Order Code RL34228
Comparison of the
House and Senate 2007 Farm Bills
Updated January 22, 2008
Renée Johnson, Coordinator,
Geoffrey S. Becker, Tom Capehart, Ralph M. Chite,
Tadlock Cowan, Ross W. Gorte, Charles E. Hanrahan,
Remy Jurenas, Jim Monke, Jean M. Rawson, Randy Schnepf,
Jasper Womach and Jeffrey A. Zinn
Resources, Science, and Industry Division
Joe Richardson
Domestic Social Policy Division

Comparison of the House and Senate 2007 Farm Bills
Summary
The House Agriculture Committee conducted its markup of its version of the
farm bill (H.R. 2419) in mid-July and completed House floor action on July 27, 2007.
The Senate Agriculture Committee approved its version of the farm bill (S. 2302) on
October 25, 2007. On December 14, the Senate completed floor action on its bill,
which was offered as a substitute to H.R. 2419 (Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act
of 2007). Conference negotiations between the House and Senate are anticipated to
start in January 2008.
This report compares the major provisions in the House and Senate versions of
the farm bill with each other and with current law. This comparison does not provide
an exhaustive list of all provisions by individual sections or subsections within each
title, nor does it provide a detailed discussion of the budget offsets to cover additional
spending on programs in certain titles that were adopted or are expected to be
proposed as part of these bills.
The bills include changes to commodity support and risk management policies
and programs (such as direct payments, payment limits, revenue and counter-cyclical
payments, crop insurance and disaster assistance, planting flexibility, and specialty
crops), as well as provisions affecting conservation, bioenergy, rural development,
forestry, agricultural research, competition, trade and food aid, agriculture credit, and
domestic food programs and nutrition. Both the House and Senate bills also contain
provisions that would make certain changes to tax laws, which are intended to offset
new spending initiatives in the bill.

Contents
Summary of Major Provisions: House and Senate 2007 Farm Bills
and Current Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Commodities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Sugar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Dairy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Horticulture and Specialty Crops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Livestock Competition, Marketing, and Regulatory Programs . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Organic Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Trade and Food Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Agricultural Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Rural Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Agricultural Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Forestry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Federal Crop Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Other Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Comparison of the House and Senate
2007 Farm Bills
The House Agriculture Committee conducted its markup of its version of the
farm bill (H.R. 2419) in mid-July and completed House floor action on July 27, 2007.
The Senate Agriculture Committee approved its version of the farm bill (S. 2302) in
late October. On December 14, the Senate completed floor action on its bill, which
was offered as a substitute to H.R. 2419 (Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of
2007). Conference negotiations between the House and Senate are anticipated to
start in January 2008.
This report compares the major provisions in the House and Senate versions of
the farm bill with each other and with current law. This comparison does not provide
an exhaustive list of all provisions by individual sections or subsections within each
title, nor does it provide a detailed discussion of the budget offsets to cover additional
spending on programs in certain titles that were adopted as part of these bills. By
farm bill issue area, the major provisions in these two bills are:
! Commodity Programs: Make changes to payment limits, modify
loan rates and target prices among commodities, and add a revenue
counter-cyclical payment option, among other program changes.
! Horticulture: Provide mandatory funding for specialty crop block
grants and additional support for organic agriculture, and provide
additional funding for inspection, and pest and disease detection
programs, among other provisions.
! Livestock: Provide for animal welfare and inspections, competition
and marketing provisions, and country-of-origin labeling
requirements, among other provisions.
! Conservation: Reauthorize, expand, and/or modify existing
working lands and farmland retirement programs, and create some
new programs and initiatives.
! Agricultural Trade: Reauthorize and amend USDA’s food aid,
export market development, and export credit guarantee programs.
! Nutrition: Rename the Food Stamp program, increase food stamp
benefits and loosen food stamp eligibility rules, review or limit
initiatives to “privatize” state food stamp administration, add
funding for emergency food assistance, fresh fruit and vegetable
programs, farmers’ market nutrition programs, and health and
nutrition promotion, and allow “geographic preference” when
buying food for school meals.
! Agricultural Credit: Expand borrowing opportunities under
USDA’s Farm Service Agency loan programs, among other changes.
! Rural Development: Reauthorize, expand, and/or modify existing
programs, and create new programs and initiatives, including rural

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infrastructure, economic development, and broadband and
telecommunications development.
! Research: Expand existing research initiatives, as well as reorganize
the administration of USDA’s research, extension, and economic
agencies, and establish a national institution to administer
competitive programs.
! Forestry: Make changes to existing forestry programs, allowing one
to expire.
! Energy: Reauthorize, expand, and/or modify existing programs, and
create new programs and initiatives to promote biofuels and
cellulosic ethanol production.
! Miscellaneous: Make changes to crop insurance and other
programs.
Both the House and Senate bills also contain provisions that would make certain
changes to tax laws, which are intended to offset new spending initiatives in the 2007
farm bill. These revenue and offsetting cost provisions are not covered in this report.
For more information on these provisions, see CRS Report RL33768, Major Tax
Issues in the 110th Congress.

The House and the Senate bills differ in their respective 5-year (FY2008-
FY2012) and 10-year (FY2008-FY2017) budget estimates of new spending authority.
This difference, in part, reflects new spending in the House bill over the full 10-year
period, whereas the Senate bill extends new spending only over the 5-year period for
many of the authorized programs, including, among others, provisions in the
nutrition, conservation, energy, and other farm bill titles. This difference also reflects
spending differences between the House and Senate for farm commodity support in
Title I.
Additional information is in CRS Report RL33934, Farm Bill Proposals and
Legislative Action in the 110th Congress. Other information is available in the CRS
Current Legislative Issues Web page on the “Farm Bill and Farm Policy,” at
[http://apps.crs.gov/cli/cli.aspx?PRDS_CLI_ITEM_ID=641&from=3&fromId=1].

CRS-3
Summary of Major Provisions:
House and Senate 2007 Farm Bills and Current Law
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
COMMODITIES
Direct payments
Fixed, direct payments tied to historic
Direct payments authorized for the life of the farm bill,
Same as House bill, insofar as continuing the direct payment
base acres and payment yields.
through the 2012 crop year. No change in payment rates.
program. Anticipated participation in the new “Average
Support is decoupled from current
Eliminate advanced portion of direct payment in 2012 crop
Crop Revenue” (ACR) program, described below, reduces
production or prices, except for a
year, which achieves fiscal year budget savings of about $1.1
direct payment outlays about an additional $7 billion over 5
restriction on planting fruits and
billion in FY2012 but does not reduce final total payments to
years since ACR participants receive a different “fixed”
vegetables.
farmers.
ACR component instead of direct payments.
Counter-cyclical payments
Income support for historic
— Retains 2002 farm bill’s system of price-based counter-
— Retains 2002 farm bill’s system of price-based counter-
production based on the relationship
cyclical payments through 2012 crop year. Modifies
cyclical payments through 2012 crop year. Modifies
of market prices to a statutory “target
target prices: increases target prices for wheat, barley,
target prices: increases for wheat, sorghum, barley, oats,
price.” Payments occur when the
oats, soybeans, and other oilseeds; decreases target price
soybeans, and other oilseeds; decrease for cotton. Adds
market price falls below the target
minimally for cotton. Eliminates advanced payments in
dry peas, lentils, and small and large chickpeas.
price. Formula is based on historic
2011 crop year, and delays final payments until a new
Eliminates advanced payments in 2011 crop year, and
base acreage and payment yields, thus
fiscal year for some commodities in crop years 2008-
delays final payments until a new fiscal year for some
decoupled from current production.
2010.
commodities in crop years 2008-2010.
— Creates a new “revenue-based counter-cyclical
— Creates a new “Average Crop Revenue” (ACR) program
payment” in 2008 (based on a national-level crop
in 2010 (based on a state-level crop revenue trigger).
revenue trigger), and gives producers a one-time option
Participation in ACR is optional, but cannot be reversed
to choose either the new revenue-based or traditional
during the farm bill. ACR replaces traditional direct
price-based payments. Direct payments and non-
payments and non-recourse marketing loans with a
resource marketing loans are unaffected.
$15/acre direct payment regardless of crop, and a
recourse loan. ACR offers expanded planting flexibility
for fruits and vegetables for processing (10,000 acres in
each of IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, OH, and WI) with
temporary reduction in payment acres.

CRS-4
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Marketing loans
Income support for the crop actually
No change in structure through 2012. Modifies loan rates:
No change in structure through 2012, except for ACR
produced based on the relationship
increase loan rate for wheat, barley, oats, minor oilseeds,
participants who would have only recourse loans which
between market prices and a statutory
wool, and small chickpeas. Decrease loan rate for dry peas
would need to be repaid in full. Modifies loan rates:
“loan rate.” Offers the option of loans
and lentils. Change calculation of cotton repayment rate to
Increase wheat, barley, oats, minor oilseeds, wool, honey.
with special reduced repayment terms
use “Far East” market price. Create economic adjustment
Decrease dry peas and lentils. Add large chickpeas. Create
or cash payments (LDP) when the
assistance program (4¢/lb) for domestic users of upland
economic adjustment assistance program (4¢/lb) for
market price is less than loan rate.
cotton for construction and modernization of facilities and
domestic users of upland cotton for construction and
Nonrecourse, meaning producers can
equipment.
modernization of facilities and equipment.
forfeit grain (collateral) to repay the
loan if market price is below loan rate.
Payment limits
— $360,000 combined cap on direct
— Tightens limits by (1) reducing the AGI limit to $1
— Smaller and slower changes than the House bill.
payments ($80,000), counter-
million with no exceptions, and to $500,000 unless more
— Retains the current AGI limit for the 2008 crop year.
cyclical payments ($130,000),
than 67% of AGI is from farming, (2) eliminating the
— Tightens limits by (1) reducing the AGI limit to $1
and marketing loans ($150,000,
“3-entity rule,” which allows individuals to double their
million in 2009 unless more than 67% of AGI is from
except for unlimited use of
payments by having multiple ownership interests, and
farming, and to $750,000 in 2010-2012 (no firm upper
commodity certificates or
(3) requiring “direct attribution” of payments to a
limit like House bill), (2) eliminating the “3-entity rule,”
forfeiture). This is the amount
natural person.
which allows individuals to double their payments by
after doubling with 3-entity rule
— Relaxes limits by (1) raising the limit on direct
having multiple ownership interests, (3) requiring
and spouse allowances.
payments from $40,000 to $60,000, and (2) eliminating
“direct attribution” of payments to a natural person, and
— $2.5 million Adjusted Gross
the $75,000 limit on the marketing loan program. This
(4) lowering the limit on traditional counter-cyclical
Income (AGI) means test (no
results in a $250,000 limit on direct and counter-cyclical
payments from $65,000 to $60,000.
payments if AGI is greater than
payments after spouse doubling, and no limits on
— Relaxes limits by eliminating the $75,000 limit on the
the payment limit), except if 75%
marketing loans.
marketing loan program. This results in a $200,000
of AGI is from farming.
limit on direct and counter-cyclical payments after
spouse doubling, and no limits on marketing loans.
— Senate floor votes rejected Dorgan/Grassley amendment
to tighten limit on payments to $250,000 and keep limits
on marketing loans, and Klobuchar amendment to
tighten AGI limit to $250,000 with an exception if 67%
is farming income, and $750,000 with no exceptions.
Payments to small farms, non-farmers, or deceased farmers
No limit or threshold for payments to
Eliminates direct and counter-cyclical payments less than
Expand restrictions on base acres by eliminating base acres
small farms. Base acres eliminated if
$25. Permanently denies benefits if convicted of defrauding
on land that had been subdivided into multiple residential
land is developed for non-agricultural
USDA. Instructs USDA to implement regulations requiring
units or other nonfarming uses. Codifies in statute existing
industrial use. Statute allows
that USDA be notified about deaths/estates, withhold
USDA regulations that commodity payments to estates be
payments to estates generally; USDA
payment for failure to comply, cross match taxpayer IDs
limited to 2 years (but without exception), and requires

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Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
regulations allow payments to estates
with IRS data on deceased individuals and recoup improper
annual reports to Congress on payments to estates.
for 2 years, with exceptions.
payments.
Planting flexibility
Although other program crops can be
No change in fruit and vegetable planting restriction
No change in fruit and vegetable planting restriction
planted on base acres without penalty,
generally. Creates a pilot program allowing up to 10,000
generally. Like House bill, creates a pilot program allowing
producers are prohibited from
acres of tomatoes for processing in Indiana, with a
up to 10,000 acres of tomatoes for processing in Indiana,
planting fruits and vegetables on base
temporary reduction of base acres.
with a temporary reduction of base acres. Also, the ACR
acres.
program has expanded planting flexibility for any fruits and
vegetables for processing (10,000 acres in each of IL, IN,
IA, MI, MN, OH, and WI) with temporary reduction in base.
SUGAR
Guarantees a minimum price to
Extends the structure of current sugar program, but:
Has provisions largely identical to House bill, but with three
processors of sugar crops (and in turn,
notable differences:
producers). Makes nonrecourse loans
— Increases loan rates by almost 3%.
to processors at specified loan rates.
— Replaces accommodation made for sugar import
— Increases loan rates by 6-7%.
Requires USDA to operate program at
commitments with a provision guaranteeing a minimum
— Drops House language prescribing sugar import
“no cost” by limiting amount of sugar
85% market share to domestic production sector.
shipping patterns (other provisions on USDA
that processors can sell under
— Prescribes (tightens) USDA administration of sugar
administration of sugar quota though are largely
“marketing allotments” and restricting
import quota authority.
unchanged).
imports under quotas. Accommodates
— Mandates use of surplus sugar (equal to amount that
— Prescribes minimum payments to be paid by USDA to
a specified level of sugar imports
imports exceed U.S. food demand) for ethanol
processors for forfeited sugar.
under U.S. trade commitments; if
production.
more sugar enters, allotments must be
terminated.
DAIRY
Dairy Price and Income Support
— Dairy price support program:
— Continues the dairy price support program through
— Same as House bill, except there is no provision that
USDA purchases dairy products
2012, but changes the program to directly support the
allows the Secretary to reduce purchase prices when
to support the farm price of milk
price of cheese, butter and nonfat dry milk. Allows the
purchases reach certain levels.
at $9.90 per hundredweight (cwt.)
Secretary to reduce government purchase prices when
— Extends the MILC program through 2012, but raises the
— Milk Income Loss Contract
purchases reach certain thresholds.
payment rate to 45% of the difference between $16.94
(MILC) program makes payments
— Extends the MILC program through 2012 at the current
and the monthly market price (when lower). Also
to farmers equal to 34% of the
level of support.
increases the per farm payment cap to 4.15 million lbs
difference between a $16.94
of annual production (approx. a 225 cow farm).
target price and the monthly
market price if market price is

CRS-6
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
below the target. Per farm
payments limited to the first 2.4
million lbs. production annually
(approx. 130 cow farm).
Assessment on Dairy Imports
— The Dairy Producer Stabilization
— Requires Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico to pay the
— No provision.
Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C.4501-4514)
assessment. The Administration contends that this
authorized a national dairy
change would make the definition of the United States
producer program for generic
consistent with the definition used by the U.S. Trade
dairy product promotion, and
Representative and U.S. trading partners, thus allowing
mandated a permanent 15-cent
USDA to implement the assessment on importers.
per cwt. assessment on all milk
produced and marketed in the 48
contiguous states to fund the
program. Section 1505 of the
2002 farm bill (P.L. 107-171)
requires that the 15-cent
assessment be collected on all
imported dairy products. USDA
has not implemented the import
assessment, contending that it
violates U.S trade obligations.
HORTICULTURE AND SPECIALTY CROPS
Block Grants
A program of block grants to states to
Provides $365 million in mandatory funding over five years
Provides $270 million in mandatory funding over five years
support projects in marketing,
to expand the program of block grants to states for specialty
to expand the program of block grants to states for specialty
research, education, pest/disease
crop projects.
crop projects.
management, production, and food
safety related to specialty crops was
created by the Specialty Crops
Competitiveness Act of 2004 (P.L.
108-465). Authorized to receive
annual appropriations of $44.5 million
through FY2009 (received $7 million
each in FY2006 and FY2007).

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Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Research
No provision.
Establishes a Specialty Crop Research Initiative to support
Contains substantially the same provision as the House
scientific investigation into all areas of interest to the
measure. Provides $16 million annually through FY2012 in
industry, including plant breeding,, pest management,
mandatory funds to support the initiative.
produce safety, environmental effects, etc. Authorizes $100
million in annual appropriations through FY2012 and,
subject to availability, provides $215 annually in mandatory
funds for the initiative.
Inspections, and Pest and Disease Management
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health
Amends P.L. 106-224 to establish a cooperative program
Amends the 2002 farm bill to provide additional technical
Inspection Service conducts a number
with the states providing cost-share assistance for early pest
assistance to specialty crop producers to address export
of pest and disease detection and
detection and surveillance activities, to include development
barriers for specialty crops. Provides $19 million over five
management programs under the
of a list of potential threats and mitigation programs to
years, an increase of $24 million from current baseline.
authority of the Plant Protection Act
address them. Provides $200 million in mandatory funds
Authorizes USDA to carry out a food safety education
of 2000 (P.L. 106-224). Other
over a five-year period to support the program.
program about practices and methods that reduce microbial
programs in the 2002 farm bill also
pathogens and cross contamination of fresh produce.
address sanitary, phytosanitary, and
technical barriers to U.S. agriculture
exports.
Farmer Marketing Assistance
The 2002 farm bill amended the
Provides $35 million in mandatory funds to support the
Provides $30 million in mandatory funds to support the
Farmer-to-Consumer Direct
program, renamed the Farmer Marketing Assistance
program, renamed the Farmer Marketing Assistance
Marketing Act of 1976 to create
Program. Also creates a new grant program to study ways to
Program. Also creates a new grant program ($7 million in
Farmers’ Market Promotion program
improve farmer access to competitive processing and
mandatory funding) to improve access of foods to
to provide grant to promote farmers
distribution systems, called the Healthy Food Urban
underserved communities and to improve farmer access to
markets.
Development Program.
competitive processing and distribution systems, called the
Healthy Food Enterprise Development Center.
Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition Programs
The 2002 farm bill amended Section
Specifies that in addition to specialty crop purchases
Same as House bill (in the nutrition title of the Senate bill).
32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act
required in the 2002 farm bill, the Secretary shall purchase
Amendment of 1935 (P.L. 74-320) to
fruits, vegetables, and nuts using Section 32 funds in the
require USDA to use not less than
amount of $190 million in FY2008; $193 million in
$200 million annually in additional
FY2009; $199 million in FY2010; $203 million in FY2011;
Section 32 funds to purchase specialty
and $206 million in FY2012 an annually thereafter.
crops for nutrition programs.

CRS-8
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Separate Farm Bill Title for Horticulture Provisions
The 2002 farm bill did not include a
Creates new farm bill title, Horticulture and Organic
No new title; includes horticulture provisions as Subtitle F in
separate title for specialty crops.
Agriculture (Title X).
Title I.
LIVESTOCK COMPETITION, MARKETING, AND REGULATORY PROGRAMS
Livestock and Poultry Contracts
The 2002 farm bill gives producers
Amends the PSA to require USDA to establish regulatory
Amends the PSA to require integrators to give 90 days’
the right to discuss their contracts with
standards for arbitration provisions in livestock and poultry
notice before terminating a contract with a producer who has
family members and advisors; extends
contracts; permits a producer to seek relief in a small claims
made a capital investment of at least $100,000 to fulfill the
some Packers and Stockyards Act
court, if within the court’s jurisdiction, regardless of a
contract; requires that any contract arbitration clause be
(PSA) protections to swine producers
contract’s arbitration clause.
voluntary; gives producers new rights to terminate a contract
with production contracts.
early; among other changes. Also, a producer could discuss
contract provisions with additional parties.
Competition
No provision.
No provision
Creates a new Special Counsel for Agricultural Competition
at USDA to investigate and prosecute violations of
competition laws; prohibits most major packers from owning
or controlling livestock more than 14 days prior to slaughter;
provides new protections to producer members of
agricultural cooperatives and handlers under the Agricultural
Fair Practices Act; strengthens enforcement authorities over
live poultry dealers under the PSA; alters some provisions
for swine and pork in Mandatory Livestock Price Reporting
Program; and establishes a new program for mandatory daily
product information reporting for dairy products.
Meat and Poultry Inspection
Current law under the Federal Meat
Replaces current federal-state cooperative inspection
Supplements the current federal-state cooperative inspection
Inspection Act (21 USC 601 et seq.)
program with a new program whereby USDA would
program with a new provision whereby state-inspected
And the Poultry Products Inspection
approve the shipment of state-inspected meat and poultry
plants with 25 or fewer employees could opt into a new
Act (21 USC 451 et seq.) permit states
from a State where the program requirements are identical to
program that subjects them to federally-directed inspection
to operate their own meat and poultry
federal requirements; permits many plants currently under
using state employees, and thus ship interstate. Other
inspection programs, if they are at
federal inspection to shift to state inspection; among other
changes include:
least “equal to” (but not necessarily
things.
identical to) the federal program.
Requiring farm-raised catfish to undergo federal food safety
State-inspected meat and poultry
inspection as conducted for meat and poultry species;
cannot be shipped in interstate
Requiring USDA to establish “reportable food registries”

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Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
commerce.
where establishments must report events involving meat and
poultry and products that pose probable health risks;
Requiring inspected establishments to include a recall plan in
their USDA-approved risk prevention plans and, for beef
products, a reassessment of their E. coli O157:H7 plans.
Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL)
Retailers (not restaurants) must
Continues to require implementation by 2008 but, for red
Senate language is similar, but further makes chicken and
provide COOL for fresh meats,
meats only, creates new label categories intended to make it
macadamia nuts covered commodities. Also creates a
produce, peanuts and seafood by
easier to cite country of origin. Adds goat meat as a covered
separate labeling program for ginseng country of origin.
September 30, 2004 (later changed to
commodity. For all covered commodities, eases some
2008 except for seafood). Contains
recordkeeping, certification requirements, and reduces fines
numerous requirements on labeling
for noncompliance.
exclusively USA products, on
recordkeeping and certification, and
on enforcement/fines for
noncompliance.
Foods from Cloned Animals
FDA has asked companies to
No provision.
Prohibits FDA from issuing a final risk assessment and from
voluntarily not introduce meat and
lifting the voluntary moratorium until completion of newly
milk from cloned animals until it
mandated studies on the safety and on the market impacts of
completes a final risk assessment and
introducing products from cloned animals.
guidance on their safety.
Food Safety Commission
The 2002 farm bill establishes a 15-
No provision.
Establishes a Congressional Bipartisan Food Safety
member Food Safety Commission
Commission required to study and make recommendations
appointed by the President to make
for modernizing food safety programs, including
recommendations to enhance the U.S.
organizational and resource requirements which emphasize
food safety system. Provision not
prevention and which are based on risk assessment and best-
implemented.
available science. President is required to send to Congress
proposed legislation based on the Commission’s
recommended statutory changes.
Separate Farm Bill Title for Animal Agriculture Provisions
The 2002 farm bill does not include a
No new title; includes most animal agriculture provisions as
Creates new farm bill title, Livestock Marketing,
separate title for animal agriculture.
part of the Miscellaneous Title X.
Regulatory, and Related Programs (Title X).

CRS-10
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
Existing provisions in the 2002 farm
Reauthorizes the National Organic Certification Cost-share
Similar to House bill.
bill established the National Organic
Program, providing $22 million in mandatory funds in
Certification Cost-share Program with
FY2008, to be available until expended. Raises benefit limit
a one-time transfer of $5 million in
to $750 per farm.
mandatory funds (individual benefit
capped at $500 per farm).
Current law provides for various
Among other provisions: Provides mandatory funding of $3
Among other provisions: Provides mandatory funding of $5
organic agriculture initiatives,
million for data collection on organically-grown crops.
million for data collection on organically-grown crops.
including the National Organic
Authorizes appropriations of $50 million over five years to
Increases authorized incremental funding levels for the
Program authorized in the Organic
provide technical assistance and cost-sharing grants to
National Organic Program for use in compliance and
Foods Production Act (P.L. 101-624),
farmers seeking to convert from conventional to organic
oversight. Exempts organic farms from assessments under
among other provisions.
production.
the commodity promotion programs.
The 2002 farm bill provided $3
Authorizes $25 million annually in appropriated funds and,
Provides $16 million annually in mandatory funds for the
million annually in mandatory funds
subject to availability, provides an additional $25 million in
Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative,
through FY2007 to support research
mandatory funds annually to support the Organic Agriculture
through FY2012.
and extension programs related to
Research and Extension Initiative, through FY2012.
organic agriculture.
CONSERVATION
Working Lands Programs
Authorizes working lands programs,
— Expands EQIP funding, increases activities under the
— Reauthorizes EQIP. Adds forest management to the
such as the Environmental Quality
Conservation Innovation Grants subprogram, adds
purposes of the program. Makes additional practices,
Incentives Program (EQIP), the
forestry provisions, and requires that a portion of funds
such as invasive species management eligible for
Conservation Security Program
assist beginning, socially-disadvantaged, and limited
incentive payments. Authorizes assistance through EQIP
(CSP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives
resource producers. Creates new Regional Water
to producers who are converting to organic agriculture.
Program (WHIP), and other programs
Enhancement Program. New budget authority of $1.9
— Reauthorizes the CSP for existing contracts, and
that provide assistance
billion over five-years above baseline.
replaces it with the Conservation Stewardship Program
installing/implementing conservation
— Replaces CSP’s 3-tiered and 4-payment structure with
for new contracts. Specifies terms for participation,
practices on lands in production.
no tiers and on annual stewardship enhancement
based on developing and implementing a plan to address
payments; other program changes. Prohibits additional
priority resources of concern at a level that meets a
CSP signups until 2012 by capping funding; provides
stewardship threshold.
slightly more funding after 2009.
— Creates a new Comprehensive Stewardship Incentives
— Extends WHIP at current authorized funding level.
Program by combining activities under the CSP and
— Extends Conservation of Private Grazing Lands
EQIP. Applies this program to resources of concern,
program, providing unspecified funding.
which are to be identified at the state level.
Implementing regulations are to be issued within 180
days of enactment. New budget authority ($2.0 billion

CRS-11
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
five years; enroll 13 million acres/year).
— Extends WHIP at current authorized funding level.
— Extends Conservation of Private Grazing Lands
program.
Land Retirement Programs
Authorizes land retirement programs,
— Extends CRP. Includes new provision allowing retired
— Extends CRP. Expands eligible lands. Adds a new
such as the Conservation Reserve
landowners to modify contracts if land is transferred to
flooded farmland program for closed basins in the
Program (CRP), the Wetland Reserve
beginning or socially disadvantaged producer. Provides
Northern Great Plains. Expands the definition of the
Program (WRP), and Grasslands
that only land enrolled in general CRP sign-ups is
Chesapeake Bay priority area, and adds 3 new priority
Reserve Program (GRP). Encourages
eligible for early termination. Allows land to be
areas. Adds a new Wildlife Habitat Program for
restoring environmentally fragile land
transferred into GRP under longer retirement contracts
participants who have established stands of softwood
(cropland, grassland and wetlands) by
— Renews/expands enrollment in WRP. Increases WRP’s
pine.
retiring it from production.
enrollment ceiling and modifies USDA appraisal
— Renews enrollment in WRP at 250,000 acres per year.
process. New budget authority of $1.9 billion over
Adds a Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program.
five-years (CBO).
Clarifies how landowner compensation is determined.
— Renews/expands enrollment in GRP by 1.34 million
New budget authority of $1.9 billion over five years.
acres; provides for third party ownership, negotiation
— Reauthorizes GRP. Defines eligible lands and identifies
and enforcement. Allows certain lands to be transferred
types of landscapes that should be emphasized. Allows
from CRP.
certain lands to be transferred from CRP. New budget
authority of $240 million over five years.
Farmland Protection Program
Authorizes the Farm Protection
— Increases funding for the (renamed) Farm and
— Reauthorizes FPP at current funding level. Makes
Program (FPP) to keep productive
Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP); makes changes
numerous related changes clarifying the roles and
farmland from conversion to other
to certification process for states and eligible entities;
responsibilities of eligible entities.
uses.
and USDA program administration.
Watershed Protection Programs
Authorizes conservation activities at
— Creates new Regional Water Enhancement Program to
— Reauthorizes Ground and Surface Water Conservation
watershed scale, including a new
replace Ground and Surface Water Conservation
Program under EQIP at current level, and encourages
Chesapeake Bay Program for Nutrient
Program under EQIP at same funding level.
Secretary to carry out activities on a regional scale.
Reduction and Sediment Control, and
— Renews/funds the Small Watershed Rehabilitation
— Reauthorizes programs for Great Lakes, grassroots
reauthorizes several programs,
Program (Provides mandatory and discretionary
source water protection, and desert terminal lakes at
including the Small Watershed
funding; $200 million in baseline for program funding.
current levels.
Rehabilitation Program.
— Provides additional new resources for the Chesapeake
— Renews the Small Watershed Rehabilitation Program,
Bay Region (includes $25 million for a pilot program;
providing unspecified funding.
$150 million for river restoration).
— Adds a new Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program to
— Reauthorizes programs for Great Lakes and grassroots
EQIP and authorizes $165 million in new budget
source water protection.
authority over five years.

CRS-12
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Conservation Innovation Grants Program
Authorizes the Conservation
— Extends/expands funding ($20 million annually
— Reauthorizes program at current level. Seeks to increase
Innovation Grants program that
2008-2012).
specialty crop producer participation. Clarifies that
provides competitive grants for state
— (1) establishes a comprehensive conservation planning
grants are to be used to develop and transfer innovative
and local governments, and
pilot for the Chesapeake Bay; (2) funds for outreach to
conservation technology.
non-profits to help identify, test, and
fruit, vegetable and organic producers; (3) $150 million
implement innovative environmental
for air quality programs; and (4) provides for air quality
solutions.
funding.
Payment limits on conservation programs
Sets a payment limit of $450,000 for
Sets an overall fiscal year payment limit of $60,000 for any
No changes.
EQIP cost-share and incentive
single conservation program and $125,000 for all programs
payments over a six-year period and
(excludes WRP, FRPP, and GRP).
$50,000 for CRP rental and incentive
payments; no general payment limits.
Miscellaneous / New Provisions
Other programs previously authorized
Reauthorizes certain other programs through 2012, including
— Reauthorizes programs through 2012, including
include; Conservation of Private
Conservation of Private Grazing Lands, Farm Viability
Conservation of Private Grazing Lands, Farm Viability
Grazing Lands, Farm Viability
Program, Agricultural Management Assistance Program, and
Program, and Agricultural Management Assistance
Program, Regional Equity Program,
Regional Equity Program and authorities. Creates new
Program. Reauthorizes Regional Equity Program and
and Agricultural Management
programs:
increases the level from $12 million to $15 million/year.
Assistance Program.
— Cooperative Conservation Program Initiative to allows
— Creates new Discovery Watershed Demonstration
third parties to help identify conservation areas/issues.
Program in the Upper Mississippi River basin to address
— Open Fields Program that creates incentives for public
loss of nutrients to surface waters from farm lands.
access to private land for hunting and fishing.
— Creates new Emergency Landscape Restoration
— Pilot conservation program for four-year crop rotation
Program to rehabilitate farmland adversely affected by
for peanuts.
natural disasters; Secretary may purchase floodplain
— Development of a simplified conservation application
easements.
process within one year of enactment.
— Creates new Voluntary Public Access and Habitat
Incentives Program to encourage landowners to allow
access for hunting, fishing, and wildlife-related
recreation.
— Provides that 10% of conservation program funds be to
assist beginning/socially disadvantaged producers.
— Provides for second level review of highly erodible land
and wetland compliance violations. Prohibits access to
crop insurance for lands converted from native sod to
commodity production after date of enactment.
— Moves Healthy Forest Reserve from the forestry title to

CRS-13
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
the conservation title and replaces it with other multi-
year land retirement programs, and provides for
permanent easements.
— Facilitates expanded ability to provide technical
assistance by supplementing current federal staff
resources.
— Requires the Secretary to develop standardized
procedures for State Technical Committees.
Market-based Approach to Farm Conservation
No existing provision.
Establishes an Environmental Services Standards Board and
Directs the Secretary to develop a framework, including
provides grants to facilitate the development of
standards and procedures, to help producers and landowners
private-sector market-based approaches for environmental
participate in environmental service markets. Requires the
goods and services involving agriculture and forestry
initial focus to be on carbon markets. Requires three
(authorized at $50 million).
progress reports to Congress.
TRADE AND FOOD AID
P.L. 480 Food Aid
Authorizes donations and
Reauthorizes P.L. 480 food aid programs through FY2012.
Reauthorizes through FY2012; renames the program Food
concessional financing of U.S.
Authorizes $2.5 billion in Title II donations.
for Peace Act.
agricultural commodities to
— Increases funds to support operations of food aid
— Provides not less than 7.5% of funds available to
developing and transition countries.
implementers to not less than 7% and not more than
support operations and monitor and evaluate programs.
— Allows 5-10% of funds for
12% of funds available to the program; allows funds for
— Maintains current minimum volume of assistance;
commodity donations to support
program monitoring and evaluation.
authorizes $600 million for non-emergency assistance.
food aid implementing
— Maintains current minimum levels of commodities
— Reauthorizes the Farmer-to-Farmer program at the
organizations.
provided; authorizes $450 million non-emergency
current level.
— Sets minimum assistance volume
(development) assistance, which can only be waived by
— Increases funding for prepositioning to not more than $4
at 2.5 million metric tons (mmt),
act of Congress.
million annually.
of which 1.875 mmt is for non-
— Extends Farmer-to-Farmer program to 2012, with
— New Pilot Program: Creates a new pilot program for
emergency (development) aid.
minimum funding of 0.5% or $10 million; authorizes
local (non-U.S.) purchase of commodities for
— Allocates 0.5% of funds to a
$15 million in appropriations for programs in
emergency food aid, with authorized funding at $25
Farmer-to-Farmer program of
developing countries.
million annually.
voluntary technical assistance.
— Increases funds for prepositioning to not more than $8
— Makes available not more than $2
million/year.
million for prepositioning of
commodities for emergency
relief.

CRS-14
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Other Food Aid Programs
— Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust
— BEHT reauthorized through FY2012.
— BEHT reauthorized through FY2012. Authorizes the
(BEHT): provides commodities
— FFP reauthorized through FY2012
Secretary of Agriculture to invest funds in the BEHT in
and cash to meet unanticipated
— FFE reauthorized through FY2012. Changes the
short-term U.S. or other low-risk short-term instruments.
needs for emergency food aid.
funding basis of FFE from discretionary to mandatory
— FFP reauthorized through FY2012. Increases cap on
— Food for Progress (FFP): provides
and authorizes funding of $140 million for FY2009;
transportation costs paid by the CCC from $40 million
a minimum of 400,000 mt of U.S.
$170 million for FY2010; $230 million for FY2011; and
to $48 million annually.
commodities for market-oriented
$300 million for FY2012.
— FFE reauthorized through FY2012. Authorizes annual
ag development in
(discretionary) funding of $300 million.
developing/transition countries.
— McGovern-Dole International
Food for Education and Child
Nutrition Program (FFE) :
provides U.S. commodities,
funds, and technical assistance to
establish school feeding and child
nutrition programs overseas.
Export Credit Guarantee Program
Authorizes short-term (six months to
Extends program through 2012. Repeals intermediate export
Same as House bill.
three years) and intermediate-term
credit guarantees and removes 1% cap on origination fees for
(three to ten years) guarantees of
guarantees (to make guarantees comply with WTO cotton
private, commercial financing of U.S.
case decision). Repeals the Supplier Credit Guarantee
agricultural exports.
Program.
Export Market Promotion and Export Subsidies
— Market Access Program (MAP):
— MAP changes: organic agricultural commodities eligible
— Reauthorizes MAP: $210 million (FY2008), $220
Cost-share federal funding of
for MAP promotions; increased annual MAP funding
million (FY2009), $230 million (FY2010), $240 million
agricultural export market
from $200 million (FY2007) to $225 million (FY2008-
(FY2011), $200 million (FY2012). Organic
development for generic and
FY2012).
commodities eligible; and 50% of funds over $200
branded commodities.
— FMDP funding authorized at $34.5 million for FMDP
million allocated to specialty crops.
— Foreign Market Development
from FY2008 through FY2012.
— Reauthorizes FMDP: $39.5 million (FY2008 and
Program (FMDP): Cost-share
— Reauthorizes EMP through 2012.
FY2009), $44.5 million (FY2010), and $34.5 million
federal funding of export market
— Reauthorizes EEP through 2012.
(FY2011-FY2012)
development of mainly generic
— Reauthorizes DEIP through FY2012 (Commodity Title)
— Reauthorizes EMP through FY2012.
(bulk) commodities.
— Repeals authority for EEP.
— Emerging Markets Program
— Reauthorizes DEIP through FY2012 (Commodity Title)
(EMP): Promotion of US. farm
exports in countries taking steps
toward market-oriented

CRS-15
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
development of agriculture with
potential to become commercial
markets for U.S. agri exports.
— Export Enhancement Program
(EEP): direct export subsidies for
U.S. farm commodities.
— Dairy Export Incentive Program
(DEIP): direct export subsidies
for U.S. dairy products.
Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) barriers to U.S. agricultural exports and trade disputes
Technical Assistance for Specialty
Reauthorizes TASC. Provides increased funding of $2
Reauthorizes TASC. Provides increased funding of $6.8
Crops (TASC) provides $2 million
million (FY2007) to $4 million (FY2008); increases to $10
million annually (FY2008-FY2011), and $2 million
annually to assist in removal of SPS
million annually (FY2011 and FY2012).
(FY2012) (Commodity Title)
barriers to U.S. agricultural exports
NUTRITION
Extension of Expiring Authorities
All nutrition program authorities (e.g.,
Extends all expiring authorities through FY2012. All
Makes most nutrition program authorities (including
authorizations for appropriations)
amendments changing program rules (e.g., increasing food
authorizations for appropriations) permanent. Terminates
expire at the end of FY2007.
stamp benefits) are permanent.
the effect of most amendments changing program rules (e.g.,
increasing food stamp benefits) after FY2012.
Renaming the Food Stamp Program
No similar provision.
Renames the Food Stamp program: the Secure Supplemental
Renames the Food Stamp program: The Food and Nutrition
Nutrition Assistance program.
program.
Increased Food Stamp Benefits
When calculating food stamp benefits,
— Increases the standard deduction to $145 and indexes it
— Increases the standard deduction to $140 and indexes it
a portion of recipients’ income is
annually for overall inflation. Removes the limits on
annually for overall inflation.
disregarded (deducted) — a “standard
dependent care expense deductions. Adds an income
— Removes the limits on dependent-care expense
deduction” (typically, $134/month)
disregard for combat-related military pay.
deductions, adds an income disregard for combat-related
and (2) dependent care expenses
— Increases the minimum benefit to 10% of the value of the
military pay, and increases the minimum benefit as in the
(limited to $175-$200/month,
annually indexed (for food price inflation) maximum food
House bill.
depending on dependent’s age). A
stamp benefit for a 1-person household.
portion of other expenses (e.g., shelter
costs) also is disregarded.
Disregarding income has the primary

CRS-16
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
effect of increasing food stamp
benefits. The minimum benefit for
one- and two-person households is set
at $10/month.
Liberalized Food Stamp Asset Eligibility Standards
Households eligible for food stamp
Indexes the dollar limits on liquid assets (annually, for
— Increases the dollar limits on liquid assets to
benefits must have liquid assets of less
overall inflation). Disregards all tax-recognized retirement
$3,500/$4,500 and indexes them (annually, for overall
than $2,000 (or $3,000 for those with
plans/savings and postsecondary education savings.
inflation).
elderly/disabled members). The
— Disregards all tax-recognized retirement plans/savings
dollar limit is not indexed, and some
and postsecondary education savings as in the House bill.
retirement plans/savings and all
savings for postsecondary education
are counted as assets. A household’s
home, personal belongings,
furnishings, and (in most cases) the
value of its vehicle are not counted.
“Privatization” of Food Stamp Program Administration
State “merit-system” employees must
Places substantial new limits on the ability of states to
Requires standards to identify major changes in state agency
certify eligibility for food stamps.
“privatize” (e.g., contract out) administration of the Food
administrative operations and collection of information
Stamp program.
needed to identify and correct any adverse effects they might
have. Requires testing and updating of any state initiatives
relating to computerization of program operations.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP has mandatory funding of
Increases the mandatory funding level for TEFAP to $250
Increases the mandatory funding level for TEFAP to $250
$140 million a year to acquire
million a year (indexed annually to food prices).
million a year (unindexed).
commodities for distribution through
emergency feeding organizations.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Provides for a program making free
Increases (to $70 million a year) funding for the fresh fruit
Replaces the current program with a new free fresh fruit and
fresh fruits and vegetables available to
and vegetable program and makes it available in state-
vegetable program funded at $225 million, indexed annually
all students in state-selected
selected elementary and secondary schools in all states.
for inflation. The new program would be available in state-
elementary and secondary schools —
selected elementary schools in all states (and at least 100
operating in 14 states and on 3 Indian
schools on Indian reservations).
reservations (nearly 400 schools) and
funded at $15 million (FY2007).

CRS-17
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Geographic Preference
Schools receiving meal assistance and
Generally overrides rules that limit the extent to which
Same as House bill.
the DoD Fresh program (an initiative
schools and the DoD Fresh program can specify a
using the Defense Department as a
geographic preference (e.g., for locally produced food items)
purchasing agent for schools)
in their procurements.
generally are prohibited from
specifying a geographic preference
when they procure food items.
Other Provisions
— Able-bodied Adults without
— No ABAWD provision.
— Lengthens the eligibility period for ABAWDs to six
Dependents (ABAWDs)
— Authorizes additional appropriations to expand the
months out of every 36 months.
ABAWDs who are not working
SFMNP at $20 million for FY2008 and rising, in stages,
— Provides $10 million a year in additional mandatory
or in a work/training program are
to $75 million for FY2012.
funding for the SFMNP. Provides $5 million in
eligible for food stamps (3
— Authorizes appropriations ($10 million a year) for a
mandatory funding for projects to expand the use of
months out of every 36 months).
competitive grant initiative to address obesity among
food stamp electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards in
— Farmers’ Markets. Mandatory
low-income Americans.
farmers’ markets.
funding of $15 million a year for
— Provides mandatory funding of $50 million for pilot
a Senior Farmers’ Market
projects to evaluate methods of promoting health and
Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
nutrition through the Food Stamp program.
— Health Promotion. No explicit
provisions. Federal cost-sharing
is allowed for general nutrition
education activities directed at
food stamp recipients.
AGRICULTURAL CREDIT
1. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Loan Programs
a. Maximum lending limit
$200,000 per borrower for direct farm
Increases lending limits per farmer to $300,000 for direct
Same as House bill.
ownership loans (dating from 1984)
farm ownership loans and $300,000 for direct operating
and $200,000 for direct operating
loans
loans (dating from 1986).
b. Beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers
Reserves part of the loan volume for
— Further prioritizes lending for beginning and socially
Same as House bill (although a couple percentage figures
beginning farmers: 70% of direct farm
disadvantaged farmers by increasing the amounts
may vary slightly).

CRS-18
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
ownership loans, 35% of direct
reserved for these groups.
operating loans, 25% of guaranteed
— Extends the right of first refusal to reacquire a
ownership loans, and 40% of
homestead property to the family of a socially
guaranteed farm operating loans.
disadvantaged borrower-owner.
Funds also targeted to “socially
— Restores priority given to socially disadvantaged
disadvantaged” farmers based on race,
farmers whenever the USDA sells or leases property.
gender, and ethnicity.
c. Conservation loan guarantee program
No provision.
Creates a special loan guarantee program for soil and water
Make more conservation programs eligible for FSA farm
conservation and protection projects that gives priority to
loans, including the transition to organic and sustainable
qualified beginning farmers or ranchers, socially
farming, and give priority to beginning farmers and
disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, and producers who use
ranchers.
the loans to build conservation structures or establish
conservation practices.
d. Term limits
Term limits require farmers to
Extends, but only until Jan. 1, 2008, the suspension of the
Permanently eliminates term limits on guaranteed operating
graduate from FSA credit to
enforcement of term limits on guaranteed operating loans.
loans.
commercial lenders. Farmers are
eligible for direct operating loans for
seven years, and guaranteed operating
loans for 15 years. Current law
suspends enforcement of term limits
on guaranteed operating loans through
Dec. 21, 2007.
e. Other provisions
Current law provides for two
— Modifies the Down Payment Loan Program to make
— Modifies the Down Payment Loan Program in ways
programs:
adjustments to the interest rate, increases the maximum
similar to the House bill.
— Beginning Farmer and Rancher
allowable sales price, reduces the borrower down
— Extends and expands the guarantee program for
Down Payment Loan program.
payment requirement, increases the FSA portion, and
seller-financed loans, similar to the House bill.
— Pilot program to guarantee
changes the loan terms.
— Creates beginning farmer “Individual Development
seller-financed land loans.
— Extends and expands the guarantee program for
Account” pilot program with matching up to 3:1 up to
seller-financed loans.
$9,000/year for capital expenditures. Authorizes $5
million/year from CCC.

CRS-19
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
2. Farm Credit System (FCS)
a. Scope of lending authority
FCS is a non-governmental
No provisions for expansion of FCS lending authority.
cooperatively-owned confederation of
institutions that lend permanently to:
Note: A provision that was in the House-reported bill but
— farmers, ranchers, producers of
was removed through floor amendment would have created a
aquatic products;
new category for general “agribusiness” loans to limited
— businesses providing services to
renewable energy projects, and would have increased the
farmers/ranchers;
population cutoff for rural housing loans to 6,000
— farming-related businesses that
population. No provisions for expansion of FCS lending
process or market farm products,
authority.
if more than 50% of the business
is owned by farmers who provide
some of the “throughput;” and
— rural homeowners of
moderately-priced, single-family
houses in towns with less than
2,500 population.
b. Insurance corporation premiums
FCS banks and associations pay
Changes the basis on which the Farm Credit System
Same as House bill.
premiums to the Farm Credit System
Insurance Corporation collects premiums by authorizing
Insurance Corporation (FCSIC) to
higher levels of premiums and shifting the base for
ensure the System’s capacity to make
premiums from outstanding loans to insured debt.
timely payment of principal and
interest to FCS bondholders.
c. Chartered territories
Farm Credit bank and associations are
No provisions.
Effective January 2010, allow a Farm Credit association in
prohibited from competing with each
Jackson, Mississippi, to lend and compete with other Farm
other and are assigned chartered
Credit associations in adjacent Farm Credit territories that
territories. Very limited exceptions
are currently outside its chartered territory but that were part
exist due to historical circumstances.
of its territory prior to the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987.

CRS-20
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Rural Infrastructure and Investment Programs
Provides loan and grant programs and
— Reauthorizes most existing rural infrastructure and
— Reauthorizes and or/amends many existing rural
funding for investment and economic
economic development programs, and programs for
infrastructure and economic development programs.
development in rural areas, training
health care, emergency, and first responder needs in
Creates a new interest rate structure for water and waste
for rural emergency personnel,
rural areas.
water projects.
training for rural employees, rural
— Creates a new grant program to improve the technical
— Creates a new (mandatory) loan guarantee program to
utilities infrastructure, water and
infrastructure of rural health care facilities. Also
rehabilitate/improve rural hospitals (100 beds or less).
wastewater programs, and
authorizes the Rural Firefighters and Emergency
— Authorizes child day care facility loans and grants under
coordination activities with other
Medical Service Assistance Program to provide
the Community Facilities program (Mandatory
local, state, and federal officials.
improved emergency medical services in rural areas
spending).
— Creates new Rural Entrepreneur and Microenterprise
— Creates new Rural Microenterprise Assistance Program
Note: All programs are funded
Assistance Program to provide technical and financial
to provide technical and financial assistance to small and
through discretionary spending unless
assistance to small businesses.
medium sized businesses (Mandatory spending).
otherwise noted.
— Directs the Secretary to assess the varying definitions of
— Creates a new definition of rural areas that excludes
“rural” used by USDA Rural Development and to
contiguous census blocks with housing densities greater
review income, population density, and seasonal
than 200 units per square mile.
population of eligible rural areas for purposes of
— Reauthorizes a program to train farm workers in new
targeting/prioritizing loan and grant applications.
technologies and in specialized skills necessary for
— Authorizes a technology transfer program to provide
higher value crops.
technical information and resources for farmers
— Reauthorizes SEARCH grants to small, financially
practicing or transitioning to sustainable/organic
distressed communities to improve their water and waste
farming.
water facilities.
— Requires a GAO study of rural communities along
— Authorizes one-time funding for backlogged
U.S.-Mexico border (colonias).
applications for rural water projects (Mandatory
spending).
— Authorizes a Center for Healthy Food Access and
Enterprise Development to provide support to food
wholesalers and retailers for processing and marketing
locally-produced agricultural food products.
— Authorizes artisanal cheese centers to support local
cheesemaking.
— Authorizes a grants program to expand employment
opportunities for disabled rural residents.

CRS-21
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Broadband and Telecommunications Development
— Broadband Access Loan program
— Reauthorizes access to broadband services to rural areas.
— Reauthorizes access to broadband services to rural areas.
provides loans to fund
Amends the existing broadband program to redefine
Amends the existing broadband program; provides
construction, improvement, and
eligibility and prioritize applications.
criteria for broadband service providers and eligible
acquisition of facilities to provide
— Authorizes USDA’s Community Connect Program to
rural areas.
broadband service in rural areas.
provide grants and financial assistance to eligible
— Authorizes the Connect the Nation Act; provides grants
— The Distance Learning and
applicants to provide broadband service to currently
to state initiatives to improve broadband service in rural
Telemedicine program provides
unserved areas.
areas.
electronic educational resources
— Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a
— Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to produce a
to schools and for improved
national rural broadband strategy.
comprehensive report on rural broadband strategy.
health care delivery in rural areas.
— Authorizes a National Center for Rural
— Authorizes a National Center for Rural
Telecommunications Assessment.
Telecommunications Assessment.
— Reauthorizes the Distance Leaning and Telemedicine
— Defines “substantially underserved trust areas” and
Program.
makes loan and loan guarantees to qualified applicants.
— Reauthorizes a rural electronic commerce extension
program.
— Reauthorizes/amends the Distance Learning and
Telemedicine Program to emphasize library and public
television connectivity.
Regional Development Programs
Value-Added Agricultural Product
Extends/expands the program by creating (1) a 10%
Extends/expands the program by (1) giving priority to
Market Development Grants (VADG)
set-aside for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers
beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers
producer grant program offers
and ranchers, and (2) a 10% set-aside for mid-tier value
and areas that have received relatively fewer grants than
competitive grants to help
chains, which are strategic alliances between small to
other rural areas, (2) creating a simpler application for grants
independent agricultural producers,
mid-sized farms and ranches and other supply chain partners
under $50,000, (3) reducing the maximum size of grants, and
producer groups, cooperatives, and
that distribute the benefits of these partnerships across the
(4) including farm and ranch-based renewable energy and
commodity groups enter into
supply chain ($30 million in mandatory spending annually
marketing locally-produced agricultural food products as
value-added activities.
FY2008-FY2012 for planning and working capital grants to
eligible value-added products.
support marketing value-added products).
Regional Development Programs
— Delta Regional Authority (DRA)
— Reauthorizes the DRA.
— Extends DRA.
funds 334 projects ($750 million
— Extends/amends NGPRA to target renewable energy
— Extends/amends NGPRA. Authorizes the NGPRA to
investment in five years).
projects, among other changes.
organize and operate if a federal member is not
— Northern Great Plains Regional
confirmed by the Senate within 180 days of this
Authority (NGPRA) is a
provision’s enactment.
federal-state partnership serving
— Authorizes a new Northern Border Economic
IA, MN, NE, ND, and SD
Development Commission.

CRS-22
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
focused on business, jobs,
— Reauthorizes and amends the Rural Business Investment
infrastructure development and
Program to create regional investment companies.
transportation.
— Authorizes a new rural and regional collaborative
— Rural Business Investment
investment program to create equity capital and regional
Program was authorized in 2002
economic planning opportunities in rural areas.
farm bill to establish rural
Establishes a National Rural Investment Board in
business investment companies.
USDA.
Only partially implemented.
— Authorizes a new regional development authority,
Northern Borders Economic Development Commission,
targeted to certain counties in NY, NH, ME, VT.
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
Budget and Planning
Four agencies (ARS, CSREES, ERS,
Requires the President’s annual budget submission to present
Requires the Under Secretary to collaborate with USDA
NASS) within its Research, Extension,
a unified request for all REE mission area agencies and
research officials to develop a coordinated research agenda
and Economics (REE) mission area
programs, divided into two categories: capacity programs
across all components of the mission area, and implement it
(organized in 1994 by P.L. 103-354)
(funds to be distributed through noncompetitive processes)
to the maximum extent possible. The collaborative effort is
have separate entries in the President’s
and competitive programs (funds distributed through a peer-
also to recommend funding for all competitive and
annual budget request.
reviewed, competitive process).
infrastructure (capacity) programs.
Each REE agency’s budget is
Establishes a National Agricultural Research Program Office
All budgetary authorities currently residing in CSREES are
administered by its respective officers.
to administer the unified REE budget. A 6-member Board of
transferred to a newly created the National Institute for Food
ARS and CSREES intramural and
Directors coordinates all intramural and extramural programs
and Agriculture. The Under Secretary for REE is directed to
extramural programs are coordinated
of the REE agencies.
coordinate activities and programs of ARS and NIFA.
by their respective National Program
Leaders, with stakeholder input as
required by the 1996 farm bill (P.L.
104-127).
Numerous research, extension, and
Appropriations authorities, and where necessary the ongoing
Same as the House bill.
education centers, programs, and
programs not permanently authorized, are extended through
grant activities are authorized to
FY2012.
receive such appropriated funds as
necessary, or at specified amounts.
The funding authorities expire at the
end of FY2007.
Competitive Grants
The National Research Initiative
Establishes a National Institute for Food and Agriculture
Establishes a National Institute for Food and Agriculture
(NRI) Competitive Research Grants
(NIFA) that consolidates all competitive research, education,
(NIFA), which replaces CSREES, with four offices that

CRS-23
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
program is authorized under 7 U.S.C.
and extension programs, including the NRI and IFAFS,
house (1) infrastructure programs (capacity programs), (2)
450i; the Initiative for Future
which are reauthorized and merged.
competitive fundamental food and agricultural research, (3)
Agriculture and Food Systems
competitive applied food and agriculture research, (4)
(IFAFS) was established in 1998 by
competitive education and other fellowship programs.
P.L. 105-185 and currently is
Reduces membership in National Agricultural Research,
administered as part of NRI as
Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory
authorized in annual USDA
Board from 31 to 24. Formalizes coordination between ARS
appropriations acts.
and NIFA.
Hispanic-serving Colleges and Universities
The 1996 farm bill (P.L. 104-127)
Authorizes appropriations to establish an endowment fund,
Authorizes appropriations to establish an endowment fund,
established a program of education
using the annual interest to strengthen the academic
using the annual interest to strengthen the academic
grants to Hispanic-serving institutions
programs in agriculture at Hispanic-serving institution. Also
programs in agriculture at Hispanic-serving institutions.
that teach agriculture; currently
authorizes appropriations for capacity-building grants,
Also authorizes appropriations for capacity-building grants,
reauthorized through FY2007 by P.L.
competitive research grants and extension.
competitive research grants and extension. Reauthorizes
107-171.
annual appropriations, but increases from $20 million to $40
million, for competitive grants to Hispanic-serving
institutions. Extends international activity eligibility to
Hispanic-serving schools.
Biobased Energy Research
Title IX authorized through FY2007 a
Authorizes $50 million in annual appropriations through
(See entries under the Energy heading, which includes
number of research, extension, and
FY2012 to support an Agricultural Bioenergy and Biobased
several major agriculture-related research, extension, and
education programs, primarily funded
Products Research Initiative.
education programs. Included is a Biobased Products
through appropriations. This included
Research Initiative with total mandatory funding of $75
extension of the Biobased Products
(Also, see entries under the Energy heading, which includes
million for FY08-10, and annual appropriations authority of
Research Program, established
several major agriculture-related research, extension, and
$85 million for FY2008-FY2010.)
originally in 1998 by P.L. 105-185.
education programs.)
FORESTRY
Forest Landowner Assistance
Forest Land Enhancement Program
No provision; allows program to expire.
No provision; allows program to expire.
(FLEP) provides financial assistance
to private landowners for forestry
activities ($100 million mandatory
spending). Some funds were borrowed
for fire-fighting; others cancelled.
Less than half of funds were actually
spent on FLEP activities.

CRS-24
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Cooperative Forestry Assistance
No provision.
Includes several provisions providing national priorities and
Includes several provisions providing national priorities and
competitive grants, requiring statewide assessments, and
a new grant program for local forest protection, requiring
establishing a new advisory committee.
statewide assessments, and expanding cooperation with and
assistance to Indian tribes.
Wildfire Emergencies
No provision.
Establishes a new Emergency Forest Restoration Program to
No comparable provision.
help private landowners restore forests damaged by natural
factors, such as wildfires.
Timber Contract Options
No provision.
No provision.
Provides for qualifying contract options for the sale of
timber on National Forest System land that was awarded
between July 1, 2004, and December 31, 2006, among other
requirements.
ENERGY
Federal Procurement of Biobased Products
Requires federal agencies to purchase
Continues federal commitment to biobased product
Continues federal commitment to biobased product
biobased products under certain
preference in its purchases through FY2012. Adds new
preference in its purchases through FY2012. Clarifies that
conditions and authorizes a voluntary
reporting requirements and clarifies that products with at
biobased intermediate ingredients and feedstocks qualify
biobased labeling program.
least 5% of intermediate ingredients and feedstocks that are
under the program. Requires USDA to establish a voluntary
Mandatory funding of $1 million is
biobased should be considered. Requires USDA to complete
labeling program for biobased products — “USDA Certified
authorized annually (FY2002-
rulemaking on labeling regulation. Increases funding to $2
Biobased Product.” Additionally, provides grants for
FY2007) for testing.
million/year (FY2008-FY2012) for bio-product testing,
education and awareness of bioenergy and biobased
labeling, and procurement research, promotion, etc.
products. Provides $3 million per year in mandatory funding.
Biorefinery Development Program
Creates grant program to finance the
Extends through FY2012 and provides new loan guarantee
Renamed the Biorefinery and Repowering Assistance
cost of developing and constructing
authority for biorefineries, with one-half for loans less than
Program, it refocuses emphasis on cellulosic ethanol
biorefineries and biofuel production
$100 million, and the other half for loans up to $250 million.
production via competitive grants for up to 50% of project
plants. Discretionary funding of such
Specifies mandatory funding levels that total $800 million
costs for pilot- and demonstration-scale biorefineries;
sums as necessary.
over FY2008-FY2012.
matching funds for feasibility studies; competitive grants for
up to 20% of total project costs for the repowering of
fossil-fueled biomass conversion facilities with renewable
resources; and provides loan guarantees for up to 80% of

CRS-25
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
total eligible project costs for the development and
construction of commercial-scale biorefineries and the
repowering of biomass conversion facilities with renewable
energy. $300 million in mandatory funding (FY2008-
FY2012).
Biodiesel Fuel Education Program
Competitive grants to nonprofits to
Extends through FY2012 with mandatory funding of $2
Same as House bill.
educate governmental and private
million/year (FY2008-FY2012).
entities operating vehicle fleets, and
educate public about the benefits of
biodiesel fuel use. Mandatory funding
of $1 million for each of FY2002-
FY2007.
Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Program
Competitive grants to assist farmers,
Extends through 2012.
Extends through 2012 and folds this program into the new
ranchers, and rural small businesses in
Rural Energy for America Program where mandatory
becoming more energy efficient and
funding is available (see next section).
in using renewable energy technology
and resources. Discretionary funding
of such sums as necessary for each
year (FY2002-FY2007).
Renewable Energy Systems
Authorizes loans, loan guarantees, and
Renamed as the “Rural Energy for America Program.”
Renamed as the “Rural Energy for America Program.” Cost-
grants to farmers, ranchers, and rural
Raises the loan guarantee level from $10 million to $25
share grants for energy audits, feasibility studies, and project
small businesses to purchase and
million and caps federal cost-share at 75%. Increases
development for renewable energy systems. Adds option to
install renewable energy systems and
mandatory funding levels to total $500 million over
receive a production incentive payment in lieu of a grant. It
improve energy efficiency.
FY2008-FY2012.
creates a separate allocation of funding for grants and loan
Mandatory funding of $23 million for
guarantees to build and evaluate on-farm and community
each of FY2003-FY2006, and $3
animal manure-to-energy facilities, and extends the “Energy
million for FY2007.
Star Program.” Establishes streamlined processes for grant
and loan applications under $20,000, and requires that 20%
of funds be used for such projects. $230 million in
mandatory funding is provided over FY2008-FY2012 with
15% of funding dedicated to the animal manure-to-energy
provision.

CRS-26
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Biomass Research and Development Act
Competitive funding for research,
Extends through FY2012 with increased mandatory funding
Extends the program through FY2012. Adds new emphasis
development, and demonstration
that totals $420 million over FY2008-FY2012.
on utilization of byproducts such as dried distillers grains
projects on biofuels and bio-based
and solubles and development of technologies for harvest,
chemicals and products. Mandatory
storage, preprocessing and transportation of renewable
funding totaling $75 million (available
biomass feedstocks. Provides mandatory funding, available
until expended) for FY2002-FY2007.
until expended, of $15 million in FY2008, $25 million in
FY2009, and $35 million in FY2010. Includes additional
discretionary funding of $85 million in each of FY2008-
FY2012.
Bioenergy Program
Provides incentive payments to
Extends through FY2012 with mandatory funding of $1.4
Extends through FY2012 and provides assistance to biofuel
biofuels producers based on year-to-
billion for FY2008-FY2012. Excludes ethanol produced
producers for the purchase of feedstocks, for cellulosic
year increases in quantity of biofuel
from corn starch. Expands eligibility for combined heat and
biofuels and biodiesel. The program is not available to plants
produced. Mandatory funding of not
power production using biomass at biofuels plants and
with biofuel production capacity greater than 150 million
more than $150 million for each of
biomass gasification as types of bioenergy eligible for the
gallons per year, or plants using corn or cornstarch
FY2003-FY2006. No funding
production incentive.
feedstocks. $245 million in mandatory funding provided for
available for FY2007.
FY2008-FY2012.
FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE
Selected Cost-Saving Measures
The federal government provides
Three provisions would change the timing of crop insurance
Similar, but not identical, language as the House bill, which
three levels of subsidies to the crop
receipts (premium collections) and the timing of payments to
effectively requires premiums to be collected from producers
insurance program: 1) subsidizing a
the private insurance companies. These changes are timed
slightly earlier, and payments to the insurance companies to
portion of the premium paid by
so that in the final year of the five-year farm bill (FY2012)
be made slightly later, beginning in the 2012 crop year, so
farmers, 2) reimbursing the private
revenues will be received twice in the year and
that savings can be scored in the last year of the farm bill
crop insurance companies for most of
reimbursements will be delayed until the next fiscal year.
(FY2012).
their administrative and operating
Total budget authority will not be affected, but because of
expenses, and 3) absorbing most of
the one-year adjustment in FY2012, CBO scores outlay
the program losses.
savings of $2.7 billion in FY2012.

CRS-27
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Participating private crop insurance
Beginning in the 2009 reinsurance year (July 1, 2008), the
Beginning in the 2009 reinsurance year, the reimbursement
companies are reimbursed by the
reimbursement rate to the private crop insurance companies
rate to the private insurance companies for their
federal government for their
for their administrative and operating expenses for all
administrative and operating expenses for additional
administrative and operating expenses
policies would decline by 2.9 percentage points from the rate
coverage policies (i.e., policies other than for catastrophic
at rates determined in a Standard
in effect at the time of enactment of the 2007 farm bill.
coverage) would decline by 2 percentage points. An
Reinsurance Agreement (SRA).
Hence, the range of reimbursement rates would decline to
exception would be provided in any reinsurance year in any
Current law prohibits companies from
between 15.2% to a maximum of 21.3%. CBO estimates
state that has a loss ratio greater than 1.2 (i.e., when
receiving a reimbursement greater
this provision will reduce outlays by $612 million over five
indemnity payments exceed total premiums by more than
than 24.5% of total premiums. The
years. (Separately, a provision in Title XII (Additional
20%.)
current SRA establishes the
Offsets) would require the maximum statutory
reimbursement rate below the
reimbursement rate to be adjusted downward in 2012
statutory maximum for all insurance
through 2017, if offsetting oil and gas receipts collected by
plans, ranging from 18.1% to 24.2 %
the Secretary of Interior fall short of estimates.)
(maximum).
Producers opting for the most basic
Increases the producer-paid fee for catastrophic coverage
Same as House bill.
level of crop insurance (catastrophic
under the crop insurance program and for the Noninsured
(CAT) coverage) pay no premium for
Assistance Program to $200 per crop per county, saving a
the coverage, but are required to pay
combined CBO-estimated $228 million over five years.
an administrative fee of $100 per crop
per county. Producers who grow an
uninsurable crop can also receive the
equivalent of CAT coverage under a
separate Noninsured Assistance
Program (NAP) and must also pay a
$100 administrative fee.
The current Standard Reinsurance
Requires the private insurance companies to reinsure at least
No comparable provision.
Agreement between the federal
22% of their retained premiums with the government, and in
government and the private crop
return the government will provide a ceding commission of
insurance companies determines
2% to the companies. (The net effect is to raise the
levels of risk sharing between the
requirement to 20%.) This will allow the government to
government and the companies. The
receive some underwriting gains that would otherwise accrue
current agreement requires companies
to the companies, which CBO estimates would save $121
to reinsure 5% of their retained
million over five years.
premium with the government.

CRS-28
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Permanent Disaster Assistance
Since 1988, Congress has provided
No provision.
Authorizes a permanent trust fund to make agricultural
ad-hoc emergency payments to crop
disaster payments available on an ongoing basis over the life
and livestock growers to compensate
of the next farm bill. The proposed new program would
producers for disaster losses not
supplement the current crop insurance program, and would
covered by crop insurance and other
require a farmer to carry at least the catastrophic level of
ongoing programs. Most recently,
coverage as a prerequisite for a payment. According to CBO,
Congress provided crop and livestock
the program would cost $5.1 billion over five years
assistance for 2005, 2006 or 2007
(FY2008-FY2012). CBO estimates that $2.9 billion of that
production losses in the FY2007
amount would go directly to crop and livestock producers in
emergency supplemental
the form of direct disaster payments and the other $2.2
appropriations act (P.L. 110-28), as
billion would cover increased crop insurance costs associated
amended by the FY2008 Consolidated
with the crop insurance purchase requirement. Most of the
Appropriations Act.
cost would be funded through a mandated transfer of 3.34%
of annual customs receipts from the U.S. Treasury to the new
trust fund
OTHER MISCELLANEOUS
Possession of foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus
To lessen the likelihood that an
Allows USDA to conduct research on foot and mouth
Compels USDA to issue a permit to the Department of
accidental laboratory release of FMD
disease on the U.S. mainland. Prohibits anyone else from
Homeland Security (DHS) to possess and work with live foot
might reach domestic animals,
possessing certain viruses on a USDA-prescribed list, unless
and mouth disease (FMD) virus at the proposed National
importation of FMD virus is
the Secretary issues a permit. However, the provision would
Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, subject to compliance with
prohibited, and research on FMD is
not apply to select agents, which appears to negate the
USDA rules for handling “select agents.” Otherwise leaves
limited to locations outside of the
preceding prohibition with respect to FMD virus, since FMD
unchanged the current restrictions on possession of FMD and
mainland of the United States. By
virus is an agricultural select agent. The net effect may be
other dangerous viruses.
statute, the Secretary of Agriculture
removal of any permitting restrictions for FMD virus, thus
must explicitly permit research on
allowing research to be performed by those compliant with
FMD virus to be performed on the
the agricultural select agent regulations. (H.R. 2419, Sec.
mainland of the United States, and has
7108).
not yet done so (21 USC 113a).
Discrimination Suit Against USDA (Pigford Decision)
Pigford v. Glickman, No. 97-1978 and
Permits any claimant in the Pigford decision who has not
Similar to House bill.
No. 98-1693 (D.D.C. July 14, 2000).
previously obtained a determination on the merits of a
Pigford claim, to petition in civil court to obtain such a
determination. The total amount of payment and debt relief
pursuant to this authorized court action would be limited to
$100 million. The Secretary of Agriculture would also be

CRS-29
Current Law/Policy
House version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
Senate version of farm bill (H.R. 2419)
restricted from beginning a foreclosure of a loan if the
borrower is a Pigford claimant who can show that a pending
foreclosure is related to a Pigford claim.
Animal Welfare Act
The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) as
Amends the AWA to prohibit use of live animals for
Amends the AWA to regulate the commercial importation of
amended (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) is
marketing medical devices, and to limit the sources research
puppies; to tighten prohibitions on dog and other animal
intended to ensure the humane
facilities may use to obtain dogs or cats.
fighting activities; and to limit the sources research facilities
treatment of animals that are intended
may use to obtain dogs or cats.
for research, bred for commercial sale,
exhibited to the public, or
commercially transported, and to
prevent their use in animal fighting.