Agriculture has broad authority of the CCC Charter Act (P.L. 80-89), as amended, to use CCC funding in fulfillment of its purpose to support certain agricultural commodities. Tobacco is specifically statutorily excluded from eligibility. (15 U.S.C. §714c)

Restoration of tobacco as an agricultural commodity in Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act. Removes the exclusion on tobacco being considered an agricultural commodity, thereby making tobacco eligible for funding from the CCC. (§1012)

Farm storage facility loans. Authorizes USDA to provide loans to producers of grains, oilseeds, pulse crops, hay, renewable biomass, and other storable commodities (other than sugar) to construct or upgrade storage and handling facilities for various commodities. (7 U.S.C. §8789(a))

Study on storage facility loans for on-farm fertilizer storage. Directs the Secretary to conduct and submit a study to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a, within a year of enactment, on the feasibility of providing storage facility loans for on-farm fertilizer storage. (§1013)

No directdirectly comparable provision.

Electronic forms for covered disaster assistance programs. Requires USDA, as soon as practicable, to allow producers the option to enroll in certain agricultural disaster assistance programs using electronic forms. (§1014)

Dairy Businesses Innovation Initiatives (DBI). Requires USDA to provide grants to at least three3 eligible regionally located entities to conduct dairy related technical assistance and training and to provide sub-grants for dairy-related modernization, specialization, value chain innovation, product development, and marketing. (7 U.S.C. §1632d)

Dairy business innovation initiatives. Requires USDA to provide grants to at least four4 eligible regionally located entities. (§1015, Title X—Horticulture)

Dairy business innovation initiatives. Increases the authorization of appropriations to $36 million per fiscal year. (§12503, Title XII—Miscellaneous)

Definitions. Defines the types of livestock eligible for USDA's natural disaster assistance programs. (7 U.S.C. §9081(a))

No comparable provision.

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Provides payments to eligible livestock owners and contract growers for livestock and unborn livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality or livestock that are sold at reduced price because of an eligible loss condition (e.g., adverse weather, disease, or animal attack). Eligibility is predicated on the occurrence of an eligible loss condition and direct causation toof the death or injury of the animal. LIP regulations require documentation to substantiate eligible attacks, obtained from a source such as, but not limited to, the following: APHIS, state level Department of Natural Resources, or other sources or documentation, such as third parties, as determined by the Deputy Administrator. LIP regulations define non-adult cattle, including beef, beefalo, buffalo, bison, and dairy, as being delineated by weight categories of either less than 400 pounds or 400 pounds or more at the time of death or reduced sale. (7 C.F.R. §1416.305(d)(7)) the death or injury of the animal. (7 U.S.C. §9081(b))

Revision of evidence standards for livestock indemnity payments for losses by Mexican wolves. Requires USDA, within 180 days of enactment, to expand the LIP proof of death standards for livestock losses due to depredation by Mexican wolves to include evidence that does not primarily depend on subcutaneous hemorrhaging. (§1016, Title X—Horticulture)

Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance. Clarifies livestock losses due to depredation by Mexican gray wolves and panthers are eligible under LIP. Requires USDA to accept documentation showing probability or confirmation of an eligible livestock attack by animals or avian predators. Requires USDA to determine LIP payments for eligible livestock on the basis of weight categories of either less than 400 pounds or 400 pounds or more. Other eligible livestock weight categories may be used but may be set only at an amount greater than 400 pounds. (§1302(b))

Emergency assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP). Requires USDA to make payments to producers of livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish as compensation for losses due to disease, adverse weather, feed or water shortages, or other conditions (such as wildfires) that are not covered under other livestock natural disaster direct assistance programs. (7 U.S.C. §9081(d))

No comparable provision.

Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance. Codifies assistance for transportation costs that are necessary to reduce losses due to drought. Expands ELAP to cover losses of winter stockpile grazing. (§1302(c))

Adjusted gross income limitation. Allows certified public accountants or attorneys to submit certified information regarding a producer's adjusted gross income. (7 C.F.R. §1308-3a)

No comparable provision.

Certification of average adjusted gross income by enrolled agents. Allows enrolled agents licensed by the U.S. Treasury to provide tax services in accordance with 31 U.S.C. §330 to submit certified information. (§1103)

Records; annual report. Requires an annual report of CCC business to be forwarded by the Secretary to the President for transmission to Congress. Also requires quarterly itemized reports for certain expenditures over $10,000. (15 U.S.C. §714k)

No comparable provision.

No directly comparable provision. Statute defines eligible covered commodities for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs and eligible loan commodities for the Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) program. (7 U.S.C. §9011 and 7 U.S.C. §9031(a))

No comparable provision.

Administration and operation of noninsured crop assistance program (NAP). NAP can provide coverage for eligible commodities against losses caused by eligible natural disasters, such as drought, flood, and freeze for which crop insurance, with limited exceptions, is not available. Eligible losses must be due to an eligible event and must directly affect the enrolled crop. (7 U.S.C. §7333)

No comparable provision.

Noninsured crop disaster assistance program. Expands the loss requirements to include losses resulting from a lack of water from the community ditch because of an eligible natural disaster. Defines a community ditch as a private, unincorporated or cooperative irrigation ditch system, including an acequia or unincorporated mutual ditch company. (§1301)

Education Program. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an education program for certain USDA staff for the purpose of uniformly applying payment limits and other restrictions for certain program.

No comparable provision.

Technical Correction. Amends the office that makes the initial determination about the application of payment limits and other restrictions to be the Farm Service Agency. (§1402)

Deobligation of unliquidated obligations. Requires the Secretary to deobligate and return to the Treasury certain funds not disbursed to recipients within 5 years of obligation. (7 U.S.C. §9097(e))

No comparable provision.

Implementation. Extends deobligation requirement to certain funds provided in P.L. 117-328, P.L 117-43, P.L. 116-260, P.L. 116-94, P.L. 116-20, P.L. 115-334, P.L. 115-123, and the Agricultural Act of 2026. (§1403(2))

No comparable provision.

Implementation. Extends requirement through January 1, 2031. (§1403(3))

Current Law/Policy

House-Passed H.R. 7567

Subtitle A—Definitions

Definitions. Defines 27 terms for the purposes of all conservation programs within the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended. (16 U.S.C. §3801; P.L. 99-198)

Definitions. Adds definitions for precision agriculture, precision agriculture technology, and wildlife habitat connectivity. Does not change existing definitions.

Defines precision agriculture as "managing, tracking, or reducing" inputs with a high level of precision to "improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality."

Defines precision agriculture technology as any technology that "directly contributes" to a reduction or improvement in input use.

Defines wildlife habitat connectivity as the degree to which landscape or habitat elements facilitate native species' movements among seasonal habitats. (§2001)

Mitigation banking. Wetland mitigation banking is a type of wetlands mitigation whereby a wetland is created, enhanced, or restored, and "credit" for those efforts is sold to others as compensation for the loss of impacted wetlands elsewhere. Authorizes appropriations for wetland mitigation banking of $5 million annually through FY2026No comparable provision. Mitigation banking. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026 for grants to develop wetland mitigation banks for agricultural use. (16 U.S.C. §3822(k)(1)(B); P.L. 119-37)

Mitigation banking. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§2002)

Subtitle B—Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

Conservation reserve. Authorizes CRP through FY2026 to enter into contracts with eligible landowners and operators to conserve and improve soil, water, and wildlife and to address state, regional, and national conservation initiatives. (16 U.S.C. §3831(a); P.L. 119-37)

Conservation reserve. Reauthorizes the program through FY2031. (§2101(a))

Eligible land. One type of land eligible for enrollment into CRP is highly erodible cropland if (1) untreated it could substantially reduce the land's future agricultural production capability, or (2) it cannot be farmed in accordance with a conservation plan and has a cropping history or was considered to be planted for four of the six years preceding December 20, 2018 (except for land previously enrolled in CRP). (16 U.S.C. §3831(b))

Conservation reserve. Replaces the December 20, 2018, date with the date of enactment of the House bill, shifting the six-year cropping history to include land planted for four of the six years preceding the date of enactment. (§2101(b))

Conservation reserve. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§2101(b))

Maximum acreage enrolled. Authorizes CRP to enroll up to 24 million acres in FY2019, 24.5 million acres in FY2020, 25 million acres in FY2021, 25.5 million acres in FY2022, and 27 million acres in FY2023-FY2026. (16 U.S.C. §3831(d)(1); P.L. 119-37)

Conservation reserve. Maintains enrollment at 27 million acres through FY2031. (§2101(c)(1))

Grasslands. Requires USDA to enroll 2 million acres through CRP grassland enrollment by the end of FY2023. Incrementally increases the minimum enrollment of grassland acres to 1 million acres in FY2019, 1.5 million acres in FY2020, and 2 million acres in FY2021-FY2026. (16 U.S.C. §3831(d)(2); P.L. 119-37)

Conservation reserve. Reauthorizes the CRP grassland enrollment minimum of 2 million acres through FY2031. (§2101(c)(2))

State enrollment rates. Requires 60% of available CRP acres to be allocated per state on the basis of historical enrollment. Enrollment rates must consider the average number of acres enrolled in each state each year of FY2007-FY2016, the average number of acres enrolled in CRP nationally each year of FY2007-FY2016, and the acres available for enrollment each year of FY2019-FY2026. (16 U.S.C. §3831(d)(4); P.L. 119-37)

Conservation reserve. Extends the state enrollment rate requirement to include the acres available for enrollment for FY2026-FY2031. Historic enrollment dates for FY2007-FY2016 remain unchanged. (§2101(c)(3))

Continuous enrollment procedure. Sets continuous CRP enrollment targets of not fewer than 8 million acres by FY2019, 8.25 million acres by FY2020, 8.5 million acres by FY2021, and 8.6 million acres by FY2026. (16 U.S.C. §3831(d)(6)(B); P.L. 119-37)

Conservation reserve. Maintains enrollment target of 8.6 million acres through FY2031. (§2101(c)(4))

Continuous enrollment procedure. Requires CRP enrollment to be continuous for marginal pastureland, land that would have a positive impact on water quality if enrolled, selectselected cropland, and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) contracts. (16 U.S.C. §3831(d)(6)(A); P.L. 119-37)

The State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) is a CRP initiative administratively created by USDA in which it partners with nonfederal entities to protect wildlife habitat through CRP contracts.

Conservation reserve. Adds SAFE to the list of contracts required to be considered continuously. (§2101(c)(5))

Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP). A subprogram under CRP since 2008, FWP is authorized through FY2026 to enroll up to 750,000 acres of wetland and buffer acreage in CRP. (16 U.S.C. §3831b(a)(1); P.L. 119-37)

Farmable wetland program. Maintains enrollment limit and reauthorizes FWP through FY2031. (§2102)

Subtitle C—Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIPFarmable wetland program. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§2103)

Eligibility for consideration. Allows for land that expires from CRP to be considered for reenrollment. Land devoted to hardwood trees is only eligible for one reenrollment, unless the land is part of a riparian forested buffer, forested wetlands, or shelterbelt. (16 U.S.C. §3831(h); P.L. 119-37)

No comparable provision.

Conservation reserve. Adds that land with grazing infrastructure established under a CRP grassland contract is eligible for reenrollment. (§2101(d))

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Establishes CREP as a subprogram of CRP, in which USDA enters into agreements with states and conservation groups to target selected areas and natural resource concerns in exchange for continuous CRP sign-ups and higher payments for enrollment. (16 U.S.C. §3831a)

No comparable provision.

Conservation reserve enhancement program. Adds the option to update agreements under CREP following enactment. Adds payment requirements for CREP agreements that include the retirement of water rights or dryland agricultural uses. (§2102)

Specified activities permitted. Permits certain specified activities (e.g., harvesting, grazing, or other commercial uses of the forage) on CRP land under selected conditions, including but not limited to emergencies. Allows emergency grazing at 50% of the normal carrying capacity on all practices during the primary nesting season without a reduction in rental rate under certain drought and forage loss conditions. (16 U.S.C. §3833(b))

No comparable provision.

Duties of the Secretary. Allows for emergency haying on 50% of contract acres during the final two weeks of the primary nesting season without a reduction in rental rates under certain drought and forage loss conditions. Adds that emergency haying or grazing is not permitted during the final two weeks of the primary nesting season if doing so would cause long-term damage to the vegetative cover for wildlife populations. Provides that haying and grazing activities without a reduction in rental rate are not required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. (§2104)

Cost sharing payments. Defines land enrolled in CRP as eligible to receive cost-share assistance for implemented practices. Limits cost-share payments to 50% of the actual cost of establishing the practice and no more than 100% of the total cost. Limits cost-share for seed to 50% of the seed mixture cost. No cost-share is available for mid-contract management activities. Owners are ineligible from receiving cost-share payments if assistance is provided under other federal programs, unless it is related to a CREP contract. (16 U.S.C. §3834(b))

No comparable provision.

Payments. Adds grazing and water infrastructure as eligible for up to 50% cost-share if grazing is included in the conservation plan and addresses a resource concern. Allows cost-share for mid-contract management activities, excluding grazing or haying. (§2105(a))

Annual rental payments. Authorizes annual rental payments for land enrolled in CRP. Provides USDA discretion in determining the amount to be paid, considering factors including the amount necessary to encourage enrollment. (16 U.S.C. §3834(d)(1))

No comparable provision.

Payments. Requires that the rental rate be based on the three predominant soils on the land. Does not allow for inflation adjustments to payments. (§2105(b))

Payment limitations for rental payments. Limits the total amount of rental payments received under CRP directly or indirectly to $50,000 per fiscal year. (16 U.S.C. §3834(g))

No comparable provision.

Definitions. Defines 10 terms under EQIP. Defines practice as one or more improvements (e.g., structural, land management or vegetative practice; forest management; and other practices defined by USDA) or conservation activities (e.g., comprehensive nutrient management plans, precision conservation management planning, and other plans as determined by USDA). (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-1(6))

Definitions. Amends the definition of practice to include composting practices in the description of improvements to eligible land and precision agriculture practices and technology in the description of a conservation activity. (§2201)

Definitions. Adds definitions of precision agriculture and precision agriculture technology.

"Precision agriculture" is defined as a way of managing, tracking, or reducing inputs to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality.

Special rule involving payments for income forgone. Allows USDA, when determining payment rates, to placeaccord great significance on certain practices that promote natural resource improvements. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-2(d)(3)(F))

Establishment and administration. Adds wildlife habitat connectivity to the list of practices that may receive greaterbe accorded great significance by USDA when determining payment rates. (§2202(a)(1))

Other payments. Prohibits duplicative payments from other federal programs for EQIP-funded practices. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-2(d)(6))

Establishment and administration. Exempts from the prohibition on duplicative payments USDA loans or loan guarantees used to cover the costs of EQIP practices. Requires USDA to inform EQIP participants that they may be eligible for a USDA loan for costs associated with implementing EQIP practices. (§2202(a)(2))

Increased payments for high-priority practices. Allows states the option, in consultation with the state technical committee, to identify no more than 10 high-priority practices that will be eligible for up to 90% of the practice cost. Practices must address nutrients in groundwater and surface waters, conservation of water, identified wildlife habitat, or watershed-specific resource concerns. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-2(d)(7))

Establishment and administration. Adds "State-determined" to the paragraph heading. Expands the list of resource concerns that eligible practices may address to include restoration of wildlife habitat and increased carbon sequestration or reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. (§2202(a)(3))

No comparable provision.

Establishment and administration. Allows payments for up to 90% of the cost of precision agriculture practices and technology. (§2202(a)(4))

No comparable provision.

Establishment and administration. Allows payments for wildlife corridor costs on land enrolled in CRP and of ecological significance. Multiple payments may not be made for the same practice. (§2202(a)(5))

Allocation of funding. Requires that 50% of payments go to practices related to livestock production through FY2026. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-2(f)(1); P.L. 119-37)

Establishment and administration. Reauthorizes required payments for livestock-related practices through FY2031. (§2202(b))

Water conservation or irrigation efficiency practice. Allows EQIP payments to producers or selected eligible entities for water conservation or irrigation efficiency practices. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-2(h)(1))

Establishment and administration. Expands eligibility to include the adoption of precision agriculture practices and technology relating to water conservation and energy efficiency. (§2202(c))

Payments for conservation practices related to organic production. Limits a participant's payments for organic production conservation practices to a total of $140,000 for FY2019-FY2026. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-2(i)(3); P.L. 119-37)

Establishment and administration. Increases a participant's payment limit for organic production conservation practices to a total of $200,000 for FY2027-FY2031. (§2202(d)) Establishment and administration. Extends a participant's payment limit for organic production conservation practices of a total of $140,000 for FY2027-FY2031. (§2202(d))

Conservation incentive contracts. Conservation incentive contracts under EQIP are multiyear contracts that address priority resource concerns within selected geographic regions. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-2(j)(2))

Establishment and administration. Amends incentive practices to include precision agriculture practices and technology. (§2202(e))

No comparable provision.

Establishment and administration. Creates an initiative to provide payments to address and repair agricultural land or infrastructure damage that may contribute to natural resource concerns. Limits eligibility to land at or near the U.S. southern border. (§2202(f))

Limitation on payments. Limits an EQIP participant's payments to an aggregate of $450,000 for FY2019-FY2024. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-7; P.L. 118-22)

Limitation on payments. Limits an EQIP participant's payments to an aggregate of $450,000 for FY2027-FY2031. (§2203)

Conservation innovation grants and payments. Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a competitive grant program within EQIP. Grants include cost-matching requirements to implement innovative conservation projects. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-8(a))

Conservation innovation grants and payments. Adds development and evaluation of new technologies as an eligible project. (§2204(a))

On-farm conservation innovation trials. Requires $25 million of EQIP funds to be used for on-farm conservation innovation trials to test new or innovative conservation approaches either directly with producers or with eligible entities annually for FY2019-FY2031. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-8(c))

Conservation innovation grants and payments. Adds perennial production systems as an eligible approach. (§2204(b))

Reporting and database. Requires USDA to establish and maintain a public conservation practice database based on data reported under completed CIG projects. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-8(d))

Conservation innovation grants and payments. Requires database to include management and structural conservation practices and data that may be used to evaluate new and emerging technologies. (§2204(c))

Definitions. CSP defines conservation activities as conservation systems, practices, or management measures, including structural, vegetative, and land management measures (including drainage management systems); priority resource concern planning; comprehensive conservation planning; soil health planning; and activities that assist with adaptation or mitigation against weather volatility. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-21(2))

Conservation activities defined. Adds "energy-efficient pumping systems" and "composting practices" to conservation activities definition. (§2205)

Subtitle D—Conservation Stewardship Program (CSPNo comparable provision.

No directly comparable provision. USDA requires, through regulation, that for an EQIP contract to include irrigation-related practices, the participant must provide documented evidence that there is a history of irrigation on the land. (7 C.F.R. §1466.78(f))

No comparable provision.

Establishment and administration. Adds a requirement that state technical committees be given the opportunity to apply for a waiver of the irrigation history requirement. The waiver request may cover the entire state or regions of the state. Approval may be contingent on demonstration of no adverse impact to aquifer depletion or surface stream flow. Water efficiency requirements apply to contracts resulting from a waiver. (§2202(a)(4))

Water conservation or irrigation efficiency practice. USDA may enter into an EQIP contract with states, irrigation districts, groundwater management districts, acequias, land-grant Mercedes, or similar entities to implement water conservation or irrigation practices. Practices must be implemented on eligible land or land under the control of the entity. USDA can waive payment and eligibility limitations for these contracts. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-2(h)(2))

No comparable provision.

Establishment and administration. Deletes the waiver authority for these contracts. Adds a requirement that payments to an entity, directly or indirectly, may not exceed a total of $2 million between FY2027 and FY2031. (§2202(c))

No comparable provision.

No comparable provision.

No comparable provision.

Conservation stewardship program. Allows payments for wildlife corridor costs on land enrolled in CRP and of ecological significance. Multiple payments may not be made for the same practice. Payments for wildlife corridor costs do not alter emergency haying or grazing access on CRP acres. (§2301(2))

Conservation stewardship payments. CSP enrolls land into multiyear contracts to encourage producers to address priority resource concerns in a comprehensive manner by undertaking additional conservation activities and improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities. CSP payments are required to be based on several factors (e.g., costs incurred, income forgone, expected conservation benefits, and integration across an entire operation). (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-24(c)(2))

Duties of the Secretary. Adds costs associated with planning and adopting precision agriculture technology to the factors in which CSP payments are based. Requires program annual payments to be no less than $4,000. (§2302(a))

Supplemental payments for resource-conserving crop rotations and advanced grazing management. Authorizes additional payments for the adoption of resource-conserving crop rotations and advanced grazing management. Requires payments for these practices to be at least 150% of the annual payment rate. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-24(d))

Duties of the Secretary. Adds precision agriculture conservation activities as eligible for additional payments. (§2302(b))

Payment limitations. Limits CSP payments to a total of $200,000 for all CSP contracts entered into by an individual participant for FY2019-FY2024. (16 U.S.C. §3839aa-24(f); P.L. 118-22)

Duties of the Secretary. Limits CSP payments to a total of $200,000 for all CSP contracts entered into by an individual participant for FY2027-FY2031. (§2302(c))

No comparable provision.

State assistance for soil health. Creates a new Soil Health Program for eligible states and Indian Tribes. Grants are authorized to supplement existing state and tribal soil health programs. Limits grants to $5 million annually or to 50% or 75% of the cost of implementing a state program or tribal program, respectively. Grants are one year with the possibility of renewal. Makes $100 million of CSP funds available for the program annually for FY2027-FY2031, with limitations on administrative expenses. (§2303)

Subtitle E—Other Conservation Programs

Conservation of private grazing land. Authorizes appropriations of $60 million annually for the program through FY2026. (16 U.S.C. §3839bb(e); P.L. 119-37)

Conservation of private grazing land. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§2401) Conservation of private grazing land. Identical to House provision. (§2804)

Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. Requires USDA, under the pilot program, to study the extent of damage from feral swine, develop eradication and control measures and restoration methods, and provide cost-share funding to agricultural producers in established pilot program areas. Requires the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to coordinate the pilot through NRCS state technical committees. Limits cost-share assistance to 75% of the costs of eradication and control measures or restoration. Provides $75 million in mandatory Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)CCC funding for FY2019-FY2023, $15 million for FY2024, and $105 million for FY2025-FY2031. Requires funding to be split equally between NRCS and APHIS, with no more than 10% for administrative expenses. (7 U.S.C. §8351 note)

Feral swine eradication and control program. Codifies the pilot as a program with nearly identical requirements. Increases total funding for FY2025-FY2031 to $150 million. Amends the funding split as 40% to NRCS and 60% to APHIS. Retains the 10% limit for administrative expenses. Requires NRCS and APHIS to contract with one or more land-grant universities to assist with the program. Limits eligibility to selected universities. (§2402)

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. The Watershed Operations program provides technical and financial assistance to states and local organizations to plan and install watershed projects. (16 U.S.C. §§1001 et seq.1003)

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Adds a new provision allowing USDA to fund remedial actions for completed work under the program. (§2403(a))

No comparable provision.

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Adds a new provision requiring USDA to streamline procedures and expedite agreement approval methods for the Watershed Operations program. (§2403(a))

Data. Requires USDA to collect and maintain data at the national and state levels for the Watershed Operations program, including program expenditures and expected benefits from project implementation. (16 U.S.C. §1010)

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Requires USDA to make collected data publicly available. Requires additional data to be collected and made public related to total allocations, funds expended, and contract and agreement details. The public data requirement is to exclude information relating to agreements with individual landowners. (§2403(b))

Rehabilitation of structural measures near, at, or past their evaluated life expectancyWatershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Requires USDA to make collected data publicly available. (§2801(i)) Watershed Rehabilitation Program. Provides 65%-100% of the cost of rehabilitating dams built by NRCS that are near, at, or past their evaluated life expectancy. Implemented as the Watershed Rehabilitation Program. (16 U.S.C. §1012(b)(2))

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Increases the minimum required federal share of the cost of rehabilitation to 90%. Removes the requirement that 20% of total benefits of the watershed rehabilitation project must relate to agriculture, which may include rural communities. Removes the requirement that more than 50% of land situated in the drainage area above retention reservoirs have agreements to carry out recommended soil conservation measures and farm plans. (§2403(c)(1))

No comparable provision.

Funding. Authorizes appropriations of $85 million annually for the Watershed Rehabilitation Program through FY2026. (16 U.S.C. §1012(h)(2)(E); P.L. 119-37)

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels for the Watershed Rehabilitation Program through FY2031. (§2403(c)(2)) Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Identical to House provision. (§2801(j))

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP). ECP provides emergency funding and technical assistance to producers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters. Producers may accept a reduced payment for repairing or replacing fencing rather than receive a higher payment following the completion and inspection of fence installation. Limits advanced payments for fences to 25% of the total payment (based on cost). (16 U.S.C. §2201)

Emergency conservation program. Increases the advanced payment limit for repairing or replacing damaged fencing to 75% of the payment for replacement or rehabilitation of fencing (based on market value) and not more than 50% of the payment for fence repair (based on market value). Repair and replacement can include updated technology if it does not increase cost. Expands eligibility of the program to include wildfires not caused naturally, including wildfires caused by the federal government. (§2404)

Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program. Assists sponsors, landowners, and operators in implementing emergency recovery measures for runoff retardation and erosion prevention to relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by natural disasters, including the purchase of floodplain easements. (16 U.S.C. §2203(b))

Emergency watershed program. Amends the floodplain easement requirements under the EWP program to include floodplain restoration, maintenance, and compatible use authority. Allows restoration on floodplain easements to be undertaken at levels above immediate impairment needs if it is in the best interest of the long-term health and protection of the watershed. Requires that USDA identify a list of costs that may be incurred prior to entering into an agreement with USDA under EWP. These identified pre-agreement costs may count toward the sponsor's share of the total cost of the project if an agreement is entered into. (§2405)

No directly comparable provision. The Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) is a USDA-created multiagency effort led by NRCS to quantify the effects of conservation practices on agricultural lands.

National agriculture flood vulnerability study. Requires a CEAP report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a within two years of enactment on the flood risk on agricultural lands, including analysis of economic loss, effectiveness of mitigation activities, analysis of flood risk based on available data, existing risk reduction activities, and recommendations for further flood risk reduction. (§2406)

No comparable provision.

Study on environmental benefits of winter wheat as a cover crop. Requires NRCS to submit a study on the environmental benefits of using winter wheat as a cover crop to the House Committee on Agriculture. (§2407)

Subtitle F—Funding and Administration

Declaration of policy. Provides a declaration of policy that erosion, floodwater, and sediment damage in watersheds cause loss of life and property constituting a national menace. Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the federal government should cooperate with state and local governments to prevent such damages through preservation, protection, and improvement in water resources. (16 U.S.C. §1001)

No comparable provision.

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Retitles the section and adds a congressional finding that expands the declaration of policy to include drought, declines in agricultural production, and harm to wildlife as constituting a national menace. Amends the sense of Congress to focus on cooperation with local organizations. (§2801(a))

Definitions. Defines 3 terms under the Watershed Operations program, including Secretary, works of improvement, and local organization.

"Works of improvement" is defined as any undertaking for flood prevention; the conservation, development, and utilization of water; or the conservation and proper utilization of land. Projects may not exceed 250,000 acres and no structure may exceed more than 12,500 acre-feet of floodwater detention capacity or 25,000 acre-feet of total capacity. Limits appropriations for larger projects. Requires that at least 20% of the total benefits of the project must directly relate to agriculture (including rural communities).

"Local organizations" is defined as a state, political subdivision of a state, soil and water conservation district, flood prevention or control district, irrigation or reservoir company, water users' association, or tribal organization. (16 U.S.C. §1002)

No comparable provision.

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Adds definitions for conservation of water and management of water and makes amendments to the definitions of local organization and works of improvement.

"Conservation of water" means a reduction in the total annual consumptive use of water created under the program.

"Management of water" means a project or activity that increases water efficiency.

Amends the defined list of "local organization" to also include a canal company, ditch association, or acequia.

Amends the acreage limit under "works of improvement" to not exceed 250,000 acres, including federal land. Adds a definition of "rural communities" required to meet the 20% benefits threshold. Moves the appropriation limit for larger projects to a separate section.

(§2801(b))

Assistance to local organizations. Authorizes USDA to conduct investigations and surveys, prepare plans (including engineering evaluation), enter into cooperative agreements with local organizations for works of improvement, and enter into agreements with landowners, operators, and occupiers based on developed conservation plans. Applications must be made in writing to the soil and water conservation districts involved with conservation plan development. Cost-share is determined by USDA. USDA may terminate agreements if determined to be in the public interest. USDA may waive watershed plans for projects if considered to be duplicative. (16 U.S.C. §1002)

No comparable provision.

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Adds subsection headings and conforming amendments. Adds a requirement that the NRCS state conservationist have final authority to approve watershed plans for works of improvement within the state. Local organizations may use program funds for approved third parties to conduct preliminary investigations. Additional authorities may be granted to the NRCS state conservationist if the authorities support streamlining efforts. USDA has 45 days, plus a 45-day extension, to approve or disapprove applications. No funds may be provided for a project without an approved watershed plan, unless the need for a plan has been waived. (§2801(c))

Cost share assistance. Cost share assistance of up to 50% of the cost of acquiring an easement may be provided for perpetual wetland or floodplain conservation easements. (16 U.S.C. §1003a)

No comparable provision.

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Adds that other non-USDA federal funding provided for a project would be considered part of the nonfederal share of the project cost. (§2801(d))

No comparable provision.

No comparable provision

No comparable provision.

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Adds a requirement that USDA, in collaboration with NRCS state conservationists and project participants, review and update the engineering standards and requirements used for projects. (§2801(g))

No comparable provision.

No comparable provision.

Emergency conservation programs. Adds a new provision allowing users (through permit or lease) of federal, state, and local lands to conduct permanent and temporary improvements on the land using ECP. Waives public comment periods and allows for the acceptance of certain environmental reviews on federal land. (§2802(b))

Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP). EFRP provides cost-share assistance to private forestland owners to repair and rehabilitate damage caused by a natural disaster, such as wildfires, hurricanes or excessive winds, drought, ice storms or blizzards, or floods, on nonindustrial private forestlands. (16 U.S.C. §2206)

No comparable provision.

Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), CRP funding. Provides a total of $12 million for forest management thinning payments and a total of $50 million for transition contracts in mandatory CCC funding for FY2019-FY2023. Limits total funding for CRP by enrolled acres, not total dollars. (16 U.S.C. §3841(a)(1))

Commodity Credit Corporation. Reauthorizes mandatory funding authority for forest management payments and transition contracts through FY2031. (§2501(a)(1))

EQIP funding. Provides mandatory CCC funding of $2.655 billion for FY2026, $2.855 billion for FY2027, and $3.255 billion annually for FY2028-FY2031. (16 U.S.C. §3841(a)(3)(A))

Commodity Credit Corporation. Reduces the mandatory CCC funding authority for EQIP to $2.53 billion in FY2027, $2.73 billion in FY2028, $3.13 billion in FY2029, $3.175 billion in FY2030, and $3.255 billion in FY2031. (§2501(a)(2))

No directly comparable provision. Authorizes appropriations for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) of $12 million annually through FY2026. (16 U.S.C. §6578; P.L. 119-37)

Commodity Credit Corporation. Provides mandatory CCC funding for a new Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) of $25 million in FY2027, $50 million annually for FY2028-FY2030, and $65 million in FY2031. (§2501(a)(3))

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) funding. Provides mandatory CCC funding of $425 million for FY2026 and $450 million annually for FY2027-FY2031. (16 U.S.C. §3871d(a))

Commodity Credit Corporation. Moves funding authority for RCPP from within the program and provides mandatory CCC funding of $450 million annually for FY2027-FY2031. (§2501(a)(3))

Regional equity. Requires regional equity through proportional distribution of conservation program funds based on historical funding levels. (16 U.S.C. §3841(e))

Commodity Credit Corporation. Excludes FCEP from regional equity requirements. (§2501(b))

Acceptance and use of contributions for public-private partnerships. Requires USDA to establish contribution accounts for public-private partnership projects to address natural resource priorities (e.g., climate change and carbon sequestration). Contributed funds are used to leverage existing funds for certain conservation programs (e.g., EQIP, CSP, ACEP, and RCPP). Requires annual reports to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a through FY2031. (16 U.S.C. §3841(f))

Commodity Credit Corporation. Amends eligible programs to include FCEP. (§2501(c))

Report on program enrollments and assistance. Requires annual reports to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,^a through FY2026, on program enrollments and assistance under conservation programs, including significant payments, waivers, and exceptions. (16 U.S.C. §3841(i); P.L. 119-37)

Commodity Credit Corporation. Reauthorizes the annual report requirements through FY2031. (§2501(d))

Conservation standards and requirements. Requires that NRCS serve as the lead USDA agency for developing and establishing technical standards, including standards for conservation practices, and requirements for conservation programs. Requires that technical standards used by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) be consistent with the technical standards developed by NRCS. (16 U.S.C. §3841(j))

Commodity Credit Corporation. Adds a requirement that USDA provide a technical standard for composting. Defines composting as an activity to produce compost from organic waste that is used and managed on a farm. Requires consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency on whether nearby community contribution of organic waste would result in a net reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. (§2501(e))

Delivery of technical assistance. Requires USDA to provide all producers participating in conservation programs technical assistance, either by USDA or through an approved third-party provider. (16 U.S.C. §3842(a))

Delivery of technical assistance. Adds definitions for nonfederal certifying entity and farmer-to-farmer network.

Defines "nonfederal certifying" entity as a nonfederal entity, Indian Tribe, or state agency that is approved by USDA to certify third-party technical service providers.

Defines "famer-to-farmer network" as an association of farmers that share technical assistance, information, or related support. (§2502(a))

Certification of third-party providers. Technical Service Providers (TSPs), as labeled by USDA, are third-party providers (individuals or businesses) that have technical expertise in conservation planning and design for a variety of conservation activities. Farmers, ranchers, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies hire TSPs to provide these services on behalf of NRCS. NRCS certifies and approves TSPs through a certification process. (16 U.S.C. §3842(e))

Delivery of technical assistance. Expands TSP definition to specifically include commercial and nonprofit entities, state and local governments, and federal agencies. Amends the certification process to allow for other nonfederal certifying entities to approve TSPs. Adds requirements, including application deadlines, for nonfederal certifying entities. (§2502(d)) Delivery of technical assistance. Similar to House provisions, including the expansion of TSP definition, allowance of other nonfederal certifying entities to approve TSPs, and additional requirements for nonfederal certifying entities' applications, duties, and deadlines. (§§2404(2)-(4))

Administration. Allows USDA to use mandatory funding authorized for CRP, ACEP, EQIP, and CSP to fund TSPs. Establishes terms of agreements with TSPs and requires a review of TSP certification requirements. Requires payments to TSPs to be based on fair and reasonable amounts. (16 U.S.C. §3842(f))

Delivery of technical assistance. Expands the use of mandatory funding to include all USDA conservation programs. Requires additional review of TSP certification requirements and adjustments for increased use, outreach, and quality of TSP services. Amends payment rates to be equal to, but not exceed, the cost of USDA providing technical assistance. Adds additional payment considerations for specialized equipment and services. Excludes TSP payments from any cost-share requirements under applicable conservation programs. Requires TSP information to be made public. Requires USDA to emphasize TSP use for planning relating to cover crops, precision agriculture practices, and comprehensive nutrient management. Allows mandatory funding to be used to fund farmer-to-farmer networks. (§2502(e))

Review of conservation practice standards. Requires USDA to complete a review of conservation practice standards. Expands consultation requirements to include input from state technical committees. Requires USDA to develop an administrative process to expedite revisions of conservation practice standards, to consider scientific and technological advancements, to provide local flexibility in the creation of interim practice standards and partner-proposed techniques, and to solicit input from state technical committees. Requires a report to Congress every two years on the process and the revisions and innovations considered under the process. (16 U.S.C. §3842(h))

Delivery of technical assistance. Renames the section heading to "Establishment and Review." Reauthorizes required review of conservation practice standards and requires additional reviews at least every five years. Requires the evaluation of new and innovative technologies that provide equivalent or improved natural resource benefits compared with existing standards. Requires public input and reporting of the final decisions. Creates a new process for establishing interim and new conservation practice standards, including development of a streamlined process, consideration of public input, public reporting requirements, and required reports to Congress. Prioritizes review for innovative technologies, such as precision agriculture technologies, biological fertilizers, and perennial production systems. Establishes a new Office of Conservation Innovation within NRCS that would require the detailing of up to six staff to support and carry out the conservation practice standard review and revision processes. Requires the creation of a composting practice standard. (§2502(f))

No comparable provision.

Delivery of technical assistance. Provides USDA with direct hire authority to appoint individuals to positions that provide technical assistance to NRCS conservation programs. Allows appointments to be made without regard to federal hiring preferences, standards, and ranking requirements. Maintains requirements for Selective Service registration and prohibition on the consideration of recommendations of Senators and Representatives. Requires applicants to meet qualifications relating to the provision of technical assistance and standards established by the Office of Personnel Management. (§2502(g))

No comparable provision.

Delivery of technical assistance. Requires USDA to support nonstructural methods of livestock control (e.g., virtual fence) and other practices to support wildlife habitat connectivity. (§2502(h))

No comparable provision

Delivery of technical assistance. Creates a provision allowing USDA to enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities, such as nonprofits, Indian Tribes, local governments, institutes of higher education, states, and farmer-to-farmer networks, to build capacity and support for farmer-to-farmer networks. Priority is given for entities that would work with historically underserved and limited-resource producer groups or in high poverty areas. Entities would be required to complete certain actions, such as facilitating access to farmer-to-farmer networks and mentoring resources, coordinating training, supporting other farmer-to-farmer networks, or issuing subawards to increase farmer-to-farmer assistance. Requires USDA to provide a report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction.^a (§2502(i))

Acreage limitations. Establishes that no county may enroll more than 25% of cropland into CRP or wetland reserve easements under ACEP. Allows not more than 15% of a county to be enrolled as a wetland reserve easement under ACEP. Permits USDA to waive this limitation in some situations. (16 U.S.C. §3844(f))

Administrative requirements for conservation programs. Deletes the limit that not more than 15% of a county may be enrolled as a wetland reserve easement under ACEP. (§2503(b))

Review and guidance of practice costs and payment rates. Requires USDA to review and issue guidance on the cost effectiveness of cost-share rates and payment rates for all farm bill conservation programs. Requires USDA to issue guidance to states for an annual review and adjustment of rates. (16 U.S.C. §3844(j))

Administrative requirements for conservation programs. Requires an annual review of the actual practice costs by state and the payment rates under all farm bill conservation programs. Requires USDA to establish procedures for updating payment rates to reflect practice costs at the time of practice implementation. (§2503(c))

Source water protection through targeting of agricultural practices. Requires USDA to encourage conservation practices relating to water quality and quantity that protect source waters used for drinking water through all farm bill conservation programs. Allows producers to receive incentives and increased payment rates (up to 90% of cost) for such practices. Requires USDA to collaborate with community water systems and NRCS state technical committees to identify local priority areas. Requires 10% of all annual funding for conservation programs (except CRP) to be used for water protection practices for FY2019-FY2031. (16 U.S.C. §3844(n))

Administrative requirements for conservation programs. Requires USDA to identify a source water protection coordinator for each state. Requires an annual public report that includes program and funding information, including an interactive map with aggregated data. (§2503(d))

No comparable provision.

Administrative requirements for conservation programs. Allows USDA to encourage the use of conservation practices that support the development, restoration, and maintenance of habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors. (§2503(e))

Subtitle G—Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEPNo comparable provision.

CSP funding. Provides mandatory CCC funding of $1.3 billion for FY2026, $1.325 billion for FY2027, $1.35 billion annually for FY2028, $1.375 billion annually for FY2029-FY2031. (16 U.S.C. §3841(a)(3)(B))

No comparable provision.

Funding. Reduces the mandatory CCC funding authority for CSP to $1.275 billion in FY2027, $1.3 billion in FY2028, and $1.325 billion annually in FY2029-FY2031. (§2401(2)(b))

No comparable provision.

No comparable provision.

Definitions. Defines seven terms under ACEP. Defines buy-protect-sell transaction to allow land owned by an organizationeligible entity to be eligible for the program, subject to the transfer of ownership to a farmer or rancher within three years following the acquisition of the agricultural land easement (ALE). (16 U.S.C. §3865a)

Agricultural land easements. Deletes the definition of buy-protect-sell transaction. (§2601)

Availability of assistance. Provides ACEP funds for the purchase of ALEs by eligible entities, for technical assistance to implement the program, and to develop an ALE plan and for buy-protect-sell transactions. (16 U.S.C. §3865b(a))

Agricultural land easements. Deletes buy-protect-sell transactions as eligible for funding. (§2602(a))

Cost-share assistance. Limits the federal share of an ALE to 50% of the fair market value of the easement. Requires ALE eligible entities to provide contributions that are at least equivalent to the federal share. Allows grasslands of special environmental significance up to 75% of the fair market value for the federal share. The nonfederal portion used by the eligible entity can be cash, landowner donations, costs associated with the easement, or other costs determined by USDA. (16 U.S.C. §§3865b(b)(1) and (b)(2))

Agricultural land easements. Limits the federal share of an ALE to 65% of the fair market value of the easement. Creates a new exception in the case of a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher who holds at least 50% ownership interest; the federal share may be up to 90% of the fair market value of the easement. Requires the nonfederal portion to cover the remainder in value of the easement. Adds a low cost-share option that reduces the federal share of an ALE to 25% of the fair market value of the easement if the agreement does not include a right of enforcement for USDA. Under the low cost-share option, allows the eligible entity to use its own terms and conditions for the ALE if USDA determines they are consistent with the purposes of the programs and permit effective enforcement. Requires entities using the low cost-share option to provide at least 50% of the fair market value of the ALE in cash. (§2602(b)(1))

Evaluation and ranking of applications. Requires the evaluation and ranking criteria for ALE applications to maximize the benefit of federal investment under ACEP. (16 U.S.C. §3865b(b)(3))

Agricultural land easements. Adds a new provision allowing USDA to pool applications from socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers and consider them separately from other ALE applications. (§2602(b)(2))

Agreements with eligible entities. ACEP ALE enrollment is through eligible entities that enter into cooperative agreements of three to five years in length with USDA. The entities acquire easements and hold, monitor, manage, and enforce the easements. Entities may use their own terms and conditions for ALEs if USDA determines they are consistent with the purpose of the program, permit effective enforcement, and include a right of enforcement for USDA. (16 U.S.C. §3865b(b)(4))

Agricultural land easements. Requires eligible entities' terms and conditions to include a right for USDA to require transfer of the easement if the eligible entity ceases to exist or is no longer eligible for ACEP. (§2602(b)(3))

Certification of eligible entities. Requires USDA to establish a process for certifying eligible entities with specified criteria. Land trusts accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission with more than 10 successful ALEs under ACEP or other easement programs and state agencies with more than 10 successful ALEs under ACEP or other easement programs may be considered certified under ACEP if they meet program responsibilities. Requires USDA to review eligible entities every 3 years. Allows USDA to revoke certifications if found ineligible after review and a 180a180-day grace period to correct actions. (16 U.S.C. §3865b(b)(5))

Agricultural land easements. Amends the certification process in order to minimize administrative burdens on USDA and to recognize the ability of experienced eligible entities to administer easements with minimal USDA oversight. Lowers the threshold for certification to 5 successful ALEs under ACEP for both land trusts and states. Expands certification eligibility considerations to entities that are not land trusts or states but have more than 10 successful ALEs under ACEP or other easement programs. Requires annual quality review of a sample set of eligible entities. (§2602(b)(4))

Availability of assistance. Permits ACEP Wetland Reserve Easements (WREs) to enroll land to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands through 30-year easements, permanent easements, or 30-year contracts for Indian Tribes. (16 U.S.C. §3865c(b)(1))

Wetland reserve easements. Expands eligibility of 30-year contracts to include socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. (§2603(a)(1))

No comparable provision.

Wetland reserve easements. Allows USDA to evaluate and rank applications from socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers separately from other applications. (§2603(a)(2))

No comparable provision.

Wetland reserve easements. Requires USDA to provide funding for repair, maintenance, and enhancement activities on existing WREs in accordance with a WRE plan. Prioritizes identified maintenance and management needs. Limits payments to 100% of the cost of the practice. Requires USDA to provide a report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a within two years of enactment on funds required and used under this provision. (§2603(c))

Technical assistance. USDA may use contracts with private entities or agreements with states, nongovernmental organizations, or Indian Tribes to carry out restoration, enhancement, or maintenance of WREs. (16 U.S.C. §3865c(d))

Wetland reserve easements. Renames subsection. Expands eligibility to federal and local agencies. Adds repair, assessment, and monitoring to the actions that could be carried out through a contract or agreement. (§2603(d)) Wetland reserve easements. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences to the House provision. (§2503(5))

Wetland reserve enhancement option. Authorizes USDA to conduct a WRE option (referred to as the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Partnership, WREP) that uses agreements with states to leverage funds for high-priority wetlands projects. (16 U.S.C. §3865c(e))

Wetland reserve easements. Requires at least 15% of funds available to carry out ACEP WREs to be used for WREP. (§2603(e))

Modification and exchange. Allows USDA to modify or exchange any ACEP easement if no reasonable alternative exists and the modification or exchange (1) results in a greater or equivalent conservation value, (2) results in a greater or equivalent economic value to the United States, (3) is consistent with the original intent of the easement and purposes of ACEP, and (4) is in the public interest and furthers the practical administration of ACEP. USDA may not increase payments because of modifications or exchanges. (16 U.S.C. §3865d(c)(2))

Administration. Separates the modification and exchange requirements into separate provisions. For modifications, removes the authority to modify an ACEP easement if no reasonable alternative exists and replaces it with a requirement that the modification supports the long-term agricultural viability of the farm and conservation values of the easement. Removes the allowance for the modification based on creating a greater or equivalent economic value to the United States. Allows modifications of an easement to make corrections, exercise reserved rights, and make changes based on water availability. Amends the limitation on increased payments if the modification would add acres to the easement. Adds that ACEP modifications are not to be considered major federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Exchange requirements remain unchanged as a separate provision. (§2604(a)(1))

No comparable provision.

Administration. Allows de minimis adjustments of ACEP easements if they further the practical administration of the programs and are not a subordination, modification, exchange, or termination. Defines de minimis adjustments to include typographical errors, minor changes in legal descriptions due to mapping errors, transfers of interest between eligible entities, changes to building envelope boundaries, access relocations, temporary work areas, and other adjustments determined appropriate by USDA. Allows eligible entities to modify terms and conditions if they do not conflict with the required minimum terms and conditions. (§2604(a)(2))

Limitation. Limits eligibility for various USDA programs (including ACEP) to persons and legal entities whose average adjusted gross income (AGI) is no more than $900,000. (7 U.S.C. §1308-3a(b)(1))

Administration. Exempts ACEP from AGI limits and removes any income derived from ACEP from being included in the AGI calculation. (§2604(b))

Subtitle H—Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEPAdjusted gross income limitation. Identical to House provision. (§2505)

No directly comparable provision.

The purpose of ACEP ALEs is to protect agricultural use and future viability by limiting nonagricultural uses. (16 U.S.C. §3865(b)(3))

HFRP assists private and tribal landowners in restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems for the purposes of species recovery, biodiversity improvement, and carbon sequestration enhancement as outlined in restoration plans. (16 U.S.C. §6571)

Forest conservation easement program. Creates a forest conservation easement program that funds two types of easements: forest land easements and forest reserve easements. Forest land easements are similar to ALEs under ACEP. Forest reserve easements are similar to easements under HFRP, which would be repealed on enactment. Authorizes FCEP to acquire easements for the purpose of protecting the sustainability of forest landsforestlands by limiting non-forest landforestland uses, protecting and enhancing forest ecosystems and species habitats, and carrying out the purposes of HFRP prior to repeal. (§2701)

No directly comparable provision. HFRP defines acreage owned by Indian tribes as land held in trust by the United States for the benefit of Indian Tribes or tribal members; land held by Indian Tribes or individual Indians subject to federal restrictions; land subject to rights of use, occupancy, and benefit of certain Indian Tribes; land held in fee title by an Indian Tribe; land owned by a native corporation formed under §17 of the Indian Reorganization Act (25 U.S.C. §5124) or §8 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. §1607); or any combination thereof. (16 U.S.C. §6572(e)(2)(A))

Forest conservation easement program. Defines terms used by FCEP, including

Acreage owned by an Indian tribe, which repeats the definition used under HFRP;

Eligible entity means an "agency of state or local government," Indian Tribe, or eligible organization;

Eligible land means private forest landforestland or "acreage owned by an Indian Tribe" that, if enrolled in either a forest land easement or forest reserve easement, would protect forest use and species habitat;

Forest land easement means an easement that protects forest landforestland use while maintaining working forest production, in accordance with a forest management plan;

Forest management plan means a "forest stewardship plan" or other plan developed by a third party or state forestry agency, as appropriate;

Forest reserve easement means an easement that protects forest landforestland use while maintaining working forest production, in accordance with a forest reserve easement plan;

Program means FCEP; and

Socially disadvantaged forest landowner means a forest landowner who is a member of a group that has been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities. (§2701)

No directly comparable provision. ACEP ALEs provide for the purchase of conservation easements through eligible entities by limiting the land's nonagricultural uses. The federal cost may not exceed 50% of the fair market value of the easement. Grasslands of special environmental significance are allowed up to 75% of the fair market value for the federal share. Fair market value is determined through approved industry methods. The nonfederal portion can be cash, landowner donations, costs associated with the easement, or other costs determined by USDA. Requires the evaluation and ranking criteria for ALE applications to maximize the benefit of federal investment under ACEP. USDA must enter into agreements with eligible entities that have the authority and resources to enforce easements, polices, and procedures. Agreements with noncertified entities are three to five years in length, and they may use their own terms and conditions on approval. Substitution of qualified projects may be made if mutually agreed on. If an eligible entity violates the terms of the agreement, USDA may terminate the agreement and require a refund of any payments, plus interest. USDA must follow a certification process for eligible entities, including a periodic review. ALEs must be permanent or the maximum duration under state law. USDA may provide technical assistance on request. (16 U.S.C. §3865b)

Forest conservation easement program. Authorizes FCEP to purchase forest land easements, support development of a forest management plan, and support technical assistance to implement the program. These new forest land easements are similar to ALEs under ACEP. Limits the federal share of an easement to 50% of the fair market value or up to 75% of fair market value if it is owned by a socially disadvantaged forest landowner or is of special environmental significance. Sets requirements for the nonfederal portion used by the eligible entity and the fair market value determination methods to be similar to ACEP. Requires USDA to rank applications to maximize federal investment, with priority given to easements that would maintain working forest landforestland and land with an existing forest management plan. Allows eligible entities to enter into cooperative agreements of three to five years in length with USDA. Requires the entities to hold, monitor, manage, and enforce the easements. Allows entities to use their own terms and conditions that are determined by USDA to be consistent with the purpose of the program, permit effective enforcement, include a forest management plan, limit impervious surfaces, and include a right of enforcement for USDA. Additional permitted terms and conditions are allowed if they are intended to keep land in active forest management, allow mineral development in accordance with state law, and include other relevant activities relating to the easement. Substitution and violation provisions are identical to ACEP. Allows forest management plans to be a reimbursable cost. Includes the same duration and technical assistance requirements as ALEs. (§2701)

No directly comparable provision. HFRP enrolls acres using 10-year agreements, 30-year easements, and permanent easements. Provides first priority to endangered or threatened species listed under the Endangered Species Act, as amended (ESA, 16 U.S.C. §1533), and second priority to candidate species for listing under ESA, state-listed species, special concern species, or species in greatest conservation need. (16 U.S.C. §6572(f))

Land enrolled in HFRP is subject to a restoration plan that includes practices that are necessary to restore and enhance species' habitats. (16 U.S.C. §6573)

Payment for a permanent easement under HFRP is 75%-100% of the fair market value of the land before the easement, less the value after the easement. Cost-share payment for practices implemented is 100%. For 30-year easements, payment is 75% of the value of the easement and 75% of the practice costs. For 10-year agreements, payments are 50% of the lesser of the actual cost or average cost of the practices. (16 U.S.C. §6574)

Requires USDA to provide technical assistance to landowners either directly or through third parties. (16 U.S.C. §6575)

Land enrolled in HFRP may qualify for "safe harbor" protections if the land results in a net benefit for listed, candidate, or other species under ESA. (16 U.S.C. §6576)

Allows USDA to consult with other federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and nonindustrial private forest landowners under HFRP. (16 U.S.C. §6577)

Forest conservation easement program. Authorizes 30-year and permanent (or maximum duration under state law) forest reserve easements and 30-year contracts (Indian Tribes only). Forest reserve easements are similar to easements under HFRP, which would be repealed on enactment (§2702). Limits 30-year easements to 10% of funds. Priority is nearly identical to that of HFRP. Requires easement terms to be consistent with the purpose of the program, and additional terms may be added at the landowner's request. Payment for a permanent easement is similar to HFRP but at 100% of the fair market value. All nonpermanent easement payments are 50%-75% of the payment rate for a permanent easement. Forest reserve easement plans are similar to HFRP restoration plans. Cost-share for practices is 100% for permanent easements and 50%-75% for all other easements and contracts. Technical assistance requirements and safe harbor protections are similar to HFRP. Allows USDA to delegate management, monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities for easements to qualified federal or state agencies. Allows USDA to consult with agencies and organizations similar to those identified under HFRP. (§2701) Forest conservation easement program. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§2701)

No directly comparable provision. ACEP administration requirements outline ineligible land; application ranking priority; and requirements for subordination, exchange, modification, termination, and how land enrolled in other programs is to be handled. Ineligible land includes land owned by the United States (not held in trust for Indian Tribes), states, or local governments. The land may not be eligible if it currently has a similar easement or protection in place or where the easement could be undermined by other conditions (e.g., hazardous substances, rights of way). Prioritizes expiring CRP acres for ACEP easements. USDA may subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate easements. Land enrolled in CRP may be modified or terminated if enrolled in ACEP. Land enrolled in previously repealed programs is considered enrolled in ACEP. (16 U.S.C. §3865d)

Forest conservation easement program. Defines ineligible land similarly as under ACEP. Allows USDA to subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate easements in a manner similar to amendments made to ACEP requirements. Land enrolled in HFRP prior to repeal is considered enrolled in FCEP. (§2701)

Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP). HFRP assists private and tribal landowners in restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems for the purposes of species recovery, biodiversity improvement, and carbon sequestration enhancement as outlined in restoration plans. (16 U.S.C. §§6571 et seq.)

Healthy Forests Reserve Programforests reserve program. Repeals HFRP with transitional provisions for existing contracts to remain in effect for the term of the contract using previously available funds or funds available under FCEP. (§2702)

Subtitle I—Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPPHealthy forests reserve program. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§2702)

Establishment and purpose. The purpose of RCPP is to address resource concerns relating to soil, water, wildlife, and agricultural land on a regional and watershed scale through grant agreements with eligible partners. (16 U.S.C. §3871(b)(2))

Establishment and purposes. Adds the prevention of flooding and drought mitigation to the list of resource concerns eligible for RCPP. (§2801)

Definitions. Defines seven terms under RCPP, including covered program to include covered program, eligible activity, eligible land, eligible partner, partnership agreement, program, and program contract.

Covered program includes ACEP, EQIP, CSP, HFRP, CRP, and Watershed Operations.

Definitions. Deletes HFRP from the list of "covered programs" and adds FCEP. (§2802)

Definitions. Amends the definition of "eligible partner" to include agricultural retailers.

Deletes HFRP from the list of covered programs and adds FCEP. (§2602; §2702(c)(2))

Partnership agreements authorized. Authorizes USDA to enter into partnership agreements with eligible partners to carry out approved projects. (16 U.S.C. §3871b(a))

Regional conservation partnerships. Requires partnership agreements to be entered into within 180 days after selection. Limits the information required in the agreement. (§2803(aRequires information on waiver process be made available. (§2803(a)) Regional conservation partnerships. Requires partnership agreements to be entered into within 180 days after selection. Limits the information required in the agreement. (§2603(1))

Duties of the Secretary. Requires USDA to establish program implementation timelines, identify state coordinators, provide assistance to partners, and ensure that activities achieve identified benefits. (16 U.S.C. §3871b(d))

Regional conservation partnerships. Requires payments to be made to eligible partners within 30 days of request. (§2803(b))

Duties of eligible partners. Allows USDA to enter into funding agreements directly with partners. Requires activities through these agreements to be carried out on a regional or watershed scale; activities include infrastructure investment, restoration plan coordination with producers, innovative leveraging of federal and private funds, or other projects determined by USDA. Requires annual reports. (16 U.S.C. §3871c(d)(3))

Assistance to producers. Requires that under a funding agreement, at least 50% of the overall costs of the projects must be directly funded by the partner rather than as in-kind or a combination of in-kind and direct funding. (§2804)

Availability of funds and duration of availability. Provides mandatory CCC funding of $425 million for FY2026 and $450 million annually for FY2027-FY2031. (16 U.S.C. §3871d(a))

Funding. Deletes provision and makes conforming amendments, with funding language for FY2027-FY2031 being moved to an earlier section with no change in funding levels. (§2805(a))

Limits on administrative expenses and technical assistance. Excludes administrative expenses of eligible partners from coverage. Allows advanced funding for outreach activities and project development. Advanced funding for partners is to be used within 90 days. Requires USDA to limit costs associated with providing technical assistance with the program, publicly reporting technical assistance costs, and encouraging the use of third-party assistance providers. (16 U.S.C. §§3871d(d), (e))

Funding. Allows up to 10% of funds available for a project to be used to reimburse administrative expenses of the partner. Allows non-reimbursed expenses to count toward the partner's required contribution. Removes the time limit for advanced funding. Requires USDA to provide a simplified process for fund reimbursement and advancement. (§§2805(b), (c))

Administration. Requires USDA to make information on selected projects publicly available. Requires a report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a every two years on the status of projects funded. Prohibits USDA from providing assistance to producers out of compliance with highly erodible cropland and wetlands conservation requirements. Requires USDA to conduct outreach for historically underserved producers and issue regulations for RCPP. (16 U.S.C. §3871e)

Administration. Requires reports to Congress be made publicly available. Requires the terms and conditions of a program contract to be consistent with that of the covered program. Allows USDA to adjust regulatory requirements but not the application of statutory requirements for covered programs used in a partnership agreement. Allows USDA to waive selected ACEP land requirements and eligible entity certifications. Under EQIP, prohibits USDA from considering prior irrigation history when determining eligible land. Exempts terms and conditions for alternative funding agreements from consistency requirements. (§2806)

Critical Conservation Areas (CCAs). Requires USDA to use 50% of RCPP funds for partnership agreements in identified CCAs. Defines priority resource concern as a natural resource concern in a CCA that can be addressed through water quality and quantity improvement, wildlife habitat restoration, and other improvements determined by USDA. (16 U.S.C. §3871f(a)(2))

Critical conservation areas. Adds "wildlife connectivity" and "wildlife migration corridors" to the definition of priority resource concern. (§2807(a))

CCA designations. USDA may establish up to eight CCAs at any one time. Designation may expire after five years, subject to redesignation. Areas are selected by USDA based on several criteria: multistate areas with significant agricultural production, those having an existing agreement or plan in place, those containing priority resource concerns, or those subject to regulatory requirements. (16 U.S.C. §3871f(c))

Critical conservation areas. Requires USDA to include the Columbia River Basin in the current Western Water CCA. (§2807(c))

Current Law/Policy

House-Passed H.R. 7567

Subtitle A—Food for Peace Act

Titles II-IV of the Food for Peace Act (FFPA; P.L. 83-480), as amended. Under FFPA Title II, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) may provide agricultural commodities to meet emergency food needs and for nonemergency assistance. FFPA Title III authorizes USAID to implement a program for "least developed countries" that allows the sale of donated agricultural commodities. Revenue from sales may be used for economic development activities in the recipient countries. Title IV provisions consist of general authorities, requirements, and authorization of appropriations for FFPA programs. (7 U.S.C. §§1721 et seq.; P.L. 119-37)

Transfer of authorities to the Secretary of Agriculture. Replaces Administrator of USAID with Secretary of Agriculture in most cases and strikes out Administrator of USAID under provisions of FFPA Titles II-IV. On or after January 1, 2026, USAID's assets, liabilities, orders, determinations, permits, grants, loans, contracts, agreements, certificates, and licenses under FFPA are to be transferred to USDA. Authorizes any other authority or responsibility of USAID under FFPA to be exercised by USDA. References to USAID in related laws or regulations are deemed to refer to USDA. Requires USDA to promulgate or amend rules and regulations to complete the transfer of all functions and duties previously carried out by USAID. Requires USDA to consult with the Department of State "from time to time" in carrying out FFPA. (§3101)

Provision of agricultural commodities. Under FFPA Title II, USAID may provide agricultural commodities to meet emergency food needs through governments and public or private agencies, including intergovernmental organizations, "notwithstanding any other provisions of law." Authorizes USAID to provide agricultural commodities for nonemergency assistance through eligible organizations, including private voluntary organizations or cooperatives and intergovernmental organizations. Limits certain funding sources for assessing donated food quality characteristics and other activities to $4.5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1722; P.L. 119-37)

Food aid quality assurance. Amends the notwithstanding clause for emergency assistance under FFPA Title II to be subject to other provisions of law but notwithstanding from other provisions of FFPA. Authorizes USDAonly apply to other FFPA provisions. Authorizes USDA to provide nonemergency assistance, including in the form of agricultural commodities. Adds nongovernmental organizations as eligible entities to receive nonemergency assistance. Requires at least 50% of the funds made available to USDA under FFPA Title II to be used to procure U.S. agricultural commodities and provide their ocean transportation. Extends annual funding limit at current levels through FY2031. (§3102) Food aid quality assurance. Amends the notwithstanding clause for emergency assistance under FFPA Title II to apply only to other FFPA provisions. Authorizes USAID to provide nonemergency assistance, including in the form of agricultural commodities through eligible organizations. Adds nongovernmental organizations as eligible entities to receive nonemergency assistance. Requires at least 50% of the funds made available to USDAUSAID under FFPA Title II to be used to procure U.S. agricultural commodities and provide for their ocean transportation. Replaces "agricultural commodities" with "assistance" in the subsection about ensuring the effective use and in the areas of greatest need of assistance under FFPA Title II. their ocean transportation. Extends annual funding limit at current levels through FY2031. (§3102)

Levels of assistance. Requires USAID to make at least 2.5 million metric tons of agricultural commodities available annually for food distribution, including at least 1.875 million metric tons for nonemergency food distribution through FY2026. Requires nonemergency food assistance to be at least 75% value-added commodities and requires at least 50% of bagged whole grain commodities to be bagged in the United States. Authorizes USAID to waive the abovementioned requirements. (7 U.S.C. §1724; P.L. 119-37)

Repeal of minimum levels of assistance. Repeals section. (§3103) Repeal of minimum levels of assistance. Repeals section. (§3103(a))

Food Aid Consultative Group. Consists of the Administrator of USAID, the USDA Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA), the Inspector General of USAID, organizations participating or receiving funds under FFPA Title II, foreign indigenous nongovernmental organizations, U.S. agricultural producer and processing groups, and the maritime transportation sector involved in FFPA programs. Terminates the group at the end of calendar year 2026. (7 U.S.C. §1725; P.L. 119-37)

Food aid consultative group. Aid Consultative Group. Replaces the Administrator of USAID with the Secretary of Agriculture and replaces USAID with USDA. Eliminates the membership role of the USDA TFAA Under Secretary. Adds the Secretary of State as a member. Extends the authority of the Food Aid Consultative Group through calendar year 2031. (§3104) Food Aid Consultative Group. Extends the authority of the Food Aid Consultative Group through calendar year 2031. (§3104)

Administration. Requires USAID to issue all necessary regulations and revisions to agency guidelines regarding changes in the operation or implementation of programs under FFPA Title II no later than 270 days after the enactment of the 2018 farm bill. Authorizes USAID to use up to 1.5%, but not less than $17 million, of the funds available annually through FY2026 for FFPA Title II to implement program oversight, monitoring, and evaluation. Not more than $500,000 is available for information technology systems maintenance. Not more than $8 million annually through FY2026 may be used for early warning assessments and systems to help prevent famines. (7 U.S.C. §1726a; P.L. 119-37)

Issuance of regulations; oversight, monitoring, and evaluation. Requires USDA to issue all necessary regulations and revisions to agency guidelines regarding changes in the operation or implementation of programs under FFPA Title II no later than 270 days after enactment. Updates provisions requiringStrikes out references of USAID to consult with USDA to conform with changes from §3101. Extends funding requirements for program oversight, monitoring, and evaluation through FY2031. (§3105) Program oversight, monitoring, and evaluation. Extends funding requirements for program oversight, monitoring, and evaluation through FY2031. (§3105)

International food relief partnership. Authorizes USAID to provide grants to prepare, stockpile, and distribute shelf-stable prepackaged foods for needy individuals in foreign countries. In addition to other available funding, authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026, to remain available until expended. (7 U.S.C. §1726b; P.L. 119-37)

International food relief partnership. Removes separate authorization of appropriations. In addition to other funds available to carry out this program, requires at least $15 million annually made available to USDA under FFPA Title II to be made available for this program from FY2027 through FY2031, to remain available until expended. (§3106) International food relief partnership. Removes separate authorization of appropriations. In addition to other funds available to carry out this program, requires at least $15 million annually made available to USAID under FFPA Title II to be made available for this program from FY2027 through FY2031, to remain available until expended. (§3106)

Use of Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Lists the specific costs associated with acquiring and distributing commodities under FFPA Titles II and III that may be paid using CCC funds. (7 U.S.C. §1736(b))

Use of commodity credit corporationCommodity Credit Corporation. Authorizes the CCC to pay "all associated and incidental costs" of commodities available under FFPA Titles II and III. (§3107)

Administrative provisions. Requires USAID to transfer, arrange transportation, and take other steps necessary to make available agricultural commodities under FFPA Titles II and III. Authorizes USAID to use funds made available for FY2001-FY2026 to implement FFPA Titles II and III procurement, transportation, and storage of agricultural commodities for prepositioning. Limits funds to preposition commodities in foreign countries to $15 million annually through FY2026. Requires USAID and USDA annual international food assistance reports to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (7 U.S.C. §1736a; P.L. 119-37)

Prepositioning of agricultural commodities and annual report regarding food aid programs and activities. Extends authority and funding requirements at current levels for prepositioning of agricultural commodities through FY2031. Makes changes to the required USDA annual report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Removes some specified topics and adds others. (§3108) Technical corrections and administrative provisions. Amends subsection letterings and numberings for provisions in 7 U.S.C. §1736a that were amended in the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-127; §216). Extends authority and funding requirements at current levels for prepositioning of agricultural commodities through FY2031. Makes changes to the required USAID and USDA annual reports to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Removes some specified topics and adds others. (§3108(a)(2))

Expiration date. Prohibits new agreements under FFPA to finance sales or to provide assistance after calendar year 2024. (7 U.S.C. §1736b; P.L. 119-37)

Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance. Permits new agreements until the end of calendar year 2031. (§3109)

Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance. Requires at least $365 million to be made available annually for nonemergency food assistance through FY2026. Limits funding for nonemergency food assistance to 30% of the total made available annually under FFPA Title II through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1736f; P.L. 119-37)

Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance. Extends minimum and maximum funding levels for FFPA Title II nonemergency food assistance through FY2031. Adds a new provision, "Minimum Levels of Funding to Address Child Wasting," requiring at least $200 million to be made available annually for the procurement of ready-to-use therapeutic foods under certain circumstances. This funding is to be made available when the global child wasting rate is above 5% and annual funding for FFPA Title II is above $1.2 billion. (§3110) Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance. Extends minimum and maximum funding levels for FFPA Title II nonemergency food assistance from FY2027 through FY2031. (§3110)

Micronutrient fortification programs. Requires USAID, in consultation with USDA, to establish programs to assist developing countries in correcting micronutrient dietary deficiencies and apply technologies and systems to ensure the quality, shelf life, bioavailability, and safety of fortified food aid. Terminates programs at the end of FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1736g-2; P.L. 119-37)

Termination date for micronutrient fortification programs. Strikes out reference to USAID. Terminates programs at the end of FY2031. (§3111) Micronutrient fortification programs. Terminates programs at the end of FY2031. (§3111)

John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Program. Authorizes the F2F program to use individuals and groups from the U.S. agricultural sector to provide technical assistance to producers and farm organizations in qualifying countries to improve agricultural systems and to strengthen agricultural groups in those countries. (7 U.S.C. §1737; P.L. 119-37)

John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter farmer-to-farmer programFarmer-to-Farmer Program. Extends authority and authorization of appropriations at current levels through FY2031. Replaces USAID with USDA to carry out the F2F program. (§3112)

No comparable provision.

Food for Peace Act administration. Authorizes USDA to use appropriated funds for the salaries and expenses of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) under an appropriations Act or any other provision of law to pay for the administrative expenses of USDA to implement FFPA from FY2026 through FY2031. For FY2026 through FY2031, unexpended funds for the administrative expenses of USDA to implement FFPA at the end of the fiscal year may be carried over to the following fiscal year. (§3113)

Subtitle B—Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

United States policy. States U.S. policy to use its abundant agricultural productivity to promote U.S. foreign policy by enhancing the food security of the developing world by using agricultural commodities and local currencies accrued under FFPA. Lists U.S. policies to combat world hunger and malnutrition and their causes; promote broad-based, equitable, and sustainable development, including agricultural development; expand international trade; foster and encourage the development of private enterprise and democratic participation in developing countries; and prevent conflicts. (7 U.S.C. §1691(1); P.L. 119-37)

No comparable provision.

United States policy. Adds "child wasting" to list of U.S. policies to combat along with "world hunger, malnutrition… and their causes." (§3101)

Agreements. Requires USDA or USAID entering agreements with foreign countries under FFPA Title I and III to consider the extent whether those recipient foreign countries are undertaking measures of economic development that improves "food security and agricultural development, alleviate poverty, and promote broad-based, equitable, and sustainable development." Mult-year agreements are allowed under FFPA Titles I and II and required under Title II. USDA or USAID may determine, as appropriate, to make assistance available on an annual basis for a recipient country or eligible organization if past performance of the country or organization meeting program objectives does not warrant a multi-year agreement; anticipated need of the country or organization for food aid does not extend beyond 1 year; or other circumstances determined by USDA or USAID, as appropriate, that indicate there is only a need for a 1-year agreement. (7 U.S.C. §1734; P.L. 119-37)

No comparable provision.

Technical corrections and administrative provisions. Amends provision allowing other circumstances as determined by USDA or USAID, as appropriate, to provide assistance to a country or through an organization on an annual basis by changing "need for a 1 year agreement" to "need for a 1-year agreement." (§3108(a)(1)(A))

Assistance in furtherance of narcotics control objectives of United States. Prohibits local currencies made available under FFPA to be used to finance the production of agricultural commodities and products for export to compete with similar U.S. agricultural commodities and products in the world market if, as determined by the President, such competition would cause substantial injury to U.S. producers. Provides the President exceptions to the restrictions in providing assistance under FFPA that would cause substantial injury to U.S. producers if the eligible country is a major illicit drug producing country as defined by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA; P.L. 87-195) as amended. (7 U.S.C. §1736g–1; P.L. 119-37)

No comparable provision.

Technical corrections and administrative provisions. Amends reference to definitions section of FAA. (§3108(a)(1)(B))

John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter F2F Program. Authorizes the F2F program to use individuals and groups from the U.S. agricultural sector to provide technical assistance to producers and farm organizations in qualifying countries to improve agricultural systems and to strengthen agricultural groups in those countries. (7 U.S.C. §1737; P.L. 119-37)

No comparable provision.

Technical corrections and administrative provisions. Inserts a semicolon within an inclusive list of example topics under the F2F program to improve agricultural and agribusiness operations and agricultural systems in qualifying countries. (§3108(a)(1)(C))

No comparable provision.

Foreign Market Development (FMD) Cooperator Program. Establishes FMD to maintain and develop foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities in cooperation with eligible trade organizations. Provides mandatory CCC funding of not less than $34.5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §5623(c); 7 U.S.C. §5623(f)(3)(ii); P.L. 119-37)

Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation. Requires USDA, as part of a new FMD subprogram, to enter into contracts or other agreements with eligible trade or nonprofit organizations to enhance infrastructure capabilities in new and developing foreign markets to ensure U.S. agricultural commodities are not damaged or lost due to infrastructure deficiencies. For FY2027, not more than $1.5 million may be made available for this subprogram. For FY2028 and every fiscal year after, not more than $5 million may be available for this subprogram. (§3201(a))

Annual Reportreport. Requires an annual USDA report to the appropriate congressional committees on factors affecting the export of specialty crops, including trade barriers, and reasons for any unobligated funds provided to Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC), an export assistance program. (7 U.S.C. §5623(e)(7))

Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation. Changes report requirements. Requires USDA, in consultation with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), to submit to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,^a House Committee on Ways and Means, and Senate Committee on Finance every two years a public report on the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops. Requires the report to identify foreign countries' policies and practices that are barriers to U.S. specialty crop exports, enhancements to imported specialty crop competitiveness to U.S. specialty crops, and differences in food safety regulations that may result in risks to U.S. consumers from imported specialty crops. Requires the report to include information about actions taken or expected to be taken by executive and legislative branches to address foreign trade barriers, policies, and practices. Requires reasons for any unobligated TASC funds remaining unspent during the fiscal year prior to the submission of the report. Requires USDA, in coordination with USTR, to seek and consider comments from the public and the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade (ATAC) in Fruits and Vegetables for preparation of the report. (§3201(b)) Report on competitiveness of United States exports of specialty crops. Similar to House provision. Changes report requirements. The report requires USDA, in consultation with USTR, to submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an annual public report on the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops. Requires USDA and USTR in conjunction with the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to make estimates on the impact of U.S. specialty crop export competitiveness due to foreign countries' policies and practices and, if feasible, the value of additional exports during the prior year of the report's submission if the foreign countries' policies and practices did not exist. Requires descriptions for any unobligated TASC funds from the fiscal year prior to the submission of the report. Requires USDA, in coordination with USTR, to seek and consider comments from the public and the ATAC in Fruits and Vegetables for preparation of the report. No later than 30 days after the report is made public, USDA is required to brief any classified information not in the public report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,^a Senate Committee on Finance, and House Committee on Ways and Means. (§3203in Fruits and Vegetables for preparation of the report. (§3201(b))

Funding and administration. Provides mandatory CCC funding of $255 million annually for the agricultural trade promotion and facilitation programs and allocates not less than $200 million annually for the Market Access Program (MAP), not less than $34.5 million annually for the FMD program, not more than $8 million annually for the E. (Kika) de la Garza Emerging Markets Program (EMP), $9 million annually for TASC, and $3.5 million annually for the Priority Trade Fund. Authorizes MAP and FMD funding to be used in Cuba but prohibits the funding of activities that contravene directives set by the National Security Presidential Memorandum "Strengthening the Policy of the United States Toward Cuba" during "the period in which that memorandum is in effect." (7 U.S.C. §5623(f); P.L. 119-37)

Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation. Maintains mandatory CCC funding for programs under the Agricultural Trade Promotion and Facilitation Program for FY2026. Increases mandatory CCC funding to $500 million for the programs for FY2027 and to $533 million annually for FY2028-FY2031. Increases funding allocation for MAP to not less than $400 million for FY2027 and not less than $410 million annually for FY2028 through FY2031. Increases funding allocation for FMD to not less than $70.5 million for FY2027 and $82 million annually for FY2028-FY2031. Maintains funding allocation for EMP of not more than $8 million for FY2027. Increases funding allocation for EMP to not more than $16 million annually for FY2028-FY2031. Increases funding allocation for TASC to $18 million annually for FY2027-FY2031. Maintains funding allocation for the Priority Trade Fund of $3.5 million for FY2027. Increases funding allocation for the Priority Trade Fund to $7 million annually for FY2028-FY2031. (§3201(c))

Prohibition on assistance to mink associations. Prohibits MAP from assisting any mink industry trade association. (7 U.S.C. §5623 note)

Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation. Repeals prohibition. (§3201(d)(1)) Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§3204(b)(1)(A))

Supplemental agricultural trade promotion program. Requires USDA to carry out an agricultural export promotion program. Provides mandatory CCC funding of $285 million annually for the program indefinitely beginning in FY2027. (7 U.S.C. §5623a)

Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation. Repeals the program. (§3201(d)(2)) Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation. Program repeal language contains minor wording and grammatical differences to the House provision. Strikes §10602 from the table of contents of the FY2025 budget reconciliation law (P.L. 119-21). (§§3204(b)(1)(B), 3204(b)(2))

Definitions. Defines terms used in the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-501), as amended. (7 U.S.C. §5602)

Preserving foreign markets for goods using common names. Inserts and defines common name as a name that USDA determines is ordinarily or customarily used for an agricultural commodity or food product, is typically placed on the packaging and product label of the agricultural commodity or food product, and is consistent with standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Lists examples of food, wine, and beer names that are considered common names. Adds to the definition of unfair trade practice of a foreign country (i.e., prohibiting or disallowing the use of the common name of a U.S. agricultural or food product). (§3202(a))

No comparable provision.

Preserving foreign markets for goods using common names. Requires USDA to coordinate with USTR to secure the right of U.S. agricultural producers, processors, and exporters to use common names for agricultural commodities or food products in foreign markets through negotiations of agreements, memoranda of understanding, or exchange of letters. Requires USDA and USTR to jointly brief the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,^a House Committee on Ways and Means, and Senate Committee on Finance twice annually on their efforts and successes. (§3202(b))

No comparable provision.

Interagency seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetable working group. Requires TFAA, USTR, Department of Commerce, and other federal agencies (as determined appropriate by USDA) to jointly establish an interagency working group to monitor and assess seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables trade data and related information. Requires the working group to consult with the Agricultural Trade Advisory CommitteeATAC, seasonal or perishable agricultural producers, and trade associations to identify import threats to domestic seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables producers. (§3203)

Subtitle C—Other Agricultural Trade Laws

Biotechnology and agricultural trade program. Establishes a program to provide grants to address significant, regulatory, nontariff barriers for U.S. agricultural exports through public and private sector projects, EMP, or the Cochran Fellowship Program. Authorizes appropriations of $2 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §5679; P.L. 119-37)

Growing American food exports. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§3301)

Food for Progress (FFPr). Establishes FFPr, which requires USDA to enter into agreements with eligible entities to furnish agricultural commodities acquired by USDA or the CCC to developing countries and emerging democracies. No less than 400,000 metric tons of commodities are to be provided annually but no more than $40 million may fund costs outside of the cost of commodities annually through FY2026, unless authorized by appropriations in advance. Authorizes proceeds generated from the sale of agricultural commodities to be used for food assistance and development programs. Terminates the program on December 31, 2026. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually for FY2019-FY2026 for pilot agreements that target "hunger and malnutrition." Requires USDA to submit annual reports to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a on the pilot agreements of the prior fiscal year. (7 U.S.C. §1736o; P.L. 119-37)

Food for Progress Act of 1985. Extends FFPr funding requirements through FY2031. Requires USDA to enter into two or more agreements annually with two or more eligible entities to provide developing countries and emerging democracies with agricultural commodities acquired by USDA or the CCC. Removes the term humanitarian from program purposes and for costs incurred by eligible entities. Program terminates on December 31, 2031. (§3302) Food for Progress Act of 1985. Extends FFPr funding requirements through FY2031. Extends authorization of appropriations for pilot programs through FY2031. Requires USDA to purchase more than one commodity type under FFPr in each fiscal year. Requires USDA to designate more than one country recipient in each fiscal year when it enters into agreements under FFPr. (§3301)

Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust (BEHT). Establishes BEHT, a trust of agricultural commodities or funds maintained by USDA, to meet emergency humanitarian food needs in developing countries. Authorizes USAID to release the funds or commodities to provide food and cover costs under FFPA Title II to address emergencies when Title II cannot sufficiently do so during the fiscal year. Terminates the program on September 30, 2026. (7 U.S.C. §1736f-1; P.L. 119-37)

Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act. Reauthorizes BEHT through FY2031. Replaces USAID with USDA in determining whether funds and commodities held in BEHT are to be made available if FPPA Title II cannot sufficiently meet emergency needs during the fiscal year. Strikes out provision not requiring a waiver under FFPA Title II for minimum levels of assistance and the reporting requirement to Congress for the reason of the waiver. Requires USDA to reimburse the CCC for the release of eligible commodities from funds made available to carry out FFPA and makes the funds available to replenish BEHT. (§3303)

Repeal of minimum levels of assistance. Strikes out BEHT provision to conform to the repeal of 7 U.S.C. §1724 by §3103(a)). (§3103(b))

Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets. Provides mandatory CCC funding of not less than $1 billion annually through FY2026 for direct credits or export credit guarantees for exports to emerging markets. Makes a portion of export credit guarantees available to establish or improve facilities and services for U.S. products. (7 U.S.C. §5622 note; P.L. 119-37)

Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets. Extends mandatory CCC funding at current levels through FY2031. Extends funding allocation to establish or improve facilities and services to FY2031. (§3304)

International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program. Establishes the fellowship program for eligible U.S. citizens to assist developing countries in establishing school-based agricultural education and youth extension programs. Authorizes the program to be contracted out to experienced outside organizations. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026, to remain available until expended. (7 U.S.C. §3295; P.L. 119-37)

International agricultural education fellowship program. Extends authorization of appropriations through FY2031. Requires USDA, to the maximum extent possible, to implement fellowship programs in participating host countries for no less than three consecutive years and ensure contracts awarded to outside organizations are multiyear. (§3305) International agricultural education fellowship program. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§3304)

No comparable provision.

International agriculture cultural immersion and exchange program. Establishes an exchange program for eligible U.S. citizens and eligible foreign residents aged 19-30 years for the purpose of developing globally minded U.S. citizens and strengthening trade in agricultural, food, nutrition, and environmental industries. Requires USDA to enter into a cooperative agreement with an experienced nonprofit organization. Nonprofit organizations that enter into a cooperative agreement with USDA must provide equal matching funds from nonfederal sources. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually from FY2027 through FY2031. (§3306) International agriculture cultural immersion and exchange program. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§3305)

International food security technical assistance. Requires USDA to compile and make available information on the improvement of international food security. Authorizes USDA to provide technical assistance to implement programs for the improvement of international food security. Authorizes appropriations of $1 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1736dd; P.L. 119-37)

International food security technical assistance. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§3307) International food security technical assistance. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§3306)

McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Establishes the program to procure agricultural commodities and provide financial and technical assistance for education and child nutrition programs in foreign countries. Limits funds available for purchase of agricultural commodities produced in recipient countries or developing countries in the same region to 10% of program funding. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as necessary through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1736o-1; P.L. 119-37)

McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Extends the program and reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. Allows "lower-middle" income recipient countries to be eligible for USDA payment for commodity transportation, storage, and handling costs. Requires at least 8% but no more than 15% of program funds to be used to purchase agricultural commodities produced in recipient countries or developing countries in the same region. (§3308) McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§3303)

Global Crop Diversity Trust. Requires USAID to contribute funds to the trust to assist in the conservation of genetic diversity in food crops through the collection and storage of the food crop germplasm. Limits federal government contributions to the trust to 33% of total funds contributed to the trust from all sources. Limits federal government contributions to $5.5 million annually through FY2026. Authorizes appropriations of $60 million total for the combined 13 years of FY2014-FY2026. (22 U.S.C. §2220a note; P.L. 119-37)

Global crop diversity trust. Limits the aggregate federal government contribution to the trust for FY2027-FY2031 to no more than 33% of the total amount of funds contributed from all sources and for all purposes. Limits federal government contributions to $5.5 million annually through FY2031. Authorizes appropriations of $60 million total for the combined nine years of FY2023-FY2031. (§3309)

Local and regional food aid procurement projects. Requires USDA to provide grants or enter into cooperative agreements with eligible organizations to carry out field-based projects consisting of local or regional procurement of eligible commodities to respond to food crises and disasters. Authorizes appropriations of $80 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1726c; P.L. 119-37)

Local and regional food aid procurement projects. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§3310)

No comparable provision.

Agricultural trade enforcement task force. Requires the President to establish the task force within 30 days of enactment. The task force is to include members from FAS, USTR, and other federal agencies as needed. Requires the task force to identify trade barriers for U.S. agricultural exports that are vulnerable to dispute settlement under the World Trade Organization (WTO) or other trade agreements, develop and implement a strategy to enforce trade agreement violations, identify like-minded trading partners as potential participants in disputes, and report to Congress quarterly on progress toward resolving cases or filing disputes. Requires the task force to regularly consult with private sector stakeholders, including the agricultural trade advisory committees, federal departments and agencies not part of the task force, and like-minded trading partners. Requires the task force to submit a report to Congress within 90 days of enactment and on a quarterly basis thereafter to include information on significant trade barriers, progress on developing dispute settlement cases, and the current status of ongoing disputes registered with the World Trade Organization (WTO)WTO. Requires a plan to file a request for a WTO dispute settlement process for consultations to address India's minimum price supports. Requires USTR and USDA to brief Members of Congress and congressional staff on the task force. (§3311)

No comparable provision.

Report on international shrimp trade. Requires the Government Accountability Office to submit to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,^a House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, within 180 days of enactment, a report examining policy options available to USDA to boost the competitiveness of domestic shrimp in global and domestic markets. (§3312)

No comparable provision.

Report on modifications to USMCA. Requires USDA, in coordination with USTR, before July 1, 2026, to submit to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,^a House Committee on Ways and Means, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senate Committee on Finance, and Senate Committee on Foreign Relations a publicly available report on how any expected or implemented modification or revocation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will affect agricultural imports and exports, including pricing and domestic producer revenue and profitability. (§3401)

No comparable provision.

Sense of Congress and report on Argentine beef imports. Expresses a sense of Congress that U.S. ranchers and cattle producers produce the healthiest and highest quality beef on the planet; U.S.-Argentina trade agreement(s) allowing expanded Argentinian beef quota market access into the United States is detrimental to U.S. ranchers, cattle producers, and cattle markets; many U.S. consumers prefer U.S.-raised beef; increased Argentinian beef imports and unfair competition could depress cattle prices and impact the U.S. economy; and U.S. consumers are at risk from inconsistent regulatory enforcement abroad. Requires USDA and USTR to jointly submit to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,^a House Committee on Ways and Means, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senate Committee on Finance, and Senate Committee on Foreign Relations a report, no later than 180 days after the United States signs a trade agreement with Argentina that includes a change in the tariff-rate quotas or other duties for fresh and frozen Argentine beef imports, on the effect of imported beef on U.S. beef and cattle markets. (§3402)

Current Law/Policy

House-Passed H.R. 7567

Declaration of policy. Lists the findings of Congress and the purposes of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in response to findings. Includes "[i]t is … the policy of Congress, in order to promote the general welfare, to safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation's population by raising levels of nutrition among low-income households." Finds that limited food purchasing power contributed to hunger and malnutrition in low-income households and that increasing "utilization of food" also benefits the nation's agricultural and marketing industry. Authorizes SNAP to alleviate such hunger and malnutrition via increased purchasing power through normal channels of trade. The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (P.L. 118-5, §313) added program purposes related to obtaining employment and increasing earnings. (7 U.S.C. §2011)

Declaration of policy. Adds that Congress recognizes that SNAP allows low-income households to obtain supplemental food for an active, healthy life and supports the prevention of diet-related chronic disease (e.g., diabetes), disability, premature death, unsustainable health care costs, and undermining of military readiness. States that it is the policy of Congress that USDA should administer SNAP in a manner that provides participants, especially children, access to a variety of foods essential to optimal health and well-being. (§4101)

Fees. Through FY2026, bars a state or an agent or contractor of the state from charging any fee for switching or routing SNAP benefits. Switching is defined as "routing of an intrastate or interstate transaction that consists of transmitting the details of a transaction electronically recorded through the use of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in one State to the issuer of the card that may be in the same or different State." (7 U.S.C. §2016(h)(13); P.L. 119-37). Historically, these are fees that retailers would pay.

Prohibited fees. Makes the prohibition of these fees permanent (i.e., removes the end date). (§41024102) Prohibited fees. Identical to House provision. (§4102)

SNAP staffing. Requires states to use state merit system personnel to conduct SNAP certification interviews and make final decisions on eligibility determinations. A "major change in operations" triggers a review by USDA (see USDA Food and Nutrition Service [FNS] Memo, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Use of Nonmerit Personnel in SNAP Administration, March 20, 2024). (7 U.S.C. §2020(e)(6); 7 U.S.C. §2020(a)(4))

SNAP staffing flexibility. Authorizes states to hire a private contractor to conduct SNAP certification or other functions when a state (1) is unable to process SNAP applications in a timely way because of causes such as pandemics and health emergencies, seasonal workforce cycles, temporary staffing shortages, and weather or other natural disasters; (2) has an error payment rate (as determined through the quality control system) greater than or equal to 6%; or (3) experiences an increase in applications. The contract cannot provide an incentive to delay eligibility determinations or deny eligibility for SNAP. The contractor may have no direct or indirect financial interest in an approved retail store. If the contract is made because of a temporary staffing shortage, the contract (1) must not override collective bargaining agreements or other agreements between the state and its employees or local government employees, (2) must end when the application backlog is eliminated, and (3) must end when the payment error rate is less than 6%.

Contracts must supplement, not supplant, existing merit-based personnel. Contractors must apply general principles of merit employment, such as adequate compensation, training, nondiscrimination, and protection from political coercion. Requires a state to notify USDA of its intention to use this authority and USDA to publish on the agency website (within 10 days) such notifications. Stipulates that such use of contractors must not be subject to USDA procedures for major changes in state operations. Requires USDA to submit an annual report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a on the use of contractors. (§4103)

Staffing Flexibility. Authorizes states to hire one or more private contractors to conduct some activities associated with SNAP certification or other functions when a state is unable to process SNAP applications because of causes such as pandemics and health emergencies, seasonal workforce cycles, temporary staffing shortages, weather and other natural disasters, or when a state experiences an increase in applications. The contractors may not determine eligibility for SNAP benefits, initiate enforcement actions, conduct quality control, conduct administrative hearings, or screen for referral to employment and training programs. The contractor may have no direct or indirect financial interest in an approved retail store, wholesale food concern, or employment and training program. If the contract is made because of a temporary staffing shortage, the contract (1) must not override collective bargaining agreements or other agreements between the state and its employees or local government employees and (2) must end when there is adequate staffing for the timely processing of applications.

Waiting period for new application. A retailer that is denied SNAP authorization because the retailer does not meet USDA criteria may not, for at least six months, submit a new application to participate. USDA has authority to establish a longer time period, including permanent disqualification, based on the severity of the reason for denial. (7 U.S.C. 2018(d))

UpdatesUpdates to administrative processes for SNAP retailers. Amends the minimum six-month waiting period to apply when the retailer applicant does not meet USDA criteria on two consecutive occasions in a three-year period. (§4104) Administrative processes for retailers. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§4105)

Quality control system. SNAP Quality Control (QC) measures payment error rates in SNAP by comparing estimated overpayments and underpayments that exceed the error tolerance level or threshold with total benefits issued. Each year, USDA publishes payment error rates by state annually. The reported rates are based on the number of errors that exceed a dollar threshold amount. The error threshold amount has changed over the years via statute and regulation. Since FY2014, the QC error threshold has been set in statute with annual inflation adjustment. The FY2026 error threshold is $58. (7 U.S.C. §2025(c))

Report on all identified payment errors.on all identified payment errors. Requires USDA to provide a supplement to annual reports on the payment error rate. The supplement is to show all errors, including those below the tolerance level. These supplemental data must not be used to change the official payment error rates under the QC system and must not affect state matching for benefits or liabilities. (§4105) Quality control improvements. Requires USDA to provide a supplement to annual reports on the payment error rate. The supplement is to show all errors, including those below the tolerance level. Requires the supplemental report to include all unknown and improper payments (as identified under the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019), regardless of dollar size. These supplemental data must not be used to change the official payment error rates under the QC system and must not affect state matching for benefits or liabilities. (§41054108)

Authorization of allotments. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as necessary annually for SNAP through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §2027(a); P.L. 119-37)

Authorization of appropriations. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§4106) Authorization of appropriations. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§4109)

Retail food store and recipient trafficking grants. Authorizes appropriations of up to $5 million annually through FY2026 to strengthen USDA's efforts in preventing the fraudulent use of SNAP benefits (i.e., SNAP benefit trafficking). (7 U.S.C. §2036b; P.L. 119-37)

Retail food store and recipient trafficking. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§41074107) Retail food store and recipient trafficking. Identical to House provision. (§4110)

EBT benefit fraud prevention. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328), requires USDA to issue guidance to state agencies, on an ongoing basis, describing security measures to detect and prevent theft of SNAP benefits through card skimming, card cloning, and other fraudulent methods. USDA must further promulgate regulations, through notice-and-comment rulemaking, to require state agencies to take the security measures described in that guidance. (7 U.S.C. §2016a(a))

EBT card security regulations. Requires USDA to promulgate proposed regulations to enhance EBT card security within six months of enactment of this provision. (§4108)

4108)

No comparable provision.

Report on SNAP administrative expenses. Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine and report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a on the causes of state variation in SNAP administrative costs, including an identification of factors that contribute to an increase in costs. The report is to recommend how USDA and Congress can improve oversight of SNAP administration. (§4109)

Incentives. SNAP-authorized retailers may apply for a waiver in order to offer an incentive to SNAP households for the purchase of an eligible incentive food at the point of purchase. Statute defines eligible incentive food as a "staple food" (defined in 7 U.S.C. 2012(q)) that is "identified for increased consumption, consistent with the most recent dietary recommendations" and a fruit, vegetable, dairy, whole grain, or product of these four foods. (7 U.S.C. §2018(j))

This definition of eligible incentive food applies to incentives that do not receive federal funding (i.e., it is not the definition for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program [GusNIP] or Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives [HFMI] Projects).

Animal protein an eligible incentive food. Amends the definition of eligible incentive food to include animal protein or animal protein products, not limited to whether such food or food product is identified for increased consumption consistent with the most recent dietary recommendations. (§4110)

Acceptance of program benefits through online transactions. Requires, depending on results of a demonstration project, that USDA authorize retailers to accept SNAP benefits via online transactions. (7 U.S.C. §2016(k)) The SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot is currently available in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Permanent authority for supplemental nutrition assistance program online purchasing. Requires USDA to begin transitioning the SNAP online purchasing initiative from demonstration status to permanent nationwide operations within 120 days of enactment. Within that same time frame, directs USDA to (1) establish a formal process for stakeholder consultation to incorporate lessons learned from the pilot program and (2) to report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a on that consultation process and recommendations. Not later than two years from the provision's enactment, USDA is to issue regulations and guidance addressing specific program issues and when the transition to permanent operations is expected to be completed. (§4111)

Emergency food program infrastructure grants. Authorizes appropriations of $15 million annually for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) infrastructure grants through FY2026. The grants are not currently funded. (7 U.S.C. §7511a; P.L. 119-37)

Emergency food assistance programs – Emergency food program infrastructure grants. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§4112(a)4112(a)) The emergency food assistance program – Emergency Food program infrastructure grants. Identical to House provision. (§4111(a))

Availability of commodities for emergency food assistance program. For each of FY2014-FY2026, requires USDA to use specified amounts from the SNAP account to purchase TEFAP entitlement commodity foods. Each year, this amount for TEFAP entitlement commodities is adjusted for inflation using the change in the Thrifty Food Plan. (7 U.S.C. §2036(a), P.L. 119-37)

Emergency food assistance programs. Extends requirement through FY2031. (§4112(b))

Allotment and delivery of commodities. Provides the formula for the allocation and reallocation of TEFAP entitlement commodities. (7 U.S.C. §75157515(c)) States currently use their allocation of entitlement commodities to order from USDA's TEFAP offerings, primarily shelf-stable foods with some limited fresh produce offerings. The USDA Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (DoD Fresh) is a partnership between USDA and the Department of Defense (DOD)^bc that enables child nutrition programs and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) to use DOD's food supply chain to procure fresh fruits and vegetables.

Emergency food assistance programs—Option for purchasing through DoD Fresh. Adds an option for state TEFAP agencies to use a portion of their entitlement commodity allocation to purchase foods through USDA DoD Fresh. At the request of a state agency, USDA may allow the state agency to use not more than 20% of its entitlement commodity allotment. (§4112(c))

Food distribution program on Indian reservations. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026 for a FDPIR traditional and locally grown food fund. (7 U.S.C. §2013(b)(6); P.L. 119-37)

Food distribution program on Indian reservations. Reauthorizes appropriations at the current levels through FY2031. (§4113)

Definitions, food. In general, SNAP benefits may be redeemed at SNAP-authorized retailers for any foods for home preparation and consumption. SNAP benefits may not be redeemed for alcohol, tobacco, or hot foods intended for immediate consumption. There are some exceptions for hot foods (e.g., the Restaurant Meals Program). (7 U.S.C. §2012(k))

SNAP Eligible Hot Rotisserie Chicken. Adds hot rotisserie chicken to foods eligible for purchase with SNAP. (§4114)

No directly comparable provision.

Pilot projects. In 2025, USDA began to grant states' "SNAP Food Restriction Waivers" and cited the pilot project authority of 7 U.S.C. 2026(b). This statutory provision requires the approved project to include an evaluation to determine its effects. On June 22, 2026, a U.S. district court halted the pilot projects in five states. Aragon et al. v. Rollins et al., 1:26-cv-00861 (D.D.C.).

Foods eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Requires USDA to submit to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a a report on the feasibility, implementation, and effectiveness of the SNAP food restriction waiver projects, not later than 120 days after conclusion of the projects. (§4115)

Subtitle B—Commodity Distribution Programs

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program [SFMNP]No comparable provision.

Food distribution program on Indian reservations (FDPIR). Establishes FDPIR, a commodity distribution program provided to tribal organizations on their request. References are to "tribal organization." No mention of tribal input on contracts or supply chain disruptions in statute. (7 U.S.C. §2013(b))

No comparable provision.

Food distribution program on Indian reservations—Increasing tribal input on nutrition. Amends uses of the phrase "tribal organization" to "Tribal organization." Adds a requirement for USDA to, prior to evaluating FDPIR contracts, "consult with Indian tribes and Tribal organizations and ensure their feedback is integrated into the evaluation" and "consider feedback from Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations throughout the evaluation process." Adds requirements for USDA's response to FDPIR "supply chain disruptions" (defined in bill, with further interpretation delegated to USDA). Not later than 45 days after USDA has determined there has been a supply chain disruption, USDA is to designate an "emergency warehouse contractor" to provide "the required food capacity in a timely manner," and USDA may provide direct payments or reimbursements to an Indian Tribe or tribal organization administering FDPIR to purchase agricultural commodities. Such payments are not to exceed the amounts that USDA otherwise would have expended for the Tribe/ organization during the same time period under FDPIR; and Tribes' food purchases are to meet specified conditions (e.g., domestically produced; supplant, not supplement, the type of agricultural commodities in the organization's existing FDPIR food packages; similar or higher nutritional quality than what the organization would have received). If USDA designates an emergency warehouse contractor, USDA is required to notify Tribes and publish the designation on the USDA website. (§4101(b)(1))

Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Provision establishes program (7 U.S.C. §612c note; Public Law 93-86) Tribes and tribal organizations participate in CSFP. Some tribal CSFP projects participate via state agency. CSFP statute does not include tribal consultation requirements.

No comparable provisions to Senate.

Food distribution program on Indian reservations—Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Requires USDA to implement CSFP "in a manner that is responsive to the needs of the members of Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations by conducting annual consultations with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations." Encourages CSFP state agencies to consult Tribes when proposing any amendments to the CSFP state plan and to document such consultations. USDA is required to provide technical assistance to state agencies on how to properly conduct tribal consultations. Provision includes supply chain disruption authorities similar but not identical to those included in §4101(b)(1) for FDPIR. Supply chain disruption is defined identically, and the timeline for designating an emergency warehouse contractor, as well as notifying Tribes and publishing on the USDA website, are identical. If USDA designates an emergency warehouse contractor, USDA is required to notify Tribes and publish the designation on the USDA website. While there is authority to designate an emergency warehouse contractor, there is not a payment authority to pay or reimburse Tribes for their purchases as in the FDPIR provision. (§4101(b)(2))

Definitions—retail food store. Definition of retail food store includes "an establishment, house-to-house trade route, or online entity that sells food for home preparation and consumption…." (7 U.S.C. §2012(o)(1))

No comparable provision.

Approval of retail food stores and wholesale food concerns. In the definition of retail food store, replaces "sells food" with "owns food inventory and sells food." (§4104(a))

Commodity distribution program. Reauthorizes the program and its current annual mandatory CCC funding level through FY2031. Adds maple syrup and tree nuts (including shelled tree nuts) to eligible SFMNP foods. (§4201(a)4201(a)) Seniors farmers' market nutrition program. Reauthorizes the program and its current annual mandatory CCC funding level through FY2031; contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. Adds tree nuts (including shelled tree nuts) to eligible SFMNP foods. Unlike the House provision, does not add maple syrup to eligible SFMNP foods. (§4301)

Commodity Distribution Program. Authorizes purchase and distribution of agricultural commodities for various food assistance programs through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §612c note; P.L. 119-37)

Commodity distribution program. Extends current law through FY2031. (§4201(b))

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). State and local agencies distribute USDA commodity foods to low-income seniors (60 years of age or older). Various program authorities expire at the end of FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §612c note; P.L. 119-37)) Recipients typically pick up their foods from the local agencies, but some local agencies deliver.

Commodity supplemental food program. Extends current law through FY2031.

(§4202(1)-(2))

Commodity supplemental food program. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. See §4101(b)(2), above, for CSFP tribal provision. (§4203)

No comparable provision.

Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects; reprocessing agreements. When bonus commodities are made available to nutrition assistance programs, requires USDA to encourage further processing into end-use products by private companies. Requires recipient agencies to bear any costs of such processing. Authorized through the end of FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1431e(a); P.L. 119-37)

Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects. Extends current law through FY2031. (§42034203) Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§4204)

No directly comparable provision.

All CSFP projects distribute foods purchased by USDA. (7 U.S.C. §612c note (d)) Some project operators are Indian tribal organizations.

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 farm bill; P.L. 115-334) established a demonstration project for one or more tribal organizations to enter into self-determination contracts for Tribes to purchase commodities for FDPIR, subject to the availability of discretionary appropriations. (7 U.S.C. §§2013(b); P.L. 115-334, §4003)

Commodity supplemental food program demonstration project for Tribal demonstration project for Tribal organizations. Requires USDA to establish a demonstration project under which one or more tribal organizations may enter into self-determination contracts under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638) to purchase agriculture commodities for CSFP. Includes requirements for tribal consultation, participating Tribes, and procured commodities (e.g., must be domestically produced). Requires USDA to submit a report to Congress not later than one year after the date on which funds are appropriated. Authorizes appropriations of $1 million. (§4204(a))

Requires USDA to appoint an existing office of the USDA to administer tribal self-determination contracts (including awarding of FNS program contracts). Authorizes appropriations of $1.2 million annually through FY2031 for the payment of USDA contract officers and program staff salaries. (§4204(b))

Subtitle C—Miscellaneous

Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions. Of a required $200 million in annual specialty crop purchases under Section 32 for domestic food programs, USDA must use at least $50 million in each of FY2008-FY2026 for fresh fruit and vegetable purchases for distribution to schools and other service institutions participating in child nutrition programs. (7 U.S.C. §612c-4(b));; P.L. 119-37)

Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions. Extends current law through FY2031. (§4301(§4301) Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions. Identical to House provision. (§4302)

Buy American in school meals programs. School food authorities located in the 48 contiguous states that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP), or both must purchase domestic commodities or products to the maximum extent practicable. Current law does not define maximum extent practicable, but recent USDA regulations institute a 10% cap on schools' nondomestic purchases beginning in school year 2025-2026, an 8% cap beginning in school year 2028-2029, and a 5% cap beginning in school year 2031-2032. ItemsSuch non-domestic purchases must meet certain product availability, or cost constraints, or both for schools to use such exemptions. (42 U.S.C. §1760(n); ; 7 C.F.R. §§210.21(d)) Appropriations laws in recent years have included provisions specifically prohibiting raw or processed poultry products or seafood imported from the People's Republic of China from being used in the programs. (e.g., P.L. 119-37)

Buy American requirements for certain school meals. For school food authorities in the 48 contiguous states participating in NSLP, SBP, or both, institutes a 5% cap on nondomestic purchases effective with the first school year that begins after enactment of this provision. Domestically unavailable products and commodities included on a list determined by USDA (within six months after enactment and revisited at least once every two years) do not count toward the cap. The 5% cap applies "with respect to each food purchase category designated by the Agricultural Marketing Service" [AMS] (e.g., fruits, vegetables, beef, dairy products) in contrast to the total limit across food categories in current regulations. (§4302)

Limits USDA from waiving or making accommodations to these Buy American requirements, except with respect to products or commodities on the domestically unavailable list. Requires USDA to prohibit school food authorities from purchasing raw or processed poultry products or seafood imported into the United States from the People's Republic of China or the Russian Federation. (§4302)

Buy American requirements. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision, apart from two listed substantive differences. Does not include the House's language limiting USDA from making waivers or accommodations. Does not include the House's prohibitions on purchases of raw or processed poultry products or seafood imported into the United States from the People's Republic of China or the Russian Federation. (§4304)

Reauthorization of the Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program. Replaces the requirement that produce prescription projects provide fresh fruits and vegetables with a requirement that they provide "all forms of fruits, vegetables, and legumes." (§4303)

4303(2))

Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program reauthorization. Replaces the requirement that produce prescription projects provide fresh fruits and vegetables with a requirement that they provide "all forms of fruits, vegetables, and legumes." Adds "legumes" to the language establishing the produce prescription project grants to require USDA to award project grants that demonstrate and evaluate the improvement of dietary health through increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and legumes (previously only fruits and vegetables). (§4303(2)(A)-(B))

Priority criteria for awarding grants to nutrition incentive projects are listed in statute, with USDA's request for applications typically providing additional prioritization criteria. (7 U.S.C. §7517)

Reauthorization of the Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program. Adds a priority that nutrition incentive projects increase year-round availability of incentives by offering all forms of fruits and vegetables. (§4303(1)(B))

Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program reauthorization. Identical to House provision. (§4303(1)(B))

Reauthorization of the Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program. Amends the nutrition incentive matching requirement to authorize USDA to waive matching requirements for activities carried out in high-poverty counties. Specifically, a county that in the preceding 30-year period has had a population where 20% or greater are living in poverty; or a census tract with a poverty rate of at least 20% in the preceding 30-year period. The provision includes specific U.S. Census Bureau data sources for these measurements. (§43034303(1)(A))

Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program reauthorization. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision, with the exception of a substantive difference to an area's eligibility for waiver. Does not include a census tract with a poverty rate of at least 20% in the preceding 30-year period as a basis for waiving the matching requirement. Lists different U.S. Census Bureau data sources from the House provision. (§4303(1)(A))

Priority criteria for nutrition incentive projects are listed in statute, with USDA's request for applications typically providing additional prioritization criteria. (7 U.S.C. §7517)

Reauthorization of the Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program. Adds a priority that nutrition incentive projects increase year-round availability of incentives by offering all forms of fruits and vegetables. (§4303)

Provides mandatory CCC funding of $56 million for FY2023 and each year thereafter. Authorizes appropriations of $50 million annually through FY2026. Within each year of funding through FY2026, USDA shall use not more than 10% for the produce prescription program and not more than 8% for National Institute of Food and Agriculture and FNS administration. For NTAEs, funding is $7 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §7517§7517, P.L. 119-37)

Reauthorization of the Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. Extends through FY2031 the limits on produce prescription program and federal administrative costs. Extends $7 million per year for NTAEs through FY2031. (§43034303(3))

Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program reauthorization. Identical to House provision, except also corrects a typographical error in 7 U.S.C. §7517(f)(2). (§4303(3))

The Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program. National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) (in consultation with FNS) administers all of GusNIP, including produce prescription programs.

No comparable provision.

Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison. Establishes the position of Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison to coordinate federal, state, local, and nongovernmental efforts involving food loss and waste. The liaison is required to submit to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a a report on the results of a USDA study on food waste. Similarly, USDA is to submit a report two years after the enactment of the 2018 farm bill (P.L. 115-334) that estimates food waste from the previous year and provides an overview of USDA food waste loss and prevention activities. The reports are to be provided to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction.^a (7 U.S.C. §6924(e))

Food loss and waste reduction liaison annual report. Requires USDA to submit the report estimating food waste from the previous year and providing an overview of USDA food waste loss and prevention activities every year. The report is to be expanded to include project descriptions, how USDA plans to manage market disruptions, and a summary of activities coordinated with the Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), among other requirements. (§4304)

Healthy fluid milk incentive projects. Authorizes USDA to carry out pilot projects to develop and test methods that, by providing an incentive at the point of purchase, increase SNAP households' purchases and consumption of fluid milk. Fluid milk is defined as pasteurized cow's milk that is without flavoring or sweeteners, is consistent with the most recent dietary recommendations, is packaged in liquid form, and contains vitamins A and D levels consistent with FDA, state, and local standards. USDA may award cooperative agreements or grants to governmental agencies or nonprofit organizations that meet selection criteria for this purpose. Authorizes appropriations of $20 million, with no more than 7% of funding used for required evaluation. (7 U.S.C. §2026a)

Dairy nutrition incentives projects. Renames the program as "Dairy nutrition incentive projects" and broadens it to allow incentives for "covered dairy products," including cheese and yogurt along with fluid milk. Amends the definition of fluid milk to remove the requirements that it be without flavoring or sweeteners and consistent with more recent dietary guidelines. Provides that included cheese must be made from pasteurized cow's milk, a good source of protein (as determined by the Secretary), and sold as a block, chunk, shred, slice, stick, string, or in snack-size form. Requires that "yogurt (or other cultured dairy product)" also be made from pasteurized cow's milk and be determined to be a good source of protein, in addition to containing limited amounts of added sugar. Increases authorization of appropriations to $50 million. (§4305)

No directly comparable provision.

In 2022-2024, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) designed and operated the Local Food Purchase Assistance [LFPA](LFPA) Cooperative Agreement Program. Total funding for the program was approximately $900 million, using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2) and the CCC. The program provided funding for state, tribal, and territorial governments to purchase domestic foods produced within the state or within 400 miles of the delivery destination. Preference was given to the procurement of commodities from socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The foods were distributed to local networks, including nonprofits that served underserved communities.

Local farmers feeding our communities program. Directs USDA to establish a cooperative agreement program that provides funds to state, tribal, and territorial governments to purchase unprocessed or minimally processed foods from domestic producers either within the state or within 400 miles of the delivery destination. Gives preference to the procurement of foods from small-size producers, medium-size producers, beginning farmers and ranchers, or veteran farmers and ranchers. Program funds may be used for procurement, technical assistance, distribution, and the expansion of economic opportunities for local producers, with specific allocations stated in the section. The program funds are to be awarded to organizations with experience in food distribution, including nonprofits. Requires that 25% of the total value of products purchased be from small-size producers, medium-size producers, beginning farmers and ranchers, and veteran farmers and ranchers. Allows eligible entities to use no more that 15% of funds for administrative expenses and technical assistance, of that 15% at least 50% is required to be used for technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations of $200 million annually through FY2031. (§4306(§4306) Strengthening local food security program. Substantively similar to the House provision, with noted substantive differences. Requires that 51% of the total value of products purchased be from small-size producers, medium-size producers, beginning farmers and ranchers, and veteran farmers and ranchers. Allows eligible entities to use no more than 25% of funds for administrative expenses and technical assistance. Of that 25%, at least 35% is required to be used for technical assistance. (§4306)

Healthy Food Financing Initiative. Established to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, create and preserve quality jobs, and revitalize low-income communities by providing loans and grants to eligible food retailers and enterprises. Funds provided are to help overcome the initial barriers to entry in underserved areas. Authorizes appropriations of $125 million, to remain available until expended. (7 U.S.C. §6953)

Healthy food financing initiative. Increases authorization of appropriations for the initiative from $125 million to $135 million. (§4307)

Establishment of dietary guidelines. Requires USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)Healthy food financing initiative. Identical to House provision. (§4307) Establishment of dietary guidelines. Requires USDA and HHS to jointly publish a Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) report at least every five years, which must include information and guidelines based on the preponderance of current scientific and medical knowledge. The report must also include nutritional and dietary information specific to pregnant women and children up to age two. Since 1985, the DGA report has been informed by a scientific report published by an external federal advisory committee; this is not required in current statute. (7 U.S.C. §5341)

Dietary guidelinesguidelines. Revises the timeline for the DGA report to at least every 10 years, beginning with the 2030 report, and applies rulemaking requirements (in 5 U.S.C. §553) to the development of the report.

Expands the required scope and rigor of scientific evidence included in the DGA report. Requires the report to include information for individuals with nutrition-related chronic disease and recommendations that are affordable, available, and accessible to the general population, among other requirements.

Authorizes USDA and HHS to publish the report more frequently if their Secretaries determine such action is necessary to support health and updated Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) values.

Should they plan to update the report, requires USDA and HHS to provide 90 days of notice and appropriate justification to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a; the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Requires USDA and HHS to establish an Independent Advisory Board of experts in nutrition and food science tasked with raising high-priority questions to inform DGA development within the 90-day notice period (introduced above). Establishes membership totals, expertise, and duties; meeting requirements; and termination details for the Board.

Prohibits USDA and HHS from including topics deemed not relevant to dietary guidance (taxation, social welfare policies, and other specifications). Establishes a definition of evidence-based review.

Establishes financial disclosures and other reporting requirements for members of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee or the Independent Advisory Board.

Establishes the 2025 DGA report as current and controlling until publication of the next DGA report. (§4308)

The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act includes a definitions section. (42 U.S.C. §1760(d))

No comparable provision.

Technical corrections. Includes multiple technical changes to current law. (§4308)

No directly comparable provision.

Multiple federal agencies, including USDA and HHS, share food safety responsibilities and promulgate regulations that seek to ensure the safety of the food supply. State and local agencies implement and enforce food safety regulations that are at least equal to federal standards, such as those in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. §§301 et seq.). FDA publishes a model Food Code, which includes science-based guidelines and best practices to reduce the risks of foodborne illnesses, that may be used by state, local, and other food and public health regulators to develop standards for institutions serving foods, such as child care facilities. Adoption of FDA's Food Code is voluntary. The Food Code includes preschool-aged children and child care centers within its definition of highly susceptible population ("persons who are more likely than others in the general population to experience foodborne disease.") The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA; P.L. 111-353) directed FDA to designate a list of high-risk foods for which additional recordkeeping requirements would apply for specified entities in the food supply chain. In designating such a list, FDA was to consider factors such as the food's likelihood to become contaminated or support the growth of pathogens and the history and severity of foodborne illness outbreaks associated with the food (21 U.S.C. §2223(d)(2)(A)). This list was published on FDA's website in 2022 and includes foods such as fresh cut fruits and vegetables, certain cheeses and seafood, as well as other ready-to-eat foods.^c

The HHS Administration for Children and Families separately carries out the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act, which requires participating states and territories to certify that they have licensing requirements for child care services provided within their jurisdiction. States and territories have flexibility in the contents of licensing requirements and the entities to whom they apply (e.g., not all child care providers must be licensed). To be eligible to serve children participating in the CCDBG program, child care providers must meet certain health and safety standards. These standards are set by the state, but the CCDBG Act requires that state standards, at a minimum, cover certain broad topics (e.g., emergencies due to food or allergic reactions). (42 U.S.C. §9858c(c)(2); 45 C.F.R. §98.41)

USDA's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations require that participating child care institutions and facilities store, prepare, and serve food that meets the sanitation and health standards set out in applicable state and local laws and regulations. (7 C.F.R. §226.20(l))

Fresh fruits and vegetables categorization. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human ServicesHHS Secretary to "develop a low-risk classification for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are typically consumed raw or with minimal processing and update relevant nutrition and food safety and preparation regulations and guidelines for child care providers...." The Secretaries are to include three listed considerations in their development of the required low-risk classification. The Secretaries' implementation is required to ensure that state regulations reflect the low-risk classification under this section and to protect child care providers from any penalties. States failing to comply with the implemented policies may have funds withheld (the program or programs from which funds are withheld is not specified). (§4309)

For authorization to accept SNAP benefits, retailers must apply with USDA (7 U.S.C. §2018, 7 C.F.R. §278.1). For authorizations to accept Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), and SFMNP, retailers apply with the state or tribal agency administering the program, as applicable (e.g., 42 U.S.C. §§1786(f), (m)(2)). For GusNIP, the administrative processes depend on the specific project.

Imposition of costs. USDA must require retail food stores participating in SNAP to pay 100% of the costs of EBT equipment and services. USDA may exempt from costs certain listed types of retailers, including farmers' markets and other direct-consumer markets. (7 U.S.C. §2016(f)(2))

Promoting Access to Local Agriculture. Requires USDA to establish a "streamlined application process" for direct marketing farmers and ranchers to apply to be vendors in each of five programs (SNAP, WIC, WIC FMNP, SFMNP, and [as practicable] GusNIP). The streamlined process may either be the development of a single application or an information sharing system with specified functions. Requires USDA to, not later than one year after enactment, submit a report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a describing progress made in developing the streamlined application process. Requires USDA to establish a streamlined process for direct marketing farmers and ranchers "to process [those programs'] benefits through the use of standardized technology."

Amends 7 U.S.C. §2016(f)(2) to require USDA to ensure that the entities exempt from paying for EBT equipment and services costs are provided equipment that "is appropriate for the entity, including, with respect to farmers markets and other direct-to-consumer markets, wireless or mobile processing equipment and technology systems." (§4310)

Current Law/Policy

House-Passed H.R. 7567

Subtitle A—Senate Bill Farm Service Agency Farm Ownership Loans

Eligibility requirements. Establishes that to be eligible for direct or guaranteed farm ownership loans, applicants must be individuals or certain entities engaged primarily in farming or ranching, have majority ownership, have citizenship, have sufficient training and experience, operate a farm the size of a family farm as defined by USDA, and be unable to obtain credit elsewhere at reasonable terms. A special rule allows entities that are owner-operators to be eligible if individuals who own the farmthey own more than 50% of the entityfarm. An embedded entity (an entity that is owned by other entities) may be eligible if 75% of each embedded entity is owned by individuals who own the farm. (7 U.S.C. §1922(a))

Persons eligible for real estate loans. Replaces "majority" with "at least 50 percent" for the eligibility of entity and individual ownership interests. Replaces the special rules for entities to allow USDA to define qualified operators as entities that could be eligible. Changes the requirement that 75% of each embedded entity be owned by individuals who own the farm; allows more flexibility in ownership arrangements as long as 75% of the total interest in the entities is owned by qualified operators. (§5101)

Experience requirements. Requires three years of farming experience or other acceptable experience for direct loans. Allows certain alternatives to substitute for parts of the experience requirement. (7 U.S.C. §1922(b))

Experience requirements. Reduces the farming experience requirement to two years. Revises the list of alternatives for meeting the experience requirement by allowing "operational" responsibilities for hired farm labor and adding "other criteria established by the Secretary." (§5102)

Refinancing. A temporary bridge loan made by a commercial or cooperative lender may be refinanced into a USDA direct farm ownership loan if the USDA loan application was approved and funds were not available at the time the loan was approved. (7 U.S.C. §1923(a)(1)(E)(ii))

No comparable provision.

Refinancing of bridge loans. Provides additional flexibility to refinance a bridge loan into a direct farm ownership loan if funding was not available at the time the bridge loan was closed. (§5206)

Refinancing. Limits refinancing using USDA loans to certain direct and guaranteed operating loans and guaranteed farm ownership loans (excludes direct farm ownership loans). (7 U.S.C. §§1923, 1942)

Refinancing of indebtedness into direct loans. Adds a section for farm ownership loans in 7 U.S.C. §1923 that requires USDA to issue regulations within one year of enactment that allow refinancing of guaranteed loans into direct loans. Eligible loans must be determined by USDA to be in distress, in monetary default such that the lender has initiated liquidation or foreclosure, and have a reasonable chance of success. (§5103The amount that may be refinanced is subject to any otherwise applicable limit on direct loans. (§5103) Refinancing of guaranteed loans into direct loans. Substantively similar to the House provision, with the additional requirements that, in determining eligibility, USDA consult with the lender holding the guaranteed loan, and that the borrower has attempted to work with the lender and been unsuccessful. (§5210)

Conservation Loan Program. Authorizes USDA loans and loan guarantees for qualified conservation projects. Prioritizes beginning farmers or ranchers, conversion to organic or sustainable production, and practices for highly erodible land. Authorizes appropriations of $150 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1924; P.L. 119-37)

Conservation loan and loan guarantee program. Adds precision agriculture practices and technologies to the priority list without specifically defining the terms. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§5104)

Limitations on farm ownership loans. Sets the maximum individual direct loan limit at $600,000. Sets the total guaranteed loan limit at $1.75 million, adjusted for inflation after FY2019 ($2.3 million in FY2026), reduced by the outstanding amount of guaranteed farm operating loans. (7 U.S.C. §1925(a)(2))

Limitations on amount of farm ownership loans. Increases the limit on direct farm ownership loans from $600,000 to $850,000. Increases the limit on guaranteed farm ownership loans to $3.5 million, adjusted for inflation after FY2026. (§5202 sets the limit on guaranteed operating loans at $3 million; having different limits on the two types of guaranteed loans may complicate implementation given that the limits are reduced by the amount of borrowing in the other type). (§5105)

Inflation adjustment. Adjusts the individual limit based on inflation using the USDA Prices Paid by Farmers Index. (7 U.S.C. §1925(c))

Inflation percentage. Changes the inflation adjustment to an index of values per acre of farm real estate, cropland, and pastureland, equally weighted, as measured by USDA. (§5106)

Farm Credit System (FCS) financing for essential rural community facilities. FCS is not authorized to lend for rural community facilities. (FCS may participate in loans to entities that are not eligible, but are functionally similar to eligible entities, for risk management purposes. This authority is subject to limits of 10% of capital limit and 50% of the loan.) (12 U.S.C. §2206a)

Authority of Farm Credit System institutions to provide financial support for essential rural community facilities projects. Expands the authority of FCS to lend for essential rural community facilities, as defined in USDA Rural Development. The total of such loans may not exceed 15% of an FCS institution's loans. FCS must offer loan participation opportunities to at least one other non-USDA lender, with priority for local rural community banks. Offers must be reported to the Farm Credit Administration (FCA). Requires annual reports to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction.^a (§5107)

Down Payment Loan Program. Authorizes USDA direct loans for down payment on farm real estate if the borrower provides a 5% down payment. The maximum loan amount is 45% of the purchase price or appraised value, up to $300,150 (45% of the $667,000 specified in statute). (7 U.S.C. §1935(b)(1))

Down payment loan program. Removes the $300,150 limit and makes the down payment loan subject to the overall limit on farm ownership loans in 7 U.S.C. §1925. (§5108) Down payment loan program. Identical to House provision. (§5204)

Heirs' Property Relending Program. Authorizes loans to third-party entities to relend to individuals to resolve land title issues for heirs with inherited property. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1936c; P.L. 119-37).

Heirs' property. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels for the relending program through FY2031. (§5109(a))

Rural Development and Small Farm Research and Education. Authorizes a national program to develop knowledge for rural development, including technical assistance to families operating small farmfarms. (7 U.S.C. §§2661-2669)

Heirs property. Cooperative agreements for heirs' property resolution through direct public interest legal services. Creates a cooperative agreement program for nonprofit organizations to provide legal services to heirs to resolve title issues, including maintaining or transitioning land to agricultural production or increasing access to USDA programs. Establishes conditions for legal contract duration and success. Authorizes separate appropriations for cooperative agreements for legal services of $60 million annually through FY2031. Requires annual reports to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a for the cooperative agreements for legal services and the overall Heirs' Property Relending Program. (§5109(b))

Prompt approval for loan guarantees and simplified application forms. Requires USDA to provide short application forms for farm loan guarantees that are below $125,000, and for business and industry guaranteed loans that are below $400,000 (or $600,000 if default risk is not increased). (7 U.S.C. §1983a(g))

Prompt approval of loans and loan guarantees. Increases the threshold for the short application forms from $125,000 to $1 million for guaranteed farm loans. Sets a five-day decision window for USDA to notify USDA-preferred or certified lenders of the decision. Makes the maximum guarantee on such loans 90% for loans up to $125,000, 75% for loans up to $500,000, and 50% for loans up to $1 million. Requires USDA to develop an expedited application process for business and industry loan guarantees up to $400,000 ($600,000 if default risk is not increased). (§5110)

Rules and regulations. Establishes categories of Certified Lenders and Preferred Certified Lenders for non-governmental lending institutions to receive expedited approval and decision-making authority for the guaranteed loan program. (7 U.S.C. §1989(c) and (d).

No comparable provision.

Authority to include certain certified lenders as preferred certified lenders. Reorganizes headings and numbering. Adds authority for the Secretary to establish alternative criteria to designate certain Certified Lenders as Preferred Certified Lenders. (§5215(b))

Farmer loan pilot projects. Authorizes USDA to conduct limited pilot projects to evaluate processes that may improve efficiency and effectiveness. (7 U.S.C. §1983d)

Expedited approval pilot program. Requires USDA to create a pilot program for preapproval of direct expedited qualification and approval of direct loans and guaranteed farm ownership loans byfrom Preferred Certified Lenders. Within one year of enactment, USDA is to report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction^a on the results. Authority for the pilot program ends in FY2031. (§5111(a))

Pilot projects for preapproval of direct farm ownership loans. Requires USDA to create a pilot program for preapproval or prequalification for direct farm ownership loans using financial benchmarking and streamlined loan assessments. (§5211)

Set-aside for beginning farmers. Requires a portion of loan authority to be maintained for beginning farmers for part of the fiscal year as follows: for direct down payment loans (66.67% for 6 months); other direct farm ownership loans (75% for 11 months); direct farm operating loans (50% for 11 months); and guaranteed loans (40% for 6 months). (7 U.S.C. §1994(b)(2)). The set-aside requirement for direct farm operating loans expires after FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1994(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III); P.L. 119-37).

Loan fund set-asides. Extends the direct farm operating loan set-aside through FY2031. (§5403). Adds the phrase, "to the extent practicable," to the portion of the fiscal year for the other set-asides (§5111(b))

Subtitle B—Operating Loans

Eligibility requirements. Establishes that to be eligible for direct or guaranteed farm operating loans, applicants must be individuals or certain entities engaged primarily in farming or ranching, have majority ownership, have citizenship, have sufficient training and experience, operate a farm the size of a family farm as defined by USDA, and be unable to obtain credit elsewhere at reasonable terms. A special rule allows embedded entities (entities that are owned by other entities) to be eligible if 75% of the embedded entity is owned by individuals who own and operate the farm. (7 U.S.C. §1941(a))

Persons eligible for operating loans. Replaces "majority" with "at least 50 percent" for the eligibility of entities and ownership interests. Adds a second part to the special rule that USDA may define qualified operators as entities that could be eligible. Changes the requirement that 75% of each embedded entity be owned by individuals; allows more flexibility in ownership arrangements as long as 75% of the total interest in the entitles is owned by qualified operators. (§5201)

Limitations on farm operating loans. Sets the maximum individual direct loan at $400,000. Sets the total limit on guaranteed loans at $1.75 million, adjusted for inflation after FY2019 ($2.3 million in FY2026), reduced by the outstanding amount of guaranteed farm ownership loans. (7 U.S.C. §1943(a)(1))

Limitations on amount of operating loans. Increases the limit on direct farm operating loans from $400,000 to $750,000. Increases the limit on guaranteed farm operating loans to $3 million, adjusted for inflation after FY2026. (§5105 sets the limit on guaranteed farm ownership loans at $3.5 million; having different limits on the two types of guaranteed loans may complicate implementation given that the limits are reduced by the amount of borrowing in the other type). (§5202)

Limitation on microloans. Limits microloans to $50,000; microloans have streamlined application and approval processes. (7 U.S.C. §1943(c)(2))

Limitation on microloan amounts. Increases the limit on microloans from $50,000 to $100,000. (§5203) Limitation on microloan amounts. Identical to the House provision. (§5208)

Cooperative lending pilot projects for microloans. Authorizes a pilot program through FY2026 for community development financial institutions to make or guarantee microloans and provide services to borrowers. (7 U.S.C. §1943(c)(4)(A); P.L. 119-37)

Cooperative lending pilot projects. Reauthorizes the pilot program through FY2031. (§5204)

Subtitle C—Emergency Loans

Eligibility requirements. Establishes that to be eligible for emergency loans, applicants must be individuals or certain entities engaged primarily in farming or ranching, have majority ownership, have citizenship, have sufficient training and experience, operate a farm the size of a family farm as defined by USDA, and be unable to obtain credit elsewhere at reasonable terms. Embedded entities (entities that are owned by other entities) may be eligible if 75% of the embedded entity is owned by individuals who own the farm. (7 U.S.C. §1961)

Persons eligible for emergency loans. Replaces "majority" with "at least 50 percent" for the eligibility of entities and ownership interests. Adds special rules for eligible entities that USDA may define qualified operators as entities that could be eligible. Changes the requirement that 75% of each embedded entity be owned by individuals; allows more flexibility in ownership arrangements as long as 75% of the total interest in the entitles is owned by qualified operators. (§5301)

Subtitle D—Administrative Provisions

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Individual Development Accounts Program. Authorizes a pilot program for beginning farmers and ranchers to contribute to savings accounts and receive matching contributions. Authorizes appropriations through FY2026. (The program has never received appropriations.) (7 U.S.C. §1983b(h); P.L. 119-37)

Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§5401)

Loan authorization levels. Authorizes annual USDA farm loan-making levels of $10 billion per year through FY2026, including $3 billion for direct loans and $7 billion for guaranteed loans, each equally divided between farm ownership and farm operating loans. (7 U.S.C. §1994(b)(1); P.L. 119-37)

Loan authorization levels. Extends the loan authorization levels through FY2031. (§5402)

Set-aside for beginning farmers. Requires 50% of direct farm operating loan funds be reserved for beginning farmers for 11 months of each fiscal year through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1994(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III); P.L. 119-37)

Loan fund set-asides. Extends the set-aside through FY2031. (§5403Loan authorization levels. Identical to House provision. (§5302)

Loan and loan servicing limitations. Prohibits borrowers from receiving USDA direct farm loans if they received debt forgiveness on USDA direct or guaranteed loans. Prohibits borrowers from receiving USDA guaranteed loans if they received debt forgiveness on a USDA direct or guaranteed loan more than three times before April 4, 1996, or any time after April 4, 1996. (7 U.S.C. §2008h(b)(1))

No comparable provision.

Additional funds for microloans. Authorizes additional appropriations up to $5 million annually, if needed, for direct operating microloans through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1994(b)(5)(C); P.L. 119-37)

Use of additional funds for direct operating microloans under certain conditions. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§5404)

Subtitle E—Miscellaneous

Eligibility for credit. Authorizes Farm Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations to make loans to businesses furnishingUse of additional funds for direct operating microloans under certain conditions. Identical to House provision. (§5213)

USDA farm loan programs. The terms farmer and farming in the USDA direct and guaranteed farm loan programs are defined to include fish farming. (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(1) and (2)) Regulation defines aquaculture as the husbandry of aquatic organisms raised in a controlled or selected environment of which the applicant has exclusive rights to use. The term established farmer is defined specifically to not be an integrated livestock, poultry, or fish processor who operates primarily as a commercial business through contracts or business arrangements with farmers (7 C.F.R. §761.2). Establishes that to be eligible for direct or guaranteed farm ownership or farm operating loans, applicants must be individuals or certain entities engaged primarily in farming or ranching, as defined (7 U.S.C. §1922(a), 7 U.S.C. §1941(a)). Establishes that the purposes of direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans are to acquire or improve a farm or ranch (7 U.S.C. §1923(a)). Establishes that the purposes of direct and guaranteed farm operating loans are to operate and maintain a farm or ranch. (7 U.S.C. §1942).

Farm operating loans for commercial fishing. Defines for the USDA farm loan program the terms commercial fishing, commercial fishing vessel, and fish. A fishing vessel does not include a fish processing vessel, unlike the House bill. Adds wild-caught fish and shellfish to the eligibility for direct and guaranteed farm operating loans, including defining farm and ranch to include a commercial fishing vessel. Adds to the purposes of farm operating loans the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of a commercial fishing vessel. Directs USDA to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance to the commercial fishing industry, including through cooperative agreements and partnerships, to promote awareness of and access to relevant programs. (§5216)

Extension of credit to businesses providing services to producers or harvesters of aquatic products. Adds eligibility to business furnishingthat furnish products or services to producers or harvesters of aquatic products that are directly related to the producer's or harvester'sproducers' or harvesters' operating needs. (§5501)

Extension of credit to businesses providing services to producers or harvesters of aquatic products. Substantively similar to the House provision but specifies the purpose is for the producers' or harvesters' aquatic operating needs. (§5101)

Export finance authority. Limits the amount of loans to finance agricultural exports that are made by a bank for cooperatives to 50% of the bank's capital (CoBank, an entity of FCS, is the sole such bank). (12 U.S.C. §2128(b)(2)(A)(i))

Export finance authority. Changes the limit on CoBank's export financing to 15% of CoBank's total assets. (§5502)

Rural water and waste systems. Authorizes CoBank to make direct loans and guaranteed loans to cooperatives and public agencies for water and waste disposal facilities in rural areas, which are defined as areas not within a town greater than 20,000 people. (12 U.S.C. §2128(f))

Support for rural water and waste systems. Expands the definition of rural for CoBank rural water systems guaranteed loans to areas not within a town greater than 50,000 people or areas adjacent to such cities as defined in 7 U.S.C. §1991(a)(13)(A). (§5503 Expands the purpose of loans to cooperatives and any other public or private entity to include waste from any source, telecommunication services, and producing electricity. (§5503)

Support for rural water and waste systems. Similar to the House bill except that the Senate bill does not include telecommunication services in the expansion of loan purposes. (§5103)

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Limitation on rural business investment companies. For more information, see §6426 in the House bill. (§6426, Title VI—Rural Development)

No comparable provision.

Farm credit system regulation. Adds a section to the Farm Credit Act of 1971 stating that (a) FCA is the sole regulator of FCS; (b) the section does not limit the authority of the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation; and (c) a law or rule enacted after the farm bill shall not be considered to supersede FCA's sole authority unless it does so expressly. (§5504)

Qualified loans. Defines qualified loans for Farmer Mac, which is a secondary market for agricultural loans, to include the portion of loans that are guaranteed by USDA under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (ConAct). (12 U.S.C. §2279aa(7)(B))

Loan guarantees. Expands the Farmer Mac charter for accepting guaranteed loans to include the portion of loans guaranteed by the Rural Energy for America Program (7 U.S.C. §8107). (§5505)

Standards for qualified loans. Requires Farmer Mac, under the supervision of FCA, to establish standards for qualified loans that meet the quality standards of mortgage investors. (12 U.S.C. §2279aa-8(a)(3))

Standards for qualified loans. Replaces the term mortgage investors with investors in those types of loans to reflect private institutional investors. (See also §5508(t) regarding the paragraph heading.) (§5506(1)) Standards for qualified loans. Identical to House provision. (§5107(1))

Qualified loans. Sets an individual loan limit of $2.5 million starting in 1988 and adjusted for inflation thereafter ($17.4 million in 2025), for loans accepted by Farmer Mac. Loans secured by mortgages under 2,000 acres are not subject to the limit (12 U.S.C. §2279aa-8(c)). An internal Farmer Mac policy sets a limit for loans not subject to the statutory limit to 10% of Farmer Mac's Tier 1 capital ($171 million as of December 31, 2025). (Farmer Mac, 10-K Annual Report, February 19, 2026)

Standards for qualified loans. Strikes the individual loan limit, including the 2,000-acre exception, and replaces it with a cumulative loan limit per borrower of 10% of Farmer Mac's Tier 1 capital ($171 million as of December 31, 2025), except that FCA may establish a smaller limit if necessary for safe and sound operations. (§5506)

(2))

Standards for qualified loans. Identical to House provision. (§5107(2))

State agricultural mediation programs. Adds a definition of state that includes any federally-recognized Indian Tribe. Increases the maximum grant amount from $500,000 to $700,000. Authorizes states to carry over up to 25% of unobligated amounts. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§5507)

County committees. The ConAct makes references to the involvement of county committees in the process of making and guaranteeing USDA farm loans, such as for prompt approval (7 U.S.C. §1983a(a)(2)(B)(vi)), conflicts of interest (7 U.S.C. §1986), certification of loan guarantees (7 U.S.C. §1989), and requirements for borrower training. (7 U.S.C. §2006a(c)(1))

Technical corrections. Eliminates outdated references to county committees for processes in which they are no longer involved. (§5508(a)) Technical corrections. Contains minor wording and grammatical differences from the House provision. (§5305(a))

Loan assessments. Requires USDA direct farm loans to be reviewed annually and guaranteed loans to be reviewed periodically to assess the progress in meeting the goals of the farm or ranch. (7 U.S.C. §2006b(d)(1))